Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen
Transgender advocate. First openly trans child of a Member of Congress (Ileana Ros-Lehtinen)
I'm Cuban American, so yep, from Miami. Now a DC transplant. He/él. Native Spanglish speaker. Views = my own
linktr.ee/TransRigo
- Reposted by Rodrigo Heng-LehtinenMore of this. I have a trans kid & they don't understand why people have so many questions about them. I've said to kiddo answer if you find it comfortable, if you're uncomfortable send them to ask me. People can have questions, the big BUT is find people happy to answer them or organisations.
- Let’s change hearts and minds for trans acceptance 🏳️⚧️
- Wow, thank you Gayety for this beautiful profile. 🥹 I’m committed to persuasion over polarization, and honored to focus on that at The Trevor Project. If we want everyday trans youth around the country to have a brighter future, we simply must go beyond the traditional echo chambers.
- Reposted by Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinenhey, I'm a reporter looking to talk with other LGBTQ+ folks about their relationship to smoking (cigarettes). are you trying to quit? did you pick it back up again recently? do all your friends smoke? let's talk! DM me or Signal me @orionr.80
- Being a teenager is hard enough. I can't imagine being a young trans person these days, trying to figure out who I am while seeing constant headlines that I don't belong, that I don’t deserve something as essential as healthcare. Thanks ABC News for having Dr. Ladinsky & me on. #TransHealthcare
- Anti-trans sports bans lack any nuance. Here’s a trans woman excluded in DARTS! 🎯 We need rules for fairness, but these blanket bans are so sweeping that they treat archery & bowling the same as football & basketball, and apply to everyone from elite college athletes to elementary schoolers.
- Trans darts star hits back at 'scary' haters at World Darts Championship thepinknews.com/2025/12/16/noa-lynn…
- Our counselors at The Trevor Project regularly hear from transgender youth who are scared and anxious over the anti-trans politics they’re hearing about in the news. Even when these bills fail to pass, the rising anti-trans rhetoric hurts our young people’s mental health 💔
- My dad is a Vietnam vet. When I told him I was trans, he didn’t get it. Most parents don’t. Later he told me: when you’re in a foxhole, you don’t care who the guy next to you is, only if he has your back. Change can happen. Thank you @newsweek.com for publishing this for #TransAwarenessWeek
- 🔗 to the full op-ed www.newsweek.com/the-trevor-p...
- Shout out to National Hispanic Media Coalition for an inspiring night! Celebrating all of the deserving honorees building bridges in the world of policy & tech 💻 🫱🏼🫲🏾 🧡 #NHMCImpact @nhmc.bsky.social @trevorproject.bsky.social
- I’m starting a new job! My mission has long been to stop LGBTQ, and especially trans, people from being seen as political footballs and start getting us seen as real people - your friends, families, neighbors. Now I get to focus on that at @trevorproject.bsky.social 🏳️🌈 So proud to join this team 🚀
- Reposted by Rodrigo Heng-LehtinenIt's Banned Books Week! Join us this year as we celebrate the freedom to read whatever we choose – free from government interference. Being able to learn about and engage with new ideas, especially those we may disagree with, is foundational to any healthy democracy.
- Hello new followers! 👋🏼 Wondering what my deal is? I’m a transgender advocate 🏳️⚧️ First openly trans kid of a sitting Member of Congress (Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Republican from Miami) 🏛️ My mission is to change hearts and minds for acceptance. Because every trans person is a part of someone’s family 💛
- We bought Tootie many comfy cat beds. She prefers trash. #catsofbluesky
- 📗 It gives reassurance and answers in an approachable, easy to read way. 📖 Donating a copy to a school, library, or community center will get this book in the hands of those who need it most. #TransFamilies #TransYouth #TransBooks
- 📗 It gives reassurance and answers in an approachable, easy to read way. 📖 Donating a copy to a school, library, or community center will get this book in the hands of those who need it most. #TransFamilies #TransYouth #TransBooks
- 📚 Looking for a concrete thing to do on trans rights? Put this book in a library! 🏳️⚧️ Trans people are under attack in unprecedented ways, yet trans youth are still coming out. Many families don’t know what to do. They’re shocked and overwhelmed. This book can help ease that.
- Thank you for this cute quote graphic! 🤗
- Reposted by Rodrigo Heng-LehtinenOh, you can do that?!
- Reposted by Rodrigo Heng-LehtinenI know the pace of harmful legislation is swift and relentless. But we have a tremendous record of stopping/removing harmful anti-LGBTQ+ provisions this year We can stop this, too. We just need to keep speaking up.
- Beautiful day on the Potomac River with my husband ☀️
- Congrats to AIDS United on a beautiful event! My mom and I had a lovely time. As a Republican member of Congress, she continuously fought for PEPFAR, and is still doing so today with partners like @globalequality.bsky.social
- Say hello to Tootie, the new queen of our household! 👑 #catsofbluesky #catsfortransrights
- Kamora Woods, a Black transgender woman, was murdered. There is so much violence against trans women, especially Black trans women, when society treats some people as more disposable than others.
