Ames Simmons is a queer trans man serving as Equality NC’s Policy Director. He provides vision and strategic direction for Equality NC’s policy and advocacy agenda with the North Carolina General Assembly and the state’s executive branch and administrative agencies. He also works with local governments and federal policymakers to achieve Equality NC’s mission of equity and safety for all LGBTQ North Carolinians. His work is rooted in community-based efforts prioritizing anti-violence, anti-oppression and transgender justice. Ames attended Agnes Scott College in Decatur, GA, graduating with a B.A. in Political Science and Spanish, and Emory University Law School, where he earned a juris doctor degree. He previously served for almost two decades as in-house counsel at a healthcare consulting company based in Atlanta.