2018 Gender Odyssey

Raine Jo-Fung is an interventionist and a pharmacy technician, as well as a phlebotomist, and has dealt with all manner of work and occurrences in the community. Raine has worked overseas in Thailand and has come to develop experiences as well as various skills, growing with different adaptations on how to better serve the community in the United States. Raine has training in nursing as well as several years’ prior experience in both childcare and medical planning.

Jennifer L. Collins, LCSW, has worked at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles since 2013, first on the HIV care team, and currently with the Center for Transyouth Health and Development, providing individual therapy to transfeminine and gender-nonconforming young people. She obtained her MSW at the University of Southern California, and completed a certificate in psychodynamic therapy at Newport Psychoanalytic Institute. At her private practice in Pasadena, she works primarily with adults and provides supervision to therapists seeking licensure.

Dr. Michele Angello offers individual, couples, group, and family therapy, as well as corporate education and training on a variety of issues concerning sexuality. She has presented internationally on her work with transgender, gender-variant, and gender-nonconforming youth. She facilitates several monthly support groups for transgender adults, youth, and parents, and offers sessions to people around the world via webcam. Dr. Angello has appeared as a guest expert on Dr. Phil, Larry King Live, The Tyra Banks Show, ABC Primetime, Dr. Oz, and many more shows and documentaries. She is also an adjunct professor at Widener University and has developed the first graduate course in the US that focuses on clinical issues in transgender communities. Her private practice is in Pennsylvania.

John Sovec, MA, LMFT, is a nationally recognized expert on the topic of creating affirmative support for the LGBTQ community, whose work has been featured on The Rikki Lake Show, OWN, FOX, The Advocate, YHTV, LA Talk Radio, Broad Topics, and regular columns for Huffington Post and Good Therapy. In addition, John offers trainings to organizations, schools, and nonprofits, and professional consultations on how to successfully support the LGBT community. John is also an advocate and educator in the HIV/AIDS community and is the clinical consultant for The Life Group LA as well as adjunct faculty at Phillips Graduate University.

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Linda Gromko, MD, started working with the transgender community when a woman called to ask: "Does Dr. Gromko treat transgender women?" Dr. Gromko's answer—"Not yet!"—began two decades of work with the trans community, with patients ranging in age from 5 to 85. Starting as a hospital nurse and nurse practitioner at Planned Parenthood, Dr. Gromko completed her medical training and family practice residency at the University of Washington. She founded Queen Anne Medical Associates PLLC 27 years ago. She wrote Where's MY Book?' A Guide for Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Youth, Their Parents & Everyone Else, and is presently writing a book focusing on transgender adults.

As the founder and owner of Follow Your Heart, LLC (www.followyourheartllc.com), Stephanie Battaglino, MBA, is an internationally recognized speaker, workshop presenter, trainer, and workplace diversity and inclusion consultant focused on creating transgender-inclusive workplaces by helping organizations move “from policy to practice” with respect to their workplace transition guidelines, corporate diversity and inclusion policies, and evolving the narrative with regard to the rapid emergence of the gender continuum and the broadening nature of gender expression in the workplace.

Reynold Watkins, MPA, develops and presents workshops for LGBT youth at Models of Pride, the International Conference on Social Sciences, and California Men's Gathering. He works with professionals as a research assistant to create curriculum on special topics. Areas of expertise include health psychology, end-of-life issues, music therapy, and nonprofit management. Mr. Watkins has a BA in psychology, and a master’s degree in public administration.

Roxanne Cherry, PhD, has been an MFT in private practice for 30 years. She specializes in working with families in which an individual is dealing with gender identity issues. Sometimes, these clients often have co-occurring conditions including LGB concerns, addiction, communication challenges, grief, anxiety, and depression. Her clientele spans from youth to seniors, and she incorporates art therapy, hypnotherapy, and pet-assisted therapy into her work. Dr. Cherry is a speaker, consultant, and AAMFT-certified supervisor.

Tracy Flynn has over 25 years of experience in management and leadership positions in local and national health, child welfare, and education institutions. Her expertise includes anti-bias and inclusion, leadership and management training, and engagement. Tracy currently works as an independent consultant, with numerous clients that include Welcoming Schools, an anti-bias/LGBTQ inclusive program for K-6 schools and the All Children All Families project of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. Tracy also serves on the board for Out in Front, the premier LGBTQA leadership development program in the PNW. She can be reached via her website: www.tracyflynnconsulting.com.

Marissa Rathbone serves as Director of Operations in the Learning and Teaching Division at Washington’s Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). She provides support and leadership to strengthen statewide implementation of social studies, world languages, the arts, health, physical education, sexual health, and computer science. Her background is in organizational leadership and health education, with an emphasis on educating the Whole Child.

Diane Anderson-Minshall is a queer, Native-American journalist, editor, and author. She and her husband of 27 years wrote about their experience transitioning from a lesbian couple to husband and wife in the memoir, Queerly Beloved: A Love Story across Genders. As CEO of Retrograde Communications, Diane serves as the award-winning editorial director of The Advocate, Chill, and Plus magazines as well as HIVPlusMag.com and TinyLivingChic.com. A winner of awards from GLAAD, Folio, and the WPA, Diane has served as executive producer on a number of health programs, including The T with Dr. D and My Health, My Way.

Jacob Anderson-Minshall is a disabled transgender journalist, editor, and author. After more than 15 years together he and his coconspirator, Diane, transitioned from lesbian couple to husband and wife. Their story, told in the award-winning memoir Queerly Beloved: A Love Story Across Genders, has also garnered the attention of Psychology Today, The New York Times, Glamour, and numerous other media outlets. The couple has now been together 27 years. Jacob is cofounder of Retrograde Communications, where he serves as deputy editor of The Advocate and Plus magazines. His new novel, Swimming Upstream, looks at queer kinship, gender non-conformity, and the lasting impacts of trauma.

Alexis Paige is a legal assistant in the Western Regional Office of Lambda Legal, the oldest and largest national legal organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people, and everyone living with HIV. Besides her legal support work, she also contributes blog posts, gives presentations, participates in panel discussions, and speaks at rallies. Alexis Paige is an honoree of the 2015 Trans 100 and a 2015 Gay & Lesbian Archives of the Pacific Northwest’s Queer Hero.

Maria Al-Shamma, a school social worker in San Diego, is the board chair for the North County LGBTQ Resource Center and also a Welcoming Schools™ Trainer. She is passionate about standing up for queer youth and works to help them feel safe, welcomed, affirmed, empowered, and loved. Maria serves middle and high school students in the Vista Unified School District and works closely with area GSA advisors.

India Susanne Holden is a published author and seminar and workshop leader. They are a certified life coach and Reiki master, spiritual guide, and tarot reader with over a decade of experience teaching classes and seeing individual clients. India is the author of two books: The World Is Better Than You Think and Crafting a Happy Life. A third book, The Happy Activist, will be published in 2018.
Fun Fact: India is a former recording artist with Sony, Germany.

Diana Feliz Oliva has worked in the field of social services and public health for almost 25 years. Her work began in 1994 with the County of Fresno – Department of Social Services to her new position as Community Liaison at Gilead Sciences, Inc. in 2017. In addition, Ms. Oliva has more than 15 years of experience in working with the HIV + positive communities which include, women, MSM, transgender individuals, sex workers, mentally ill, substance users, homeless individuals, incarcerated adults, youth, elderly, people of color and undocumented individuals.
A graduate of Columbia University with a Master’s Degree in Social Work in 2005, her particular interest has been advancing the development of public policy that addresses community-level health and social problems. Turning her daunting personal challenges and barriers into the very basis of her activism, Ms. Oliva has become an effective social advocate and role model. Her work is shown giving voice and visibility to not only the HIV + positive communities, but also to the multiple, overlapping communities her life has touched.

Ethan Alexander Patron is a transgender man of color who was born in Peru and immigrated to Los Angeles at the age of 12 years old. His mission is to empower marginalized communities through social activism and leadership. He currently works for St. John’s Well Child & Family Center as a patient advocate where he connects local Trans and gender non-conforming identified individuals to the resources they need in order to thrive. His work focuses on advocating for patients that face obstacles with the medical aspect of their transition. Outside of work, Ethan serves as Mr. Pride LA 2017 for the imperial court, a 501C organization raising funds for educational scholarships and local organizations.

Aidan Key is the director of Gender Diversity, an organization that provides education to teachers, staff, counselors, and administrators regarding gender-inclusive schools grades K-12. Additionally, he provides support for families of transgender and gender-nonconforming children and teens through his parent support groups in Washington State. Key speaks regularly to universities and organizations seeking to expand their knowledge of issues related to gender identity in children and adults. He is also the founder of the Gender Odyssey conferences.

Scott Peacock serves as Deputy Superintendent for Leadership and Equity in Snohomish, WA. In 1991 he received a master’s degree in Teaching Social Studies from the State University of New York at Binghamton. For the past 25 years, he has lived in Snohomish with his wife and sons. Over that time he has served as a high school social studies teacher, an assistant principal, a middle school principal, and Assistant Superintendent for Leadership and Learning prior to moving into his current position.

Dr. Michele Angello offers individual, couples, group, and family therapy, as well as corporate education and training on a variety of issues concerning sexuality. She has presented internationally on her work with transgender, gender-variant, and gender-nonconforming youth. She facilitates several monthly support groups for transgender adults, youth, and parents, and offers sessions to people around the world via webcam. Dr. Angello has appeared as a guest expert on Dr. Phil, Larry King Live, The Tyra Banks Show, ABC Primetime, Dr. Oz, and many more shows and documentaries. She is also an adjunct professor at Widener University and has developed the first graduate course in the US that focuses on clinical issues in transgender communities. Her private practice is in Pennsylvania.

As director of the Child and Adolescent Program at the Los Angeles Gender Center, Susan Landon, LMFT, has been providing counseling for individuals, couples, children, and families in Santa Monica, California, for the past 30 years. She is a member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH). Susan speaks around the country about mental health therapy with gender-nonconforming children and adolescents, as well as facilitating a large parent and youth support group in Los Angeles.

Aydin Olson-Kennedy, MSW, is the executive director of the Los Angeles Gender Center where he provides therapy for gender-nonconforming and transgender youth, adults, and their families. He has spoken internationally on the importance of an informed-consent model of care, identifying and acknowledging domains of privilege and broadening clinicians and families understanding of gender dysphoria and its impact on the psychosocial well-being of gender-nonconforming and transgender individuals.

Johanna Olson-Kennedy, MD, specializes in the care of gender-nonconforming children and transgender youth. Board certified in pediatrics and adolescent medicine, Dr. Olson-Kennedy has been providing medical intervention for transgender youth and young for the past 11 years, and is considered a national expert in this area. The medical director of the Center for Transyouth Health and Development at Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles, the largest transgender youth clinic in the United States, she also spearheads a rigorous research program that seeks to understand the trans experience from childhood through early adulthood. Dr. Olson-Kennedy has appeared frequently on national television, and spoken all over the country to educate providers, parents, and other communities about the needs of transgender youth.

Fawn Oates has been studying the transgender experience since 1998. She is currently a professor at Red Rocks Community College just outside of Denver and has been there for over 10 years. She teaches a variety of classes including Human Sexuality, Psychology of Gender, and created Psychology of Transgenderism. She is in the midst of writing a Psychology of Gender textbook and has presented across the United States on GLBT topics. Fawn is the founder of TransNational Advocacy, whose mission is the spreading of understanding and acceptance of transgenderism through education.

Addison Rose Vincent (they/them) is a 25-year-old transfeminine genderqueer non-binary activist. Born in Canada and raised in Michigan, Addison moved to Southern California to study at Chapman University. After coming out as gay at 18 and trans at 21, they graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Peace Studies. Addison serves as both a local educator on non-binary issues and a Pride United Lead Advocate providing support to LGBTQIA+ survivors of violence.

Johanna Eager, MEd, is the director of HRC's Welcoming Schools program, the premier resource for elementary school educators to create respectful, safe, and supportive schools so that all students can thrive—socially, emotionally, and academically. As a national leader in the field of E-12 education with over 20 years of experience focused on educational equity topics, Johanna passionately works to provide LGBTQ and gender-inclusive professional development and resources to educators in schools across the nation.

