Stella

Stella (she/her) is a 19-year-old who is passionate about advocacy, youth voice and politics. Stella began engaging in politics with her school board at the age of 9. At the age of 13, she lobbied state senators and representatives. Since then, Stella has continued to advocate on a local, state, and federal level to improve the lives of people like herself and all LGBTQ youth.

In March 2021, Stella testified in support of the Equality Act, making history as the first transgender teen to testify before the United States Senate. As a result, she was invited to join First Lady Dr. Jill Biden’s “virtual box” as a guest of honor at President Joe Biden’s Joint Address to Congress and to speak with Dr. Biden directly.

Because of her advocacy in her home state and nationally, Stella was honored as one of GLAAD’s “20 Under 20” and Seventeen magazine’s “Voices of the Year.” She also received the “Visibility Award” at the Trans Advocacy Awards from the Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund. Stella is a founding Champion of The GenderCool Project.