MassEquality Partners with Family Diversity Projects to Bring “Authentic Selves” Exhibit to the Massachusetts State House

Boston, MA — April 8, 2026 — MassEquality is proud to announce a new partnership with Family
Diversity Projects to bring the powerful photo-text exhibit Authentic Selves to the Massachusetts State
House.
The exhibit will be unveiled at a public launch event on Wednesday, April 8 at 1:00 PM in Room 437 of
the State House. The event is being hosted with the support of legislative sponsor Mindy Domb.
Authentic Selves is a nationally recognized exhibit that uses portraits and personal narratives to highlight
the lived experiences of transgender and nonbinary individuals and their families. By bringing these
stories directly into the State House, MassEquality and Family Diversity Projects aim to foster
understanding, empathy, and informed policymaking around LGBTQ+ issues.
Peggy Gillespie, the executive Director of Family Diversity Projects said of the exhibit, “I created Authentic
Selves: Celebrating Trans and Nonbinary People and their Families when the current president was first
elected and began demonizing trans people—including banning them from military service—fueling a
wave of fear, misinformation, and cruelty that is escalating in his second administration. This exhibit
brings real lives into the State House, schools, houses of worship, colleges, and libraries showing that
understanding can replace fear—and that respect, love, and belonging are always possible.
Trans lives are not up for debate. Authentic Selves brings their stories into the State House and demands
that truth and humanity, not lies and fear, guide policy.
“Bringing Authentic Selves into the State House is about ensuring that the lived experiences of
transgender and nonbinary people are seen, heard, and valued where decisions are made. At a time
when LGBTQ+ rights are under increasing scrutiny across the country, this partnership creates a powerful
opportunity for lawmakers and the public alike to connect with real stories, deepen understanding, and
reaffirm Massachusetts’ commitment to dignity, equity, and inclusion for all, said Tanya Neslusan,
Executive Director of Mass Equality.”
This exhibit is also part of an ongoing partnership between MassEquality and Family Diversity Projects to
bring Authentic Selves to communities across the Commonwealth. By expanding access to these stories
in schools, libraries, and community spaces, we’re helping to foster empathy and inclusion statewide.
Organizations interested in hosting the exhibit are encouraged to contact MassEquality to learn more and
get involved.”
The exhibit will be open to legislators, staff, and the public for viewing following the launch event from April 6 th through April 10 th on the fourth floor of the statehouse. Attendees will have the opportunity to

engage with the stories and reflect on the importance of visibility and inclusion for transgender and
nonbinary communities across Massachusetts.
Event Details:
What: Authentic Selves Exhibit Launch
When: Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Where: Room 437, Massachusetts State House