We’re the Ford Family

Hi, We’re Vanessa and JR Ford. In 2005, we met in Washington, DC. We married in 2008, and then had two kids in two years.

As parents, our goal is to ensure that our kids feel loved, have fun, feel supported and heard, and, ideally, say "please" and "thank you". It’s important to us to give our kids the space to be themselves and just be kids: play, interact, show emotions, laugh, cry, and experience all the feelings in between. That safe space was tested back in 2015, when our youngest child began socially transitioning and identified as transgender.

This opportunity (it's not a situation, a problem or issue) to understand Ellie set us on a new journey. One part of this journey was a focus on our child, but the other part was embracing and learning from the community of which they are part. We both researched, met with people in the community, learning from and sharing their stories. Most importantly, we applied all we learned to ensure Ellie was supported.

Ellie's journey opened us up to the amazing work being done around us. From working with the Human Rights Campaign, National Center for Transgender Equality, GLSEN and The Trevor Project, we became part of the choir singing for equality. We are extremely grateful to be on this journey and hope that through sharing our story and what we’ve learned on our journey, it’s easier to change hearts and minds.

This movement is bigger than just the story of our family. In today's divisive climate, advocacy is more important than ever. With over 30 states introducing anti trans-legislative action, particularly focused on trans youth, taking action now is critical. Together, we are focused on helping state and federal government legislatures protect trans rights. Additional protections do not do not strip others of their rights, but allow those at risk to be protected to live the lives they choose.

The Civil Rights Act established protections against discrimination. This includes: race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Additionally, it required equal access to public places and employment, and enforced desegregation of schools and the right to vote. This historic piece of legislation helped to tackle decades- and centuries-long mistreatment of African-Americans. The same can be said about passing state and federal legislation to protect the rights and the existence of trans people. And now, it is time to get this work done.

It's time to get in good trouble.