For the past five years, Texas lawmakers have been focused on targeting transgender kids, introducing nearly a hundred anti-transgender bills. For his community, Emmett Schelling, the executive director of the Transgender Education Network of Texas, has spent every day and night fighting back and creating love and safety.
It felt like Emmett lived in the capital all year. After ten months of fighting, Emmett and his supporters were wary when the legislature convened in the fall. But Emmett ensured that it was filled with happiness and sweetness. On the day of a crucial hearing, there were snacks, games, and toys for kids whose existence had to be defended month after month and year after year in the capitol’s reserved chamber. It was a difficult day, but we felt love and camaraderie in that chamber.
Emmett’s tireless advocacy has made a difference. In the face of incredible odds, he has helped to defeat dozens of harmful bills and build support for transgender Texans across the state. Thanks to his leadership, transgender youth in Texas know that they are not alone. Emmett’s work reminds us that even in the darkest of times, hope is always possible.
How did Emmett pave the way for a new generation?
Emmett Schelling is a brave trans man who has been on the front lines fighting for transgender rights, especially those of trans youth, in Texas. In early 2022, Governor Abbott escalated his attacks on trans youth by attempting to criminalize gender affirmation as a form of child abuse. Emmett quickly mobilized the entire state to fight back against this discriminatory and dangerous legislation.
He knows first-hand the importance of affirming one’s gender identity, as he himself transitioned when he was younger. He also knows that transgender people are already at a higher risk for violence and abuse and that this legislation would only make them more vulnerable.
Emmett’s advocacy and organizing have helped to defeat this harmful bill and other anti-trans bills in the past, but he knows that the fight is far from over. He continues to work tirelessly to ensure that all transgender people can live their lives safely and without fear of discrimination or violence.
Who is Emmett as an individual, and how did he influence society?
Emmett Schelling is a trans-South Korean immigrant who has devoted his life to fighting for the rights of transgender individuals. As the executive director of the Transgender Education Network of Texas (TENT), Schelling has worked tirelessly to educate others about the unique challenges faced by trans people.
In addition to his advocacy work, Schelling is also a licensed counselor and provides vital support to trans individuals who are struggling with their identities. While his primary focus is on trans issues, Schelling recognizes that trans people are often impacted by a myriad of other issues, such as racism, sexism, and homophobia.
This understanding informs his leadership and ensures that TENT remains a vital resource for trans people in Texas. Thanks to the tireless work of individuals like Emmett Schelling, transgender people are finally starting to receive the recognition and support they deserve.
What made Emmett pursue his current social work?
Soon after he started college, he realized that the traditional corporate route wasn’t for him. He became interested in exploring social justice issues and quickly developed a passion for working towards collective liberation. After taking on various levels of community organizing and engagement, he experienced a series of eye-opening events that pulled him into advocating for trans-Texans.
He is now dedicated to his work in the social justice movement and feels grateful to have found his calling in life. He hopes to continue to make a difference in the lives of trans people and help create a more just and equitable world for all.
What does Emmett is currently occupied with?
Emmett Schelling is an accomplished lawyer, professor, and writer who has dedicated his life to fighting for the civil rights of the LGBTQ community.
In addition to serving as the Executive Director of Transgender Education Network of Texas (TENT), he is also a part of the Community Council for Transform Houston, a board member of Deeds Not Words and House of Tulip (HoT), a member of Transgender Law Center’s (TLC) T4All national cohort, and currently serves as Co-Director for the TransFORWARD, a statewide trans powered research collective in Texas with Texas Health Institute, TENT, and Equality Texas.
He was a 2020 Trans Justice Funding Project (TJFP) Grantmaking Fellow. He resides in Houston with his fiancé, a child, and two adopted pups. His work is informed by his own experience as a black transgender man living in the South. His passion for social justice has led him to become a powerful voice in the fight for equality. Through his work with TENT, Transform Houston, Deeds Not Words, and TransFORWARD, Emmett is helping to create a more just and inclusive world for all.
Why is Emmett so popular throughout the world?
Emmett Schelling is a well-known and respected advocate for the rights of transgender individuals. His work has helped to improve the lives of trans people around the world. Thanks to his tireless efforts, Emmett has become a powerful voice in the fight for equality.
His work is informed by his own experience as a black transgender man living in the South, and he is committed to creating a more just and inclusive world for all. Thanks to Emmett’s brave work, transgender people in Texas have hope for a brighter future.
Did Emmett receive any honor for his revolutionary journey?
Yes, Emmett has received numerous honors for his work in the social justice movement. In 2017, he was named one of Houston’s most influential people by the Houston Chronicle. In 2019, he was awarded the Stonewall Outstanding Leadership Award by Equality Texas. And in 2020, he was named a Trans Justice Funding Project (TJFP) Grantmaking Fellow. Thanks to the work of individuals like Emmett Schelling, transgender people are finally starting to receive the recognition and support they deserve.
How much does Emmett earn?
It is quite difficult to provide you with an estimation of how much he earns since Emmett Schelling’s salary is not public information. However, as the Executive Director of Transgender Education Network of Texas, he likely earns a comfortable salary.