- Black Trans Woman Kamora Woods, 27, Was Shot to Death in Indianapolis - Pittsburgh Lesbian Correspondents bit.ly/3Uz7jAA
- Reposted by Rodrigo Heng-LehtinenThe biggest differences are that the work should have begun earlier, opponents of inclusion have far deeper pockets and more sympathetic media environments, and we are talking about a smaller population with less familiarity. We are starting from behind with fewer resources. But we can do this! 🌈
- Reposted by Rodrigo Heng-LehtinenWhile there are unique qualities that led to same-sex marriage shifts; the biggest was people having literally thousands of conversations with friends, family, and neighbors. It will take time and investment, but we can do the same on trans rights - and some of us already are.
- 🏳️🌈 Sometimes folks are surprised to learn that trans men can be gay too. Just as non-trans men and women can be any sexual orientation, so can trans people. Thank you to @lgbtqnation.com for inviting me to write about my process of self-realization as a gay trans man ✨
- I found myself as a trans man when I embraced the flamboyance of camp and glitter - buff.ly/qWOyFVD
- This is employment discrimination, pure and simple. People should be judged based on what they do, not who they are. These are veterans who volunteered to serve, worked hard, and met all the standards of performance. Kicking them out and now denying them promised retirement benefits is cruel.
- Reposted by Rodrigo Heng-LehtinenAmericans are relearning the lesson we learned during the Gilded Age of the late 1890s, when robber barons ran the government and the economy for their own benefit: Oligarchy is incompatible with the common good. I'm hopeful we'll respond with a new progressive movement.
- Reposted by Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinenevery news cycle about Sarah McBride:
- This! Doctors who provide healthcare to young trans patients do so under long-researched standards of care that are broken down by different ages. Parents are at the table. It’s dangerous for the government to pressure doctors to ignore medical guidelines just because they have a political agenda.
- NCLR's Legal Director @shannonminter5.bsky.social was just on @cnn.com talking about escalating Trump administration attacks on confidential doctor-patient relationships. www.youtube.com/watch?v=22mu...
- Reposted by Rodrigo Heng-LehtinenA story about a girl named Becky who just wants to be allowed to play with other kids. Trump-MAGA (and certain SCOTUS justices) must punch all the way down to Becky and other trans kids in middle school to make themselves and some in their coalition feel powerful. Such people shouldn’t have power.
- Reposted by Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen
- 🏳️⚧️ As long as everyday people don’t really understand what it means to be trans, the opposition will continue to turn that unfamiliarity into animus. That’s why I’m focusing on hearts and minds - growing public acceptance. Thank you @queerty.com for naming me a Pride50 honoree and chatting! 🏳️🌈
- Reposted by Rodrigo Heng-LehtinenIn journalism, we teach writers not to use “passes away.” Please keep an eye on this story. Please profile Johnny Noviello, a 49-year-old citizen of Canada. Please investigate the investigation and hold people accountable, if applicable. www.ice.gov/news/release...
- Know your history
- This decision encourages the dangerous practice of politicians making healthcare decisions, instead of doctors, patients, and their families
- The #Skrmetti decision is disheartening. So many Americans still don’t know this medicine is safe & effective. 🔬 Studied for 40+ years ⚕️ Supported by every legitimate medical association, like the AMA 🩺 Standards of care broken down by different ages 🏥 Patients are closely monitored for safety
- The #Skrmetti decision is disheartening. So many Americans still don’t know this medicine is safe & effective. 🔬 Studied for 40+ years ⚕️ Supported by every legitimate medical association, like the AMA 🩺 Standards of care broken down by different ages 🏥 Patients are closely monitored for safety
- ✨ Thank you @queerty.com for honoring me in the Pride 50! And alongside so many other fabulous honeorees. It was a magical night 🪩
- Reposted by Rodrigo Heng-LehtinenIt’s looking more and more like a dictatorship. That’s no way to treat a U.S. Senator. Claiming he was an attacker and failed to identify himself is delusional he’s a sitting senator. America is watching, and the tides are turning.
- 📢OUT NOW: Health and Wellbeing report from the U.S. Trans Survey Based on responses from 84k+ trans adults nationwide, this report dives deep into health, experiences with providers, and access to care. Because trans experiences are real. Trans data is powerful. And every story counts. 📝📊🏳️⚧️
- Fast fact: Respondents who had socially transitioned were more likely to report good health (67%) compared to those who hadn’t (61%), and medically transitioned respondents reported even better outcomes (70% vs. 58%).
- 📍Another one of many fascinating data points here. Major health disparities persist, however.
- Helping bring this research to fruition was one of my highlights while leading the National Center for Transgender Equality & @transequality.bsky.social Big props to the whole team who made this possible! 📖 Read the full report: ustranssurvey.org
- Reposted by Rodrigo Heng-LehtinenIf you’re trans, the biggest favor you can do for yourself and your community is to separate “there’s a dehumanizing debate about our inclusion” from “they're going to k*ll all adult trans people.” Our biggest threat is our own despair.