Linda Gromko, MD, started working with the transgender community when a woman called to ask: "Does Dr. Gromko treat transgender women?" Dr. Gromko's answer—"Not yet!"—began two decades of work with the trans community, with patients ranging in age from 5 to 85. Starting as a hospital nurse and nurse practitioner at Planned Parenthood, Dr. Gromko completed her medical training and family practice residency at the University of Washington. She founded Queen Anne Medical Associates PLLC 27 years ago. She wrote Where's MY Book?' A Guide for Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Youth, Their Parents & Everyone Else, and is presently writing a book focusing on transgender adults.

Dr. Michele Angello offers individual, couples, group, and family therapy, as well as corporate education and training on a variety of issues concerning sexuality. She has presented internationally on her work with transgender, gender-variant, and gender-nonconforming youth. She facilitates several monthly support groups for transgender adults, youth, and parents, and offers sessions to people around the world via webcam. Dr. Angello has appeared as a guest expert on Dr. Phil, Larry King Live, The Tyra Banks Show, ABC Primetime, Dr. Oz, and many more shows and documentaries. She is also an adjunct professor at Widener University and has developed the first graduate course in the US that focuses on clinical issues in transgender communities. Her private practice is in Pennsylvania.

Daniel Au Valencia is an actor, activist, and #ActuallyAutistic. They self-identify as gendervague, and as a member of both the transgender and neurodivergent communities. Daniel Au works as westside event coordinator for Trans Student Educational Resources (TSER), computer lab educator at Southern California Resource Services for Independent Living (SCRS-IL), and neurodiversity liaison of Southern California Against Forced Treatment (SCAFT), and founding director of Los Angeles Neurodiversity (LAND).

Skylar Freels is a GLAAD campus ambassador from the University of Southern California, where he is majoring in philosophy and political science. Skylar is currently working with GLAAD and USC’s IT department, Title IX staff, and LGBTQ Resource Center to create a trans-inclusive server system for student information so that students can update their own names and pronouns without needing legal documentation. In addition to working with GLAAD, Skylar also runs USC’s Transgender Advocacy Group, to provide trans students a safe social environment, and works with the Long Beach LGBT Center’s Speak Your Mind Academy program to provide training and education on mental health issues in the LGBTQ community.

Missy Anderson is a genderfluid trans woman working her way into activism for the queer and trans communities. She recently discovered her trans identity after starting college at the University of Southern California, with support from Skylar Freels’ Transgender Advocacy Group, and has been navigating the intersections of her queer, trans, and Autistic identities ever since. She is working toward getting a bachelor’s degree in political science, with plans to continue her studies into graduate school, with the aim of advocating for trans and queer people via the political system.

After being a classroom teacher for a decade, Timothy Kordic, MA, began working in health and prevention education. Over time, he has worked in violence-, alcohol-, tobacco- and other drugs- prevention-education programs. He oversees comprehensive sexual health and HIV prevention for his district and manages the LAUSD HIV/AIDS Prevention Unit funded by CDC DASH. Part of his work is surveillance on LAUSD student health behaviors through multiple surveys and programmatic research.

Dr. Judy Chiasson is a coordinator in the Human Relations, Diversity, and Equity Office of the Los Angeles Unified School District. She advocates for safe and affirming campuses for students, staff, and families by creating policies, practices, and curriculum that are affirming of sexual orientation and gender identity. Chiasson is recognized as a national leader in LGBTQ concerns in K-12 education.

Drian Juarez is the program manager for Grindr’s Grindr for Equality program where she works to promote health, justice, and equality for the global LGBTQ community. She is also a consultant on Transgender issues in the workplace and assists in developing programs for communities endeavoring to help Transgender people get back to work. Juarez founded the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Transgender Economic Empowerment Project (TEEP) where she established cross-organizational/cross-functional teams to assist in the mission of developing substantive employment and business opportunities for the Los Angeles Transgender community.

Gearah Goldstein is a nationally recognized LGBTQIA+ anti-bias trainer who is passionate about sharing her observations from navigating life while embracing a transgender reality. She has trained thousands of people and has been featured on NBC and CBS national news and other outlets. Gearah is often hired to train law enforcement, hospitals, government agencies, educators, businesses, and organizations. She also helps people learn to become powerful public speakers through her program, Impactful Public Speaking.

Inspired to help others tell their story, Jennifer Gordon is launching the GenderCool Project, an education/awareness campaign and storytelling digital platform to spotlight just how interesting the gender conversation truly is. Frequently asked to speak on this topic, Gordon is also on the front line of policy work for gender-inclusive schools in the state of Illinois. She is leading the charge in district 112, representing 4,000 students, in partnership with the administration and advocates to evolve gender- inclusive procedures for all students.

Burt Webb, MD, started his practice in Scottsdale, AZ, after attending Stanford and Tulane Universities.
Shortly thereafter in 2002, he started performing vaginectomies and hysterectomies on trans patients. He has enjoyed the experience so much that a significant part of his practice is devoted to helping trans patients both surgically and with the hormone management aspect of their health.

Brie Spangler graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design and is the author-illustrator of two picture books: Peg Leg Peke and The Grumpy Dump Truck. She made her YA debut with Beast.

M.G. Hennessey (she/her) loves Star Wars, the San Francisco Giants, strawberry ice cream, and dancing. A supporter of the Transgender Law Center, Gender Spectrum, and the Human Rights Campaign, she volunteers as a mentor with the LA LGBT Center’s Lifeworks program, helps organize the LA Gender Odyssey conference, and is the dean of Camp Transcend. She lives in Los Angeles with her family. Her book The Other Boy is a heartfelt story about a transgender boy’s journey toward acceptance. The Other Boy was called “a terrific read for all ages” by Jill Soloway, the award-winning creator of Transparent, and “an emotionally complex and achingly real read” by Ami Polonsky, author of Gracefully Grayson.

Kristin Elizabeth Clark is the author of critically acclaimed books FREAKBOY (2013, FSG Macmillan), and Jess, Chunk, and the Road Trip to Infinity (2017, also from Macmillan). Clark speaks at local and national conferences, presenting programming on literature, LGBTQ themes, and social justice. She lives in San Francisco, where she writes, teaches craft workshops, studies healing arts, and moonlights as a bookseller. You can visit her online at kristinelizabethclark.com or follow her on Twitter @KristinClarkYA.

Alexander Chen works at the National Center for Lesbian Rights, where he advances trans rights through litigation and policy advocacy. He graduated from Oxford University and Harvard Law School, where he was the first openly trans Harvard Law Review editor, and worked at the DOJ, ACLU, and National Center for Transgender Equality. He clerked on the Ninth Circuit and S.D. Cal. In 2018, Alexander was listed in Forbes 30 Under 30 in Law and Policy.

Asaf Orr joined NCLR in February 2012 as a staff attorney working on issues related to families and youth. In July 2015, he was named NCLR’s Transgender Youth Project Staff Attorney. As part of that project, Asaf engages in litigation, public policy, and informal advocacy to safeguard the right of transgender and gender-expansive youth to be affirmed and supported for who they are.

Johanna Olson-Kennedy, MD, specializes in the care of gender-nonconforming children and transgender youth. Board certified in pediatrics and adolescent medicine, Dr. Olson-Kennedy has been providing medical intervention for transgender youth and young for the past 11 years, and is considered a national expert in this area. The medical director of the Center for Transyouth Health and Development at Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles, the largest transgender youth clinic in the United States, she also spearheads a rigorous research program that seeks to understand the trans experience from childhood through early adulthood. Dr. Olson-Kennedy has appeared frequently on national television, and spoken all over the country to educate providers, parents, and other communities about the needs of transgender youth.

Drian Juarez is the program manager for Grindr’s Grindr for Equality program where she works to promote health, justice, and equality for the global LGBTQ community. She is also a consultant on Transgender issues in the workplace and assists in developing programs for communities endeavoring to help Transgender people get back to work. Juarez founded the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Transgender Economic Empowerment Project (TEEP) where she established cross-organizational/cross-functional teams to assist in the mission of developing substantive employment and business opportunities for the Los Angeles Transgender community.

Michaela Mendelsohn is a Transgender activist, public speaker, groundbreaker, and businesswoman with over 40 years of entrepreneurial leadership experience. Her courage, determination, life experiences and successes make her an expert speaker on a multitude of topics. Michaela is highly in demand as the "go-to person" for major LGBT media outlets for her in-depth perspective and "boots on the ground" approach to activism and is an active public speaker on LGBT issues with nearly 200 engagements since 2011.

Darlene Tando, LCSW, has a private practice in San Diego and has been working with transgender youth and adults since 2006. She writes a blog (www.DarleneTandoGenderBlog.com) about the many facets of gender and gender transition. Darlene is a proponent of the Informed Consent model and believes the individual is the “expert” on one’s own gender identity. Her role is to make the journey easier. Darlene recently authored the book The Conscious Parent’s Guide to Gender Identity: A Mindful Approach to Embracing Your Child’s Authentic Self.

Sarah Thompson is an eating disorder recovery coach, Certified Body Trust® provider, writer, and consultant. Sarah is committed to educating health care professionals on creating better relationships with larger-bodied clients, eating disorder awareness, and body liberation. All of their work is done through an anti-oppression social justice lens, because acknowledging the trauma of oppression and stigma is a part of healing. Find them at www.resilientfatgoddess.com and as @resilientfatgoddess on social media.

Asaf Orr joined NCLR in February 2012 as a staff attorney working on issues related to families and youth. In July 2015, he was named NCLR’s Transgender Youth Project Staff Attorney. As part of that project, Asaf engages in litigation, public policy, and informal advocacy to safeguard the right of transgender and gender-expansive youth to be affirmed and supported for who they are.

Alexander Chen works at the National Center for Lesbian Rights, where he advances trans rights through litigation and policy advocacy. He graduated from Oxford University and Harvard Law School, where he was the first openly trans Harvard Law Review editor, and worked at the DOJ, ACLU, and National Center for Transgender Equality. He clerked on the Ninth Circuit and S.D. Cal. In 2018, Alexander was listed in Forbes 30 Under 30 in Law and Policy.

Johanna Olson-Kennedy, MD, specializes in the care of gender-nonconforming children and transgender youth. Board certified in pediatrics and adolescent medicine, Dr. Olson-Kennedy has been providing medical intervention for transgender youth and young for the past 11 years, and is considered a national expert in this area. The medical director of the Center for Transyouth Health and Development at Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles, the largest transgender youth clinic in the United States, she also spearheads a rigorous research program that seeks to understand the trans experience from childhood through early adulthood. Dr. Olson-Kennedy has appeared frequently on national television, and spoken all over the country to educate providers, parents, and other communities about the needs of transgender youth.

After being a classroom teacher for a decade, Timothy Kordic, MA, began working in health and prevention education. Over time, he has worked in violence-, alcohol-, tobacco- and other drugs- prevention-education programs. He oversees comprehensive sexual health and HIV prevention for his district and manages the LAUSD HIV/AIDS Prevention Unit funded by CDC DASH. Part of his work is surveillance on LAUSD student health behaviors through multiple surveys and programmatic research.

Dr. Judy Chiasson is a coordinator in the Human Relations, Diversity, and Equity Office of the Los Angeles Unified School District. She advocates for safe and affirming campuses for students, staff, and families by creating policies, practices, and curriculum that are affirming of sexual orientation and gender identity. Chiasson is recognized as a national leader in LGBTQ concerns in K-12 education.

Bamby Salcedo, a transgender Latina Woman, is president and CEO of the TransLatin@ Coalition, an organization addressing the issues of transgender Latin@s in the US, and she is currently developing the Center for Violence Prevention & Transgender Wellness, in LA. Bamby’s remarkable and wide-ranging activist work has brought voice and visibility to not only the trans community, but also to the multiple overlapping communities and issues that her life has touched including migration, HIV, youth, LGBT, incarceration and Latin@ communities, and she has been invited to speak publicly about many of these issues. Her powerful, sobering and inspiring speeches and her warm, down-to-earth presence have provided emotional grounding and perspective for diverse gatherings. She speaks from the heart, having transcended many of her own issues, as seen in the documentary made about her life called TransVisible: Bamby Salcedo’s Story.

