Join us for a live conversation with the visionary team behind Trans Academy, to discuss how a social VR group evolved into a thriving nonprofit dedicated to empowerment and belonging.
Today, Trans Academy continues to empower transgender and gender-diverse people through connection, creativity, and education. Together, we’ll explore how virtual worlds can become spaces of safety, celebration, and shared purpose—and what this means for the future of inclusive digital communities.
📅 Wednesday, November 19th
🕐 1-2 PM PT / 4-5 PM ET
📍 Agog House in VRChat, or via YouTube livestream
Speakers:
🎤 Tizzy (Elizabeth Bellino) (she/her), Founder, Trans Academy | Developer Relations Manager, VRChat
🎤 Scout (Carey Wheeler) (he/him) Director of Nonprofit Operations, Trans Academy | Head of Quality Assurance, VRChat
Moderated by:
🎙️ “JustJaime” Smith (they/them) Director of Media, Trans Academy
More about the speakers:
Tizzy (Elizabeth Bellino) (she/her)
Founder, Trans Academy | Developer Relations Manager, VRChat
Tizzy has spent over 25 years immersed in user-generated virtual worlds—from the educational experiments of Second Life to her current work advancing inclusive community building inside VRChat. Her journey through digital spaces has spanned creative production, academic collaboration, and feature filmmaking (Blade Runner 2049). Today, she leads Trans Academy, a nonprofit empowering the LGBTQ+ community through immersive social VR.
Scout (Carey Wheeler) (he/him)
Director of Nonprofit Operations, Trans Academy | Head of Quality Assurance, VRChat
A U.S. Army intelligence veteran and fine artist by training, Scout now channels his organizational and creative skills toward building sustainable, empowering spaces for trans and gender-diverse communities in VRChat. At Trans Academy, he ensures operational excellence, compliance, and long-term growth across the nonprofit’s programs.
“JustJaime” Smith (they/them)
Director of Media, Trans Academy
A designer, educator, and DJ, Jaime brings global experience in digital art, marketing, and community media. As Trans Academy’s Director of Media, they lead creative strategy and digital storytelling that supports trans education and empowerment, using VR to spark joy, connection, and self-expression across cultures.