The Boston Celtics recently honored trans-activist Athena Vaughn of Dorchester as a Hero Among Us. The award recognizes outstanding individuals making exceptional and lasting contributions to their communities and is usually presented at Celtics home games.
Here’s what the Celtics had to say about Vaughn in their press release announcing Vaughn as one of their most recent Heroes:
In response to the recent outrage over Black Lives Matter protests, Vaughn stepped up for the often-overlooked Black LGBTQ+ community in a big way. As the Operations Coordinator for the Massachusetts Trans Political Coalition, she organized and led June’s “Trans Resistance Rally and March” in Boston to raise awareness of overseen issues in our communities and demand that changes happen.
Athena Vaughn (she/her/hers), also known as Athena West is a Legend in the Ballroom community and has been doing work on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community for over 15 years. In recent years, she worked with transgender communities at Fenway Health, as a Consultant for the Life Skills program, which is designed to help transgender women ages 13–29 manage everyday challenges like hormones, health risks, health insurance and housing. Vaughn is also the Senior Transgender Health Navigator for Fenway Health/AIDS Action Committee, and has overseen the Transcend Program.
For her courage and leadership, the Celtics chose to honor Athena as a ‘Hero Among Us.’
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