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30 YEARS OF

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visible & vibrant

30 Years of Looking Back, Looking Forward.
The Out100 designates All That’s In.

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facebook @TransTechSocial; Shutterstock
Trans Tech Social Enterprises Executive Director EC Pizarro III black transgender woman or man working computer office technology
facebook @TransTechSocial; Shutterstock
Voices

Breaking barriers & building empowerment with TransTech

E.C. Pizarro III on his journey that underscores the transformative power of technology and inclusion for queer and trans people of color.

Growing up in Somerset, NJ, I knew I wasn’t like the other children, especially young black children. For a long time, I didn’t see anyone who looked like me and loved computers and technology like I did. As a child, I grew up playing on computers, from using paint to manipulating Microsoft Word in ways that should, honestly, make them call me.

In 2017, I had just moved to South Florida and was looking for my Black, trans & tech-savvy community. An ad came across my Facebook, “TransTech Miami Orientation." At the time, I was working in the tech industry for corporate America and living a stealth/low-disclosure trans experience as one of two Black men in my department. Seeing Angelica Ross and Aryah Lester on the flyer was encouraging and empowering. They were the closest possible model of visible representation I'd ever seen. I instantly signed up.

At the orientation, Angelica Ross spoke about the organization and how she was a self-taught web and graphic designer. She mentioned needing volunteers to assist with the organization's graphics. As luck would have it, I had recently joined Alpha Omega Kappa Fraternity Inc, a fraternity for men of trans experience that required service hours where I would not need to disclose my transgender identity. A few weeks later, she emailed me with an idea: TransTech Summit.

In November of that same year, at the Groupon Headquarters in Chicago, with keynote speaker TS Madison, the first TransTech Summit happened. I assisted with setting up 11 iMacs to give away, presented my first session, managed social media, and supported the overall execution of the summit. That summit was the first time I was ever surrounded by over 50 other LGBTQ+ people interested in tech! Madison spoke about the value of “5 $20's”, if you could figure out how to make that and repeat - then you could sustain yourself financially. Little did I know this keynote would be the foundation for everything that would happen in my life. To say that TransTech Summit changed my life and gave me the affirmation I needed to accomplish any goal would be an understatement.

By 2019, I was laid off from corporate America. I started work as a freelancer and building my design firm when one of my contracts received was for the 1st National Trans Visibility March in Washington. I was still living low-disclosure, and only the lead organizers knew of my trans identity. As the director asked if I had suggestions on a speaker for the march, I instantly thought of my connection with Angelica Ross who, at the time, was working on Pose. When we finally spoke, Angelica’s first question was, “Are you doing better?” I gave her an update on my life, then about the march. She agreed to be the rally speaker as long as I returned to TransTech to help the organization with the summit. I knew what the first summit had done for me and wanted to pay it forward.

Up until 2020, the summit had been an in-person event. After switching to virtual, we were surprised to have people logging in from France, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the U.S. to be part of the summit. That year, we had 13 speaker submissions for the summit and hosted a 2-day virtual experience. That year I presented and volunteered with the production team on marketing. The TransTech Summit was held during Transgender Day of Remembrance to balance the grief and sadness with joy and visibility. It left a positive impact on the industry and our growing membership.

The following year, I accepted the Summit's Interim Executive Director position. As the organization's new leader, I made my first big decision— to move the date of the Summit. I wanted it to coincide with International Trans Day of Visibility. My goal was to move the summit from shadows of sadness and grief to a space of recognition and inspiration!

Additionally, we expanded the programming from our traditional two days to four days and extended the hours. With the addition of set tracks for certain subjects, in 2022 we hosted the 2nd fully virtual TransTech Summit, and I officially became the organization's Executive Director. Across four programming days, over 500 people from around the world attended the TransTech Summit. In 2023, we hosted over 1,000 people worldwide.

