Woodhull Freedom Foundation to Debunk TGNC Myths for Pride Month

The Woodhull Freedom Foundation will host a virtual "Pride Month" edition of its "Fact Checked by Woodhull" series on June 30, 2026, focusing on myths surrounding the transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) community. The event will feature panelists Harrison Browne, Tre’Vell Anderson, and Laura Jacobs, with Woodhull Senior Policy Analyst Allison Grossman, PhD, also contributing.

Addressing TGNC Misconceptions

The upcoming "Fact Checked by Woodhull" edition aims to address myths about the transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) community. According to a representative, the myths debunked by Woodhull's writers and researchers are based on current policies targeting TGNC individuals. These myths represent a fraction of the challenges TGNC people face in their work, advocacy, and daily lives.

Ricci Levy, president and CEO of the Woodhull Freedom Foundation, stated that false narratives are being used to justify discrimination, restrict access to healthcare, limit participation in public life, and undermine the fundamental human rights of trans and gender nonconforming people. Levy emphasized the importance of facts, particularly when people's dignity, freedom, and safety are at stake. The "Fact Checked by Woodhull" series confronts persistent and damaging myths about TGNC people with facts, research, and lived experience. Levy also highlighted the importance of channeling the activist roots of Pride Month to challenge disinformation, defend human rights, and ensure everyone's freedom to live authentically and safely.

The Woodhull Freedom Foundation's LinkedIn page further elaborates on the context, noting that misinformation and disinformation about TGNC communities continue to shape public discourse and policy in the United States. This often leads to serious consequences for basic human rights, including access to healthcare, public restrooms, and participation in sports. The organization views addressing these harmful myths as a critical step toward ensuring that gender identity and expression are recognized, respected, and protected as fundamental human rights.

Panelists and Program Details

The virtual event will feature a panel discussion with Harrison Browne, Tre’Vell Anderson, and Laura Jacobs. Harrison Browne is described as a trailblazing trans athlete. Tre'Vell Anderson is an award-winning journalist and changemaker. Laura A. Jacobs, LCSW, is a therapist, author, and longtime advocate. The program will also include a concise research overview from Woodhull Senior Policy Analyst Allison Grossman, PhD. Grossman will highlight key findings from the "Fact Checked" initiative and provide practical insights for participants to use in policy, advocacy, and community engagement contexts. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with panelists through a live Q&A.

The episode is scheduled to livestream on Tuesday, June 30, at 3:30 p.m. (EDT). Registration for the event is free, and ASL interpretation will be provided to ensure accessibility. The Woodhull Freedom Foundation encourages professionals, advocates, and community members to register for the event. Further information is available on WoodhullFreedomFoundation.org.

Woodhull Freedom Foundation's Advocacy

The Woodhull Freedom Foundation is a national human rights organization focused on protecting sexual freedom and ending sexual violence. The organization has a history of hosting panels that address critical issues related to sexual freedom and expression. For instance, on February 26, 2026, the Woodhull Freedom Foundation hosted "Checking the Facts: Free Speech Edition" as part of its "Fact Checked by Woodhull" series. This livestreamed event brought together experts from adult entertainment, journalism, and law to examine the First Amendment’s protection of sexual expression and efforts to restrict it through legislation targeting pornography, sex education, and online speech.

Panelists for the "Free Speech Edition" included veteran adult star Cherie DeVille, Taylor Lorenz, Lawrence Walters, Esq., and Allison Grossman, PhD, Woodhull’s senior policy analyst. A spokesperson for Woodhull described the discussion as a "wide-ranging discussion on free expression, sexual freedom and the real-world impact of censorship on marginalized communities." Cherie DeVille expressed appreciation for spaces focused on facts, stating that free speech and sexual expression are deeply connected, and such conversations help people understand what is at stake when these rights are challenged. Registration for that event was also free, with optional donations supporting Woodhull Freedom Foundation’s advocacy work. The event streamed live on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

Since 2019, the Woodhull Freedom Foundation has also championed efforts to decriminalize sex work, working alongside local organizers to educate state lawmakers. The organization advocates for sex work decriminalization as the legal model supported by sex workers, believing it ensures the safety and dignity of all people involved in commercial sex and prevents exploitation. The foundation has observed progress in this area, with more states introducing legislation to decriminalize sex work each legislative session.

Key Facts

• The Woodhull Freedom Foundation will host a virtual "Pride Month" edition of its "Fact Checked by Woodhull" series on June 30, 2026.
• The event will address myths about the transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) community.
• Panelists include Harrison Browne, Tre’Vell Anderson, and Laura Jacobs.
• Woodhull Senior Policy Analyst Allison Grossman, PhD, will provide a research overview.
• The livestream is scheduled for Tuesday, June 30, at 3:30 p.m. (EDT).
• Registration for the event is free, and ASL interpretation will be provided.