Bamby Salcedo, a transgender Latina Woman, is president and CEO of the TransLatin@ Coalition, an organization addressing the issues of transgender Latin@s in the US, and she is currently developing the Center for Violence Prevention & Transgender Wellness, in LA. Bamby’s remarkable and wide-ranging activist work has brought voice and visibility to not only the trans community, but also to the multiple overlapping communities and issues that her life has touched including migration, HIV, youth, LGBT, incarceration and Latin@ communities, and she has been invited to speak publicly about many of these issues. Her powerful, sobering and inspiring speeches and her warm, down-to-earth presence have provided emotional grounding and perspective for diverse gatherings. She speaks from the heart, having transcended many of her own issues, as seen in the documentary made about her life called TransVisible: Bamby Salcedo’s Story.

As director of the Child and Adolescent Program at the Los Angeles Gender Center, Susan Landon, LMFT, has been providing counseling for individuals, couples, children, and families in Santa Monica, California, for the past 30 years. She is a member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH). Susan speaks around the country about mental health therapy with gender-nonconforming children and adolescents, as well as facilitating a large parent and youth support group in Los Angeles.

Aydin Olson-Kennedy, MSW, is the executive director of the Los Angeles Gender Center where he provides therapy for gender-nonconforming and transgender youth, adults, and their families. He has spoken internationally on the importance of an informed-consent model of care, identifying and acknowledging domains of privilege and broadening clinicians and families understanding of gender dysphoria and its impact on the psychosocial well-being of gender-nonconforming and transgender individuals.

Alexander Chen works at the National Center for Lesbian Rights, where he advances trans rights through litigation and policy advocacy. He graduated from Oxford University and Harvard Law School, where he was the first openly trans Harvard Law Review editor and worked at the DOJ, ACLU, and National Center for Transgender Equality. He clerked on the Ninth Circuit and S.D. Cal. In 2018, Alexander was named a Forbes 30 Under 30 in Law and Policy.

Asaf Orr joined NCLR in February 2012 as a Staff Attorney working on issues related to families and youth. In July 2015, he was named NCLR’s Transgender Youth Project Staff Attorney. As part of that project, Asaf engages in litigation, public policy, and informal advocacy to safeguard the right of transgender and gender-expansive youth to be affirmed and supported for who they are.

Logan Berrian is a registered nurse with extensive experience as a clinical nurse case manager. He has been leading the phalloplasty program at the Buncke Clinic since last summer, and provides care coordination and clinical post-operative support for our patients.

Maria Al-Shamma, a school social worker in San Diego, is the board chair for the North County LGBTQ Resource Center and also a Welcoming Schools™ Trainer. She is passionate about standing up for queer youth and works to help them feel safe, welcomed, affirmed, empowered, and loved. Maria serves middle and high school students in the Vista Unified School District and works closely with area GSA advisors.

Tracy Flynn has over 25 years of experience in management and leadership positions in local and national health, child welfare, and education institutions. Her mission is to provide training and coaching to build healthy individuals, organizations, and communities. Her expertise includes anti-bias and inclusion, leadership and management training, and engagement.

Previous positions include National Training Director with the National CASA Association, Director of Training with Planned Parenthood-Western Washington (now PP of the PNW) and Health Curriculum Specialist with Seattle Public Schools. Tracy currently works as an independent consultant, with numerous clients that include- Welcoming Schools an anti-bias/LGBTQ inclusive program for K-6 schools, the All Children All Families project of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, and numerous non-profit and public sector agencies including, Puyallup School District, Seattle Central College and the Port of Seattle. Tracy also serves on the board for Out in Front, the premier LGBTQA leadership development program in the PNW. She can be reached via her website: www.tracyflynnconsulting.com

Jen Hastings, MD, assistant clinical professor at the UCSF Department of Family and Community Medicine and founding director of the Transgender Health Care Program at Planned Parenthood Mar Monte, is actively involved in supporting transgender services around the country. Jen works closely with the Santa Cruz Transgender Therapist Team and is involved in the integration of behavioral health, primary care, mindfulness, and medicine. Jen is a member of the medical advisory board of the UCSF Center of Excellence for Transgender Health which works to increase medical access and understanding about the gender journey.

Alexander Chen works at the National Center for Lesbian Rights, where he advances trans rights through litigation and policy advocacy. He graduated from Oxford University and Harvard Law School, where he was the first openly trans Harvard Law Review editor and worked at the DOJ, ACLU, and National Center for Transgender Equality. He clerked on the Ninth Circuit and S.D. Cal. In 2018, Alexander was named a Forbes 30 Under 30 in Law and Policy.

Darlene Tando, LCSW, has a private practice in San Diego and has been working with transgender youth and adults since 2006. She writes a blog (www.DarleneTandoGenderBlog.com) about the many facets of gender and gender transition. Darlene is a proponent of the Informed Consent model and believes the individual is the “expert” on one’s own gender identity. Her role is to make the journey easier. Darlene recently authored the book The Conscious Parent’s Guide to Gender Identity: A Mindful Approach to Embracing Your Child’s Authentic Self.

Aydin Olson-Kennedy, MSW, is the executive director of the Los Angeles Gender Center where he provides therapy for gender-nonconforming and transgender youth, adults, and their families. He has spoken internationally on the importance of an informed-consent model of care, identifying and acknowledging domains of privilege and broadening clinicians and families understanding of gender dysphoria and its impact on the psychosocial well-being of gender-nonconforming and transgender individuals.

NiK Kacy is the Founder and President of luxury brand, NiK Kacy Footwear, an LGBT-certified business, which creates gender-equal footwear and accessories for genders and identities in all spectrums. As a transmasculine individual who also identifies as nonbinary, Kacy’s designs are inspired by both their personal identity, style and fashion, as well as, the larger LGBTQ community. Their hope is to provide a solution to individuals who have been seeking footwear alternatives that fit not only their feet but also their authentic expression of self. Their mission is to utilize fashion as activism in a way that changes perspectives so that gender no longer acts as a limitation and equality becomes the vernacular that all individuals speak.

Deka is a Afro-latinx, queer, two spirit femme. They are an Alumni of UC Riverside. While there, Deka was a key component to of planning executing the first two Asterisk Trans* conferences. Deka is currently pursuing their Masters of Science in Higher Education and hopes to work with marganalized students within academia.

Celia is an Asian Indian trans women of color who is an activist, advocate, business professional, motivator, musician, artist, photographer and a filmmaker. She currently resides in Ventura county with her family. Celia volunteers for many non profit organizations, churches, institutions and LGBTQ+ resource groups in the Ventura county. She was instrumental in reviving a local LGBT support group in Southern California to include transgender and gender non-confirming individuals across the gender spectrum.

Linda Gromko has been interested in health care from the time she was a Candy Striper at age 14. After serving as a nurse practitioner at Planned Parenthood in Seattle, Linda completed her medical school education and family practice residency at the University of Washington School of Medicine. She established her independent family medical practice on Queen Anne in Seattle in 1989.

Linda treats gender variant patients from age 5 through 85. She provides puberty blockers for youth, hormone management, and pre and post-operative care. Queen Anne Medical now provides laser and electrolysis hair removal with state-of-the art pain management, laser tattoo removal, and a variety of other services.

Tai Vo is a scholar, artist, and activist based in Toronto. Their work, both in Toronto and New York City, has involved founding and sustaining programs that center the needs of queer, trans, and two-spirit people, with a focus on newcomers, disabled folks, and people of color through counselling, case management, youth engagement, outreach, and arts initiatives. He directed the award-winning documentary Our Compass, which was co-written by queer and trans youth labelled with intellectual disabilities. Tai is committed to fostering both self and community determination for all queer, trans, and two-spirit peoples.

Naveed Sarikhan is a disabled, trans, mixed-race therapist who operates a private practice in Federal Way and Tacoma, Washington.

Dr. Ellie Ley is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon, board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. She left private practice to join the office of Dr. Toby Meltzer in December of 2015. She has had extensive training and has a true passion for working with the community, performing GCS and other plastic surgery procedures. She graduated from Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara and New York Medical College, and completed a residency in general surgery at the University of Arizona, and fellowships in craniofacial/pediatric surgery, hand and microsurgery, and plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Stoop Nilsson is a white transmasculine artist, educator, and organizer whose work has focused primarily on anti-racism, police accountability, and community mobilization. Stoop is an educational equity coach with the Center for Strategic Solutions at New York University and has lectured on white culture and racial identity development. Stoop is a member of European Dissent – White Anti-Racist Group – NYC, and is a Constructive White Conversation host in Brooklyn, New York. Stoop studied social work and theology at Concordia University in Portland, Oregon, and has a master’s in social work from Hunter College in New York City.

Dr. Ellie Ley is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon, board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. She left private practice to join the office of Dr. Toby Meltzer in December of 2015. She has had extensive training and has a true passion for working with the community, performing GCS and other plastic surgery procedures. She graduated from Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara and New York Medical College, and completed a residency in general surgery at the University of Arizona, and fellowships in craniofacial/pediatric surgery, hand and microsurgery, and plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Meg Bergeson, DNP, ACNP-BC, FNP-BC, RNFA, is a board-certified acute and family nurse practitioner who joined the Meltzer Clinic in 2011. She is experienced in pediatrics, burn, obstetrics and gynecology, emergency and trauma, with a BS in both psychology and nursing, and both a master’s and doctoral degree in nursing. Her work revolves mostly around transgender medicine and post-operative care. She follows all patients of Drs. Meltzer and Ley during hospitalization and post-operatively and also provides services for hormone replacement and aesthetic procedures.

Aidan Key is the director of Gender Diversity, an organization that provides education to teachers, staff, counselors, and administrators regarding gender-inclusive schools grades K-12. Additionally, he provides support for families of transgender and gender-nonconforming children and teens through his parent support groups in Washington State. Key speaks regularly to universities and organizations seeking to expand their knowledge of issues related to gender identity in children and adults. He is also the founder of the Gender Odyssey conferences.

Kathie Moehlig is the founder and executive director of TransFamily Support Services in San Diego, California. For over 30 years, she has been a public speaker, a workshop presenter, and a support group leader. Kathie is a certified life coach, a licensed minister, and a certified parent counselor. As a parent advocate for her transgender son, Kathie navigated his admittance as the first transgender patient at the Rady Children’s Hospital Gender Management Clinic in San Diego. She provides compassionate and informative support for other transgender families and friends. Kathie works tirelessly to help transgender youth and their families navigate the journey.

Dr Patty is a Clinical Sexologist in private practice for 28 years. She specializes in providing care for transgender people and has worked with 800+ trans people and their families. She works with people of all gender identities, all ages, and all stages of gender exploration and/or transition process. Her primary goal in counseling is to help each individual reach a state of congruence and authenticity in their gender and erotic orientations. drpatty.care

Johanna Olson-Kennedy, MD, specializes in the care of gender-nonconforming children and transgender youth. Board certified in pediatrics and adolescent medicine, Dr. Olson-Kennedy has been providing medical intervention for transgender youth and young for the past 11 years, and is considered a national expert in this area. The medical director of the Center for Transyouth Health and Development at Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles, the largest transgender youth clinic in the United States, she also spearheads a rigorous research program that seeks to understand the trans experience from childhood through early adulthood. Dr. Olson-Kennedy has appeared frequently on national television, and spoken all over the country to educate providers, parents, and other communities about the needs of transgender youth.Los Angeles, the largest transgender youth clinic in the United States. She also spearheads a rigorous research program that seeks to understand the trans experience from childhood through early adulthood. Dr. Olson-Kennedy has appeared frequently on national television, and spoken all over the country to educate providers, parents, and other communities about the needs of transgender youth.

As director of the Child and Adolescent Program at the Los Angeles Gender Center, Susan Landon, LMFT, has been providing counseling for individuals, couples, children, and families in Santa Monica, California, for the past 30 years. She is a member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH). Susan speaks around the country about mental health therapy with gender-nonconforming children and adolescents, as well as facilitating a large parent and youth support group in Los Angeles.

Aydin Olson-Kennedy, MSW, is the executive director of the Los Angeles Gender Center where he provides therapy for gender-nonconforming and transgender youth, adults, and their families. He has spoken internationally on the importance of an informed-consent model of care, identifying and acknowledging domains of privilege and broadening clinicians and families understanding of gender dysphoria and its impact on the psychosocial well-being of gender-nonconforming and transgender individuals.

Gearah is a nationally recognized LGBTQIA+ Anti-Bias Trainer who is passionate about sharing her observations from navigating life while embracing a transgender reality. She has trained thousands of people and has been featured on NBC and CBS national news and other outlets. Gearah is often hired to train law enforcement, hospitals, government agencies, educators, businesses, and organizations. She also helps people learn to become powerful public speakers through her program, Impactful Public Speaking.

