About Us

Advocates for Trans Equality fights for the legal and political rights of transgender people in America. Leveraging decades of experience on the frontlines of power, we shift government and society towards a future where we are no less than equal. 

A4TE was founded in 2024 as the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) and Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund (TLDEF), two long-time champions for the trans community, merged together as one organization. A4TE builds on their successes to boldly imagine a world where trans people live our lives joyfully and without barriers.

In a time of increased extremism against trans people and our allies, protecting and expanding our freedom to be who we are has never been more important. 

A4TE CEO Andrea "Andy" Hong Marra and Executive Director Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen

What we believe

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Trans people deserve equality

Trans people are valued members of society, and we deserve to have the resources we need to live our fullest lives.
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Trans voices matter

The movement for trans lives must be led for and by trans people. We are our best advocates, and our voices have power.
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Partnership brings progress

A4TE brings together two organizations with a long history of winning tangible changes to advance trans rights in our political and legal systems.
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A brighter future is possible

Our lives and our futures require us all to hold optimism and hope. We believe we have the power to build a world where trans people thrive.
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Our History

NCTE and TLDEF combined had 40 years of experience on the frontlines of advocacy. Both founded in 2003, the two organizations have long worked to make life better, safer, and more possible for trans people. 

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What We Do

Our policy experts, litigators, and community organizers work at all levels of government to ensure trans voices are not only heard, but embraced in rooms where they've long been ignored. As a trans-led nonprofit, we also help our community navigate the realities of law and policy through vital tools, knowledge, and services.

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Our Team

A4TE is an organization for and by transgender people in the United States. Led by Executive Director Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen, and CEO Andrea Hong Marra, our staff is made up of passionate experts on trans policy, law, communications, and education. 

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Careers

We are committed to creating a diverse and intersectional team made up of people who are kind, optimistic, talented, and committed to social justice.

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Financial Information

Advocates for Trans Equality's (A4TE) and A4TE Educational Fund’s financials demonstrate the increased financial diversity and health of the Transgender Legal and Education Fund (TLDEF), National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE), and the NCTE Action Fund.

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