JM Triplett’s story is one of perseverance, vision, and unwavering commitment to justice. With more than 14 years of experience in leadership, community organizing, and nonprofit management, JM has become a steadfast advocate for marginalized communities, particularly LGBTQ+ youth. Their current role as the Social Services Education & Facilitation Manager at the Ruth Ellis Center exemplifies this dedication, as they create transformative spaces where youth feel valued and empowered.
Raised in a deeply religious household within the Church of God in Christ (COGIC), JM’s early life was profoundly influenced by faith and family. Their grandmother, a church mother, and their adoptive mother, a Sunday school superintendent, instilled in them a love of scripture and the church’s teachings.
By age 12, JM had read the Bible multiple times and developed a deep curiosity about theology. This foundation, however, was not without its challenges. As a neurodivergent and queer individual, JM often found themselves navigating the tension between the rigid theological structures they were raised in and their personal identity.
The journey was further complicated when JM was baptized in an apostolic church, which held theological beliefs that diverged from their COGIC upbringing. Balancing the Trinitarian framework of COGIC with the apostolic focus on Jesus’ singular divinity presented a spiritual dichotomy that would take years to reconcile. Despite these challenges, JM’s faith remained central to their life, even as they faced rejection from several religious communities. Excluded for their perceived queerness JM endured painful rejections that left lasting scars. Yet these experiences shaped their resilience and fueled their commitment to creating spaces of inclusion for others.
Financial barriers prevented JM from pursuing a traditional higher education path, but this did not hinder their growth. Instead, they turned to self-study and mentorship, cultivating a leadership style grounded in practical experience and a deep understanding of community needs. Early management roles in the restaurant industry, starting when JM was just 18, taught them the value of listening, collaboration, and adaptability. These skills became the cornerstone of their leadership philosophy, which prioritizes addressing concerns from the ground up and empowering those they serve. JM’s work at the Ruth Ellis Center is a natural extension of this approach. Focused on supporting LGBTQ+ youth—many of whom face homelessness or instability in the foster care system—the center provides critical resources and advocacy. JM has played a pivotal role in developing educational programs that are both accessible and restorative, helping young people navigate systemic barriers while fostering a sense of belonging. Their ability to collaborate with religious and secular organizations alike has further amplified the center’s impact, creating networks of support that extend beyond the immediate community.
Beyond the Ruth Ellis Center, JM’s advocacy has made a profound impact on broader social justice movements. Their work with organizations such as Equality Ohio and Inclusive Justice Michigan has addressed issues ranging from housing and employment discrimination to healthcare access for those living with HIV. JM’s skill in building coalitions has been instrumental in organizing regional conferences and workshops, particularly within the United Church of Christ, where they have facilitated dialogue across diverse faith traditions.
Interfaith engagement has been a defining feature of JM’s career. By working with leaders from different religious backgrounds, they have fostered collaborations that transcend individual faith traditions in pursuit of shared justice goals. This approach has not only advanced social equity but also deepened JM’s understanding of what it means to hold space for others in diverse, pluralistic communities.
JM’s relationship with faith has evolved alongside their work as an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. Initially skeptical of queer-affirming churches, JM was deeply moved by the joy and authenticity they witnessed in online worship spaces led by LGBTQ+ Christians. These experiences prompted them to reexamine the rigid theological interpretations they had grown up with. A pivotal moment in their spiritual journey came when they felt an undeniable presence affirming that their queerness was not a source of condemnation but a reflection of God’s love. This realization marked a turning point, allowing JM to fully embrace both their faith and their identity.
As they grew more involved in LGBTQ+ religious movements, JM took on the role of mentor to others navigating similar journeys. One particularly impactful experience was supporting a non-binary pastor who faced rejection from their congregation due to their gender expression. Witnessing the pain of this exclusion reinforced JM’s belief in the urgent need for spaces where individuals can express their full identities without fear of rejection. This conviction has driven much of JM’s work, both within and beyond faith-based contexts.
JM’s advocacy extends far beyond LGBTQ+ rights, encompassing a broad range of social justice issues. Their efforts with Inclusive Justice Michigan, for instance, have included organizing interfaith initiatives and fostering dialogue between communities. These roles have allowed JM to address systemic challenges while creating opportunities for collaboration across different movements. Whether they are planning a regional conference or speaking at a public event, JM’s work is rooted in the belief that justice requires collective action and sustained commitment.
At the heart of JM’s advocacy is their ability to connect with others. As a public speaker, they have inspired countless individuals to join the fight for equity and inclusion. As an organizer, they have built coalitions that bring together leaders and organizations from diverse sectors. This combination of vision and action has made JM a respected leader in their field and a trusted ally to those they serve.
JM’s personal and professional journey is a powerful testament to the transformative potential of resilience and community. Despite the challenges they faced as a queer, neurodivergent person navigating exclusionary religious spaces, JM has used these experiences to fuel their commitment to justice and inclusion. Their work at the Ruth Ellis Center and beyond has created pathways for marginalized individuals to thrive, offering not just resources but a sense of hope and belonging.
As JM continues to build coalitions and create inclusive environments, their impact only grows. They are not just an advocate or a leader; they are a bridge-builder, a visionary, and a person who embodies the values of empathy, justice, and radical inclusion. JM’s story reminds us of the power of personal transformation and the importance of creating spaces where everyone is valued for who they are.
(This biographical statement was written by John-Marc Ormechea for the Fall 2024 Queer & Trans Theologies class at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities from an interview with JM Triplett.)
Biography Date: July 2025