The current sociopolitical climate in the U.S. is having devastating impacts on trans and nonbinary people, and those who love them. So far in 2023, 567 bills have been introduced across 49 states, 83 of which have passed, for the purposes of denying trans people access to basic healthcare, education, legal recognition, and the right to simply exist in the public eye. What can aspiring non-trans allies do to uplift and protect trans and nonbinary people under such extraordinary circumstances? How can trans people engage in empowered self-allyship without becoming fatigued, or worse, desensitized to the ongoing trauma? 

Dr. Leo Taylor, speaker, DEI consultant, transsexual, person with a disability, aspiring ally to all minoritized groups, and entomologist will be returning to his alma mater to discuss strategies for becoming an effective ally to trans and nonbinary people at Cornell and beyond. With compelling boldness and a good dose of humor Leo will describe his experiences as a transman from a small town in Indiana who began his transition nearly a quarter of a century ago, during the early days of the internet. He’ll walk us through some of the highlights and darkest moments he experienced as a transsexual during the late 2000’s and early 2010’s from the perspectives of both an Ithaca resident and Cornell graduate student and describe major changes that have occurred at the University since. Most importantly, aspiring allies will receive tangible strategies they can use to bolster and preserve trans and nonbinary people in their lives, communities, and across the country.