TAJA Coalition Press Kit

First Annual Divinity Ball

The TAJA Coalition

The Transgender Advocates for Justice and Accountability (TAJA’s) Coalition, was founded in February 2015 in response to the brutal murder of Taja Gabrielle de Jesus, a transgender woman of color and resident of San Francisco. Since it’s foundation through today, TAJA’s Coalition is one of the only organizations led and driven by transgender women of color in San Francisco, and our mission is to stop the genocide of trans women of color. We have a vision of safety for trans women and GNC individuals, a world free of the prison industrial complex and state violence, an economy centered on the needs of people, and arrangements of power and space that centers interdependence.

We provide services that identify and fulfill the immediate needs of transgender women of color through the lens of social equity by increasing education and understanding of the transgender experience to the general public, eliminating violence, creating employment opportunities and a leadership pipeline, and supporting existing programs that provide services to transgender women.

Transgender Advocates for Justice and Accountability Coalition is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit.

Akira Jackson; CEO

Akira Jackson is the CEO/Founder of the Transgender Advocates for Justice and Accountability (TAJA) Coalition.The TAJA Coalition is San Francisco’s first non-profit in San Francisco to be founded and incorporated by a Black Transgender woman, with the goal to end all violence against Trans Women of Color.

In addition to being a Black Trans woman and recognized trans rights advocate, Director Jackson is also an expert in  engagement, recruitment and delivery of HIV prevention interventions with Trans Women, especially Black Trans Women.  Akira was awarded the SF Business Outstanding Voices Award and is a Robet Wood Johnson Fellow.

Ballroom History

TAJA’s is a proud participant in the predominantly African-American and Latino LGBTQ+ Ball culture, that originated in New York City, and is thriving here in the Bay. The Ball culture is now worldwide and is ubiquitously represented in television and other mainstream media. Traditional Ball culture is a space for the LGBTQ+ community to safely convene and bring awareness to the HIV epidemic.

TAJA’s Coalition is celebrating our rich culture with a focus on Black Trans community violence prevention in a 3 part event, which will be held on June 10, 2022.

In our first event, we will host the Divinity Cocktail Hour for stakeholders in a light engagement to support anti-violence for transwomen.

Our second event, the Divinity Forum, is a  facilitated  discussion with trans leaders concerning violence in the media, how we can take charge of the narratives regarding legislation, our community, and our lives.

Our third event is the Divinity Ball, a ball to empower Black Trans Women through self expression, fashion, and storytelling.

The Divinity Forum with trans leaders regarding narratives of our lives, and the Divinity Ball will be recorded and/or live streamed.

Divinity Ball

TAJA’s First annual Divinity Ball will be held at SOMArts Center in San Francisco on Friday June 10, 2022.  The ball will begin at 6:30pm and will end at 1:00am.  The Divinity Ball will feature over 10 categories and TAJA’s will be distributing $15,000.00 in prizes to category winners.

The Divinity Ball will highlight participants, performers, special guests, and entertainers from around the country!  Tickets will be on sale online and available at the door.  Ticket prices start at $30.  There will be food, beverages, and cocktails available for purchase.  TAJAs will be selling Divinity Ball merch and swag!