About me
Asher McMaher (they/them/theirs) serves as Executive Director of Trans Up Front IL and Senior Advisor of Development and Regional Strategy for Brave Space Alliance, bringing over a decade of specialized advocacy experience for transgender and gender-expansive youth, teens, and young adults. As one of the very few transgender and deaf community leaders in the country, they provide unique perspectives on accessibility while advancing transgender rights through intersectional advocacy approaches.
With a background in legal research, McMaher has played pivotal roles in shaping policies and initiatives that protect and empower transgender individuals, particularly focusing on creating safe and supportive spaces within youth communities. Their comprehensive approach combines direct service provision with systemic change efforts, recognizing that effective advocacy must address both immediate needs and long-term structural barriers.
McMaher has been at the forefront of numerous high-profile advocacy campaigns, including organizing the Transgender Day of Visibility (TDoV) protest in downtown Chicago while currently leading a coalition of over 40 organizations supporting the transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary (TGNC+) community. Their collaborative leadership style has proven effective in building broad-based support for transgender rights across diverse organizational and political contexts.
Through their work influencing legal frameworks and providing vital resources for transgender youth and their families, McMaher has established themselves as a trusted voice in policy development and community empowerment. They are also a member of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Bar Association and National Trans Bar Association as a legal professional to continue to provide the best advocacy on the intersection of gender identity, sexual orientation and disability. They frequently speak at conferences and workshops, sharing expertise on transgender issues, legal protections, and community organizing strategies.
Beyond their professional advocacy, McMaher maintains strong family connections, enjoying quality time with their partner, children, and grandchildren. Their personal experience as a transgender parent and grandparent informs their advocacy work while demonstrating the importance of family support in transgender community building.
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