Asaf Orr joined NCLR in February 2012 as a staff attorney working on issues related to families and youth. In July 2015, he was named NCLR’s Transgender Youth Project Staff Attorney. As part of that project, Asaf engages in litigation, public policy, and informal advocacy to safeguard the right of transgender and gender-expansive youth to be affirmed and supported for who they are.

Alexander Chen works at the National Center for Lesbian Rights, where he advances trans rights through litigation and policy advocacy. He graduated from Oxford University and Harvard Law School, where he was the first openly trans Harvard Law Review editor and worked at the DOJ, ACLU, and National Center for Transgender Equality. He clerked on the Ninth Circuit and S.D. Cal. In 2018, Alexander was named a Forbes 30 Under 30 in Law and Policy.

Dr. Mangubat a native of Seattle, is a graduate of the University of Washington Medical School, studied surgery at the University of Kentucky and trained in cosmetic surgery with Dr. Richard C. Webster, a legend in the field of cosmetic surgery. He performs a full spectrum of cosmetic procedures including many trans-procedures. He lectures worldwide on body sculpting procedures and is a leader amongst his peers. He has served on several Academy boards. Dr. Mangubat’s work with the Transgender community is well known to be caring and sensitive to each individual. His full resume: LaBelleVieCosmetic.com

India is an author, seminar and workshop leader. They are a certified life coach and Reiki master, spiritual guide, and tarot reader with over a decade of experience teaching classes and workshops and seeing individual clients.
They are the author of two books: “The World is Better Than You Think” and “Crafting a Happy” Life. A Third book, The Happy Activist, will be published in 2018.
Fun Fact: India is a former recording artist with Sony, Germany.

Sara Stanizai (she/her), consulting clinician, is a licensed marriage and family therapist in her home state of California. She has extensive clinical experience and training in providing solution-focused, LGBTQ+-affirming therapy and maintains a private psychotherapy practice in Long Beach, CA. She joined Building Allies in 2018 and is committed to personal and professional development for people interested in intersectionality and motivated to dismantle oppressive systems at the individual and community level.

Kyle Sawyer (pronouns: they/he) is the founder of Building Allies, an organization dedicated to turning privilege into change. Kyle is a longtime trans activist and spends much of his time connecting his passions to social justice. Kyle has conducted many lectures and workshops regarding active-allyship to the trans and non-binary communities to help educate individuals, organizations, and service providers in the development of their own active-ally behavior.

Roz Keith has spent the past four years serving transgender youth and their families in numerous capacities. She is the founder of Stand with Trans; creator of Ally Moms; facilitator of a parent support group; community event organizer; and speaker. Most recently, Roz was enrolled in the 2017 Diversity Champion Honor Roll of the Race Relations & Diversity Task Force. Roz resides in Michigan with her transgender son, cis daughter, supportive husband, and adorable dog, Primrose.

Janna Barkin and her husband Gabriel live in Marin County, California. Together they’ve raised three children—their youngest is transgender. A lifelong learner, Janna loves experiencing new things and giving back to the community. She has worked as a preschool teacher/director and a certified childbirth educator, and currently teaches yoga. Janna started and co-facilitates a support group for parents and caregivers of transgender children. She is a member of Ally Moms, and recently published author of the book He's Always Been My Son.

Jen Hastings, MD, assistant clinical professor at the UCSF Department of Family and Community Medicine and founding director of the Transgender Health Care Program at Planned Parenthood Mar Monte, is actively involved in supporting transgender services around the country. Jen works closely with the Santa Cruz Transgender Therapist Team and is involved in the integration of behavioral health, primary care, mindfulness, and medicine. Jen is a member of the medical advisory board of the UCSF Center of Excellence for Transgender Health which works to increase medical access and understanding about the gender journey.

Johanna Olson-Kennedy, MD, specializes in the care of gender-nonconforming children and transgender youth. Board certified in pediatrics and adolescent medicine, Dr. Olson-Kennedy has been providing medical intervention for transgender youth and young for the past 11 years, and is considered a national expert in this area. The medical director of the Center for Transyouth Health and Development at Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles, the largest transgender youth clinic in the United States, she also spearheads a rigorous research program that seeks to understand the trans experience from childhood through early adulthood. Dr. Olson-Kennedy has appeared frequently on national television, and spoken all over the country to educate providers, parents, and other communities about the needs of transgender youth.

Aydin Olson-Kennedy, MSW, is the executive director of the Los Angeles Gender Center where he provides therapy for gender-nonconforming and transgender youth, adults, and their families. He has spoken internationally on the importance of an informed-consent model of care, identifying and acknowledging domains of privilege and broadening clinicians and families understanding of gender dysphoria and its impact on the psychosocial well-being of gender-nonconforming and transgender individuals.n the importance of informed consent mental and medical health care for gender non-conforming and transgender individuals, with emphasis on identifying and acknowledging domains of privilege.

As director of the Child and Adolescent Program at the Los Angeles Gender Center, Susan Landon, LMFT, has been providing counseling for individuals, couples, children, and families in Santa Monica, California, for the past 30 years. She is a member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH). Susan speaks around the country about mental health therapy with gender-nonconforming children and adolescents, as well as facilitating a large parent and youth support group in Los Angeles.

Mick Rabin taught in the classroom for 21 years. He is interested in the confluence of social justice and student empowerment at all levels. His implementation of these practices in the classroom setting is informed by teaching pedagogies that are universal across all stages of human development. His experience working at a Title-1 school with extremely limited resources and under policies of limited scope forced him to get creative. Now a Project Resource Teacher for LGBTQIA Advocacy in San Diego Unified (and through many years with GLSEN San Diego County), Mick has facilitated numerous professional development workshops which explore resourceful ways for promoting identity exploration through a curricular lens.

Dr. Ellie Ley is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon, board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. She left private practice to join the office of Dr. Toby Meltzer in December of 2015. She has had extensive training and has a true passion for working with the community, performing GCS and other plastic surgery procedures. She graduated from Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara and New York Medical College, and completed a residency in general surgery at the University of Arizona, and fellowships in craniofacial/pediatric surgery, hand and microsurgery, and plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Meg Bergeson, DNP, ACNP-BC, FNP-BC, RNFA, is a board-certified acute and family nurse practitioner who joined the Meltzer Clinic in 2011. She is experienced in pediatrics, burn, obstetrics and gynecology, emergency and trauma, with a BS in both psychology and nursing, and both a master’s and doctoral degree in nursing. Her work revolves mostly around transgender medicine and post-operative care. She follows all patients of Drs. Meltzer and Ley during hospitalization and post-operatively and also provides services for hormone replacement and aesthetic procedures.

Peggy Cryden is a licensed marriage and family therapist. She has a private practice in Southern California serving Los Angeles and surrounding areas. She is the proud mother of a 27-year-old gay transgender son and a 25-year-old gay son. Peggy guest lectures and presents workshops on the topic of Transgender Wellness and Launching the Transgender Child. She has made national television appearances and authored the award-winning book Straight Expectations: The Story of a Family in Transition.

Jacob Rostovsky is a marriage and family therapy graduate student with a specialization in LGBTQ-affirmative psychology. He is the founder and executive director of Trans United with Family and Friends (TUFF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping ease the financial burden of transition costs. He has made over 10 media appearances and presented over 50 transgender-oriented workshops.

Dr. Michele Angello offers individual, couples, group, and family therapy, as well as corporate education and training on a variety of issues concerning sexuality. She has presented internationally on her work with transgender, gender-variant, and gender-nonconforming youth. She facilitates several monthly support groups for transgender adults, youth, and parents, and offers sessions to people around the world via webcam. Dr. Angello has appeared as a guest expert on Dr. Phil, Larry King Live, The Tyra Banks Show, ABC Primetime, Dr. Oz, and many more shows and documentaries. She is also an adjunct professor at Widener University and has developed the first graduate course in the US that focuses on clinical issues in transgender communities. Her private practice is in Pennsylvania.

Aidan Key is the director of Gender Diversity, an organization that provides education to teachers, staff, counselors, and administrators regarding gender-inclusive schools grades K-12. Additionally, he provides support for families of transgender and gender-nonconforming children and teens through his parent support groups in Washington State. Key speaks regularly to universities and organizations seeking to expand their knowledge of issues related to gender identity in children and adults. He is also the founder of the Gender Odyssey conferences.

Asaf Orr joined NCLR in February 2012 as a staff attorney working on issues related to families and youth. In July 2015, he was named NCLR’s Transgender Youth Project Staff Attorney. As part of that project, Asaf engages in litigation, public policy, and informal advocacy to safeguard the right of transgender and gender-expansive youth to be affirmed and supported for who they are.

Scott Peacock serves as Deputy Superintendent for Leadership and Equity in Snohomish, WA. In 1991 he received a master’s degree in Teaching Social Studies from the State University of New York at Binghamton. For the past 25 years, he has lived in Snohomish with his wife and sons. Over that time he has served as a high school social studies teacher, an assistant principal, a middle school principal, and Assistant Superintendent for Leadership and Learning prior to moving into his current position.

Logan Berrian is a registered nurse with extensive experience as a clinical nurse case manager. He has been leading the phalloplasty program at the Buncke Clinic since last summer, and provides care coordination and clinical post-operative support for our patients.

Katie Leikam is an MSW and licensed clinical social worker based in Atlanta, GA who specializes in affirming the transgender community. She has been a close ally for the transgender community for seven years. Katie is pursuing her World Professional Association of Transgender Health GEI certification and believes in the informed consent model when working with clients. Katie is a secular therapist in the south. She opened her practice in the winter of 2017 and through networking and her online presence now sees clients in person and through video throughout Georgia. She works with teenagers, families, adults and couples. She is most passionate about providing affirming, nonjudgmental care for her clients at work and spending time with her husband, son and four dogs at home.

Aydin Olson-Kennedy, MSW, is the executive director of the Los Angeles Gender Center where he provides therapy for gender-nonconforming and transgender youth, adults, and their families. He has spoken internationally on the importance of an informed-consent model of care, identifying and acknowledging domains of privilege and broadening clinicians and families understanding of gender dysphoria and its impact on the psychosocial well-being of gender-nonconforming and transgender individuals.

Johanna Olson-Kennedy, MD, specializes in the care of gender-nonconforming children and transgender youth. Board certified in pediatrics and adolescent medicine, Dr. Olson-Kennedy has been providing medical intervention for transgender youth and young for the past 11 years, and is considered a national expert in this area. The medical director of the Center for Transyouth Health and Development at Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles, the largest transgender youth clinic in the United States, she also spearheads a rigorous research program that seeks to understand the trans experience from childhood through early adulthood. Dr. Olson-Kennedy has appeared frequently on national television, and spoken all over the country to educate providers, parents, and other communities about the needs of transgender youth.

As director of the Child and Adolescent Program at the Los Angeles Gender Center, Susan Landon, LMFT, has been providing counseling for individuals, couples, children, and families in Santa Monica, California, for the past 30 years. She is a member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH). Susan speaks around the country about mental health therapy with gender-nonconforming children and adolescents, as well as facilitating a large parent and youth support group in Los Angeles.

Daniel Au Valencia is an actor, activist, and #ActuallyAutistic. They self-identify as gendervague, as a member of both the transgender and neurodivergent communities. Daniel Au works as westside event coordinator for Trans Student Educational Resources (TSER), co-facilitator of True Colors LGBTQ with Disabilities at Southern California Resource Services for Independent Living (SCRS-IL), neurodiversity liaison of Southern California Against Forced Treatment (SCAFT), and founding director of Los Angeles Neurodiversity (LAND).

Maira Morales holds a bachelor’s degree in human services from the California State University in Dominguez Hills. She is currently a youth transition specialist for Southern California Resource Services for Independent Living and is one of the facilitators for the organization’s group Youth Leaders Empowering Advocates with Disabilities (Youth LEAD)—an advocacy and empowering group for youth with disabilities.

Jose Gonzalez is an alumnus of the University of California in Santa Barbara and holds bachelor’s degrees in global studies, Spanish, and music. He is currently a youth transition specialist and short-term support coach with Southern California Resource Services for Independent Living (SCRS-IL), and the head facilitator for True Colors, an educational social peer-support group for individuals who identify as LGBTQIAP with Disabilities and their allies, hosted by SCRS-IL Downey every fourth Thursday of the month. Jose is also a facilitator for the SCRS-IL's Youth Leaders Empowering Advocates with Disabilities group (Youth LEAD) an advocacy and self-empowerment group for youth with disabilities.

