meet the founder: tee douglas
His story
Shateer “Tee” Douglas is an African American man of Transgender experience, activist, and artist from Niagara Falls, New York. Growing up as the youngest of six in a close-knit family, Tee developed a strong sense of community and social justice early on.
Tee’s journey in advocacy began in his early twenties after moving to Buffalo, where he discovered a passion for Drag King performance, music, and advocacy. He now serves as the Transgender Youth Coordinator at the Pride Center of Western New York, supporting transgender youth as they navigate challenges and embrace their identities.
A dedicated community leader, Tee is the Board President of the Buffalo Niagara LGBTQ+ History Project and serves on the Board of Directors for Gender Equality New York, a trans-led organization committed to advancing gender equity through education, advocacy, and policy.
Beyond his advocacy work, Tee is deeply committed to preserving and celebrating Black and LGBTQ+ arts and culture. He volunteers with Vogue Buffalo, helping strengthen the organization while creating opportunities for underserved youth to learn ballroom and vogue culture. As a columnist for Blaque/Out Magazine, he amplifies Black and Brown LGBTQ+ voices through storytelling and commentary. He is also a creator of The Historical Black and Brown Trans Visibility Coloring Book, an educational resource that celebrates the lives and contributions of Black and Brown transgender people. Tee is a proud member of the House of Comme Des Garçons New York Chapter, where he fosters community, celebrates ballroom culture, and challenges social norms through artistic expression and activism.
Tee was honored as a Transgender Leader by the State of New York in 2020 for his contributions to the transgender community. He was also featured in Barbara Proud’s Transcending Love exhibit, which has been shown in The Advocate magazine and at the Stonewall National Museum. Tee’s work is also included in the Buffalo/Niagara LGBTQ+ History Project archives.
With a degree in Business Management and Administration, Tee combines his administrative skills with his passion for advocacy, working to create a more inclusive world through his leadership and community engagement.Our journey has been anything but ordinary. Through every step, we've focused on staying true to our values and making space for thoughtful, lasting work.
What began as a passion project has evolved into something more. We’re proud of where we’ve been and even more excited for what’s ahead. What sets us apart isn’t just our process—it’s the intention behind it. We take time to understand, explore, and create with purpose at every turn.
