Ronnie L. Taylor
The People's Advocate
2025
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The person you call when the system doesn't want to work for you. This award honors the lawyers, social workers, case managers, and elected officials who take on housing disputes, custody battles, benefits denials, and discrimination claims — one person, one case, one fight at a time. They know the paperwork, the loopholes, and the phone numbers that get things done, and they use all of it to get you what you're owed.
Ronnie L. Taylor is the Acting Commissioner on the Maryland Commission on Hate Crime Response and Prevention and serves as Community Impact Director at FreeState Justice. She began her advocacy at 16, leading her high school Gay Straight Alliance, and has built a career across politics, education, nonprofits, and organizational management.
She made history as the first openly transgender Chief of Staff in the Maryland General Assembly. At FreeState Justice, she helps steer community advocacy, policy, development, grants, engagement, and partnerships. In March 2023, she stood with Governor Wes Moore as emcee for the first Transgender Day of Visibility at the Maryland State House.
Her work has been featured on WBAL TV, NBC 4 Washington, WUSA 9, and The Washington Blade, with a brief appearance on Love and Hip-Hop Atlanta. She has been active in movements for racial justice, including organizing and support following the killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, and works to keep queer and trans voices centered.
Originally from Prince George’s County, Maryland, Ronnie values her chosen family and her rescue dog, Tinker. She is a member of Epsilon Tau Delta Sorority, Incorporated. Outside of work, she enjoys the arts, travel, reading, writing, and consulting. As an adjunct professor of African American Studies, she teaches Black history and the contributions of Black communities to public life.
WHAT COMMUNITY HAD TO SAY:
"I’m nominating Ronnie because she tirelessly uses her voice and platform to champion equity, amplify marginalized voices, and advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community and beyond. Their commitment to creating a more just and inclusive city inspires everyone around them."