A Groundbreaking Transgender Laureate Program Launches this Pride Month
The first-of-its-kind initiative will name an annual transgender cultural ambassador empowered by an honorarium and community program fund.
Rochester, NY | June 16, 2025 — The Kingdom of Navassa (Navassa) today unveiled the Bernadine Casseus Trans Laureate Program. This pioneering platform uplifts transgender, nonbinary, and gender-expansive individuals through civic engagement, artistic expression, and community storytelling.
Named for a local trans woman, community activist, and ballroom advocate, Bernadine Casseus, the program arrives amid escalating anti-trans rhetoric to "place trans brilliance center-stage," said founder Marie-Adélina de la Ferrière, founder of Navassa and the late Ms. Casseus's niece.
"The Trans Laureate embodies our belief that art can heal, unite, and catalyze change," de la Ferrière noted. "Securing an inaugural Pride Grant from Trillium Health Foundation shows that our region stands behind trans creatives—but lasting impact will take collective effort. Through this program, Navassa is doubling down on culture as community care."
Program Highlights
One-year term (Jan 2026 – Dec 2026) — The Laureate will curate public programs—performances, readings, workshops, or exhibitions—while representing the Laureateship locally and beyond.
$5,000 inaugural-year budget — Funds cover the Laureate's honorarium, community programming, and operational support.
Robust timeline — Applications open today and close September 6, 2025; finalists will be interviewed in the fall, with the inaugural Laureate announced during Trans Awareness Week this November.
Broad eligibility — Applicants must be 21+, identify as transgender, nonbinary, or gender-expansive, and demonstrate a track record in community engagement, arts, humanities, or storytelling.
Community Impact & Sister Initiatives
The Laureate Program builds on Navassa's slate of grassroots projects that merge art and civic imagination—including Flower City Queens, a calendar fundraiser showcasing drag artists from across Greater Rochester, with a portion of the proceeds supporting LGBTQ+ initiatives in Greater Rochester and Haiti. The Bernadine Casseus Trans Laureate Program extends this vision, providing a platform for one trans individual to inspire, educate, and convene.
Funding & Partnerships
The program has already secured $2,500 through a Pride Grant from the Trillium Health Foundation, one of several awards supporting LGBTQ+ initiatives in the Greater Rochester area. To ensure the Laureate's long-term sustainability and amplify its public reach, Navassa welcomes collaborations with cultural institutions, foundations, and individuals who share a commitment to trans-led programming. A GoFundMe is currently accepting contributions.
How to Apply
Prospective applicants should submit a personal statement (800–1,000 words), résumé/CV, up to five work samples, and two letters of support via the program portal no later than 11:59 p.m. ET on September 6, 2025. Applicants can apply at kingdomofnavassa.org/laureate.
About the Kingdom of Navassa
The Kingdom of Navassa is a visionary socio-cultural initiative that merges art, ceremony, and public service to center marginalized bodies in healing and joy. From the Flower City Queens drag calendar to its new Trans Laureate Program, Navassa re-imagines civic leadership through creativity and community collaboration.