Elle Moxley facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Elle Moxley
Moxley in 2015
Born	1986/1987 (age 37–38) Columbus, Ohio, U.S.
Nationality	American
Alma mater	Central State University
Occupation	Organizer • speaker • writer

Elle Moxley (formerly Elle Hearns, born in 1986 or 1987) is an American activist who works for transgender rights. She helped start the Black Lives Matter Global Network. She also created The Marsha P. Johnson Institute, where she is the main leader.

Early Life and Education

Moxley was born in Columbus, Ohio. She grew up with her two sisters in a home with just one parent. She felt like a girl trapped in a boy's body. Before she understood she was transgender, she thought she was gay. This made her feel very sad and confused.

Moxley was very interested in black power. She learned a lot about leaders like Malcolm X and the civil rights movement. She became a youth organizer, helping young people make a difference. Later, she went to Central State University. This is a special university in Wilberforce, Ohio, that was started for Black students.

Career and Activism

Starting Black Lives Matter

In 2013, Elle Moxley helped create the Black Lives Matter Global Network. This group works to support and protect Black people. As a leader, she helped make important plans for the network. One big plan was called "A Vision for Black Lives" in 2016.

In 2015, she helped organize a special day of action. This day brought attention to Black transgender women who had been killed that year.

The Movement for Black Lives

Also in 2015, Moxley was one of the organizers for The Movement for Black Lives. This was a big three-day meeting in Cleveland, Ohio. Many people came together to talk about important issues for Black communities.

The Marsha P. Johnson Institute

Moxley started The Marsha P. Johnson Institute. She is the executive director, which means she leads the organization. The institute began in 2019. Its main goal is to train and support Black trans women and people who are gender-nonconforming. This means helping them learn skills and feel strong.

Other Work and Writings

Moxley has also worked for other groups like GetEQUAL. She was an ambassador for the Trans Women of Color Collective (TWOCC). Her writings have been shared in important magazines. These include the City University of New York Law Review and Ebony.

In 2022, Moxley directed and appeared in a short movie. It was a documentary film called Black Beauty.

Speaking Out for Change

Discussing Important Events

In 2015, Moxley spoke on TV shows like Democracy Now! and All Things Considered. She talked about the shooting of Tamir Rice. This was an important event that raised questions about police actions.

Women's March and Inclusivity

In February 2017, Moxley and other transgender activists spoke out about the pussyhat. This hat was a symbol of the 2017 Women's March. They said that movements for change need to include everyone. They wanted people to think about all types of people, not just some.

Speaking Against Harmful Comments

In August 2017, Moxley and others from the Marsha P. Johnson Institute spoke up. They were upset about comments made on The Breakfast Club radio show. Some jokes were made about transgender women that were hurtful. Moxley and her team started a petition. They asked for the show to be taken off the air because of these comments.

March for Black Women

On September 30, 2017, Moxley gave a speech in Washington, D.C. She spoke at The March for Black Women. She talked about how Black transgender women and Black cisgender women are like sisters. She emphasized the importance of unity.

Awards and Recognition

• 2017 – Essence magazine named her one of the "Woke 100 Women".
• 2017 – The Root magazine listed her as one of the 100 Most Influential African Americans.

Personal Life

Moxley moved to the Washington D.C. area in 2014. Now, she spends her time living in both D.C. and New York City.

She changed her last name in 2021.