FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: October 14, 2025
Contact: Sue Yacka-Bible, [email protected]
Transgender Law Center Honors the Life and Legacy of the Beloved Elder Miss Major Griffin-Gracy
NATIONAL – It is with great sadness that we mourn the loss of the beloved trans activist and friend, Miss Major Griffin-Gracy. Miss Major was a mother, a freedom fighter, and a lifelong defender of trans liberation. From the Stonewall Rebellion to the decades spent on the frontlines of prison abolition, housing, healthcare, and more, Miss Major embodied the unshakeable power of community care and transformative love. Her visionary leadership demonstrates the path forward to building bridges across identities, abilities, and generations as we work towards our collective liberation.
“I am holding everyone close in this moment of unbelievable grief and loss as we face the world without our trans mother, sister, friend, elder, and revolutionary icon Miss Major Griffin-Gracy,” said Shelby Chestnut (they/he), Executive Director. “We are alive today because of her life, legacy, and unwavering commitment to every member of our community. Miss Major reminds us that we will always find ways to not just exist, but thrive. I know she will look over all of us as we forge ahead in the fight for our rights, dignity, and the freedoms we all deserve.”
As we reflect on Miss Major’s immeasurable impact, we express our gratitude and commitment to carrying forward the wisdom, love, and kindness she shared with the world. Many TLC staff and community members had the privilege of knowing and loving Miss Major.
“I have known Miss Major for over 30 years,” said Cecilia Chung (she/her), Senior Advisor. “She was a pillar for Black trans women and an amazing advocate for trans and nonbinary people who are survivors of institutional violence, especially those in the carceral systems. Today, we are not just mourning the loss of an elder, we are also celebrating the life of a phenomenal person loved by all of us.”
She was full of life, love, and a deep sense of commitment to the communities she belonged to and loved. Whether speaking at a rally, hosting friends and loved ones, or calling for change on social media, we each benefited from her words and insight.
“I carry her spirit in my leadership, in my voice, and in my heart,” shared Mariah Moore (she/her), Director of Policy & Programs. “She was not only my elder, but also a fierce protector, my sister-mother, and my constant reminder that we come from a powerful lineage of resistance and power.”
At a time of great political division and uncertainty, Miss Major reminds us that our humanity is inextricably linked. She worked tirelessly across all identities to honor each person’s lived experience, showing us that caring for each other is a daily practice. We honor her legacy by carrying on her vision that collective liberation is and will always be possible.
If you or someone you know is struggling or having a difficult time, please consider reaching out to these supportive resources for additional help and care.
- Trevor Project provides (866-488-7386), offers 24/7 crisis support for LGBTQ+ young people via call, text, or chat at or thetrevorproject.org.
- Trans Lifeline (877-565-8860) offers peer support specifically for transgender and nonbinary individuals.
- Anti-Violence Project (212-714-1141) offers bilingual English and Spanish, 24/7 support specifically for LGBTQ+ and HIV-affected communities.