Born: 1964
Nationality: American
Fields: Gender advocacy, Education, Public speaking
Notable for: Transgender education and policy reform in schools

Overview
Aidan Key is a transgender American educator, author, and advocate who has played a pioneering role in transforming how schools, institutions, and communities understand and support transgender and gender-diverse youth. As a thought leader and founder of multiple organizations, Key has advanced trans-inclusive practices in education and promoted respectful dialogue around gender identity in public life.

Early Life and Transition
Key was assigned female at birth and came out as transgender in adulthood. He began his transition in the late 1990s, at a time when public understanding of transgender issues was limited and often stigmatized. His personal experience informed his deep commitment to building inclusive systems for transgender youth and their families. He is the identical twin of author and psychologist Joy Ladin, a fellow transgender advocate.

Career and Advocacy
Key is the founder and director of Gender Diversity, a nonprofit organization that provides education and support around gender identity, with a special focus on children and adolescents. He is also the founder of the Gender Odyssey and Gender Odyssey Family conferences, which for years served as some of the most impactful gatherings for families, professionals, and trans people across North America.

He has collaborated with hundreds of schools and school districts, providing training to educators and helping implement nondiscriminatory policies that affirm transgender and nonbinary students. His work has had a substantial influence on best practices for transgender inclusion in K–12 education.

In addition to his work in schools, Key has provided consultation for hospitals, government agencies, and private corporations seeking to improve their equity and inclusion efforts. He is known for his ability to engage audiences across the political and ideological spectrum, offering clear, compassionate, and evidence-based guidance.

Media and Writing
Aidan Key has been featured in numerous media outlets, including NPR, CNN, The New York Times, and Time. His writing has appeared in anthologies and journals, and he is the author of Trans Children in Today’s Schools, a practical guide for educators, counselors, and parents navigating gender identity issues in educational settings.

Legacy and Impact
Aidan Key is widely recognized as a leading voice in the field of gender education and inclusion. Through decades of advocacy and education, he has helped shape national conversations around gender diversity in youth, offering tools and language for respectful and affirming engagement. His work continues to influence policies and practices in schools, mental health services, and communities across the United States.

Books

• Trans Children in Today’s Schools (2023)