As we gear up for this year’s Summit, I'm excited to see how our membership and reach have grown over the past few years. At the first TransTech Summit, our membership was roughly 350. Now, our membership is approximately 6,000 strong, across 50 countries. Our focus is to highlight the expansiveness of employment in the tech industry, across the globe

The 2024 TransTech Summit, presented by JPMorgan Chase & Co., is set to redefine the landscape of workforce development and visibility in technology. From March 28th to March 31st, attendees can go 'Beyond The Code' with our fully immersive virtual experience via the TransTech app. Each day features a distinct theme aimed at empowering, educating, employing, and elevating our community members. The final day, coinciding with Trans Day of Visibility, includes engaging activities, including a pilates session; panel discussions; and a live recording of Angelica Ross's new NOW Podcast.

As an organization, we firmly believe that technology is not confined to coding; instead, we understand that it penetrates every facet of our lives and work. By helping marginalized communities recognize the transferable life skills, we strive to create equitable opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their background or identity.

The TransTech Summit stands apart as the only global, virtual technology conference by and for the QTBIPOC (Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) community. But we encourage everyone, regardless of identity, to attend the summit. We want to extend our invitation beyond just our immediate community. We need to include our allies and co-conspirators, now more than ever, who stand with us in the fight for equality and justice for all. Your voices and perspectives are crucial in pushing towards a more equitable future.

E.C. Pizarro III is the creative director of his design and brand management firm, 1Z2R, and the executive director of TransTech Social. Follow him on Instagram at @ec.the.third.

Have an inspiring personal story to tell? Want to share an opinion on an issue? Learn more by visiting out.com/submit.

E.C. Pizarro Iii

See All 2024's Most Impactful and Influential LGBTQ+ People
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Sophia Moten
WorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco
Sophia Moten

Sophia Moten

Sophia is a photographer and photo editor from Texas, currently living in Washington, D.C. In her personal practice, she creates long-form photo stories that explore identity, community, and womanhood. See more of her work at sophiahmphotos.com

Sophia is a photographer and photo editor from Texas, currently living in Washington, D.C. In her personal practice, she creates long-form photo stories that explore identity, community, and womanhood. See more of her work at sophiahmphotos.com

Voices

Glitter or grit? How Trixie Mattel’s Solid Pink Disco turns crocs into a queer battle cry

From drag queen DJ sets to pink Crocs, Trixie Mattel's WorldPride event was a reminder to embrace who you are and keep some pink in your closet for a rainy day.

Trixie Mattel brings Solid Pink Disco to WorldPride

\u200bWorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

WorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

Sophia Moten

Like many queer people, I've been going to pride events longer than I've been out myself. I've witnessed and participated in marches and block parties, parades and protests with tens of thousands and tens of tens, the flooded shutdown blocks of New York City, and the timid display of queer vendors in Fort Worth, Texas, outnumbered by protestors. In my short life, I've experienced the two, presumably ever-distancing, sides of the queer experience in the United States.

\u200bWorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

WorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

Sophia Moten

All of which informs my character, my perspective, and ultimately, my interest in Trixie Mattel.

\u200bWorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

WorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

Sophia Moten

Trixie's resume is challenging to convey. After competing in season 7 of RuPaul's Drag Race and winning season 3 of RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars, she had a solid, devoted fanbase from the show alone. Between seasons, she created a stand-up comedy tour, released her debut studio album, and co-starred in three seasons of the YouTube show UNHhhh with Drag Race alum Katya Zamolodchikova.

\u200bWorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

WorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

Sophia Moten

She has also been a judge on a drag queen singing competition show and released an EP, a double album, and a New York Times Bestseller book (co-written with Katya Zamo). She produced and starred in two seasons of a home renovation show, Trixie Motel, in which she renovated a Palm Springs motel into a fully operating, 7-room, Trixie-fantasy motel.

\u200bWorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

WorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

Sophia Moten

She also went on five tours (two co-headlining again with Katya Zamo), created a highly successful makeup company, and published a feature documentary, Moving Parts, with her business collaborator and then-partner, David Silver.