Nikki Lillian is an advocate for the disability and LGBTQIAP communities. She currently assists True Colors - Southern California Resource Services for Independent Living (SCRS-IL) with outreach and public affairs.

Eric Cabrera is one of the founders of the True Colors LGBTQIAP with Disabilities group. He is a passionate advocate for the disability and LGBT communities.

Michelle Enfield, a Diné of the Red Running into the Water people Clan (Tachii’nii), is originally from Lukachukai, Arizona, but now resides in Los Angeles, California. She has trained in fine arts, and now studies psychology and business at Antioch University LA. She has first-hand experience working with homeless youth, as an HIV test counselor, and specifically with the Native American population providing HIV education, support, and referrals. She is a member of the Transgender Service Provider Network (TSPN) and co-chair of the Underrepresented Cultural Communities with the LA Department of Mental Health.

Burt Webb, MD, started his practice in Scottsdale, AZ, after attending Stanford and Tulane Universities.
Shortly thereafter in 2002, he started performing vaginectomies and hysterectomies on trans patients. He has enjoyed the experience so much that much of his practice is devoted toward helping trans patients both surgically and with the hormone management aspect of their health.

Roz Keith has spent the past four years serving transgender youth and their families in numerous capacities. She is the founder of Stand with Trans; creator of Ally Moms; facilitator of a parent support group; community event organizer; and speaker. Most recently, Roz was enrolled in the 2017 Diversity Champion Honor Roll of the Race Relations & Diversity Task Force. Roz resides in Michigan with her transgender son, cis daughter, supportive husband, and adorable dog, Primrose.

Janna Barkin and her husband Gabriel live in Marin County, California. Together they’ve raised three children—their youngest is transgender. A lifelong learner, Janna loves experiencing new things and giving back to the community. She has worked as a preschool teacher/director and a certified childbirth educator, and currently teaches yoga. Janna started and co-facilitates a support group for parents and caregivers of transgender children. She is a member of Ally Moms, and recently published author of the book He's Always Been My Son.

Gabrielle Bellitti has worked for the California Cryobank for four years now. She is passionate about working with the LGBTQ community in helping to assist with all sperm banking needs. Gabrielle received her undergraduate degree in psychology from Ashford University in 2007. She received her master’s degree in psychology from Capella University in 2013. Gabrielle is currently pursuing a PhD in psychology, and hopes to one day counsel transitioning youth.

Darlene Tando, LCSW, has a private practice in San Diego and has been working with transgender youth and adults since 2006. She writes a blog (www.DarleneTandoGenderBlog.com) about the many facets of gender and gender transition. Darlene is a proponent of the Informed Consent model and believes the individual is the “expert” on one’s own gender identity. Her role is to make the journey easier. Darlene recently authored the book The Conscious Parent’s Guide to Gender Identity: A Mindful Approach to Embracing Your Child’s Authentic Self.

Aydin Olson-Kennedy, MSW, is the executive director of the Los Angeles Gender Center where he provides therapy for gender-nonconforming and transgender youth, adults, and their families. He has spoken internationally on the importance of an informed-consent model of care, identifying and acknowledging domains of privilege and broadening clinicians and families understanding of gender dysphoria and its impact on the psychosocial well-being of gender-nonconforming and transgender individuals.

As director of the Child and Adolescent Program at the Los Angeles Gender Center, Susan Landon, LMFT, has been providing counseling for individuals, couples, children, and families in Santa Monica, California, for the past 30 years. She is a member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH). Susan speaks around the country about mental health therapy with gender-nonconforming children and adolescents, as well as facilitating a large parent and youth support group in Los Angeles.

Jamie Julian, LCSW is a Social Worker and Intake Coordinator for the Center for Transyouth at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. The Center for Transyouth is the largest Transyouth clinic in the country. Jamie works on a multidisciplinary team to ensure that all patients are supported and affirmed in their identity. Jamie also works closely with families and young adults to access services at CHLA, maintain family continuity, manage crisis/safety concerns, and connect with resources within their community. Jamie currently serves on the LGBTQI2-S UsCC subcommittee in partnership with DMH and the diversity council within CHLA. Pronouns: She/Her

Bianca Salvetti, MSN, CNS, CPNP is a nurse practitioner for the Center for Transyouth Health and Development at CHLA. She provides medical care to transgender youth and young adults and assists with research studies. She also provides medical education about medications and injections and supports patients with prescription and procedure authorizations. Pronouns: She/Her

Monica Nuñez Cham, originaria de Guadalajara, México, es madre de Isaac, joven transgénero que fue asignado niña al nacer pero se identificó como niño a los dos años. La familia hizo la transición cuando Isaac tenía 12 años. Mónica, junto con su esposo Arturo e Isaac, son los fundadores del grupo de apoyo para padres Transforming Family en San Diego y es facilitadora del grupo de apoyo en español de Pflag Mi Familia.

Aidan is someone I know.

Kathie Moehlig is the founder and executive director of TransFamily Support Services in San Diego, California. For over 30 years, she has been a public speaker, a workshop presenter, and a support group leader. Kathie is a certified life coach, a licensed minister, and a certified parent counselor. As a parent advocate for her transgender son, Kathie navigated his admittance as the first transgender patient at the Rady Children’s Hospital Gender Management Clinic in San Diego. She provides compassionate and informative support for other transgender families and friends. Kathie works tirelessly to help transgender youth and their families navigate the journey.

Darlene Tando, LCSW, has a private practice in San Diego and has been working with transgender youth and adults since 2006. She writes a blog (www.DarleneTandoGenderBlog.com) about the many facets of gender and gender transition. Darlene is a proponent of the Informed Consent model and believes the individual is the “expert” on one’s own gender identity. Her role is to make the journey easier. Darlene recently authored the book The Conscious Parent’s Guide to Gender Identity: A Mindful Approach to Embracing Your Child’s Authentic Self.

Fawn Oates has been studying the transgender experience since 1998. She is currently a professor at Red Rocks Community College just outside of Denver and has been there for over 10 years. She teaches a variety of classes including Human Sexuality, Psychology of Gender, and created Psychology of Transgenderism. She is in the midst of writing a Psychology of Gender textbook and has presented across the United States on GLBT topics. Fawn is the founder of TransNational Advocacy, whose mission is the spreading of understanding and acceptance of transgenderism through education.

Dr. Michele Angello offers individual, couples, group, and family therapy, as well as corporate education and training on a variety of issues concerning sexuality. She has presented internationally on her work with transgender, gender-variant, and gender-nonconforming youth. She facilitates several monthly support groups for transgender adults, youth, and parents, and offers sessions to people around the world via webcam. Dr. Angello has appeared as a guest expert on Dr. Phil, Larry King Live, The Tyra Banks Show, ABC Primetime, Dr. Oz, and many more shows and documentaries. She is also an adjunct professor at Widener University and has developed the first graduate course in the US that focuses on clinical issues in transgender communities. Her private practice is in Pennsylvania.

Linda Gromko, MD, started working with the transgender community when a woman called to ask: "Does Dr. Gromko treat transgender women?" Dr. Gromko's answer—"Not yet!"—began two decades of work with the trans community, with patients ranging in age from 5 to 85. Starting as a hospital nurse and nurse practitioner at Planned Parenthood, Dr. Gromko completed her medical training and family practice residency at the University of Washington. She founded Queen Anne Medical Associates PLLC 27 years ago. She wrote Where's MY Book?' A Guide for Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Youth, Their Parents & Everyone Else, and is presently writing a book focusing on transgender adults.

Sarah Thompson is an eating disorder recovery coach, Certified Body Trust® provider, writer, and consultant. Sarah is committed to educating health care professionals on creating better relationships with larger-bodied clients, eating disorder awareness, and body liberation. All of their work is done through an anti-oppression social justice lens, because acknowledging the trauma of oppression and stigma is a part of healing. Find them at www.resilientfatgoddess.com and as @resilientfatgoddess on social media.

Dr Patty is a Clinical Sexologist in private practice for 28 years. She specializes in providing care for transgender people and has worked with 800+ trans people and their families. She works with people of all gender identities, all ages, and all stages of gender exploration and/or transition process. Her primary goal in counseling is to help each individual reach a state of congruence and authenticity in their gender and erotic orientations. drpatty.care

Jeremiah Allen is the project director at TRANSform Washington, a statewide public education campaign celebrating the lives of transgender and gender-diverse people. Jeremiah is passionate about looking critically at the social systems we belong to, and the power of courageous story-telling. Jeremiah brings years of experience leading change in the LGBTQ community, including his work in transgender equality, racial justice, and community arts and culture. He brings experience in public policy development, training and public education, and communications.

Aidan Key is the director of Gender Diversity,
an organization that provides education to
teachers, staff , counselors, and administrators
regarding gender-inclusive schools grades
K-12. Additionally, he provides support
for families of transgender and gendernonconforming
children and teens through
his parent support groups in Washington
State. Key speaks regularly to universities
and organizations seeking to expand their
knowledge of issues related to gender identity
in children and adults. He is also the founder of
the Gender Odyssey conferences.

Cath Busha (she/her/they/them/he/his/Cath) is a dean of student engagement at a community college in Washington state. Prior to working in higher education, Cath worked professionally in the LGBTQ movement for 15 years, including positions at LGBTQ community centers in Tucson, Denver, and Boulder. Cath’s intersectional community organizing has included systems-level and individual work with youth, immigrants, people of color, queer people, and poor people. They hold a bachelor’s degree in secondary education (English) from Millersville University in Pennsylvania and a master’s in social work from Arizona State University.

Dr. Bevyn Rowland (she/her/Bevyn) is a licensed clinical psychologist and professor at an open-enrollment college in Washington State. She is passionate about helping her clients, students, and members of her community live their very best lives by embracing, honoring, and nurturing their whole selves. She holds master’s and doctoral degrees in psychology (Pacific University); she completed her post-doctoral residency at Cornell University after an APA-accredited internship at the University of Idaho.

Asaf Orr joined NCLR in February 2012 as a staff attorney working on issues related to families and youth. In July 2015, he was named NCLR’s Transgender Youth Project Staff Attorney. As part of that project, Asaf engages in litigation, public policy, and informal advocacy to safeguard the right of transgender and gender-expansive youth to be affirmed and supported for who they are.

Alexander Chen works at the National Center for Lesbian Rights, where he advances trans rights through litigation and policy advocacy. He graduated from Oxford University and Harvard Law School, where he was the first openly trans Harvard Law Review editor, and worked at the DOJ, ACLU, and National Center for Transgender Equality. He clerked on the Ninth Circuit and S.D. Cal. In 2018, Alexander was listed in Forbes 30 Under 30 in Law and Policy.

Gunner Scott, director of programs at Pride Foundation, holds a BA from Goddard College, where he completed the oral history project entitled “Boston Area Transgender Community Leaders and the ENDA Crisis.” He brings over 20+ years of experience in the fields of transgender equality, LGBTQ partner abuse, LGBTQ cultural competency trainings, community arts, and media making. Prior to 2013, he was the executive director of the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC), where he led a five-year legislative campaign for the Transgender Equal Rights bill.

Erin Russ has more than 35 years as a military, corporate, and community trainer including the development of military and private sector training programs cited as best practices models. She has trained hundreds of human resources and senior management staff on integrating transgender employees into local work places. Erin helped change attitudes and policies in the Veterans Administration by training regional mental health, primary care, and vocational rehabilitation teams across Arizona on including trans and gender-nonconforming veterans.

Tracey Wiese is an advanced nurse practitioner certified in both family practice and psychiatric mental health. She holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Frontier Nursing University, where she attended as a Jonas Scholar. She has been working with at-risk youth and families in Alaska for a decade. She is a passionate advocate for high-quality provision of healthcare and positive outcomes for the LGBTQ community. In her free time she loves spending time with her family, performing for the local drag show, and traveling.

Cooper Stodden, Certified Sexuality Educator, is a training manager at Cardea, providing training and capacity building assistance to health and human service organizations, particularly related to adolescent sexual health. They train educators in the implementation of positive, inclusive, and comprehensive sex ed. Cooper serves on a team working to advance gender-affirming care in health settings through assessment, strategic planning, and professional development. They are also a trans/non-binary consumer of health care.

