Ashlee Marie Preston facts for kids

Ashlee Marie Preston is an American media personality, journalist, and activist. She made history as the first trans woman to become editor-in-chief of a national magazine, Wear Your Voice Magazine. She was also the first openly trans person to run for state office in California.

Ashlee was born in Louisville, Kentucky. When she was 19, she moved to Los Angeles. She became well-known for speaking up on important issues. Ashlee has written for many publications. She is also recognized for her work as an activist.

Ashlee is very involved in the trans community in Los Angeles. She helps with many community groups. For example, she works with Los Angeles Pride on communications. She also helps with community outreach for the Human Rights Campaign.

Ashlee's Journey

Ashlee Preston grew up in Louisville, Kentucky. At age 19, she moved to Los Angeles. During this time, she went through a difficult period.

Her Work and Activism

Ashlee became widely known in 2017. This happened after she spoke out at an event in Los Angeles. A video of her speaking went viral online. She later shared her concerns about certain political actions. She felt these actions were harmful to the LGBTQ community. Ashlee believes that safe spaces are important for those who have been negatively affected by politics.

In 2017, Ashlee was named the first transgender editor of Wear Your Voice. This is a magazine that focuses on feminist topics. She is very active in the local trans community in Los Angeles. She has worked with several groups, including the Transgender Service Provider Network. She also hosts a podcast called SHOOK with Ashlee Marie Preston. This podcast talks about issues like discrimination. Ashlee has also written for popular outlets like Teen Vogue and Vice. In 2017, she was listed among the 100 most influential African Americans by The Root.

Ashlee has also promoted the online hashtag #ThriveOver35. This hashtag helps to highlight the life expectancy of Black trans women in the U.S.

Ashlee and Politics

In 2018, Ashlee Preston announced she would run for office. She aimed for a seat in California's 54th State Assembly district. This made her the first openly trans person to run for a statewide office in California's history. She later decided to withdraw from the race. She explained that she did not have enough time to prepare the kind of campaign she wanted. For the 2020 election, she supported Elizabeth Warren for President.

Awards and Recognitions

Ashlee Preston has received many honors for her work:

• The Root's 100 most influential African Americans of 2017
• PopSugar's 2017 top 40 LGBTQs
• Logo TV's NewNowNext 30 Most Influential LGBTQ Influencers of 2017 & 2018
• OUT Magazine's OUT100 of 2018
• Coca-Cola’s Next Generation LGBTQ Leadership influencers of 2018