\u200bWorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

WorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

Sophia Moten

As an individual or a persona, Trixie Mattel is a true multi-hyphenate, often existing in this magical intersection of genres you didn't see coming. When asked what she might recommend to creatives at any age trying to find their own hyphenates, she advised all artists to feel as empowered as drag queens to explore across mediums.

\u200bWorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

WorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

Sophia Moten

"Drag queens get to do hair and sew and make music and tell jokes," she told me. "We don't limit ourselves in any one discipline."

\u200bWorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

WorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

Sophia Moten

Did I mention some of her music is folksy, and she plays the autoharp? A potentially steep departure from the glittering fantasia of the Drag DJ Set, Solid Pink Disco. That is, until you see it.

\u200bWorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

WorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

Sophia Moten

The entire evening felt artfully constructed in Trixie's likeness. The show's two openers, Drag Race alum Shea Couleé and DJ Mateo Segade, set the tone for a non-negotiable girly, funk-a-licious dance party akin to a giddy sleepover.

\u200bWorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

WorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

Sophia Moten

True to the invitation, every person in the crowd I could see wore at least one article of pink, if not a head-to-toe set. Wigs, mostly bright pink or (Trixie) blonde, scattered the crowd. Older gay guys with shirts off, gorgeous-eyeliner-goth lesbians, and groups of friends held hands and drinks and sang together.

\u200bWorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

WorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

Sophia Moten

Tiaras, glitter cowboy hats, a handful of Trixie-beat faces, a few impressive Juno Birch-a-likes, and generally, a venue full of queer people were bouncing by the time Trixie walked out. Then, the ground began to shake.

\u200bWorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

WorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

Sophia Moten

All boas and screaming and hands in the air, the place erupted as Trixie pranced onstage between two dancers to the opening, stylized strums of "These Boots Are Made For Walkin'". High-energy beats took off while Trixie twirled in a pink, fringe, sequin mini-dress. Weaving 60s to 80s, hot girl pop and rap and disco bled together like a pillow fight that had staff and security getting down as they passed out water bottles.

\u200bWorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

WorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

Sophia Moten

"I Feel Love," "Gimmie Gimmie," and "Hung Up" were warm, classic throughlines between modern pop hits by Kim Petras, Chappell Roan, and others.

\u200bWorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

WorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

Sophia Moten

The music never stopped but was punctuated by costume changes and partnered dance numbers as the performer transitioned between roles, ranging from a saloon showgirl to an 80s exercise video instructor. At one point, she jumped rope in sync with the dancers and called us jobless for turning up on a Tuesday at her show; the crowd cheered in agreement.

\u200bWorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

WorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

Sophia Moten

Behind a gorgeous woman bouncing in an enormous blonde wig were captivating, often hilarious animations of Trixie's signature face. Visuals of aliens, Renaissance, or flapper dancing, Trixie Mattel wove in and out of compilations of digital culture that seemed to coexist with, or even inform, the Trixie Universe.

\u200bWorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

WorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

Sophia Moten

Iconic clips of I Love Lucy, The Powerpuff Girls, and snippets of Madonna music videos shared the screen with 1950s heart-eyed cartoons, horror movies, and anime. Stamped with out-of-context clips from Trixie's own YouTube videos, gluing down eyebrows, or putting on 10 pairs of eyelashes, it all felt like a house party thrown by a bestie while the parents were away.

\u200bWorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

WorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

Sophia Moten

The theme of "pure" queer, feminine fun was clear; however, totally Trixie. Despite the genre and the 10 PM on a Tuesday setting, the evening was thoughtfully designed by the same person who creates folk and pop songs, sometimes on the same album.

\u200bWorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

WorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

Sophia Moten

Nods to western or southern glamour didn't stop at the opening number. One of the signature moments in this iteration of the Solid Pink Disco tour: midway through the set, Trixie holds up a pair of pink, bejeweled crocs and a pair of fringe, sparkling, heeled boots.

