In Memory of Jeri Hughes: Celebrating a Life of Advocacy and Courage

In Memory of Jeri Hughes: Celebrating a Life of Advocacy and Courage

On March 18, the LGBTQ+ community in Washington D.C. and beyond suffered a significant loss with the passing of Jeri Hughes, a devoted advocate for transgender rights. After a seven-year battle with lung cancer, Hughes passed away at her home at the age of 73. Her life and work leave an indelible mark on the community she tirelessly served and supported.

Jeri Hughes dedicated over a decade of her life to the D.C. Department of Employment Services, where she worked as a Workforce Development Specialist. Since moving to D.C. around 2005, she became a prominent figure in the fight for LGBTQ+ and transgender rights, aligning herself with activists and community leaders to champion the causes she held dear.

One of Hughes's significant contributions was her involvement with the D.C. Department of Corrections, where she served on the Transgender Housing and Transgender Advisory Committees. Collaborating with fellow advocate Earline Budd, Hughes played a crucial role in implementing and maintaining the policy that grants transgender inmates the right to choose their housing based on gender identity. This policy, established in 2009, fundamentally altered the treatment of transgender individuals within the justice system in D.C.

Rick Rosendall, former president of the D.C. Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance, praised Hughes for her tenacity and unwavering commitment. "In her toughness and determination, Jeri was a force of nature," Rosendall remarked. Hughes's advocacy extended beyond incarceration issues; she was a vocal proponent for the inclusion of transgender individuals in the workforce and pushed for greater representation within the D.C. government.

Hughes's advocacy efforts were not limited to public institutions. Her career before joining the D.C. Department of Employment Services included pivotal roles such as Housing Coordinator for T.H.E. Inc., where she mentored LGBT youth, and an administrative position with the Anacostia Watershed Society. These roles underscored her dedication to service and community empowerment.

Originally from Ohio, Jeri Hughes's life journey took her from serving in the U.S. Navy as a torpedo operator to running a commercial laundry business in New York City. In 2005, she made a transformative decision to transition into her true identity as a transgender woman. Her brother, Lou Hughes, shared that this decision was met with unconditional support from their family. "Once she went through the transition, it was like she was fully reborn," Lou Hughes recalled. Her family's acceptance and love were a testament to her resilience and authenticity.

Among Jeri Hughes's many passions was boating, a love she shared with one of her closest friends, Denise Leclair. In 2019, Hughes and Leclair purchased and refurbished a 45-foot sailboat, which became a cherished project and symbol of Hughes's zest for life. Even as her health declined, Hughes found solace and joy in sailing, a testament to her indomitable spirit.

Lou Hughes's tribute to his sister paints a picture of a woman who was deeply compassionate and dedicated to uplifting others. "Whether through acts of quiet charity, tireless advocacy, or simply offering a listening ear, Jeri made it a mission to uplift, support, and care for every person she encountered," he stated. Her legacy is one of empathy, love, and hope, inspiring all who knew her to continue her mission of advocacy and inclusion.

Jeri Hughes leaves behind a loving family, including her brother Lou, sister-in-law Candice, daughter Casey Martin, son-in-law Wally Martin, grandchildren Liam and Mirella, niece Brittany Hughes, and nephew Klaus Meierdiercks. Her life will be celebrated at a memorial service on May 10 at D.C.'s Metropolitan Community Church, where friends and family will gather to honor her contributions and remember her remarkable journey.

Jeri Hughes's legacy as an LGBTQ+ rights advocate, a loving family member, and a friend to many will continue to inspire and guide those who follow in her footsteps.