Black Trans Femmes in the Arts (BTFA) is a community-led arts organization based in Brooklyn, NY that serves Black trans femme artists and creatives. BTFA’s mission is to create spaces for the production and preservation of Black trans art and culture by building community with Black trans femme artists and providing them with the resources and support necessary to thrive. BTFA envisions a world where Black trans femmes can create without limitations.

BTFA was first conceived as a response to the lack of representation of Black trans femmes in art history, contemporary art spaces, and art scholarship—symptomatic of a greater lack of resources and opportunities. To begin to address this issue, Founder and Executive Director Jordyn Jay organized a Black Trans Femmes in the Arts Meetup in 2019 to connect with other Black trans femmes in the arts. As a collective, BTFA supports and uplifts Black trans femmes in life, and provides them with the resources to live their lives to the fullest and chase their heart’s desire. BTFA organizes programming that centers and highlights Black trans femme artists, executive produces projects led by Black trans femme artists and provides direct support to Black trans artists through their BTFA Productions and Artist in Residence programs; in-house programming including balls and ballroom labs; and BTFA’s Pride, Trans Day of Visibility, and online programming.

Jerome Foundation supports BTFA Productions and Artist Residency programs. The goal of both programs is to create opportunities for Black Trans Femme Artists to produce new, original work. The Artist Residency program hosts 2 early-career Black trans artists at BTFA studios or partnering locations for 1–6 months. Artists receive free studio space and access to equipment, as well as stipends for materials. BTFA provides mentoring and professional development from the organization’s Executive Director and collaborates with the artists to further the reach of their work. BTFA artists-in-residence also give back to the community including hosting talks and workshops. BTFA Productions provides regrants as well as full, end-to-end production support and mentorship from BTFA staff and partners to Black trans femme artists for new creative projects. Awarded through a rolling application process, BTFA Productions include photography, live concerts, balls, spoken word, EPs, music and dance videos, and short films.