Washington, DC - On Monday, April 13th the Association of Gender Research, Education, Academia and Action (AGREAA) will receive the 2009 Richard L. Schlegel National Legion of Honor Award for a Visionary Leader for its flagship project - Trans-Academics.org. Since its founding in 2002, Trans-Academics.org has established an impressive presence on the internet, creating a trans-friendly safe space – open to people of all gender identities - allowing anyone interested to participate in the discussion of gender theory, the trans community and its various identities, both as a part of the academic world and day-to-day life.

Prior to the establishment of Trans-Academics.org, no other online resource provided support for people who are considering or currently working with trans-related topics via research, writing, teaching, and other academic ventures. With the leadership of Eli Green, founder of Trans-Academics.org, the project strives to connect people working on trans-related research with other professionals working within the field - bridging the gap between academia and activism.

“Trans-Academics.org was founded at a time when there was a limited number of individuals researching trans identities, who were working in relative isolation. The website sought to foster a community of support, and a way of promoting the work that was being done” said Eli Green.

After nearly seven years online, and with over 1000 registered members, and 50,000 unique website hits per year, Trans-Academics.org has certainly demonstrated its online presence - meeting a need for transgender, gender diverse and ally communities that is unparalleled. Three of its notable achievements include:

1. Serving as the longest standing trans-specific academic community
2. Providing a reference archive of over 1,600 trans-related publications
3. Offering an engaging and dynamic professional development community via a listserve of over 500 people and growing.

Similar to Richard L. Schlegel’s pioneering civil rights activism, Trans-Academics.org continues to break new ground by connecting both academics and activists alike who share research, best practices and ideas on how to work in coalition to overcome gender-based oppression through the founding of AGREAA. The community building Trans-Academics.org has accomplished over the past 7 years is something we at AGREAA are incredibly proud to share with you.

“We are honored to receive recognition for the efforts of Trans-Academics.org, particularly since such projects are often overlooked because of their virtual nature. Work like this website and resulting community shows how much can be accomplished with an idea, good timing, and ongoing dedication, and we are grateful to be recognized.” said Eli Green..

The Awards Ceremony and Reception will be held at American University in Washington, D.C. on Monday, April 13th, 2009 at 5:30 p.m.