The National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) and Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund (TLDEF) are merging into one organization called Advocates for Trans Equality, the two non-profits announced on Jan. 17 in a joint announcement.
The merger, which comes at a time when transgender and non-binary individuals are facing fierce headwinds in American politics, will combine two major transgender advocacy organizations with different focus areas but one shared goal of advancing trans rights. TLDEF has worked to advance trans rights and LGBTQ rights through a legal lens, including impact litigation and education, while NCTE is a key player on Capitol Hill and has utilized the political arena to advocate for the community’s needs. Both organizations were founded in 2003.
