As we observe and celebrate Transgender Awareness Week (November 13 – 19), we’re honoring those leaders who are shaping the TGNC experience in New York and the United States. Destination Tomorrow, a grassroots agency and LGBTQ+ center in the Bronx, provides the community with comprehensive, skill-building programming and services as well as a space to grow, learn, and flourish.

This invaluable organization is led by two people of trans experience, Founder and Executive Director Sean E. Coleman, and Director of Trans Initiatives Mimi Shelton.

Sean E. Coleman is the managing partner of Sean Ebony Coleman Consulting, which specializes in increasing Diversity, Inclusion and Engagement strategies for LGBTQ communities. He also consults for the Transgender Strategy Center, a collaboration of transgender-led consultants.

He is the first African American of Transgender Experience to operate an LGBTQ+ center in New York City history and plays a key role in advocating for policies that directly impact the lives of millions of LGBTQ+ New Yorkers. Additionally, Sean manages Gilead’s TRANScend Community Impact Fund, which supports trans-led organizations working to improve the safety, health and wellness of the transgender community.

Sean is also a member of Gilead’s National Transgender Advisory Group and Bronx Community Board 1, as well as the House and Ballroom scene, providing resources to those who call the ballroom scene home.

Mimi Shelton is an educator who taught middle school English in private schools in NYC and Philadelphia prior to joining Destination Tomorrow. She received her bachelor’s degree in English and African American studies from the College of William and Mary, and her Master of Science in Education from the University of Pennsylvania. Her pedagogy, research, and facilitation emphasize diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging for underrepresented students and faculty, especially BIPOC TGNC/NB, at all levels of education and human services.

Her publications include a blog post for GLSEN entitled “4 Ways You Can Support Black, Queer, Trans & GNC Educators Today” (2019) and a written contribution within Charity-Hudley, Dickter, and Franz’s The Indispensable Guide to Undergraduate Research: Success in and Beyond College (2017). In 2020, Mimi was a featured talent in the Dove Pride 2020 Campaign, “Nothing More Beautiful,” directed by Tourmaline.

We salute Sean, Mimi and all trans leaders who are guiding lights to those of TGNC experience and the LGBTQ+ community!