--- title: Who We Are | The GenderCool Project canonical: https://gendercool.org/who-we-are description: Meet the founders, staff, and 16 Champions of The GenderCool Project — exceptional transgender and nonbinary youth leading real cultural change. keywords: GenderCool Champions, transgender youth ambassadors, nonbinary youth leaders, trans youth representation, LGBTQ+ youth leadership, GenderCool founders, transgender youth advocates, nonbinary youth advocates last_updated: 2026-06-08 --- # Who We Are | The GenderCool Project > Meet the 16 exceptional transgender and nonbinary young people — the GenderCool Champions — and the team behind the movement. ## The GenderCool Champions The Champions are at the heart of everything GenderCool does. Each one is a real transgender or nonbinary young person who has chosen to share their authentic story to help create a more accepting world. They are defined by their talents, passions, and character — not just their gender identity. ### Adelyn — Human Rights Advocate (she/her/ella) A transgender advocate and high school student living near the Mexico-United States border. Adelyn has testified in the Texas legislature in support of transgender and nonbinary youth. She aspires to a career in law and justice. [Full profile →](https://gendercool.org/champions/adelyn) ### Alex — Lighting Designer (he/him) A college student majoring in Theater Design with a focus on Lighting Design. Alex has participated in over 75 theatrical productions and dreams of designing a K-pop concert. [Full profile →](https://gendercool.org/champions/alex) ### Amir — Barber (he/him) An aspiring barber and White House invitee. Amir was invited to the White House for Transgender Day of Visibility and stood alongside President Biden as he signed an executive order advancing LGBTQ+ equity. Featured in the GLAAD award-winning ABC Special "Our America: Who I'm Meant To Be." [Full profile →](https://gendercool.org/champions/amir) ### Ashton — Collaborator (he/him/el) A college student and Human Rights Campaign Youth Ambassador. Ashton co-authored "A Kids Book About Being Inclusive," was honored on Teen Vogue and GLAAD's "20 Under 20" list, and introduced President Biden at a White House Pride Event. [Full profile →](https://gendercool.org/champions/ashton) ### Chazzie — Volunteer & Founding Champion (she/her) A founding GenderCool Champion who shared her story nationally on TODAY. Chazzie has spoken at corporations, conferences, houses of worship, and schools across the country. Her work has garnered a GLAAD Media Award. [Full profile →](https://gendercool.org/champions/chazzie) ### Daniel — Student & Activist (he/him) A college student featured as a young child in the PBS Frontline Documentary "Growing Up Trans." Daniel is double majoring in Human Rights and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. [Full profile →](https://gendercool.org/champions/daniel) ### Emma — Performer (they/she) An actor, singer, and costume designer. Emma made their film debut in "Two Lives in Pittsburgh" and is writing a children's book about transgender and nonbinary role models. [Full profile →](https://gendercool.org/champions/emma) ### Eve — Writer (she/her) Named to GLAAD's 20 Under 20. Eve has been featured in Teen Vogue, participated in a roundtable with Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, and appeared in an ABC News special that won a GLAAD award for Outstanding TV Journalism. [Full profile →](https://gendercool.org/champions/eve) ### Hayden — Stylist (she/her) Pursuing studies as a Medical Esthetician. Hayden has walked the GLAAD Media Awards red carpet, attended the Netflix "Will and Harper" premiere, and completed a Reverse Mentorship program with software company Coupa. [Full profile →](https://gendercool.org/champions/hayden) ### Kai — Content Creator (he/him) Studying media science and film production. Kai is a charismatic creator, performer, and former class president who has shared his story with millions across the country. [Full profile →](https://gendercool.org/champions/kai) ### Lily — Fashion Designer (she/her) An artist and advocate who speaks at the Pennsylvania State Capitol about LGBTQ representation in books and works against harmful book censorship. [Full profile →](https://gendercool.org/champions/lily) ### Marc — Singer (he/they) Passionate about singing, acting, and the science of human experience. Marc is a member of his school's acapella group and a passionate advocate for empathy. [Full profile →](https://gendercool.org/champions/marc) ### Max — Athlete (he/him) A gymnast and Tae Kwon Do black belt. Max earned his black belt at a young age, now competes nationally and internationally, and was named a USA Gymnastics Academic All-American. [Full profile →](https://gendercool.org/champions/max) ### Sawyer — Musician (she/her) A musician who plays cello, baritone, and is learning bassoon. Sawyer is also passionate about fashion, art, and the outdoors. [Full profile →](https://gendercool.org/champions/sawyer) ### Shailen — Actor (he/him) An actor and Kathak dancer. Shailen is passionate about storytelling, theater, soccer, and spreading positivity and joy. [Full profile →](https://gendercool.org/champions/shailen) ### Theo — Weightlifter (he/him) A competitive weightlifter and poet. Theo aspires to study kinesiology and believes in always striving to become a better version of himself. [Full profile →](https://gendercool.org/champions/theo) --- ## About The GenderCool Project Founded in 2017, The GenderCool Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit headquartered in the United States. The organization was inspired by Chazzie, one of its founding Champions, and has grown into a national movement reaching millions of people through media, corporate support, education, and direct advocacy.