Mr. Taj Smith

Taj M. Smith received his MDiv from Harvard Divinity School in 2016 and is seeking ordination in the United Church of Christ. He is a member of the United Church of Christ where he is invested in conversations that will expand hospitality to transgender and gender non-conforming people. He recently served as Faith Organizing Director for Freedom For All Massachusetts.

Prior to attending HDS, he had another life as a singer/songwriter and a professional street performer. Eventually, Taj received a BA in political theory from UC Santa Cruz where he was involved in several on-campus political organizations and off-campus political campaigns. He served as the coordinator for United Campus Christian Ministries, helping students find their footing in church leadership and social justice advocacy. He sees no limit to the imagination and seeks out creative ways to advocate for justice, usually through artistic expression. His passions include language, postmodernism, and satire. He is planning to pursue doctoral studies in theology exploring the connections between science fiction and gender expression.

Taj also serves on the Minister Bobbie Jean Baker Memorial Award Committee.