When Jaymes Black was just 17 years old, their life took an unexpected turn after a private note intended for their girlfriend was intercepted by a classmate at their high school in Robstown, Texas, a suburb near Corpus Christi. The ensuing discovery of their relationship by their peers quickly transformed their high school experience into a harrowing ordeal, as they became labeled and ostracized as “the gay girls at school.”

Reflecting on those challenging times in 1990s South Texas, Jaymes Black, now 49, recalls, “It was, frankly, brutal the way that the kids treated us after they found out. The teachers would not talk with me about it. What that led to is me dropping out of high school. It was too isolating, and I just didn’t feel like I could go on.”

This formative experience profoundly shaped Black’s perspective and fuels their dedication to supporting LGBTQ youth today as the newly appointed CEO of The Trevor Project, a national nonprofit dedicated to crisis intervention and suicide prevention among LGBTQ youth. Black, who uses all pronouns, stands as not only the organization’s first Black CEO but also its first nonbinary leader.

Before joining The Trevor Project, Black served as the president and CEO of Family Equality, a leading nonprofit advocating for LGBTQ family rights. Their career trajectory shifted from corporate leadership in information technology to the nonprofit sector, driven by a desire to align their work with personal values and create meaningful societal impact.

Amid their personal journey, Black met their wife, Cheralyn, at the renowned lesbian bar Sue Ellen’s in Dallas in 2006. Their connection blossomed into a partnership that transcended legal barriers when they married in Victoria, British Columbia, in 2007—eight years before the U.S. Supreme Court granted nationwide marriage equality.

Reflecting on their professional evolution, Black shares, “During the pandemic, I had a moment of clarity and sought to align my work with my values. That’s when I found Family Equality.” Their motivation stemmed in part from personal experiences of discrimination, including challenges they and their wife faced while navigating societal biases against LGBTQ families during their adoption journey.

Their dedication to advocating for LGBTQ rights deepened through experiences like attending Family Week in Provincetown, Massachusetts, where they witnessed the transformative impact of community and safe spaces for LGBTQ families. “Not only did my family feel safe, but it also underscored the universal desire for safety and acceptance,” Black notes passionately.

Stepping into leadership at The Trevor Project, Black brings a profound empathy for the struggles faced by LGBTQ youth today. Amid a legislative climate with over 527 bills targeting LGBTQ individuals, particularly trans youth, Black stresses the urgent need to protect the mental health and well-being of vulnerable youth. Their vision is to cultivate a more inclusive America where every LGBTQ person can thrive free from fear or discrimination.

Drawing on their journey of self-acceptance and resilience, Black aims to empower LGBTQ youth by ensuring they feel supported and validated. “I want LGBTQ youth to know that we are unwavering in our commitment to protect them,” they affirm, embodying a steadfast dedication to championing the rights and dignity of LGBTQ individuals nationwide.