Babs Siperstein was a trailblazer for equality, and our movement wouldn’t be where we are today without her courage and commitment. In 2019, Babs Siperstein passed away at 76 years old–keeping her legacy alive Garden State Equality established the Babs Siperstein Fellowship with seed funding from Babs’ own Gender Rights Advocacy of New Jersey organization.
Babs came out in 2000 and immediately became an activist for LGBTQ equality in New Jersey, serving as an original board member for Garden State Equality. Most notably, over the course of her advocacy in New Jersey, Babs helped advocate for marriage equality, transgender inclusive nondiscrinimation protections, and the Babs Siperstein Law.
Babs was the first openly transgender member of the Democratic National Committee, where she was appointed by then-chairman Tim Kaine. She was appointed to the Democratic National Committee’s Executive Committee in 2011, where she served until October 2017.
This fellowship opportunity is for young trans adults, looking to continue Babs’ legacy through advocacy, and advancing policy both at the local, state, and national level. Fellows will work alongside Garden State Equality for a fall, spring, or summer term. They will be compensated with a stipend and are eligible to receive credit with permission from the school.
