Hope Giselle Honored by D.C. Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs During ‘Not Your Average Girl’ Documentary Tour

Washington, D.C, showed up and showed out for Hope Giselle-Godsey during the D.C. stop of her Not Your Average Girl national documentary tour. What was expected to be a powerful screening quickly turned into a major moment for the city, the community, and Hope herself. The Washington, D.C. stop sold out not once, not twice, but three times, ultimately forcing organizers to change locations to accommodate the overwhelming demand.

The energy in the room reflected just how deeply Hope’s story resonates, particularly in a city she considers her second home. Community leaders, advocates, and cultural influencers gathered in the room, creating an atmosphere that felt less like a screening and more like a celebration of community, resilience, and legacy.

Adding to the significance of the evening, Hope Giselle was formally recognized by Japer Bowles, the Director of the D.C. Mayor’s Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Affairs in the Mayor Muriel E. Bowser administration, for her body of work, advocacy, and continued leadership within Black, trans, and queer communities. The recognition carried meaningful weight for Hope, who shared that Washington, DC, has played an important role in her journey after spending more than a decade living and growing in the region.

Hope thanked her acknowledgement in a heartfelt statement on her official Instagram, “There was something about that room that felt bigger than a screening. It felt like home, like history, like alignment all at once. From the moment we walked in, I could feel the intention, the care, and the love wrapped around this stop. And that means everything to me because DC… while it may not be where I was born, it is absolutely one of the places that raised me.”

“To the Mayor’s Office, thank you for the beautiful acknowledgment. To be honored in this city, on a day that now carries my name, is something I will never take lightly.”

During the evening, Hope also acknowledged Kenya Hutton, President/CEO of The Center for Black Equity, sharing that he holds a meaningful place in her journey. She spoke about the work he continues to lead, how he consistently shows up for community, and the support he has provided for her body of work over the years.

‘Not Your Average Girl‘ is a long-form documentary that brings audiences up close and personal with Hope Giselle’s life over the past five years. The film takes viewers back to her early days navigating family acceptance, including her mother’s journey in understanding who she is, and follows her growth into the confident and impactful woman she is today.

Throughout the documentary, Hope shares deeply personal moments, including her gender affirming surgery, her wedding, award recognitions, advocacy work, and behind-the-scenes footage of marches and organizing efforts, including a powerful appearance at the National Rally during World Pride in June.

One particularly emotional moment from her college years before her transition left the audience in tears, reminding viewers that Hope’s story is rooted in resilience, perseverance, and purpose. Many may have seen Hope online, at award shows, or advocating for Black, trans, and queer rights, but this documentary offers a rare and intimate look at the experiences that shaped her voice and leadership. Hope leaves nothing on the table, sharing both the challenges and the victories that have defined her journey.

While the documentary centers on Hope’s personal story, the message extends far beyond one individual. Not Your Average Girl challenges the narrow ways trans lives are often portrayed in media. This film is not just for trans audiences – it is for anyone who has ever been underestimated, misunderstood, or told to shrink themselves to make others comfortable.

Another meaningful component of the tour is its built-in investment model. At each city stop, Hope awards a $1,000 Hopeful Legacy Grant to a local trans or gender-expansive leader doing impactful work in their community. In addition to the financial support, recipients also receive a one-year Soho House membership and an invitation to participate in a leadership summit in June 2026, designed to strengthen long-term impact and community building. This initiative reflects Hope’s commitment to not only telling stories but also investing directly in the next generation of leaders.

Hope Giselle brings more than fifteen years of advocacy and organizing experience to this work. She has collaborated with organizations and institutions such as the Human Rights Campaign, NASA, and the National Black Justice Coalition. Earlier this year, her viral protest against anti-trans legislation earned her a Webby Award, further solidifying her impact as a national advocate and cultural leader. Her work continues to extend beyond activism into mentorship, storytelling, and community building.

The Not Your Average Girl tour is powered by Gilead, Soho House and Co Inc., and Pop Culture Collaborative, with confirmed city partners including Equality Florida, the Mayor’s Office of Atlanta, and the Center for Black Equity. The tour has traveled to six major cities, including Los Angeles, Houston, Miami, New York, Washington, DC, and Atlanta. Each stop runs from 5:30 PM to 10 PM local time and includes a full screening, moderated talkback, and curated community engagement experience.

The DC stop also featured support from partners and sponsors, including Vascano Tequila, a Black, LGBTQ+, and women-owned spirits brand launched in 2020 by three friends from the Washington, DC area, served as one of the spirit sponsors for the evening.

The Washington, DC stop stood out as one of the most impactful moments of the tour, not only because of the sold-out audiences but also because of Hope’s connection to the city and the recognition she received for her continued leadership and advocacy. As the tour wraps its leg in Atlanta on April 10, Gaye Magazine will be in the building for an exclusive interview with Hope Giselle to discuss her reflections on the tour, what’s next for the documentary, and how communities can continue supporting the movement.

Hope Giselle’s story is one of leadership, legacy, and community investment. The DC stop made one thing clear: this is more than a documentary. It is a movement rooted in truth, visibility, and opportunity. And as audiences continue to show up across the country, Hope Giselle continues to prove that she is truly not your average girl.