Mariah Moore doesn’t just advocate for change; she builds it from the ground up. With roots in New Orleans and a heart set on justice, Mariah brings a lived experience to every room she enters. As Director of Policy and Programs at the Transgender Law Center, she’s crafting strategies that move beyond inclusion toward true liberation, ensuring the voices of Black trans communities are not only heard but centered in the fight for equity. “Pride Month is a constant reminder and means we’re still here and still fighting—and we have so much more to fight for, so many future generations to fight for,” Mariah says. “I think we’re in a moment where we need to use Pride as a reminder that there are so many that came before us that put their bodies on the line so that we could experience some of the autonomy that we do as human beings.”

As part of BET.com’s 12 Days of Pride, Mariah’s story is spotlighted to reflect the radical possibility and power of trans leadership in the South and beyond. In this 12 Days of Pride feature, Mariah reflects on the power of visibility, the urgency of safe housing, and what it means to lead with both purpose and compassion. From policy tables to grassroots movements, she is proof that transformation starts with community—and with those willing to fight for it. Her presence is not just historic; it’s powerfully necessary.