Jenna Lee Dunn Is Making Change In The Mid-South

Jenna Lee Dunn is a transgender woman based in Memphis, Tennessee, and a crusader for the trans community in the Mid-South. Jenna is making a profound impact as the founder and executive director of Mid-South Trans Nation, a Memphis-based nonprofit devoted to providing support, resources, and safe spaces for the transgender community across Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi. 

Jenna’s work and dedication to the organization extend beyond professional passion—it is fundamentally personal. As a transgender woman herself, she is all too familiar with the unique challenges and adversities that trans individuals face. Motivated by her lived experience, she has made it her life’s work to provide solutions, spaces, and structure for the trans community in the Mid-South. 

Mid-South Trans Nation, founded in 2023, was planted with a simple, powerful seed: trans people needed a space where they could be themselves without fear. Jenna began strategizing and turned to Facebook to create the Trans Nation Social group, where she would soon feel eager to continue her outreach. “I wanted to create something powerful—something that truly represented all trans people in the Mid-South,” Jenna shares with GO. And so, in 2024, Mid-South Trans Nation officially blossomed into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, ready to make an impact. 

Jenna and her team focus on building community and offering tangible support, with initiatives including free community events—such social gatherings and educational workshops—Trans Closet, a collaboration between Jenna and Blue Suede Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence to provide free clothing to trans individuals during their transition period, making gender expression more accessible, legal document assistance—including name changes, passport updates, and other paperwork—and support groups where trans individuals can share experiences, seek guidance, and find community. Thanks to donations and partnerships with organizations like Mid-South Pride, Planned Parenthood, Choices, My Sistah’s House, WeCare Tennessee, Friends For All, and Focus Mid-South Magazine, these programs were made possible. 

Jenna’s personal life and experiences are undeniably at the heart of her work at Mid-South Trans Nation. She recalls a heartwarming moment where a parent approached her at an event, expressing gratitude for providing a sanctuary for their trans child. “Their words stuck with me,” Jenna says. “They said, ‘We didn’t know where to go or who to trust. You gave us hope.’ That’s why we do this.” 

In the future, Jenna sees her organization expanding to meet more of the needs of her community. “Our ultimate goal is to open a brick-and-mortar trans community center—a space where people can come for resources, support, and community.” She expresses that, like any nonprofit, growth comes as a product of overcoming challenges—one of which is that Mid-South Trans Nation is operating completely virtual right now. 

Jenna notes that her partner Mar Newell, (they/he) a non-binary trans masculine individual, is a large part of her work as they collectively share a commitment to advocate for more inclusive spaces. Mar is the co-vice president of Mid-South Pride, a guard with the Blue Suede Sisters, and volunteers with numerous LGBTQ+ organizations. 

Jenna’s work has not gone unnoticed. She has received numerous awards, including the 2023 Trailblazer of the Year Award from Focus Mid-South Magazine—a testament to her steadfast efforts in advocating for the trans community. 

Jenna wants every trans person to know they are not alone. “I know things feel uncertain right now. But don’t give up. We are here, fighting for you. You are valid. You deserve dignity, respect, and a life without fear.” As long as Jenna is alive, she is committed to using her voice and platform to advocate for those who need it most. 

Want to support their mission? Donations, sponsorship, and volunteers are always welcome.