Born: 1986/1987 (Columbus, Ohio)
Elle Hearns (born 1986/1987) is an American transgender rights activist who has made significant contributions to the fight for social justice and equality. She co-founded the Black Lives Matter Global Network and served as a strategic partner and organizing coordinator. Additionally, she founded The Marsha P. Johnson Institute, where she currently serves as the executive director.
Hearns was born in Columbus, Ohio and grew up in a single-parent home with two sisters. From an early age, she struggled with her gender identity, feeling trapped in a body that did not align with her true self. Before realizing she was transgender, she believed she was gay and experienced feelings of isolation and even contemplated suicide, as she believed her sexual orientation was sinful.
Inspired by the Black power movement, Hearns became deeply interested in the teachings of Malcolm X and the civil rights movement. She educated herself about the struggles faced by the Black community throughout history and became determined to make a difference. Her passion for social justice led her to become a youth organizer and later pursue higher education at Central State University, a historically Black university in Wilberforce, Ohio.
In 2013, Hearns co-founded the Black Lives Matter Global Network, a movement that has brought international attention to the systemic racism and violence faced by Black individuals in the United States. As a strategic partner and organizing coordinator, she played a crucial role in developing policies for the network, including the 2016 policy platform titled A Vision for Black Lives.
Hearns’ activism also centered around advocating for the rights and safety of Black transgender women. In 2015, she co-organized a National Day of Action to raise awareness about the disproportionate violence faced by Black trans women. She was also one of the organizers of The Movement for Black Lives, a national conference held in Cleveland, Ohio, in the same year.
Recognizing the need for further support and empowerment of Black trans women and gender-nonconforming femmes, Hearns founded The Marsha P. Johnson Institute. As the executive director, she leads the institute’s mission to train and provide assistance to Black trans women and gender-nonconforming individuals. The Marsha P. Johnson Institute launched in Spring 2018 and has since played a vital role in amplifying the voices and advocating for the rights of Black trans individuals.
Throughout her activism, Hearns has collaborated with various organizations and initiatives. She has served as a coordinator for GetEQUAL, a leading LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, and as an ambassador for the Trans Women of Color Collective (TWOCC). Her writings on social justice and transgender rights have been featured in notable publications such as the City University of New York Law Review and Ebony.
Hearns has consistently used her platform to raise awareness and address the intersectionality of various social issues. In 2015, she appeared on Democracy Now! and All Things Considered to discuss the tragic shooting of Tamir Rice, a 12-year-old Black boy killed by police in Cleveland. She has been a vocal critic of the lack of intersectionality within feminist movements, particularly highlighting the need for inclusivity and understanding of transgender individuals.
In August 2017, Hearns and her colleagues at The Marsha P. Johnson Institute spoke out against an episode of The Breakfast Club radio show that made derogatory remarks about transgender women. Their collective advocacy brought attention to the harmful impact of transphobic comments and their efforts continue to push for greater understanding and acceptance.
Elle Hearns’ contributions to the transgender rights movement and her dedication to social justice have been influential both within and beyond the Black community. Through her activism, she has played a vital role in shaping conversations, policies, and actions that seek to dismantle systemic racism and create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.