About
Civil rights advocate, public policy leader, nonprofit executive, and writer best known for advancing equity and justice through national advocacy, coalition building, and public policy leadership.
Biography
Victoria Kirby York is an American civil rights advocate, public policy strategist, nonprofit executive, writer, and public speaker whose work advances equity for Black LGBTQ+/same-gender-loving (SGL) communities. A leader at the intersection of racial justice, LGBTQ+ equality, and public policy, she has built a career focused on civic engagement, inclusive policy, and organizational leadership. York serves as Director of Public Policy and Programs at the National Black Justice Collective, where she previously served as Deputy Executive Director.
Before joining the National Black Justice Collective’s executive leadership, York held leadership roles with organizations including the National LGBTQ Task Force and Organizing for Action, where she worked on civic participation, grassroots organizing, and public policy initiatives. At the National Black Justice Collective, her work has included issues such as voting rights, healthcare, education, economic justice, and protections for Black LGBTQ+/SGL communities. She is also a frequent speaker, media commentator, and policy expert addressing civil rights, democracy, racial justice, and intersectional issues.
York publicly identifies as a Black lesbian and has described herself as a non-binary femme while using she/they pronouns. She has also written about living with an invisible disability, emphasizing accessibility and intersectionality within social justice movements. Through her leadership, writing, and public engagement, York brings together policy expertise and lived experience to address issues affecting Black LGBTQ+/SGL communities.
BQW Impact
Victoria Kirby York has emerged as one of the leading national advocates working at the intersection of Black civil rights and LGBTQ+/SGL equality. Through policy leadership, coalition building, and public engagement, she has helped shape conversations around democracy, healthcare, education, disability justice, and racial equity while ensuring that Black LGBTQ+/SGL voices remain central to national advocacy efforts.
Her work demonstrates how intersectional leadership can strengthen civil rights movements by connecting policy, community organizing, and public education to create more inclusive and equitable institutions.
Selected work
National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC)
Serves as Deputy Executive Director, leading advocacy, policy development, and strategic initiatives advancing Black LGBTQ+/SGL equality.
The Black Closet: The Need for LGBT Resource Centers at HBCUs (2011)
Essay advocating for LGBTQ+ resource centers at Historically Black Colleges and Universities and greater institutional support for LGBTQ+ students.
Victoria Explains
NBJC educational video series translating complex public policy and civil rights issues into accessible public education.
National LGBTQ Task Force
Held leadership roles supporting national advocacy, civic engagement, and public policy initiatives advancing LGBTQ+ equality.
Organizing for Action
Served in leadership supporting civic engagement, grassroots organizing, and public policy advocacy.
Recognitions
Leadership Award, Center for Black Equity (2016)
Leadership Award, DC Black Pride (2016)
Next Generation Award, Metro Weekly (2011)
National Top 100 Emerging LGBT Leader, National Black Justice Coalition
Top 30 Under 30 Political Leader, Florida
Sources
Learn more about Victoria Kirby York’s background, writing, advocacy, and professional work.
National Black Justice Coalition Victoria Kirby York
Read her official biography and learn about her leadership in public policy and advocacy at NBJC.
National Black Justice Coalition
Explore NBJC’s mission, research, policy initiatives, and advocacy supporting Black LGBTQ+/SGL communities.
Explore her professional background, leadership experience, publications, and public policy work.
Black Women Radicals We Are the Campus: Victoria Kirby York on the Profound Queer Legacy at Howard University
Read an in-depth interview discussing Howard University’s queer history, Black lesbian identity, advocacy, and intersectional leadership.
Profile details
- Fields: Social Change
- Roles: Policy & Public Affairs, Rights & Justice
- Pronouns: she/they
- Gender Identity: Woman, Non-binary, femme
- LGBTQ Identity: Queer, Lesbian
- Nationality: American
- Ethnicity: African American
- Topics: LGBTQ+ Rights, Racial Justice, Policy Advocacy