We highlight some of the renowned trans and non-binary entrepreneurs, founders, and business leaders making waves in their sectors as part of International Trans Day of Visibility (TDOV).
The evolution of corporate leadership’s entrepreneurs landscape has carefully been uneven, but inclusion and representation are still a long way off. The truth is that a select group of mostly flat and white men receive the majority of venture capital funding.
According to a study from Proud Ventures, 75% of LGBTQ+ companies and members have kept their identities at some point in the investment process. This striking data place proves that presence in the start up ecosystem isn’t only metaphorical, but also necessary for fostering a culture of acceptance, equal opportunity and advancement.
Trans, non-linear and additional gender-varied people are greatly underrepresented in management roles and within entrepreneurship.
Through highlighting the achievements and accomplishments of a handful of trans and non- linear entrepreneurs, the goal is to encourage, motivate and advocate for a future where everyone, irrespective of their gender identity, has the opportunity to develop, lead and fight their dreams.
Tate Smith
Smith is an award-winning speech and activist who is dedicated to disproving the legends about the transgender community as the founder and director of Tate Smith Consulting. Smith began speaking about his experiences as a transgender person navigating the business world while working as a legal secretary and having a difficult coming out encounter at an employer.
With his new consulting, Smith hopes to give businesses the tools to support trans people by promoting gender-affirming practices, addressing the negative stereotypes about people’s emotional health, and trans women going through the menopause.
Martine Rothblatt
From satellite tv to engineering achievements, Martine Rothblatt defies classification. She has spearheaded billion-dollar companies like Sirius XM Radio and United Therapeutics as well as championed LGBTQ+ privileges by coming out as trans in 1994. She is a lawyer with a creative flash.
While payment isn’t the only measure of success, it’s worth noting that her passion turned eyes: Rothblatt was the biotech company’s highest-paid CEO in 2017.
Vyra Sher
Arriving in the US in 2019 seeking asylum, Vyra Sher is a contemporary example of what the “American Dream” should be all about.
As an asylum seeker and trans woman of colour, she’s faced discrimination, misogyny and rejection for most of her life. Despite this, after rebranding her fashion blog to LECHERY, an accessories company focused on hosiery, Sher found her brand in big box US retailers like Macy’s, Kohl’s and Nordstrom.
In 2023, she told PinkNews, “LECHERY is my way of reclaiming the years that I lost when I wasn’t living my true authentic self.”
Imara Jones
Imara Jones, an Emmy and Peabody Award-winning journalist, tackles social justice issues head-on. She created the impactful multi-episode docuseries, TransLash, exploring the transgender experience amidst societal resistance. Jones also co-hosted The Last Sip, a news program geared toward young people of color, particularly LGBTQ+ people.
A force for intersectionality, Jones’ work spans various media platforms, including The Guardian, MSNBC, and NPR. She also held communications positions at Viacom and served in economic policy roles during the Clinton administration. Jones, a highly accomplished academic, holds degrees from prestigious universities like Columbia University and the London School of Economics. Jones, a Soros Equality Fellow and board member of the Anti-violence Project, is actively involved in social justice.
Indy Sanders
Indy Sanders, a former professional tennis player who now works as a tech growth specialist, was inspired by their deep love of the arts to launch the media startup PerformVu in 2023. PerformVu, which was initially regarded as “the Netflix for art,” has since established itself as the most popular platform for connecting viewers to video and performance art.
In just 12 months, PerformVu gained venture capital backing from leading US investors, won an award at SXSW, and delivered compounding growth. Beyond being led by a non-binary founder, 80 percent of PerformVu’s team identify as LGBTQ+ and all are proud to be carving the path to more diverse workforces.
Maeve DuVally
Maeve is a former senior communications executive at financial firms like J.P. Morgan and Goldman Sachs. She is a DEI consultant who works to improve workplaces for underrepresented groups.
On Linked In, DuVally approaches vulnerable topics such as her previous struggles with addiction, her transition as an “older trans woman” and shares insights and learnings from her many business accomplishments as well as DE&, I initiatives.
Rico Jacob Chace
Rico Jacob Chace, a Black transgender man, has used his education and five years of asset management experience to effectively oversee the growth of social impact organizations. Chace, a former charity director and entrepreneur, has a proven track record of supporting underrepresented groups in settings like the United Nations’ UNITE Future Leaders Programme, the UK Parliament, and the Mayor of London’s office.
He also has appeared on the NYC Journal’s 50 Under 50 list amongst other accolades. Chace is also a gifted panelist and speaker who has spoken extensively to businesses and UK Black Pride.
Thea Bardot
Thea Bardot, founder and chief executive at Lightning Travel Recruitment. (Supplied)Thea Bardot, the “thunder” and CEO of Lightning Travel Recruitment, and a self-described “neurospicy babe,” exudes her passion for inclusion and the luxury travel and hospitality industry in every position and speaking engagement she takes on.
Bardot’s content around DEI, neurodiversity and being a queer business owner landed her on Linked In’s Top 10 UK LGBTQIA Voices list. Recently, Bardot has captured her gender-affirming surgery and transition with a sense of vulnerability and realness that truly makes her a powerful voice and an inspiration for all transgender and non-binary people.
Robyn Electra
Robyn Electra, who is a native of Nigeria, settled in the UK to pursue a career in fashion, Gaff and Go, a tucking underwear line for trans women. (Robyn Electra)Robyn Electra, who was born in Nigeria, moved to the UK at the age of 18 to pursue both an education and a life of authentic self, and she made the transition in 2015. After relying on gaffer’s tape to prevent “bulges” while wearing dresses, Electra was inspired to create underwear for pre-op trans women that are gender-affirming, sexy, comfortable and most importantly, safe.
Now, her company Gaff &, Go has over 200,000 followers across social media and plans to release a sports apparel line for trans women, non-binary people and anyone else who “tucks”.
Dani St James
The UK charity Not a Phase, which is dedicated to uplifting the trans + community, was founded by Dani St James. (Jordan Rossi)Dani St James has spent her career in nightclubs, cosmetics, and even as a recruiter. She is now the CEO of the UK-based charity Not A Phase. The trans-led grassroots charity is dedicated to raising money for the trans community through campaigns, social projects, and funding initiatives.
St. James sees charity work as a catalyst, encouraging people to improve themselves while assisting others.
She stated to PinkNews in a statement from 2023 that she believed that the main thing that we have been doing right now is promoting a truly three-dimensional image of trans people without the appearance of these things that exist in the shadows.
Kylo Freeman
For Them, a brand made of comfortable binders for trans people, was founded by Kylo Freeman as an actor, venture capitalist, and founder of it. (For Them)
With a background in finance and venture capital, Kylo Freeman (they/he) founded For Them in 2021 with the goal to reinvent queer wellness. The first direct-to-consumer chest binder from the business solved Freeman’s problem of finding comfortable and breathable chest binders.
Recently, Freeman and For Them acquired Autostraddle, a popular online magazine and social network for LGBTQ+ women and other trans people.
Freeman, who was born in Liverpool and currently resides in New York, is an accomplished screen and film actor. He has appeared on The Black List, New Amsterdam, and will be in the Netflix thriller The Night Agent in the second season.
