Today we’d like to introduce you to Verniss McFarland, III.
Hi Verniss, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My story starts long ago in the halls of Robert Frost Elementary School in the 90s. A Houston native, born and raised in the South Park/Sunny Side neighborhood. At an early age, Verniss McFarland, III, understood how important it is to build our communities and their people. Their goal is to provide visibility to individuals who have often been cast aside, judged without prejudice, or treated less than human.
In 2016, Verniss moved to Las Vegas to work at Community Outreach Group (COG) as a Deputy Director running both a PAC and a Super PAC. In the Spring of 2017, Verniss founded The Mahogany Project (TMP, Inc.) in Houston, TX, sparked after the death of Chyna Gibson, a trans-experienced Black woman who slanged in New Orleans on February 25, 2017. TMP inc. aims to reduce social isolation, stigma, and acts of injustice in TQLGB+ communities of color.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As a Black gender-nonconforming trans-identifying person living in a Republican state and the bible-belt South, leading a transgender-led organization hasn’t been easy. There have been many obstacles to overcome, lessons to learn and unlearn, passions to develop, and ways to see and be in the world. It took a lot of life experience, including literally falling on my face, to get here.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Currently, Verniss is working to end stigma aimed at BIPOC folx of TGNCNB experience in Texas through The Mahogany Project, The Mahogany Center (the first Black trans-led and founded physical space in Houston), and Coalition for Trans Liberation, combating anti-transgender policy and working to mobilize the community around various efforts surrounding systematic racism, fair housing, human rights, civic engagement, reproductive justice, advocate and activist for Human Rights, LGBT+ Rights, decimalization of S*x Work, ending stigmatized language, Inclusive Education and working to end voters suppression in Texas and Nevada, where they helped make history by getting the first Latina-X individual elective to office.
Establishing The Mahogany Project as a prominent grassroots organization in the South, dedicated to being a thieving community where people of trans experience flourish. I feel that what distinguishes me from others are the radical teachings by Black women and the models of the community they gave me.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
In the next five to ten years, I anticipate the nonprofit sector will focus more on mental health and housing instability. However, it is hoped that donors, foundations, and government agencies would make more resources and funds available to establish and maintain Black communities.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://themahoganyproject.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themahoganyprojectinc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TMPHTX/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-mahogany-project
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mahoganyproject2091
