Shelby Chestnut

Shelby Chestnut (Assiniboine) is the executive director of Transgender Law Center, the largest national trans-led organization advocating for a world where all people can define themselves and their futures. They have over 20 years of community organizing, policy advocacy, and leadership experience in the LGBTQ and anti-violence movements. Having previously served for five years as TLC’s Director of Policy and Programs, they spearheaded leadership development and social change within and for Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) communities throughout their career. Chestnut has served on steering committees and coalitions working on the passage and implementation of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and landmark New York City police reform legislation, the Right to Know Act (RTKA). Chestnut is the first Native trans executive director of TLC and one of the first Native trans leaders to head a national LGBT organization.