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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.

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Courtesy Marie-Adélina de la Ferrière; Rena Schild/Shutterstock
author Marie Adelina de la Ferriere alongside transgender rights march sign Washington DC September 2024
Courtesy Marie-Adélina de la Ferrière; Rena Schild/Shutterstock
Voices

Your Lovable Trans Auntie asks, "Where do we go from here?"

Trans Day of Visibility 2025 felt like a heartfelt wave of connection. But keeping the flow moving is equally essential for lasting change.

Waking up on March 31st felt like waking up on my birthday.

I brewed my coffee after showering, moisturized (I've been on a SKNMUSE high lately), and applied makeup. I danced around the kitchen in a pink shirt and leggings that hugged all the right curves, playfully chasing the dog around as my coffee scented the air. With about a half hour to spare before clocking into work, I grabbed my phone and checked on Instafeed. I smiled at every photo with a familiar face and video popping up with a glowing caption.

It felt like the internet gave us a group hug for the first time in a while.

Trans Day of Visibility (TDOV) is an annual celebration of trans bodies and voices. Far too often, we're inundated with trans sorrows, from harassment and anti-trans legislation to the murder of trans lives. Trans Day of Visibility is the time to give flowers to those who relish in their authentic skins and provide hope to those not yet there. In the past, I've seen the usual fixings: a post with the trans flag here or a statement on uplifting trans voices and employees there (and I've written a few myself when asked by employers).

But this year felt different: in all the good ways.

Sure, there were a few posts that felt…standard. Mainly from politicians, though I can at least take note of those who chose to acknowledge the day in some fashion compared to those who didn't––yes, even in "blue" communities. But from what I observed–and Auntie tends to be on social a lot ("for research," if my boss is reading!)–it looked and felt more intentional than in previous years. The content wasn't simply a nod to TDOV but amplified and uplifted trans voices and trans stories. Them shared a powerful video on the life of the late Sir Lady Java, a trans icon who lived at a time when trans could get arrested (oh, how times have changed.) Clips from the grand opening of the [[TS Madison Starter House, waiting for Lamont's article]] were broadcast on news outlets and shared via Stories by creators and celebrities. Video messages of support from Governor Pritzker of Illinois, award-winning screenwriter and producer Shonda Rhimes, and a heartfelt piece from Representative Sarah McBride, our nation's first out congresswoman, were shared to the masses. Surprisingly, even some corporations got into the mix. I didn't expect many, but I have to commend the likes of Sephora, which pushed all the way forward in championing trans bodies in this anti-DEI climate.

It's more than just "good" marketing or publicity; it's showcasing that a company values its diverse staff.


What was even more heartfelt was the content shared by trans netizens. They confidently shared their stories visibly and publicly at a time when anti-trans legislation and executive orders feel like they happen almost daily. It's these stories that help humanize an experience many people don't honestly know or understand, learning from some podcasters making a joke or a "trans trauma" show or film. The good fight carried on, the voices were heard, and the stories were shared on social media. But where do we go from here?

Visibility is the park, not the whole fire. We can't live in the glow of one day. What we do in the days after matters even more.

So, how do we turn social solidarity into community action?

It begins by supporting trans-led organizations year-round. There are many, from the Advocates for Trans Equality to the Transgender Law Center, Trans Lifeline to the Trans Latin@ Coalition. A quick search can also help you provide references to the trans-centered community organizations right in your backyard. Checking in with the trans folks in your lives may seem like a no-brainer, but it does make a difference—a quick phone call, a meetup at a coffee shop, or walking around and talking. And yes, even doing so for the ones who look like they have it all together. A show of support can do wonders.

I will say it as loud as possible for the business leaders in the back: Hire. Trans. TALENT! In front of and behind the camera, not just for pride campaigns. Uplift and provide resources for trans staffers who want to climb the corporate ladder; provide space (physically or virtually) to discuss dealing with personal and professional journeys. And ensure DEI commitments are not just in practice but continue in policy.

Speak up for trans youths at school boards. Support from them is vital at this time. We have to continue pushing back against those who deem books on trans lives as not valuable or needed in the classroom. Speak up at city council meetings to advocate for your trans neighbors, those in dire need of housing, employment, and medicine, and those who want to live in a safe community. Send letters to congressional leaders to advocate for trans lives, ensuring we all can exist in a nation that praises "unalienable rights" to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. And don't just read about our sorrows; read about our hopes and dreams. Support trans-centered stories and celebrate trans joy when published.

We're not just visible—we're visionaries. Visibility, when paired with action, becomes power. So, let's keep showing up for one another, dreaming aloud, and living, loving, and leading in the light.

And to my trans nieces, nephews, and niblings: Auntie sees you and is always determined to ensure you have room to be visible.

Stay visible,
Your Lovable Trans Auntie


Your Lovable Trans Auntie is our go-to advice column for life’s biggest (and messiest) questions—love, work, identity, and everything in between. With a signature blend of warmth, wit, and just the right amount of sass, Auntie offers readers a uniquely trans perspective that’s as affirming as it is entertaining. Whether dishing out heartfelt wisdom, practical advice, or a little tough love, Auntie is here to remind everyone that they’re never alone on this journey.

Got a crush but don’t know how to tell them you’re trans? Wondering how to deal with that coworker who still “forgets” your pronouns? Trying to navigate family drama, dating dilemmas, or just figuring out who you are? Auntie’s got you. Submit your questions to voices@equalpride.com.

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