Silverman will be leaving the organisation he founded in 2003. Under Michael Silverman’s leadership, TLDEF has been at the forefront of transgender legal advocacy. The organisation is known for its signature Name Change Project, bringing millions of dollars in free legal services into the transgender community by matching community members seeking to legally change their names with pro bono lawyers who help them free of charge. The project has grown to include dozens of the nation’s most prestigious law firms and corporate legal departments and has helped thousands of transgender community members around the country.
“I am extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to lead TLDEF for more than a decade and shepherd its growth over that period. The time is right for this transition; it is a natural part of the organisation’s growth,” said Michael Silverman. “It has been an honour and privilege to fight for transgender rights with TLDEF’s board, staff and movement partners. I plan to work as hard as ever for the community during the upcoming transition period and to position TLDEF for enormous future success. As I consider my future path, I hope that it includes the opportunity to play a further role in the struggle for LGBT freedom and equality.”
“Michael’s vision, dedication and tenacity helped build TLDEF into a tremendous advocacy resource for the transgender community,” said Alaina Kupec, TLDEF’s board co-chair. During the course of Silverman’s tenure, TLDEF launched successful advocacy and litigation efforts on issues involving access to health care, the rights of transgender people to use restrooms without discrimination, the rights of transgender students to attend school free from discrimination, and the rights of transgender people to obtain government-issued ID that matches who they are as men and women.
TLDEF’s work is especially important now, said Kupec. “As evidenced by the passage of egregious anti-transgender legislation in my home state of North Carolina last week, the need for strong leadership and representation for the transgender community has never been more important. Fortunately, Michael is leaving the organisation with a legacy of legal successes and financially very strong, so TLDEF’s board, staff, and new management will have the resources we need to continue to be able to fulfil our commitment to the transgender community in its time of need.”
TLDEF’s board of directors has already taken the initial steps to begin the process of identifying a new Executive Director. To ensure a smooth and steady transition, the board has retained the services of Joan Garry Consulting, a firm focused on building effective nonprofit leadership and providing strategic counsel to board and staff leaders nationwide.