Ginny Cassidy-Brinn, MSN, ARNP is a clinician who provides care to transgender patients. As Cardea's Clinical Training Manager, she designs evidence-based, learner-centered education for clinical providers. She authored Cardea's Independent Study series on Culturally Competent and Clinically Proficient Care for Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Patients. She is a nurse practitioner who has worked in the area of reproductive health for over 30 years and holds a Masters in Nursing Education.

Nicholas Oakley is the senior projects manager at the Center for Children & Youth Justice, where he oversees statewide reform efforts on behalf of LGBTQ+ youth involved in child
welfare and juvenile justice systems. His work is based on close partnerships with professionals in juvenile justice, child welfare, law enforcement, and homeless youth services. Prior to joining CCYJ, Nicholas worked at a Seattle law firm representing youth and families in juvenile offender, dependency, education, domestic, and criminal matters.

Dae Shogren, MPA, is the LGBTQ+/ Disproportionality/Commercially Sexually Exploited Children (CSEC) headquarters program manager for DSHS Children’s Administration (CA). Before joining CA, she spent 20 years in the private sector supporting youth and young adults. Throughout her career, she has worked on behalf of the community’s most vulnerable and marginalized populations with a consistent integration through mentorship, partnering with key agencies, and leadership. Ms. Shogren firmly believes that when our young people are supported and nurtured, we all thrive.

Tracy Flynn has over 25 years of experience in management and leadership positions in local and national health, child welfare, and education institutions. Her expertise includes anti-bias and inclusion, leadership and management training, and engagement. Tracy currently works as an independent consultant, with numerous clients that include Welcoming Schools, an anti-bias/LGBTQ inclusive program for K-6 schools and the All Children All Families project of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. Tracy also serves on the board for Out in Front, the premier LGBTQA leadership development program in the PNW. She can be reached via her website: www.tracyflynnconsulting.com.

Marissa Rathbone serves as Director of Operations in the Learning and Teaching Division at Washington’s Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). She provides support and leadership to strengthen statewide implementation of social studies, world languages, the arts, health, physical education, sexual health, and computer science. Her background is in organizational leadership and health education, with an emphasis on educating the Whole Child.

Linda Gromko has been interested in health care from the time she was a Candy Striper at age 14. After serving as a nurse practitioner at Planned Parenthood in Seattle, Linda completed her medical school education and family practice residency at the University of Washington School of Medicine. She established her independent family medical practice on Queen Anne in Seattle in 1989.

Linda treats gender variant patients from age 5 through 85. She provides puberty blockers for youth, hormone management, and pre and post-operative care. Queen Anne Medical now provides laser and electrolysis hair removal with state-of-the art pain management, laser tattoo removal, and a variety of other services.

Nicholas Oakley is senior projects manager at the Center for Children & Youth Justice, where he oversees statewide reform efforts on behalf of LGBTQ+ youth involved in child welfare and juvenile justice systems. His work is based on close partnerships with professionals in juvenile justice, child welfare, law enforcement, and homeless youth services. Prior to joining CCYJ, Nicholas worked at a Seattle law firm representing youth and families in juvenile offender, dependency, education, domestic, and criminal matters.

Dae Shogren, MPA, is the LGBTQ+/ Disproportionality/Commercially Sexually Exploited Children (CSEC) headquarters program manager for DSHS Children’s Administration (CA). Before joining CA, she spent 20 years in the private sector supporting youth and young adults. Throughout her career, she has worked on behalf of the community’s most vulnerable and marginalized populations with a consistent integration through mentorship, partnering with key agencies, and leadership. Ms. Shogren firmly believes that when our young people are supported and nurtured, we all thrive.

Maria Al-Shamma, a school social worker in San Diego, is the board chair for the North County LGBTQ Resource Center and also a Welcoming Schools™ Trainer. She is passionate about standing up for queer youth and works to help them feel safe, welcomed, affirmed, empowered, and loved. Maria serves middle and high school students in the Vista Unified School District and works closely with area GSA advisors.

Tracy Flynn has over 25 years of experience in management and leadership positions in local and national health, child welfare, and education institutions. Her mission is to provide training and coaching to build healthy individuals, organizations, and communities. Her expertise includes anti-bias and inclusion, leadership and management training, and engagement.

Previous positions include National Training Director with the National CASA Association, Director of Training with Planned Parenthood-Western Washington (now PP of the PNW) and Health Curriculum Specialist with Seattle Public Schools. Tracy currently works as an independent consultant, with numerous clients that include- Welcoming Schools an anti-bias/LGBTQ inclusive program for K-6 schools, the All Children All Families project of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, and numerous non-profit and public sector agencies including, Puyallup School District, Seattle Central College and the Port of Seattle. Tracy also serves on the board for Out in Front, the premier LGBTQA leadership development program in the PNW. She can be reached via her website: www.tracyflynnconsulting.com

Dr. Michele Angello offers individual, couples, group, and family therapy, as well as corporate education and training on a variety of issues concerning sexuality. She has presented internationally on her work with transgender, gender-variant, and gender-nonconforming youth. She facilitates several monthly support groups for transgender adults, youth, and parents, and offers sessions to people around the world via webcam. Dr. Angello has appeared as a guest expert on Dr. Phil, Larry King Live, The Tyra Banks Show, ABC Primetime, Dr. Oz, and many more shows and documentaries. She is also an adjunct professor at Widener University and has developed the first graduate course in the US that focuses on clinical issues in transgender communities. Her private practice is in Pennsylvania.

Laurin Mayeno works with organizations that serve children and families, helping them respond effectively to diversity, with a focus on gender diversity. She supports her clients to build environments where everyone is valued and meet the needs of young people and their families across the gender spectrum. Her work is informed by 18 years of consulting and decades of community activism. She is inspired by her lived experiences as a mixed-race woman and by her son who loved dressing up as a princess. Her bilingual children’s picture book, One of a Kind Like Me/Único como yo, and Proud Mom video series raise awareness and spark dialogue about gender diversity.

Mauro Sifuentes, EdD (cand.), works as the youth program manager at the Family Violence Law Center in Oakland, California, training high school peer educators on violence prevention strategies. For over a decade, he has worked as a scholar-advocate, mentor, educator, and workshop facilitator in nonprofit, school, and community settings across urban, suburban, and rural California. He specializes in working with diverse groups of adults and youth who are committed to social change around issues of gender, sexuality, race, and immigration. Mauro’s scholarly work focuses on decolonial frameworks of gender, and explores the impacts of culture, education, social support, and medical and mental healthcare on gender self-determination.

Kevin Hatfield, MD, is a family doctor at The Polyclinic’s downtown Seattle satellite. He joined The Polyclinic in 2002 and has taken care of Trans* patients since 1999. He sees a large number of gender-questioning/variant children and adolescents. Dr. Hatfield is an advocate for individualized patient care and helping patients make informed decisions regarding their health and well-being.

Sasha Strong, MA, PhD (cand.), is a mental health counselor in private practice in Portland, OR, and online. Their interests include social justice, mindfulness practice, and supporting trans* and queer youth, adults, and families in embracing change, holding space, and strengthening loving and supportive relationships. They are also available for consultation and training in supporting queer and trans* people. Learn more at www.brilliancycounseling.com.

Kaden Winterkorn, MEd, is a non-binary educator from Portland, Oregon. They have spent their career teaching and coordinating programs for teens and young adults with a focus on social, economic, and queer justice. Kaden currently co-facilitates a support group for non-binary individuals in their community and advocates for the rights and equitable treatment of trans* and non-binary folks.

Attorney Denise Diskin’s practice is focused on helping individuals facing workplace discrimination and harassment, going through a divorce with custody and property matters, or seeking adoption. She frequently represents LGBTQ clients and survivors of sex- or gender-based harassment and domestic violence. Denise has a particular interest in furthering the rights of LGBT individuals in the workplace. Denise was named a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers four years in a row. A frequent speaker on employment discrimination and LGBTQ access to the legal system, she has given presentations to the Washington State Bar Association, Washington State Human Rights Commission and many other organizations.

Jamison Green (PhD - Equalities Law) is an author, educator, public speaker, and independent legal scholar. He is also a consulting expert in transgender health and employment discrimination litigation; diversity trainer and policy consultant for business, educational, and governmental institutions; former corporate publications director; and award-winning global trans activist. He is the immediate past-president of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), and author of Becoming a Visible Man. He also identifies as a competitive skier, construction cable splicer, voice actor, singer, and Afro-Brazilian percussionist.

Dr. Michele Angello offers individual, couples, group, and family therapy, as well as corporate education and training on a variety of issues concerning sexuality. She has presented internationally on her work with transgender, gender-variant, and gender-nonconforming youth. She facilitates several monthly support groups for transgender adults, youth, and parents, and offers sessions to people around the world via webcam. Dr. Angello has appeared as a guest expert on Dr. Phil, Larry King Live, The Tyra Banks Show, ABC Primetime, Dr. Oz, and many more shows and documentaries. She is also an adjunct professor at Widener University and has developed the first graduate course in the US that focuses on clinical issues in transgender communities. Her private practice is in Pennsylvania.

Asaf Orr joined NCLR in February 2012 as a staff attorney working on issues related to families and youth. In July 2015, he was named NCLR’s Transgender Youth Project Staff Attorney. As part of that project, Asaf engages in litigation, public policy, and informal advocacy to safeguard the right of transgender and gender-expansive youth to be affirmed and supported for who they are.

Alexander Chen works at the National Center for Lesbian Rights, where he advances trans rights through litigation and policy advocacy. He graduated from Oxford University and Harvard Law School, where he was the first openly trans Harvard Law Review editor, and worked at the DOJ, ACLU, and National Center for Transgender Equality. He clerked on the Ninth Circuit and S.D. Cal. In 2018, Alexander was listed in Forbes 30 Under 30 in Law and Policy.

Holly Tanner is a physical therapist and massage practitioner and owner of Flow Rehabilitation in Seattle, Washington. Her primary clinical focus is pelvic rehabilitation that includes bowel, bladder, sexual health, and any type of pelvic pain.

Lily Durwood is a PhD student in developmental and child clinical psychology at the University of Washington. She received her bachelor’s degree from Harvard University in 2010, where she majored in psychology and studies of women, gender, and sexuality. Her recent work on gender-diverse youth has been featured on Slate.com, NPR, and the Daily Beast.

India is an author, seminar and workshop leader. They are a certified life coach and Reiki master, spiritual guide, and tarot reader with over a decade of experience teaching classes and workshops and seeing individual clients.
They are the author of two books: “The World is Better Than You Think” and “Crafting a Happy” Life. A Third book, The Happy Activist, will be published in 2018.
Fun Fact: India is a former recording artist with Sony, Germany.

Stoop Nilsson is a white transmasculine artist, educator, and organizer whose work has focused primarily on anti-racism, police accountability, and community mobilization. Stoop is an educational equity coach with the Center for Strategic Solutions at New York University and has lectured on white culture and racial identity development. Stoop is a member of European Dissent – White Anti-Racist Group – NYC, and is a Constructive White Conversation host in Brooklyn, New York. Stoop studied social work and theology at Concordia University in Portland, Oregon, and has a master’s in social work from Hunter College in New York City.

Kevin Hatfield, MD, is a family doctor at The Polyclinic’s downtown Seattle satellite. He joined The Polyclinic in 2002 and has taken care of trans* patients since 1999. He sees a large number of gender-questioning/variant children and adolescents. Dr. Hatfield is an advocate for individualized patient care and helping patients make informed decisions regarding their health and well-being.

Attorney Denise Diskin’s practice is focused on helping individuals facing workplace discrimination and harassment, going through a divorce with custody and property matters, or seeking adoption. She frequently represents LGBTQ clients and survivors of sex- or gender-based harassment and domestic violence. Denise has a particular interest in furthering the rights of LGBT individuals in the workplace. Denise was named a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers four years in a row. A frequent speaker on employment discrimination and LGBTQ access to the legal system, she has given presentations to the Washington State Bar Association, Washington State Human Rights Commission and many other organizations.

