BTWI wishes to remember Gloria Allen, also known as Mama Gloria. 

Gloria Allen was a transgender activist who died of respiratory failure at age 76 on June 13, 2022. Many know her from the documentary Mama Gloria (2020) which chronicled her life.

Ms. Allen ran a charm school for at-risk transgender youth which was focused on teaching etiquette to help students find jobs and build confidence. The school was informal and entirely free.

Gloria Allen lived with pride and inspired many. In 2014, Ms. Allen was awarded the Living Legend Award at the Trans 100 awards, and in 2021 she received the Carmen Vázquez Award for Excellence in Leadership on Aging Issues from SAGE.

We remember her as a true trans elder who will be dearly missed. Rest in power Gloria Allen.