Impulse Group DC Centers Black Trans Men on Trans Day of Visibility “Unapologetically Him”

Unapologetically Him. Trans Men Are Valid!

On International Transgender Day of Visibility, conversations around representation often focus broadly on the transgender community. But within those conversations, transgender men, particularly Black trans men and same-gender-loving trans men are still too often overlooked. Today, Impulse Group DC is working to shift that narrative through its campaign, “Unapologetically Him. Trans Men Are Valid.”

Founded in 2015, Impulse Group DC is a Washington, DC–based nonprofit advocacy organization dedicated to promoting sexual wellness, mental health, substance use awareness, and racial equity within the gay community. As an affiliate of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation and part of the global Impulse Group network, the organization has built a reputation for creating culturally relevant programming that meets the community where it is.

At the core of Impulse Group DC’s work is its 80% entertainment and 20% education model, a strategy designed to engage community members through experiences that are both meaningful and accessible. Through events, campaigns, and partnerships, the organization creates safe and affirming spaces where individuals can connect, learn, and build community.

This year, that commitment to community is centered on visibility.

The “Unapologetically Him. Trans Men Are Valid” campaign is focused on uplifting trans men and creating opportunities for their voices, experiences, and identities to be recognized and celebrated.

According to Duante’ Brown, Vice President of Impulse Group DC, the campaign was intentionally created to center trans men in conversations that often leave them out.

“‘Unapologetically Him. Trans Men Are Valid’ is more than a campaign. It is a love letter, a visibility statement, and an affirmation of the lives, stories, and humanity of trans men who deserve to be seen, celebrated, and supported out loud,” Brown shared.

The campaign builds off the “Trans Men Are Valid” slogan created by Keyon Johnson, expanding it into a broader initiative that encourages trans men to define masculinity and identity on their own terms.

“With this project, we wanted to create space for trans men to define themselves on their own terms and remind our community that their existence, their love, their bodies, and their voices are all valid,” Brown added.

Representation remains a critical component of the campaign. Trans men continue to be underrepresented in mainstream media, health campaigns, and community-centered programming. By intentionally centering trans men, Impulse Group DC is helping to challenge that gap.

Kyhry, CEO of Adonis by Kyhry, emphasized the importance of creating visibility through imagery and storytelling.

“Trans men remain underrepresented in mainstream media and advertising. The goal of this campaign was to create space and amplify the voices of trans men, allowing them to define masculinity on their own terms,” Kyhry shared.

“As a brand, we’re responsible for creating images that reflect our community and foster real allyship. It’s important to me, and to the legacy of ADONIS, that my people see themselves in the images we put out and in our products.”

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Impulse Group DC continues to demonstrate that visibility is more than recognition, it is advocacy. Powered by a passionate volunteer base and strengthened through strategic partnerships, the organization’s work addresses critical health and social issues while building stronger connections within the community.

More than an organization, Impulse Group DC represents a movement focused on advancing health equity, reducing stigma, and creating space for conversations that matter.

On Trans Day of Visibility, “Unapologetically Him” serves as both a celebration and a reminder that trans men deserve to be seen, heard, and supported not just today, but every day.

As Impulse Group DC continues its work across the Washington, DC metropolitan area and beyond, the message remains clear: visibility matters, representation matters, and being Unapologetically Him is something worth celebrating.

On Sunday, March 29, Impulse Group DC hosted Unapologetically, HIM: Beyond Visibility, Valid & Vital Brunch, bringing together community leaders and voices for a powerful conversation centered on visibility, empowerment, and belonging.