Johanna Olson-Kennedy, MD, specializes in the care of gender-nonconforming children and transgender youth. Board certified in pediatrics and adolescent medicine, Dr. Olson-Kennedy has been providing medical intervention for transgender youth and young for the past 11 years, and is considered a national expert in this area. The medical director of the Center for Transyouth Health and Development at Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles, the largest transgender youth clinic in the United States, she also spearheads a rigorous research program that seeks to understand the trans experience from childhood through early adulthood. Dr. Olson-Kennedy has appeared frequently on national television, and spoken all over the country to educate providers, parents, and other communities about the needs of transgender youth.

Kasha Roseta is a program supervisor in the Equity and Civil Rights Office at the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). She works with parents, students, and educators to resolve discrimination complaints, conduct trainings, and monitor Washington school districts for civil rights compliance. Before joining OSPI, Kasha practiced law and taught middle school. She earned her JD from Seattle University, her MPA from the University of Washington, and her BS from Northwestern University.

Dr. Melissa Poh, MD is a plastic surgery specialist in Los Angeles, CA. She graduated from Georgetown University and specializes in plastic surgery and general surgery.

Jean-Marie Navetta is the director of Learning & Inclusion for PFLAG National, leading its Straight for Equality project. Jean-Marie is the former director of communications for PFLAG where she increased the organization’s visibility in outlets including the New York Times and the Oprah Winfrey Show. She was also the media relations manager for the American Association of University Women, where her work focused on issues such as discrimination in education, pay equity, and Title IX. But Jean-Marie is, most importantly, living proof that philosophy majors can get real jobs.

Jamie Henkel is the Learning & Inclusion manager at PFLAG National. She joined the PFLAG National staff in April 2008 as operations associate. Prior to her time at PFLAG she completed two internships with the Richmond Peace Education Center and Hope in the Cities. She attended Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA, where she majored in political science and international studies with a concentration in social justice studies. She also received her master’s degree in political science from George Mason University.

Dr. Ellie Ley is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon, board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. She left private practice to join the office of Dr. Toby Meltzer in December of 2015. She has had extensive training and has a true passion for working with the community, performing GCS and other plastic surgery procedures. She graduated from Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara and New York Medical College, and completed a residency in general surgery at the University of Arizona, and fellowships in craniofacial/pediatric surgery, hand and microsurgery, and plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Meg Bergeson, DNP, ACNP-BC, FNP-BC, RNFA, is a board-certified acute and family nurse practitioner who joined the Meltzer Clinic in 2011. She is experienced in pediatrics, burn, obstetrics and gynecology, emergency and trauma, with a BS in both psychology and nursing, and both a master’s and doctoral degree in nursing. Her work revolves mostly around transgender medicine and post-operative care. She follows all patients of Drs. Meltzer and Ley during hospitalization and post-operatively and also provides services for hormone replacement and aesthetic procedures.

Alexander Chen works at the National Center for Lesbian Rights, where he advances trans rights through litigation and policy advocacy. He graduated from Oxford University and Harvard Law School, where he was the first openly trans Harvard Law Review editor and worked at the DOJ, ACLU, and National Center for Transgender Equality. He clerked on the Ninth Circuit and S.D. Cal. In 2018, Alexander was named a Forbes 30 Under 30 in Law and Policy.

Asaf Orr joined NCLR in February 2012 as a Staff Attorney working on issues related to families and youth. In July 2015, he was named NCLR’s Transgender Youth Project Staff Attorney. As part of that project, Asaf engages in litigation, public policy, and informal advocacy to safeguard the right of transgender and gender-expansive youth to be affirmed and supported for who they are.

Dr. Dan Metzger is a pediatric endocrinologist at BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver, Canada, and a clinical professor of pediatrics at the University of British Columbia. He and his colleagues in the BCCH Gender Clinic, working in partnership with community colleagues and provincial agencies, have been seeing and providing medical treatment for transgender and gender-questioning kids and youth since 1998. In 2018, he was honored with an American Academy of Pediatrics Special Achievement Award for his work with trans youth.

Kristin Kali, LM, CPM, is a midwife, teacher, writer, speaker, trainer, and consultant specializing in
LGBTQ family building and gender inclusivity. Kristin is a warm and engaging presence, delivering
professionalism and expertise with a down-to-earth, personable style.
Kristin is an authoritative resource on LGBTQ healthcare during conception and pregnancy, functional approaches to fertility, and midwifery model preconception care. Colleagues and clientele alike remark on Kristin’s special talent for breaking down complex topics into an easily understandable form.

Kristin has presented to national and international audiences such as the Midwives Alliance of North America, Canadian Association of Midwives, and Lamaze International, and Kristin has provided organizational training and consulting for the Association of Ontario Midwives, Midwives Association of BC and Bastyr University. Kristin has given numerous lectures at universities, conferences and local community groups.

Kristin is the owner of MAIA Midwifery and Fertility Services, internationally renowned for LGBTQ
family building expertise and midwifery model preconception care. In addition to providing preconception care via telemedicine to families across the globe, Kristin provides midwifery care,
home insemination, classes and support groups in Seattle, WA, as well as teaching in the San Francisco Bay Area. You can read more about MAIA services, download webinars, and access fertility related products at maiamidwifery.com.

WALTER LIN, MD

Dr. Lin is an attending Plastic Surgeon with subspecialization in reconstructive microsurgery and hand surgery. After graduating with honors from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) with a B.S. in Neuroscience, he remained in Boston and earned his medical degree at Harvard Medical School in the highly selective Health Sciences & Technology program (Harvard-MIT HST). From there, he transitioned to the west coast and completed residency in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). With a strong desire to subspecialize and advance the field of microsurgery, he completed an additional year of fellowship training in Hand, Microvascular, and Transgender Surgery at The Buncke Clinic in San Francisco.

Dr. Lin joined The Buncke Clinic after completion of fellowship and is Board Eligible in Plastic Surgery by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He has particular interest in advancing care in microsurgical reconstruction of the breast, extremities, and lymphatic systems.

Additional information: www.buncke.org

Hawk Brandon, 61, is a transgender/transmasculine elder from a multiculturally and multiracially diverse family; adopted into the Swinomish tribe, he has in turn adopted a daughter with developmental disabilities. Raised in the motorcycle/leather community, and a member of the CSPC, he has been on SSI Disability since he was 31. He's a care provider and hospice care provider for his family, and advocates and educates for and about the transgender community.

Andrew Pratt, 20, is GenderQueer and advocates for transgender individuals. He particularly enjoys advocating at medical facilities. He was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome as a child and has been disabled for two years. He has been homeless three times in the last five years, and is a passionately sex-positive individual with roots in the Seattle Leather scene. He loves all things chemistry, and is currently a student at Shoreline Community College.

Solomon Michaels, 42, is an AFAB transgender gay man, parent, and advocate for disabled LGBTQ folks. He’s a disabled Army veteran and client of the VA. He has a fairly mild form of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Hypermobility type, nerve damage, PTSD, and other challenges. He’s had chronic pain for over 20 years, survived domestic violence, poverty, and homelessness—his last bout of homelessness ended in 2016. He tries not to let it define him.

Emily Hecht-McGowan is the Director for LGBTQ Equality at the Biden Foundation. Emily has almost two decades of experience working in the LGBTQ movement, ten years of which have been focused on advancing lived and legal equality for LGBTQ families. In addition to working across federal agencies to expand access to public benefits and programs, and advancing pro-LGBTQ legislation in Congress and state legislatures across the country, Emily spearheaded the public education and storytelling campaigns focused on lifting up the voices of children raised by LGBTQ people and same-sex couples, which helped to win nationwide marriage equality.

Lauren Thurman (she/her/hers) is a writer, editor, and communications professional. Storytelling is at the core of her work. As the digital communications specialist at the Biden Foundation, Lauren tells the organization’s story through strategic social media and web content development. She has worked in public relations, as a freelance writer, and as an editor for organizations across the country. Lauren grew up in Boulder, CO, and studied English literature at the University of Colorado.

Trystan Reese is a transgender man who started out as an organizer doing persuasion on queer and trans issues with the National LGBTQ Task Force. Last year his family exploded into the national spotlight when Trystan gave birth to their son, Leo. Trystan is now Director of Family Formation at Family Equality Council. He lives in Portland with his family; they can collectively be found on social media as “Biff and I.”

As director of the Child and Adolescent Program at the Los Angeles Gender Center, Susan Landon, LMFT, has been providing counseling for individuals, couples, children, and families in Santa Monica, California, for the past 30 years. She is a member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH). Susan speaks around the country about mental health therapy with gender-nonconforming children and adolescents, as well as facilitating a large parent and youth support group in Los Angeles.

Aydin Olson-Kennedy, MSW, is the executive director of the Los Angeles Gender Center where he provides therapy for gender-nonconforming and transgender youth, adults, and their families. He has spoken internationally on the importance of an informed-consent model of care, identifying and acknowledging domains of privilege and broadening clinicians and families understanding of gender dysphoria and its impact on the psychosocial well-being of gender-nonconforming and transgender individuals.

Johanna Olson-Kennedy, MD, specializes in the care of gender-nonconforming children and transgender youth. Board certified in pediatrics and adolescent medicine, Dr. Olson-Kennedy has been providing medical intervention for transgender youth and young for the past 11 years, and is considered a national expert in this area. The medical director of the Center for Transyouth Health and Development at Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles, the largest transgender youth clinic in the United States, she also spearheads a rigorous research program that seeks to understand the trans experience from childhood through early adulthood. Dr. Olson-Kennedy has appeared frequently on national television, and spoken all over the country to educate providers, parents, and other communities about the needs of transgender youth.

Marissa Rathbone serves as Director of Operations in the Learning and Teaching Division at Washington’s Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). She provides support and leadership to strengthen statewide implementation of social studies, world languages, the arts, health, physical education, sexual health, and computer science. Her background is in organizational leadership and health education, with an emphasis on educating the Whole Child.

Naomi Strand was born and raised in Seattle in the midst of a large interconnected web of family and chosen queer community. She was drawn to law school out of a conviction that everyone should have access to and understanding of the legal system and their rights. Naomi is passionate about working closely with children and youth to hear their stories and develop goals and self-advocacy strategies. She has spent much of her legal career directly delivering a variety of legal services to people at day centers and shelters addressing a wide range of issues particular to those experiencing homelessness. Naomi is further dedicated to advocating for people on issues specific to queer, trans, gender-nonconforming, and LGB communities. Naomi is an attorney with Legal Counsel for Youth and Children (LCYC), where she advocates for youth ages 12 -24 who are or are at risk of experiencing homelessness in King County, WA. She has a BA in English and religion from Oberlin College and a JD from Seattle University School of Law. Naomi uses she/her/they/them pronouns.

Anya Morgan (she/her) is a queer femme from Los Angeles and currently loving Seattle as a Julius Glickman Fellow at Northwest Justice Project, focusing on assisting low-income transgender people with name and gender marker changes, health insurance coverage for transition-related care, and access to public benefits. Previously, Anya interned at the Sylvia Rivera Law Project and Texas Civil Rights Project, working primarily with incarcerated trans folks, and co-ran the Texas Law Trans Name and Gender Marker Project during law school. She has a BA in English and French from Wesleyan University and a JD from the University of Texas School of Law.

Marci Bowers, MD, is acknowledged as a pioneer in the field of genital reassignment surgery and is the first woman worldwide to hold a personal transgender history while performing over 2000 transgender surgeries.

Burt Webb, MD, started his practice in Scottsdale, AZ, after attending Stanford and Tulane Universities.
Shortly thereafter in 2002, he started performing vaginectomies and hysterectomies on trans patients. He has enjoyed the experience so much that much of his practice is devoted toward helping trans patients both surgically and with the hormone management aspect of their health.

Johanna Olson-Kennedy, MD, specializes in the care of gender-nonconforming children and transgender youth. Board certified in pediatrics and adolescent medicine, Dr. Olson-Kennedy has been providing medical intervention for transgender youth and young for the past 11 years, and is considered a national expert in this area. The medical director of the Center for Transyouth Health and Development at Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles, the largest transgender youth clinic in the United States, she also spearheads a rigorous research program that seeks to understand the trans experience from childhood through early adulthood. Dr. Olson-Kennedy has appeared frequently on national television, and spoken all over the country to educate providers, parents, and other communities about the needs of transgender youth.

Ilona Lohrey immigrated to Seattle from Munich, Germany. She has a degree in business management and economics and worked in the financial sector for 13 years, lastly as a business banking manager in the Seattle metro area. Ilona comes from a family of hardworking entrepreneurs and has a passion for small business owners and hearing their stories. Her love for the nonprofit world and entrepreneurs has brought her to GSBA where she is director of membership, outreach, and engagement, and enjoys working with small business owners every day.

