WE THE BLACK TRANS PEOPLE ARE THE REVOLTION, THE REASON,
A NEW CONSTITUTION.
Our mission is to create avenues and fill in gaps where access is not present for black and brown trans/non-binary artists in the arts and in any way that can support the artist themselves. Art as a modality of healing for us and through Artists for Changes mission, I hope to give us a home in the arts as we together move through the most pivotal time in history to empower and liberate the trans voice. As we are the renaissance. A new beginning for our race, for our ancestors and culture as the black trans community.
We are hope.
ABOUT ME
Hi! My name is Jacob James Staples or JJ for short. I'm a black trans actor, activist, dancer, singer, writer, teacher and storyteller and began my journey with this organization six years ago as a young woman and look at me now! Can you believe it? Along side all of those things I am a candle lover, dog maniac, a Bob’s Burgers fan boy and food obsessed. I created this organization and project in the name of the heart. For those that have given up hope. For those we have lost..
-Jacob (JJ)
WE GOT THE T!
The Current
Situation
Our current administration is working to deliberately erase our existence, for us as black trans individuals, this is extremely dangerous. Let’s walk through the different T’s that represent the ways in which we are here to support our black and brown trans/non binary community!
Therapy Treatment
& Self Care
Artists For Change is committed to the needs of the artist to ensure a safe and stable environment within and without. Through having a disability, fibromyalgia, I firsthand have experienced how it feels to be at a loss with medical bills, needing understanding on how to take care of my body As well as having support on my transition journey with a therapist as I continue HRT as a trans man. In order to ensure those moments on stage in artistry are empowering. AFC is partnered with company’s like Lush Cosmetics to host self care series’ giving us a space to discuss self care and wellness, as once a month meditation groups, micro grant scholarships for therapy, doctors visits, and more.
Theatre
& Dance
We dance with PRIDE and we CREATE with PRIDE. 🏳️🌈 🏳️⚧️. We are the voice of a new generation! Beginning in April of 2026, Artists for Change will be supporting the black/brown trans community in their careers through creating micro grants of $300-400 partnered with for those who cannot afford dance classes, and for those who cannot afford to join AEA and need assistance paying initiation fees/dues.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT!
Follow us on instagram and watch us grow!
SUPPORT THE CLOTHING DRIVE
Our first clothing drive will be starting December 2025 partnering with New York Theatre Workshops Production of Saturday Church!
Wanna join? Check back for our next clothing drive in February! And keep a close eye on our instagram page to see who we’re partnered with next, we’ll be dropping hints! As well as for our next few events
PARTNERSHIPS
Stay tuned for our first event in partnership with Lush Cosmetics on 59th and Columbus! Starting in February 2026. Want to be apart of the planning process: email us and join!
CONTACT US
Have clothes to donate, a partnership idea or wanna chat? Connect with me here!