- Know Your Rights Guide: Best Practices for Safe Protesting 📢 Please share 📢 #Protest #KnowYourRights
- Reposted by Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen“That child deserves our support,” @governorwalz.mn.gov continued. “Don’t worry about the pollsters calling it distractions, because we need to be the party of human dignity.”
- Reposted by Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinenjust a reminder that the dem who ran this campaign unseated a 3x gop incumbent who had never won by less than double digits
- ⚖️ Calling all lawyers: CLE opportunity 🏳️⚧️ 💻 ABA Webinar TOMORROW | June 5-6, 2025 | ABA Equity Summit I’ll be speaking on “Under Attack: Protecting Trans Communities in a Hostile Landscape” with @equalityfl.bsky.social and more @aba-crsj.bsky.social
- Reposted by Rodrigo Heng-LehtinenJonathan Joss--voice actor of John Redcorn from King of the Hill, and Ken Hotate from Parks and Rec--was killed in a homophobic hate crime today. I'm so angry.
- Join me at World Pride in DC! Honored to be invited to moderate the panel on Legal Rights & Health Advocacy for Trans Thriving Trans people have always found ways to lean on each other when the government has failed us We WILL thrive! #worldpridedc #pride2025 #dcpride2025 @hrc.org
- Reposted by Rodrigo Heng-LehtinenIt was lovely to finally meet @transrigo.bsky.social at TDOV hosted by @christopherstreet.bsky.social! I'm so excited to see what the future holds for both Rodrigo and A4TE and wish everyone the very best!
- Reposted by Rodrigo Heng-LehtinenWe are immensely grateful for Rodrigo’s stellar leadership and commitment to A4TE and his unwavering efforts to protect trans rights. He will be missed. Onward Rodrigo!
- Big announcement! Now that A4TE is up and running for trans equality, it’s time for me to take my next step. My last day is 4/30. I’m going to recharge & then focus on changing hearts and minds. I’m deeply grateful to have been part of this phenomenal team, and excited for what’s next!
- Join me in Brooklyn on Friday night!
- NYC — there's still time to join us for tomorrow's event at @hivemindbookstore.bsky.social, at 7pm EST. Discussion features Nico Lang, Author of American Teenager; @transrigo.bsky.social, Exec Dir of A4TE; Adam Eli, Activist and Author. Grab your spot now: action.transequality.org/a/american-t...
- 🏳️⚧️ WE AREN’T GOING ANYWHERE 🏳️⚧️ In just 5 days we’re taking over the National Mall to show Trump that trans people won’t be erased! Join us: TransDayOfVisibility.com I’ll be there with @christopherstreet.bsky.social , @transequality.bsky.social, @publiccitizen.bsky.social & way more
- Reposted by Rodrigo Heng-LehtinenNYC: Join us this Friday, March 28th at 7PM for an important discussion on the state of the trans rights movement. Hosted at @hivemindbookstore.bsky.social, the event features Nico Lang, @transrigo.bsky.social and Adam Eli in conversation. RSVP now: action.transequality.org/a/american-t...
- New York folks! Join me on Friday, March 28th at 7pm for a live event with author Nico Lang and writer Adam Eli. We’ll discuss real-life stories of trans youth in the book American Teenager and address the state of the trans rights movement. At @hivemindbookstore.bsky.social in Brooklyn
- RSVP at action.transequality.org/a/american-t... Hosted by @transequality.bsky.social 🏳️⚧️🏳️⚧️🏳️⚧️
- 📢 ACTION ALERT: Protect Trans Passport Access! The U.S. Department of State is trying to limit trans people’s ability to update our passports. We must act now. Submit your comment to stop these discriminatory changes: transequality.org/news/freedom... #FreedomToFly
- The trans sports ban, S.9, was voted down! It failed 51-45 last night. This is a big win. School sports teach valuable lessons like teamwork and discipline. Let’s not single out a 13 year old girl who just wants to play volleyball with her friends. Shoutout to everyone who called your senators!!!
- It was an honor to part of National Trans Strategy Day. Big thank you to NMAC, and especially Toni Newman and Destiny Pearson for organizing us. These are hard times, but together we will find our way through.
- Reposted by Rodrigo Heng-LehtinenConan O'Brien on Anora having a great night at the Oscars: "I guess Americans are excited to see somebody finally stand up to a powerful Russian." 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
- Reposted by Rodrigo Heng-LehtinenNOAA Cuts Leave Wind Chimes As Sole Predictor Of Approaching Hurricanes
- Reposted by Rodrigo Heng-LehtinenMovie night with Bagel. Trying not to interrupt whatever’s going on here. #Flow
- Stay informed and make your voice heard! Join me this Tuesday for a discussion on policies that target LGBTQ+ families. We’ll share experiences and strategize together to protect LGBTQ+ rights. Hope to see you there! 🗓 Feb 25th | 6:00 - 7:30pm Pacific (Zoom) 📌 Register at buff.ly/4hrNMeU
- Shout out to Our Family Coalition for organizing. In partnership with @eqca.bsky.social, @transequality.bsky.social, and Mission Action.
