top of page

Imani Rupert-Gordon

Biography

Born in Bedford Heights, Ohio, in 1979 and raised in Yucca Valley, California, Rupert-Gordon earned a bachelor's degree in sociology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a master's degree in social work from the University of Chicago.


She worked at Howard Brown Health's Broadway Youth Center in Chicago, first as a social work extern and later as director. From 2016 to 2020, she served as executive director of Affinity Community Services, a Chicago organization focused on Black LGBTQ+ communities, particularly Black LGBTQ+ women. Earlier in her career, she co-founded the Social Fiction Conference at UC Santa Cruz, using science fiction, gaming, and fantasy to explore bias and social justice.


Rupert-Gordon became executive director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights in 2020. The organization changed its name to the National Center for LGBTQ Rights in 2025, and she now serves as president.


BQW Impact

Rupert-Gordon has centered Black LGBTQ+ communities within broader movements for racial and LGBTQ+ justice. Her leadership at Affinity Community Services placed particular emphasis on Black LGBTQ+ women, while her work with the Broadway Youth Center addressed the needs of LGBTQ+ young people.


At the National Center for LGBTQ Rights, she brings that community-organizing experience to national legal, policy, and advocacy work. As a self-described queer Black cisgender woman, she brings an intersectional perspective to LGBTQ+ rights and social justice.


Notable Works

  • Social Fiction Conference

    Co-founded UC Santa Cruz program using science fiction, gaming, and fantasy to explore bias and social justice.

  • Broadway Youth Center (2013)

    Directed Howard Brown Health's LGBTQ+ youth program in Chicago.

  • Affinity Community Services (2016)

    Led the Chicago organization serving Black LGBTQ+ communities, particularly Black LGBTQ+ women.

  • National Center for LGBTQ Rights (2020)

    Joined as executive director in 2020 and now serves as president.

Learn More
bottom of page