In the recent US Trans Survey, More than one-third (35%) of respondents indicated
that their gender identity was best described as nonbinary or genderqueer (US Trans Survey). Here are just a few of the amazing gender queer & non-binary individuals who are bringing visibility to the movement.
Jes Tom
Born & raised in San Francisco and now established in New York, Jes Tom is a fresh voice in stand up comedy.
Their first 30 minute comedy special, Cold Brew, was recorded live in August 2016 at Astoria’s QED: A Place to Show and Tell. Cold Brew is an elegy for the Fuckboi. It’s a cautionary lamentation about being Queer and getting your heart broken in the age of “Love is Love is Love.” Through stand up, storytelling, and uncomfortably public vulnerability, COLD BREW tackles “falling in love,” astrology, interracial relationships, Pokémon, gay porn, and the inevitable fall of society as we know it
Jes Tom holds a BA in Theatre from Smith College. They have completed the Meisner Acting program at Maggie Flanigan Studio.
Brian Langevin
Brian Langevin is the Executive Director of Asexual Outreach. Recognizing the need for a more collaborative and sustainable movement, Brian brought together a team to found Asexual Outreach in 2014. Since then, Brian’s passion for the nonprofit sector led them to a Nonprofit Management program at Ryerson University, while Brian’s drive for equality has them happily spending their days building a better society for aces and aros across the country.
Ignacio Rivera
Much like Christopher Soto, the work of Ignacio Rivera blurs the lines between art and activism. Ignacio identifies as “Brooklyn, New York City born and raised Queer, Two-spirit, Black Boricua Taíno” who uses the gender-neutral pronoun they.
Ignacio is also one of the founding board member of Queers for Economic Justice; a progressive non-profit organization committed to promoting economic justice in a context of sexual and gender liberation. And while this organization is no longer around, it had a profound impact on our movement, highlighting how LGBT folks living in poverty are affected by issues like welfare reform, homelessness and the shelter system.
These days Ignacio wears many, many hats. They are a performance artist, activist, lecturer, and most recently a filmaker. Learn more about Ignacio at their website, www.ignaciogrivera.com.
Toi Scott
A native Texan, currently living in Puerto Rico, Toi is a gender non-conforming author, playwright, spoken word artist, filmmaker, journalist, medicine-maker, health advocate, food justice activist, anti-racist and anti-oppression organizer/diversity and gender workshop facilitator and curriculum developer. Toi is also a QPOC/POC (queer/people of color) community builder/organizer. They are the author of Notes from an Afro-Genderqueer (1 and 2). Find out more at www.afrogenderqueer.com.
Kaitlyn Alexander
Kaitlyn Alexander is a Canadian actor, writer, and youtuber. They are known for their role as LaFontaine in the online web series Carmilla. They are also the creator of the web series Couple-ish, in which Alexander acts as a main character, writer, producer. They play the lead role, Dee, who is non-binary, pansexual and open to date all genders. The series was funded through a successful Kickstarter campaip9up8gn, which raised over $29,000. An accomplished musician, Kaitlyn also wrote and recorded the theme song for the web series. Watch Couple-ish on Youtube.
Jacob Tobia
Jacob Tobia is the host of NBC OUT’s Queer 2.0 and a leading voice for genderqueer, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming people. They have appeared on MTV’s The T Word, and in 2015, Jacob was profiled by MTV in the one hour, GLAAD Award-nominated episode of True Life: I’m Genderqueer.
Jacob is a Point Foundation Scholar, Harry S. Truman Scholar, and recipient of the Campus Pride National Voice and Action Award. They have spoken at conferences and college campuses around the country. Find out more about Jacob at www.jacobtobia.com.
Christopher Soto
Christoppher Soto (aka Loma) is an nationally recognized poet and activist. Their first chapbook “Sad Girl Poems” was published by Sibling Rivalry Press and tackles some tough topics like LGBTQ youth homelessness, Intimate Partner Violence, and suicide. Their work has been translated into Spanish and Portuguese.
They are currently working on a full-length poetry manuscript about police violence and mass incarceration. Originally from the Los Angeles area, Christopher now now resides in Brooklyn. Visit Christopher’s website at christophersoto-poet.com.
Jeffrey Marsh
Jeffrey Marsh, author of ‘How to Be You’ from Penguin Random House, is an LGBTQ activist and icon whose message of inclusion and acceptance has amassed over 300 MILLION views on social media. Named ‘Viner of the Year’ by CBS, Jeffrey has 500k+ fans on their social channels, and is the creator of the global trends #NoTimeToHateMyself and #DontSayThatsSoGay. Jeffrey is a regular contributor, writer, and on-air host for Snapchat Stories, Facebook Live, O Magazine, Oprah.com, TIME.com, Huffington Post, Buzzfeed, Mashable, and Mom.me, to name a few. Find out more at www.jeffreymarsh.com.
