Jessica Cohen: A Relentless Voice for LGBTQ+ Equality and Inclusive Policy in Texas

Austin, TX, 24th April 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, Jessica Cohen, a powerhouse in Texas politics and one of the most committed LGBTQ+ advocates in the state, continues to blaze a trail for equality, representation, and inclusion. With a portfolio spanning municipal, county, and state politics, Cohen leverages her positions to ensure the LGBTQ+ community is not only protected, but empowered.

Currently serving as President of the Stonewall Democrats of Austin and Vice President of the Texas Democratic Party LGBTQ Caucus, Cohen plays a pivotal role in shaping policy, mobilizing voters, and nurturing the next generation of LGBTQ+ leaders. Her advocacy efforts are embedded deep in the infrastructure of Texas politics, giving her an unparalleled ability to influence decision-making from both inside and outside the system.

Her work within the Texas State Democratic Executive Committee (SDEC) further extends her reach, where she advocates tirelessly for equity-focused policies, inclusionary platforms, and legislative accountability. She has become known across the state for her clarity, resolve, and deep-rooted understanding of the issues most affecting marginalized communities.

A Leader in LGBTQ+ Organizing

Jessica Cohen’s leadership within the LGBTQ+ political sphere is not accidental; it is the culmination of over two decades of public service, lived experience, and relentless activism. As a trans woman for more than 25 years, Cohen understands the stakes of the fight for equality in ways that are deeply personal. Her commitment to creating safer, more inclusive environments has been forged by both her own challenges and her passion for transformative change.

From her earliest days as an officer in Stonewall Austin and Stonewall Texas, Cohen has sought to create space for LGBTQ+ voices in every facet of public life. As a Texas Congressional District 35 delegate to the Democratic National Convention, she further elevated those voices to a national platform, consistently fighting for a more inclusive party agenda.

She is no stranger to the halls of the Texas Legislature, where she regularly delivers testimony in support of civil rights and protections for LGBTQ+ Texans. Known for her articulate, impassioned advocacy, Cohen has become a fixture at committee hearings and press briefings, holding lawmakers accountable for legislation that threatens the dignity and well-being of marginalized people.

Community Leadership That Spans Local and State Arenas

Cohen’s approach to advocacy is both top-down and grassroots. In addition to her statewide roles, she remains deeply engaged in local government as Chair of the Austin Board of Adjustment and an ex-officio member of the Austin Planning Commission. In these roles, she applies her deep knowledge of urban policy, land use, and zoning to push for equitable development and housing policies that prioritize historically underrepresented communities, including LGBTQ+ residents.

As Precinct Chair for PCT 425 in Travis County, she is equally active at the neighborhood level, knocking on doors, organizing forums, and mobilizing voters. She understands that political change doesn’t begin in the Capitol building—it begins on the ground, in conversations with neighbors and constituents.

Cohen’s leadership extends beyond LGBTQ+ issues. She has served as Vice President of the Austin Environmental Democrats and Secretary of the Liberal Austin Democrats, showcasing her commitment to environmental justice and broader progressive causes. She brings a systems-level perspective to politics, recognizing the interconnectedness of issues such as climate, housing, education, and social equity.

Advocacy in Action: Statewide Engagement and Everyday Impact

While Jessica Cohen humbly notes there have been no major press-worthy events recently, her continued presence and persistence on the frontlines tell a different story. On April 1st, 2025, in observance of Transgender Day of Visibility, she delivered 500 cookies to the staff of the Central Texas House Delegation and the Texas House LGBTQ Caucus Officers, expressing gratitude for their work and strengthening the bonds between activists and legislative aides. While symbolic, this gesture exemplifies the relational power that defines Cohen’s approach to activism—personal, compassionate, and rooted in community.

She also attended all five Texas Democratic Party Chair candidate forums held across the state earlier this year, asking candidates pointed questions about LGBTQ+ representation and holding the spotlight on transgender issues. Her participation in the voting body that ultimately selected the new Texas Democratic Party Chair ensured that the LGBTQ+ community had a voice in one of the party’s most consequential decisions of the year.

Jessica is also active on social media, where she provides regular updates about her advocacy, political involvement, and local organizing work. She consistently amplifies the work of the Stonewall Democrats of Austin, engages with followers on key issues, and promotes civic engagement. Additionally, she is a regular participant in monthly meetings of the Stonewall Democrats of Austin, contributing leadership, strategy, and insight to one of the most active LGBTQ+ political organizations in the region.

Bridging Politics and Technology: A Unique Professional Background

Outside of her political and advocacy work, Cohen is a highly regarded network security consultant, specializing in finance and healthcare. Her expertise in cybersecurity places her at the intersection of technology and public interest—a position she uses to promote gender equity in STEM fields. As a mentor to young women and LGBTQ+ individuals in tech, she is opening doors and breaking down barriers in an industry that has often excluded marginalized voices.

In a world where digital security is increasingly vital, Cohen’s contributions to protecting critical infrastructure are no less significant than her work in the public square. Her professional life is a reflection of the same values she upholds in politics: safety, equity, and justice for all.

A Lifetime of Service and the 2018 City Council Campaign

In 2018, in response to anti-transgender legislation proposed in Texas, Cohen ran for Austin City Council (District 3). Her campaign focused on affordability, housing, and land use—issues deeply tied to quality of life and equity. While she did not win, her candidacy shifted the narrative, making space for trans voices in electoral politics and setting a precedent for future candidates.

Before entering the political world, Cohen served as an EMT for 12 years, responding to emergencies and saving lives. That spirit of service remains core to her identity and informs every role she takes on.

Recognition and Respect Across Generations

Though she prefers to look forward rather than dwell on accolades, Cohen was recognized by the University of Texas Democrats in December for her support and sponsorship of their programming. Her intergenerational approach to leadership—building bridges between student activists and seasoned advocates—has made her a beloved figure across Austin’s political landscape.

Looking Ahead

Jessica Cohen continues to be a formidable force in the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights in Texas. Whether crafting equitable zoning policies in Austin or shaping the party platform at the state level, she brings unmatched expertise and authenticity to every table she sits at.

As attacks on the rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ individuals persist nationwide, leaders like Cohen remain essential. Her work isn’t just about opposing injustice—it’s about building something better in its place. A more inclusive Texas. A more compassionate politics. A more empowered future.

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