Youth Role Models
Jazz Jennings
LGBTQ Advocate and Activist
Bio
Jazz Jennings (age 21) is a major voice for members of the LGBTQ community, particularly those identifying as transgender. Jazz serves as a youth ambassador for the Human Rights Campaign. She starred in the American reality TV show called “I am Jazz” which documented her day-to-day experiences of being a transgender teenager. She also co-authored a children’s book titled “I Am Jazz,” which gives a glimpse into her experience growing up questioning her gender identity. Alongside her parents, Jennings founded the TransKids Purple Rainbow Foundation. It aims to spread “the message of tolerance, acceptance and unconditional love which are a birthright for all trans kids.”
Follow Jazz on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and check out The Purple Rainbow Foundation’s website.
In the News
Jazz Jennings: When I first Knew I was transgender
Jazz Jennings at the 2016 HRC Foundation’s Time to THRIVE
How a Transgender Teen Became a Nationally Known activist
Jazz Jennings on the Tomi Lahren Show
“So many transgender people in the community are being covered with this umbrella of misconception that we are going to hurt someone. But we are not trying to hurt anyone.”
Special Note: The Center for Youth Political Participation, Eagleton Institute of Politics, Rutgers University or any of its affiliates, are not directly connected or affiliated with the following individual. This page is to be utilized as a teaching tool for the RU Ready in the Classroom program.