Jordyn Jay

Jordyn started Black Trans Femmes in the Arts (BTFA) from a one-off fundraiser online with a simple goal: provide the space for her community to make and own creative work. Five years later, BFTA has grown to a cultural force building infrastructure for Black trans artists in New York City and beyond. With studio space, direct funding, healthcare access, job placement, and media training to help artists not just survive, but thrive.

In a city known as a safe space for queer people, trans folks in particular still face high rates of poverty and exclusion. A seasoned organizer, Jordyn created BTFA to fill the gap that exists in supporting trans New Yorkers beyond their basic needs. From museum exhibitions to a hit YouTube show, BTFA programs have reached over 3 million people while staying grounded in care, self-determination, and community.

Jordyn’s vision is clear: art is not the end goal, it is the pathway to liberation, leadership, and economic security for one of New York’s most under-resourced creative communities.