Brittan Hardgers is a nationally recognized advocate, educator, strategist, and public speaker whose work is grounded in the lineage of Black trans resistance, survival, and care exemplified by Miss Major Griffin-Gracy. Their leadership reflects a deep respect for trans elders, a commitment to community accountability, and a belief that liberation must be built across generations.

Brittan currently serves as Senior Organizer at Free the People Rochester and previously served as the Director of Advocacy & Community Engagement at the New Pride Agenda, where they led statewide advocacy initiatives, coalition-building efforts, and public education campaigns advancing LGBTQ+ equity. Across their work, Brittan has prioritized policies and practices that protect trans lives, particularly those most impacted by racism, criminalization, poverty, and state violence.

As the Founder & President of Next Generation Men of Transition (NGMT) and CEO of W.A.V.E Women Inc., Brittan has built organizations rooted in the principles Miss Major has long championed: honoring elders, centering those closest to harm, and creating spaces where trans people are not only surviving, but living with dignity and joy. Their leadership emphasizes mentorship, healing justice, and the preservation of trans history and storytelling.

In 2021, Brittan made history as the first openly Black transgender candidate for City Council in Western New York, using the platform to elevate the urgent need for trans-inclusive governance and community-centered policy solutions. Their advocacy has focused on advancing equitable access to housing, healthcare, legal protections, and visibility for TGNC communities across New York State and beyond.

Brittan is the author of Uniquely Made By You, an affirmation journal rooted in resilience and self-affirmation, and the creator of the award-winning documentary Remember Me Now, which centers trans memory, grief, and legacy—ensuring that the stories of trans people, especially elders, are remembered, honored, and carried forward.

“I chose me to survive. And in choosing me, I chose my community.” — Brittan Hardgers