Welcoming New Members to our Advisory Board

Today, Point of Pride is pleased to announce the seven newest members to our Advisory Board of Directors. These members volunteer their time, insights, and subject-matter expertise, helping to contribute to our organization's continuous improvement in how we serve our community. 

Meet our members

Blossom C. Brown

Blossom C. Brown is an actress, producer and activist. She is originally from the “Birthplace of Blues” in Greenwood, Mississippi. She got her degree in Public Health Education from Mississippi University for Women where she became the first openly black trans woman to graduate. Her story got the world’s attention when she appeared in Season 1 of Caitlyn Jenner’s docuseries “I Am Cait” and for her appearance on the Ellen Show in season 13. She currently lives in Los Angeles and works at a non-profit as a Prep Retention Navigator and is currently working on her documentary, “One Life to Blossom.”

"I’m excited to join the advisory board for Point of Pride is because I am passionate about the care and access for our trans community," shares Blossom. "I hope that we are able to change lives, open hearts, and make impactful change."

Lydia X. Z. Brown

Lydia X. Z. Brown (they/them) is a writer, public speaker, educator, trainer, consultant, advocate, community organizer, community builder, activist, scholar, and attorney. For over 15 years, they have worked to address and end interpersonal and state violence targeting disabled people, especially disabled people who are also members of other marginalized communities. They are the funder and leader of  The Autistic People of Color Fund in partnership with the Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network. They have been featured in Amplifier's We The Future Campaign, People of Color Productions' docuseries I Identify As Me, and HBO Max's documentary Persona. They are also a past Gender+ Justice Initiative Fellow at Georgetown University and a Justice Catalyst Fellow at the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law. As an educator, Lydia teaches as an adjunct lecturer and core faculty in the Disability Studies Program and the Women’s and Gender Studies Program at Georgetown University, and as an adjunct professorial lecturer in the American Studies Program at American University’s Department of Critical Race, Gender, and Culture Studies. Professionally, they work as Director of Public Policy at the National Disability Institute.

Jodie Patterson

Jodie Patterson is a social activist, entrepreneur, writer, and author of The Bold World: A Memoir of Family and Transformation. She has been lauded for her activist work by Hillary Clinton, The Advocate, Family Circle, Essence, Cosmopolitan, and Yahoo!, among others. She sits on the board of a number of gender/family/human rights organizations, including the Human Rights Campaign, and is a sought-after public speaker addressing a wide range of audiences about identity, gender, beauty, and entrepreneurship. Patterson was appointed by the United Nations as a Champion of Change and, perhaps most impressively, she is a former circus acrobat who performed in the Big Apple Circus. She lives in Brooklyn, New York, where she co-parents her five children with love, education, and family solidarity.

Erin Reed

Erin Reed (she/her) is a transgender journalist based in Washington, D.C.. She tracks LGBTQ+ legislation around the United States for her subscription newsletter, ErinInTheMorning.com. Her work has been cited by the AP, Reuters, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and many more major media outlets. You can follow her on twitter and TikTok at @ErinInTheMorn.

Erin shares, "I am deeply honored to join the board of Point of Pride, an organization that exemplifies the resilience and spirit of the transgender and queer community. My journey began five years ago when, during my own transition, I encountered significant challenges in accessing healthcare. This experience led me to develop a hormone therapy access map, which has now been utilized over 7 million times."

"Shortly thereafter, I discovered Point of Pride, a dedicated group of people committed to ensuring every transgender person receives the healthcare they need and deserve, regardless of financial barriers. The story of our community is not just one of surviving, but thriving in the margins through mutual support and solidarity. Point of Pride embodies the spirit of trans and queer resilience and I’m proud to be a part of the organization moving forward."

Rey Resendez

Rey Resendez is a dedicated 2Spirit activist, community organizer, and advocate for marginalized communities. Holding a BA in Psychology from Hunter College, Rey embarked on their professional journey as a Program Coordinator at Gay Men's Health Crisis, focusing on transgender programming and community engagement initiatives.

Driven by a commitment to representation and narrative, Rey collaborates with esteemed organizations and healthcare institutions such as The Phluid Project, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, ACLU, Hinge, NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Northwell Health, and National Center for Transgender Equality. As an accomplished independent contractor, Rey specializes in conducting workplace inclusion trainings for educational institutions, non-profits, and corporate entities. Additionally, they facilitate behavioral health groups for Plume, a telehealth service dedicated to providing gender-affirming care.

Rey shares, "Joining the Point of Pride Advisory Board means being a beacon of hope and empowerment for transgender and non-binary people. Our presence is a testament to our commitment to inclusivity, acceptance, and resilience. Together, we inspire transformative change, celebrating every unique identity and journey."

Brian Michael Smith

Brian Michael Smith (he/him) is an acclaimed actor and advocate known for his groundbreaking roles and commitment to transgender rights. Hailing from Ann Arbor, Michigan, Brian's passion for storytelling led him to become the first Black openly trans man cast as a series regular on network television. His notable roles include Toine Wilkins in "Queen Sugar" and firefighter Paul Strickland in "9-1-1: Lone Star," celebrated for their depth and authenticity. Beyond acting, Brian's advocacy is driven by his personal experiences and the lack of authentic trans representation in media during his formative years. Brian's pioneering work and dedication make him a prominent figure in entertainment and the fight for transgender equality, inspiring change and fostering inclusivity.

"Joining the Point of Pride Advisory Board is a deeply personal commitment for me," Brian shares. "Early in my transition journey, I felt isolated and overwhelmed trying to navigate a discriminatory health system—a reality I don't want anyone else to endure. This fuels my passion to support the work Point of Pride does in providing essential resources and support to our community. As a board member, I look forward to collaborating with fellow leaders to create impactful solutions that ensure nobody feels alone in their journey. Together, we will work towards a future where every transgender person has access to the care and respect they deserve."

Eden Rose Torres

Eden Rose Torres (she/her) is an award-winning photographer. In 2016 in the wake of the Pulse shooting Eden founded the non-profit organization, Pride Portraits. She photographed and interviewed seven thousand LGBTQIA+ community members as well as allies for the visibility campaign. In her personal activism, Eden is unapologetic in the fight for transgender liberation. She has organized marches, rallies, and protests. Eden is often in the media speaking about the issues that the trans community face, particularly those which impact trans women of color.

Eden has renewed her spot on the Advisory Board, having previously served. She shares, "During my time with the Advisory Board, I have been most active with the Electrolysis Support Fund. It’s a huge honor to serve within an organization in such a fashion that directly impacts trans femme people, like myself. It also speaks to the importance of trans leadership and volunteers. Being able to bring our own unique life experience, as a trans person navigating a cisgender world, we truly understand all the experiences of those we are helping."