Civil Rights Leader · Policy Strategist · Writer
“Fighting for the dignity of every person — in Congress, courtrooms, statehouses, and community.”
25+
Years of Advocacy
23+
Anti-Trans Bills Defeated
45
Coalition Organizations
1st
Openly Trans WA Candidate
“For over 25 years, I have fought to ensure that transgender and gender-diverse people are treated with the dignity and respect that every human being deserves.”
For over 25 years, Danni Askini has been at the forefront of the civil rights movement — building coalitions, winning policy victories, and defending the dignity of transgender and gender-diverse communities against unprecedented attacks.
As the founder and Executive Director of Gender Justice League, she has helped secure transgender-inclusive healthcare coverage in Washington State, defeated over 23 anti-trans legislative attacks, banned conversion therapy, and built Trans Pride Seattle into one of the largest trans pride celebrations in the country.
Today, as co-chair of No Hate in Washington State and a nationally recognized voice on LGBTQ rights, gender-based violence, and healthcare equity, Danni continues to fight — not just for trans people, but for the principle that every person’s freedom and dignity is worth defending.
The current wave of anti-trans legislation represents the most significant rollback of civil rights in a generation. With 25+ years of experience defeating discriminatory bills and ballot measures, I bring strategic expertise to the fight for trans dignity.
Learn MoreFrom securing trans-inclusive Medicaid coverage to navigating a $35,000 COVID hospital bill without insurance, I understand healthcare policy from both the policy table and the patient’s bed.
Learn MoreTrans women face epidemic levels of violence. As someone who has survived hate crimes, death threats, and forced exile, I work to build systems that protect all survivors.
Learn MoreWhen a government can revoke your passport for who you are, democracy itself is under attack. I defend democratic institutions because I know what happens when they fail.
Learn MorePolicy analysis, personal essays, and movement reflections.
A legal analysis of how constitutional protections apply to transgender individuals and why the current wave of legislation may face judicial scrutiny.
Read on SubstackFrom the policy table to the patient's bed — what 25 years of healthcare advocacy has taught me about fighting for equitable coverage.
Read on SubstackWhat happens when the institutions designed to protect you become the instruments of your persecution? A personal reflection on passports, exile, and survival.
Read on Substack