Quentin Bell (activist)

Quentin Bell (born 1987/88) is an activist for transgender rights in the African-American LGBT community. He is the co-founder and as of 2024,[2] the former executive director of The Knights and Orchids Society, a non-profit based in Selma, Alabama that is led by and provides healthcare services to Black trans, queer, and gender non-conforming people.[1][3][4][5]

Quentin Bell
Born1987 or 1988 (age 36–37)[1]
NationalityAmerican
Alma materAlabama State University
OccupationActivist

Work and activism

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Bell co-founded The Knights and Orchids Society in 2012 with his wife Jennine.[1][3] The organization evolved from a fraternity that Bell founded at Alabama State University in 2009.[4] The nonprofit provides free gender-affirming health and wellness services, with priority given to Black trans people.[4][6]

Bell has spoken out on state bills that affect transgender rights, including access to restrooms and healthcare for trans children.[1][3][6]

Education and personal life

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Bell received a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Alabama State University.[7][8] He graduated from the Stanford LGBTQ Executive Leadership Program in 2019.[8]

Bell, a trans man, underwent gender transition in his late 20s.[1] He and his wife Jennine live in Selma with their children.[1]

Awards and honors

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  • 2017: Community Grantmaking Fellow, Trans Justice Funding Project[7]
  • 2020: Victory Empowerment Fellow, Victory Institute[8]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f Parks, Casey (March 21, 2022). "Activists face an avalanche of anti-transgender bills". The Washington Post. Retrieved October 11, 2022.
  2. ^ https://fox5sandiego.com/business/press-releases/ein-presswire/711903034/a-thousand-pansies-project-announces-collaboration-with-bay-area-artists-to-release-original-song/
  3. ^ a b c d Carlisle, Madeleine (September 28, 2022). "Quentin Bell is on the TIME100 Next 2022 List". TIME. Retrieved October 11, 2022.
  4. ^ a b c Crain, Abbey (June 13, 2022). "The Advocates Helping Trans Alabamians Fight for Their Right to Healthcare". Them. Retrieved October 11, 2022.
  5. ^ Yurcaba, Jo (November 19, 2021). "Transgender people in 'survival mode' as violence rises, anti-trans bills become law". NBC News. Retrieved October 11, 2022.
  6. ^ a b Baska, Maggie (May 4, 2022). "Trans people are being failed at every turn in Alabama. This group is taking matters into its own hands". PinkNews. Retrieved October 11, 2022.
  7. ^ a b Marin (May 16, 2017). "Introducing 2017 TJFP Community Grantmaking Fellow, Quentin "Que" Bell!". Trans Justice Funding Project. Retrieved October 11, 2022.
  8. ^ a b c Enriquez, Mario (June 24, 2022). "Meet the 2020 Victory Empowerment Fellows". Victory Institute. Retrieved October 11, 2022.
  9. ^ "Meet The Advocate's 104 Champions of Pride for 2019". The Advocate. May 28, 2019. Retrieved October 12, 2022.