Who Am I?
Amari McGee is an award-winning educator, historian, researcher, and activist specializing in gender, sexuality, and human rights education.
His research focuses on gender and sexuality, intersectionality, LGBTQ+ studies, trans studies, critical data studies, datafication, and human rights pedagogy. With a unique background bridging technology and social justice, Amari brings both technical expertise and a deep understanding of human rights to their educational work, creating spaces for meaningful dialogue and transformative learning.
Recognized as a Pioneer of Education by the Trans Life Awards in 2023, Amari has been a vocal advocate in national conversations on transgender rights and history. Amari's diligent work and significant contributions to the LGBTQ+ community have certainly garnered attention and admiration from many. His dedication and commitment to the cause have had a profound impact, and they haven't gone unnoticed by those who appreciate his work, such as GLAAD, The Washington Post, and USA Today.
As a sought-after speaker and moderator, Amari has contributed to important dialogues at institutions including Case Western Reserve University and Georgia State University. Notably, he moderated "Guardians of Truth: Protecting Trans People's Bodies, Data, and Digital Footprints" at the National Trans Visibility March Policy and Safety Summit during World Pride in Washington, DC, and delivered the keynote address "Welcoming and Honoring a New Generation of Leaders" at the NAESM Conference.
Born in Cleveland, OH, and raised in Chicago, IL, Amari has a loving family who affirms and supports him. He is the only child and credits his family and the passing of his late grandmother as the catalyst for both his transition and his career.
At the beginning of his journey, Amari established To Better Understand, Inc., a non-profit organization with a core aim of assisting individuals who lack knowledge or understanding of the LGBTQ+ community. The organization serves as a beacon of knowledge, inspired by Amari’s own family, who encouraged him to continue his quest to educate others about the complexity of gender and sexuality.
On the academic front, Amari holds a Master of Arts in Social Justice & Human Rights from Arizona State University, completed with distinction. His thesis examined transgender social acceptability through an intersectional lens, analyzing barriers, progress, and pathways to inclusion. In addition, he also earned a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with a minor in Computer Science from Kennesaw State University.
Professionally, Amari has carved a niche for himself in the research sphere, specializing in LGBTQ+ and transgender history. His expertise has been recognized by Fortune 500 companies, including Microsoft, Comcast, and Aflac, which have invited him to speak and facilitate discussions on important topics such as allyship, community acceptance, workplace inclusivity, and LGBTQ+ history.
In addition to his speaking engagements, Amari offers consulting services that focus on the LGBTQ+ community, engagement, and transgender history. He has personally provided valuable consultation to over 200 transgender youth and young adults, helping them navigate their gender identities. His consulting work is comprehensive, encompassing one-on-one coaching sessions, the implementation of research-based curriculum, and the provision of instructional strategies aimed at enhancing LGBTQ+ inclusivity in workplaces.
Amari, in his esteemed role as an educator, has devoted his life and career to preserving history. His dedication is particularly evident in his work in transgender history, a field that is often overlooked but of great importance. To solidify his commitment to this cause, he pursued and obtained a role as an interviewer and project advisor for the Georgia Transgender Oral History Project, a project that gathers and preserves stories, memories, and histories with trans and gender diverse people and allies who live/lived in Georgia, or who have participated in activities that affect Georgia. This project equipped him with the necessary skills to preserve and document transgender history, ensuring that future generations will not only have access to these important narratives but also understand the importance of storytelling.
His passion for education and advocacy took another leap forward in 2021 when he created the Trans* Lesson Plan podcast. An innovative and informative podcast that serves not just as a platform for insightful discussions but also as a venue for sharing enlightening stories about transgender history and experiences. It reaches a wide audience, effectively promoting a deeper understanding of transgender issues and experiences on a larger scale. Through this podcast, Amari continues to foster dialogue and understanding, disseminating knowledge and promoting inclusivity and acceptance in society.
Amari's diligent work and significant contributions to the LGBTQ+ community have certainly garnered attention and admiration from many. His dedication and commitment to the cause have had a profound impact, and they haven't gone unnoticed by those who appreciate his work. As he continues to receive prestigious accolades, he acknowledges and celebrates his tireless efforts, unwavering commitment, and significant accomplishments in the field of education, which have made a profound difference in many lives.
His goal remains steadfast… to continue his mission of fostering understanding and comprehension of human diversity, and to tirelessly educate others on transgender history, issues, and rights.