Janel Diaz has established herself as a dedicated advocate and leader, specializing in nonprofit and transgender community support services. Since 2018, she has served as the founder and executive director of Capital Tea, a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting and empowering the transgender community. Capital Tea provides vital resources such as community support, clothing, housing, and more. Under her leadership, the organization has become known for its Unity program, which fosters discussions on a range of issues affecting its members. It remains the only organization in Florida offering a dedicated safe space for transgender individuals with housing and support services.
Capital Tea collaborates with a network of agencies beyond the LGBTQ+ community to assist with name changes, provide referrals, and connect individuals with local shelters. The organization also conducts HIV testing, engages in street outreach, and provides meals to the homeless, distributing sandwiches, chips, condoms, and blankets in cold weather. Additionally, it facilitates support groups and operates a safe house project that offers rent-free housing for transgender women of color, helping them transition to independent living. Several individuals have successfully completed the program and secured permanent housing.
Ms. Diaz’s experience also includes serving as the drop-in center overseer and program director at Capital City Youth Services for three years, where she worked closely with at-risk youth, providing guidance and support. Prior to that, she spent five years as a peer advocate at Big Bend Cares, advocating for individuals living with HIV/AIDS through peer support services and HIV testing.
Reflecting on her path, Ms. Diaz, a native of Brooklyn, New York, later lived in Fort Lauderdale before moving to Tallahassee nearly 11 years ago to begin her transition. As a transgender woman, she has faced numerous challenges, including being kicked out of her home at an early age, becoming homeless, and forced to navigate survival on the streets. Upon arriving in Florida, she found little support for transgender individuals, leading her to create a support group that eventually grew into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Over the past five years, she has devoted herself to advocacy, striving to ensure that other transgender individuals do not endure the hardships she faced in her youth.
Ms. Diaz finds strength in transforming adversity into positive change. Her commitment to advocacy has been recognized through several accolades. In 2019, she became the first African American transgender woman to be named one of the 25 Women You Need to Know in Tallahassee. In 2023, her organization received a $100,000 grant from the Way Out Project in Los Angeles, marking a significant milestone in her career. Beyond her professional endeavors, she is also actively involved in civic organizations, including the mayor’s LGBTQ council/task force and United Partners for Human Services. She is also affiliated with Equality Florida, Divas in Dialogue, Lips of Tampa, Purple Orchid/Unspoken Treasure Society, and local shelters such as Connie Center.
Ms. Diaz attributes her success to her faith. Although she was shunned by the physical church, her belief in God has guided her through difficult times. She reflects on the support she received from other transgender women who helped her navigate life’s challenges and empowered her to survive, with her faith remains a source of strength, helping her persevere through adversity.
Looking ahead, Ms. Diaz is working on a memoir with aspirations of becoming an author and retiring. She aims to employ more transgender individuals, establish safe houses in multiple cities, and continue engaging in public speaking to empower communities beyond her own. In her personal life, she cherishes time with her children, Jada and Jayden, as well as her stepchild. She also enjoys drag performances and educating others about the LGBTQ+ community.