Jaelynn Scott is an African-American transgender community organizer and politician based in Seattle, Washington. She serves as executive director of Lavender Rights Project, a Black transgender feminist advocacy organization. She is currently the Democratic nominee for the Washington House of Representatives in the 37th district. Scott is a member of Democratic Socialists of America.
Early life and education Scott grew up in Jackson, Mississippi. She graduated from high school in 1995.
Scott initially worked as a flight attendant, but was laid off after 9/11. Through practicing Buddhism and meditation, she had a spiritual awakening, leading her to attend ministry school at Naropa University.
Career After graduation from Naropa and ordination in Buddhist ministry, Scott engaged in ministry work with the Unitarian Universalist Church at various locations.
She moved to Seattle in 2017, shortly after Lavender Rights Project was founded, and began her gender transition. After making use of the organization's legal resources, she was hired by them, starting out in human resources. She became executive director of Lavender Rights Project in 2020.
In 2026, Scott announced her campaign for state representative of the 37th District in the 2026 Washington House of Representatives election. As the incumbent did not seek re-election, the seat was contested as an open seat. Scott ran as a Democrat and won the primary election against her opponent, a college student running as an independent. Scott won more than 88% of the vote. She was endorsed by Seattle mayor Katie Wilson.
Honors and recognition 2025: Proclamation of appreciation from Seattle mayor Bruce A. Harrell and councilmember Joy Hollingsworth 2025: Honored by Seattle Reign FC
References
External links Lavender Rights Project staff page 2026 campaign website