Today, HRC announced the hire of Carmarion D. Anderson as the state director for HRC’s office and statewide efforts in Alabama. 

“I am excited to join the Human Rights Campaign, especially at a time when it is vital for us to pursue and protect LGBTQ rights in Alabama and throughout the country,” said Carmarion D. Anderson, HRC Alabama State Director. “Now more than ever, it’s important for our community to stand together against any attacks on LGBTQ people and work toward a more fair, equal Alabama for all. Additionally, it’s important for our movement to reflect the diversity and challenges of its members. As a transgender woman of color, this is personal, and I’m looking forward to getting to work.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Carmarion to HRC. Carmarion brings an exceptional combination of experience, energy and sensitivity to guide HRC Alabama and nurture important relationships that will support the entire LGBTQ community across the state,” commented Meghan Kissell, director of HRC’s Project One America.

Carmarion D. Anderson is a vibrant and visible trans woman of color with a passion for inclusion in the world. As the Alabama State Director within HRC’s Project One America, Carmarion becomes the first trans person of color to serve in a leadership role with HRC in the organization’s history. Carmarion was born and raised in Dallas, Texas, with family roots in Natchez, Mississippi. Before joining HRC, Carmarion worked in the field of Public Health and Education, managing both local and national prevention initiatives focusing on HIV/AIDS and other health disparities that impact marginalized communities. Carmarion also brings a wealth of experience in faith spaces with her, currently serving as the National Co-Minister and South Region Coordinator for TransSaints ministry of TFAM (The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries). In addition to this role, Carmarion previously served for 15 years as an associate minister at the Living Faith Covenant Church, Dallas, Texas. Carmarion is the founder and former Executive Director of Black Transwomen, Inc., a national non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization with a mission to uplift the voices, hearts, and souls of Black trans women. 

In 2014, HRC launched Project One America, an initiative geared towards advancing social, institutional and legal equality in Alabama, Arkansas and Mississippi. In 2019, Texas became a Project One America state, in recognition of HRC’s long-term commitment to the state. HRC Alabama continues to work to advance equality for LGBTQ Alabamians who have no state level protections in housing, workplace or public accommodations. Through HRC Alabama, we are working toward a future of fairness every day -- changing hearts, minds and laws toward achieving full equality.