Emmelia Augusta Smith Ruiz Talarico, started organizing at 19 and is now the director of NoJusticeNoPride.org, a collective of organizers and activists fighting to liberate queer and trans people, Talarico and their staff work endless hours to ensure its success — all without a dime of government dollars. The organization also runs a safe house in D.C. for young trans women of color and sex workers, offering food, housing, counseling, and emotional support that includes a leadership development program for those eager to learn. After the 2016 election, it became clear to Talarico and other non-binary trans folks like them that they would have to fend for themselves. Recently, Talarico helped to raise $40,000 for the organization. All of that money goes directly to the needs of Black and Brown trans sex workers struggling with housing security.