\u200bWorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

WorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

Sophia Moten

Offering them to the crowd to "make the audience choose, gladiator style," she takes turns raising each to the sky as if to measure the cheers. "It probably won't surprise you, but they always go for the Crocs," Mattel lamented when asked if the heels ever win that battle.

\u200bWorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

WorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

Sophia Moten

It felt like the perfect metaphor for the Trixie persona. She agreed, "That's how I know that they are my people." When her manicured hands raised the Crocs in victory, the audience howled in agreement. That was the moment I began to absorb the impressive unity brought by Solid Pink Disco

\u200bWorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

WorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

Sophia Moten

I had never witnessed such coordination in a crowd. To request your audience wear a color is one thing; to see a few thousand people honor that request in their unique style felt altogether different.

\u200bWorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

WorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

Sophia Moten

That said, for presumably obvious political and geographical reasons, Pride this year already felt different. Washington, D.C., as the host of the 2025 World Pride, had been generating headlines for months. Never mind a crowd of people in pink gathering for a Drag Queen DJ set on a Tuesday night.

\u200bWorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

WorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

Sophia Moten

"In the [same] way Pride is important, a party like Solid Pink Disco just reminds you that you have nothing to be ashamed of." That much was definitely true, but again, it felt like something more…something distinctly Trixie.

\u200bWorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

WorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

Sophia Moten

When asked how she hoped Solid Pink Disco would resonate with fans, Mattel hoped, aside from dancing until the point of exhaustion, that "people feel liberated and free at the party and carry that feeling into their everyday lives."

\u200bWorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

WorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

Sophia Moten

Put simply, "it inspires people to keep some pink in their closet for a rainy day." I felt it working on me.

\u200bWorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

WorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

Sophia Moten

As a relatively busy queer person with a 9-to-5 job and an appetite for personal projects, I couldn't remember the last time I painted my nails. I could feel the irony in my writing of artistic liberation inspired by drag queens. I thought of Alaska Thunderfuck [5000], another Drag Race competitor and winner of All Stars season 2.

\u200bWorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

WorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

Sophia Moten

She has a song that reminds fans and peers alike: If you're not wearing nails, you're not doing drag.

\u200bWorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

WorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

Sophia Moten

The next day, I painted my nails with the only pink polish I had. Since then, I smile when I see it in the mirror or type at my computer, remembering Trixie's remix of "Wannabe."

\u200bWorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

WorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

Sophia Moten

I'm already thinking about what color I want next.

\u200bWorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

WorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

Sophia Moten

For the past week, I've often thought of Trixie's sparkly pink Crocs. How the joke probably stemmed from necessity, the more comfortable choice is obvious.

\u200bWorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

WorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

Sophia Moten

I thought of all the versions of Trixie fans I watched file into the venue, how they united in humor and comfort, and the color pink, which they lovingly described as "healthy escapism" by the slumber party host.

\u200bWorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

WorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

Sophia Moten

In the landscape of life, Trixie thinks, "I guess if Solid Pink Disco the party is the Croc, then the partygoers are the Jibbitz. Maybe that makes me the foot? I don't know, ask me next Pride."

\u200bWorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

WorldPride 2025 Trixie Mattel Solid Pink Disco

Sophia Moten

ARRANGED FOR OUT.COM BY NIKKI AYE, DIGITAL PHOTO EDITOR

Voices is dedicated to featuring a wide range of inspiring personal stories and impactful opinions from the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. Visit out.com/submit to learn more about submission guidelines. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on any of our stories. Email us at voices@equalpride.com. Views expressed in Voices stories are those of the guest writers, columnists and editors, and do not directly represent the views of Out or our parent company, equalpride.

See All 2024's Most Impactful and Influential LGBTQ+ People
Artists
Disruptors
Educators
Groundbreakers
Innovators
Storytellers