Aidan Key is the director of Gender Diversity, an organization that provides education to teachers, staff, counselors, and administrators regarding gender-inclusive schools grades K-12. Additionally, he provides support for families of transgender and gender-nonconforming children and teens through his parent support groups in Washington State. Key speaks regularly to universities and organizations seeking to expand their knowledge of issues related to gender identity in children and adults. He is also the founder of the Gender Odyssey conferences.

Kathie Moehlig is the founder and executive director of TransFamily Support Services in San Diego, California. For over 30 years, she has been a public speaker, a workshop presenter, and a support group leader. Kathie is a certified life coach, a licensed minister, and a certified parent counselor. As a parent advocate for her transgender son, Kathie navigated his admittance as the first transgender patient at the Rady Children’s Hospital Gender Management Clinic in San Diego. She provides compassionate and informative support for other transgender families and friends. Kathie works tirelessly to help transgender youth and their families navigate the journey.

Logan Berrian is a registered nurse with extensive experience as a clinical nurse case manager. He has been leading the phalloplasty program at the Buncke Clinic since last summer, and provides care coordination and clinical post-operative support for our patients.

Jamie Henkel is the Learning & Inclusion manager at PFLAG National. She joined the PFLAG National staff in April 2008 as operations associate. Prior to her time at PFLAG she completed two internships with the Richmond Peace Education Center and Hope in the Cities. She attended Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA, where she majored in political science and international studies with a concentration in social justice studies. She also received her master’s degree in political science from George Mason University.

Diego Sanchez is director of Advocacy, Policy, and Partnerships at PFLAG National. He was senior policy advisor to Congressman Barney Frank through his retirement in January 2013 and made history as the first openly transgender person to work as a senior legislative staffer on Capitol Hill, the first to testify before Congress in the first hearing on transgender employment discrimination in 2008 and the first openly trans person appointed to the DNC Platform Committee. With 20 award-winning years in global Fortune 500 companies, Diego earned a BA in journalism from the University of Georgia, where today he serves on the alumni advisory board.

Linda Gromko, MD, started working with the transgender community when a woman called to ask: "Does Dr. Gromko treat transgender women?" Dr. Gromko's answer—"Not yet!"—began two decades of work with the trans community, with patients ranging in age from 5 to 85. Starting as a hospital nurse and nurse practitioner at Planned Parenthood, Dr. Gromko completed her medical training and family practice residency at the University of Washington. She founded Queen Anne Medical Associates PLLC 27 years ago. She wrote Where's MY Book?' A Guide for Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Youth, Their Parents & Everyone Else, and is presently writing a book focusing on transgender adults.

Paula M. Neira, JD, RN is a Naval Academy graduate and former naval officer. A nurse for over two decades, she served as the co-chair of the Johns Hopkins Transgender Medicine Executive Taskforce. In November 2016, she became the Clinical Program Director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Transgender Health. A lawyer, Paula was a leader in the repeal of DADT and is one of the nation’s leading experts on transgender military service.

Laura Gardener, MA, LMHC, has practiced as a Master's-level psychotherapist in Seattle since 1985. Her work is informed by trauma and attachment theories, and Jungian analytic psychology, to name but a few influences. She has worked extensively with clients on a wide variety of issues and symptomatology including depression, anxiety, dissociation, individuation, creativity, and gender identification. She's also a yoga therapist/teacher, professional musician, postpartum doula, and proud trans lesbian woman.

As director of the Child and Adolescent Program at the Los Angeles Gender Center, Susan Landon, LMFT, has been providing counseling for individuals, couples, children, and families in Santa Monica, California, for the past 30 years. She is a member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH). Susan speaks around the country about mental health therapy with gender-nonconforming children and adolescents, as well as facilitating a large parent and youth support group in Los Angeles.

Aydin Olson-Kennedy, MSW, is the executive director of the Los Angeles Gender Center where he provides therapy for gender-nonconforming and transgender youth, adults, and their families. He has spoken internationally on the importance of an informed-consent model of care, identifying and acknowledging domains of privilege and broadening clinicians and families understanding of gender dysphoria and its impact on the psychosocial well-being of gender-nonconforming and transgender individuals.

Johanna Olson-Kennedy, MD, specializes in the care of gender-nonconforming children and transgender youth. Board certified in pediatrics and adolescent medicine, Dr. Olson-Kennedy has been providing medical intervention for transgender youth and young for the past 11 years, and is considered a national expert in this area. The medical director of the Center for Transyouth Health and Development at Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles, the largest transgender youth clinic in the United States, she also spearheads a rigorous research program that seeks to understand the trans experience from childhood through early adulthood. Dr. Olson-Kennedy has appeared frequently on national television, and spoken all over the country to educate providers, parents, and other communities about the needs of transgender youth.

Asaf Orr joined NCLR in February 2012 as a staff attorney working on issues related to families and youth. In July 2015, he was named NCLR’s Transgender Youth Project Staff Attorney. As part of that project, Asaf engages in litigation, public policy, and informal advocacy to safeguard the right of transgender and gender-expansive youth to be affirmed and supported for who they are.

Alexander Chen works at the National Center for Lesbian Rights, where he advances trans rights through litigation and policy advocacy. He graduated from Oxford University and Harvard Law School, where he was the first openly trans Harvard Law Review editor and worked at the DOJ, ACLU, and National Center for Transgender Equality. He clerked on the Ninth Circuit and S.D. Cal. In 2018, Alexander was named a Forbes 30 Under 30 in Law and Policy.

Sasha Strong, MA, PhD (cand.), is a mental health counselor in private practice in Portland, OR, and online. Their interests include social justice, mindfulness practice, and supporting trans* and queer youth, adults, and families in embracing change, holding space, and strengthening loving and supportive relationships. They are also available for consultation and training in supporting queer and trans* people. Learn more at www.brilliancycounseling.com.

Kaden Winterkorn, MEd, is a non-binary educator from Portland, Oregon. They have spent their career teaching and coordinating programs for teens and young adults with a focus on social, economic, and queer justice. Kaden currently co-facilitates a support group for non-binary individuals in their community and advocates for the rights and equitable treatment of trans* and non-binary folks.

Michael H. Safir, MD, is a diplomate of the American Board of Urology in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery. He completed both his bachelor’s and medical degrees and a urology residency at Northwestern University and received an award as the senior resident “who best exemplified academic excellence, special leadership skills and compassion for patients.” He was selected to complete two separate year-long fellowships in male (UCSF) and female (UCLA) genito-urinary reconstructive surgery with mentors Dr. Jack McAninch and Dr. Shlomo Raz. Dr. Safir has served as section chief of reconstructive urology at New York Medical College and as a clinical instructor in urology at both UCLA and UCSF. He is one of a handful of urologists in the world with individual fellowship training and experience in both male and female genital reconstruction. Dr. Safir will perform all aspects of bottom surgery for the trans community after his intensive fellowship training at Brownstein & Crane Surgical Services.

Thomas Satterwhite, MD, obtained his bachelor’s degree (Human Biology with Honors) and medical degree at Stanford University in Palo Alto, CA. He remained at Stanford Hospital to complete his residency in plastic surgery, a highly regarded training program. His expertise in facial surgery was further refined with the completion of a craniofacial fellowship in Miami, FL, under the tutelage of Dr. S. Anthony Wolfe, a world-renowned craniofacial surgeon.

Amanda Saenz is a queer non-binary intersex person living in Seattle, Washington, where they work as an intersex activist and educator. Since joining interACT as a member in 2013, they have had the opportunity to speak multiple times at the University of Washington, Seattle University, and Seattle Central Community College. By raising awareness through intersectional education, they hope to not only end unnecessary surgeries on intersex infants but also create a safe and welcoming world for all intersex and gender-nonconforming people. Amanda currently serves on the board of AIS/DSD, the world’s largest support group in the United States for intersex folk.

Kevin Hatfield, MD, is a family doctor at The Polyclinic’s downtown Seattle satellite. He joined The Polyclinic in 2002 and has taken care of Trans* patients since 1999. He sees a large number of gender-questioning/variant children and adolescents. Dr. Hatfield is an advocate for individualized patient care and helping patients make informed decisions regarding their health and well-being.

Ceri Anne is a male to female trans woman. She comes from a fundamental evangelical Christian family, and currently is a member of United Methodist Church of the Resurrection. This is the largest Methodist Church in the United States, where she is a lay leader in the LGBT Ministry. Ceri is a part of The Reformation Project Leadership Cohort, an organization focused on LGBT Inclusiveness in the church. She has spoken at various churches, been interviewed for NPR and Huffington Post, and presented at PFLAG Kansas City. She has two adult children, both married, Kevin, and Kaitlin. She is divorced, a Navy Veteran, enjoys the arts and outdoors, and her motorcycle.

Danielle Walsh (she/her pronouns) is a licensed professional counselor living in Boise, Idaho. In addition to specializing in working with trans* folks in her counseling practice, Danielle advocates for the trans* community through her work with DignityUSA. (DignityUSA is non-profit that works, domestically and internationally, for change to empower LGBTQI people, both in the Catholic Church and society.) Danielle is a member of DignityUSA’s Transgender Support Caucus, a community and ministry forum for transgender, queer and intersex Catholics and their allies. A life-long Catholic, Danielle has struggled with the Catholic Church’s stance on LGBTQI issues. She is personally and professionally committed to creating spaces where diverse forms of faith, gender identity and expression, and sexuality can coexist.

A California native, Dr. Joel Beck graduated magna cum laude with a degree in biochemistry from California Polytechnic State University (San Luis Obispo). He attended the University of California Irvine School of Medicine; was a resident in general surgery at the University of California Davis (East Bay), and served two fellowships: one in burn surgery research at University of California, San Diego and the other in craniofacial-plastic surgery at the University of Mississippi.

Dr. Javad Sajan is a leading Seattle plastic surgeon focused exclusively on cosmetic and reconstructive procedures relating to the face and body. A committed doctor with over a thousand satisfied patients around the globe, Dr. Sajan has cultivated a delicate surgical method that is technically advanced, artistically driven and, most importantly, guided by each client's unique desires. It's an individualized approach that allows him to balance the precise features his patients want with the subtle and long-lasting results for which he is known.

Dr. Bauback Safa is an internationally renowned reconstructive microsurgeon and hand surgeon at the Buncke Clinic, widely considered to be the birthplace of microsurgery. He graduated from the University of Virginia as an Echols Scholar and then obtained his MD from the Stanford University School of Medicine. Dr. Safa and his team have performed over 240 phalloplasties over the past 4 years. In keeping with the tradition of Harry Buncke, he continues to train the next generation of microsurgeons at the Buncke Clinic.

Dr. Andrew Watt joined the Buncke Clinic in 2012 and has been performing microvascular transgender surgery since that time. He and his team have performed over 240 microvascular phalloplasty operations. His practice is highly varied, ranging from treatment of complex bone and soft tissue injuries to cosmetic reconstructions.

Mang Chen, MD, graduated magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from UC San Diego. He obtained his medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh and was awarded the Behan Prize in surgery. He remained there for his general surgery and urology training, and subsequently completed a urologic reconstruction fellowship. He returned to Pittsburgh as an assistant professor of reconstructive urology. He now lives in California and specializes in genitourinary surgeries for transmasculine individuals.

Walter Lin, MD, is a plastic surgeon specializing in reconstructive surgery. After graduating with honors from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, he earned his medical degree at Harvard Medical School. From there, he completed his residency in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). He trained for an additional year of fellowship in hand, microvascular, and transgender surgery at The Buncke Clinic in San Francisco, and subsequently joined their practice.

Dr. Paige Leigh Baker attended Georgetown University receiving undergraduate degrees in psychology and gender studies. She pursued both a Master of Science and Doctorate in multicultural Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern. She trained as a Psychology Fellow in one of 10 national sites specializing in LGBT mental health within the Veterans Administration. With over 8 years’ experience working in the LGBT community, Dr. Baker has brought her expertise to Howard Brown Health to spearhead the development, implementation, and evaluation of the first holistic LGBTQ-specific sexual assault response program in the nation.

Nadia Valdez is an openly queer transgender woman of color with four+ years of experience working for the LGBT community and six years in nonprofit agencies. As a survivor of multiple assaults herself, she identifies strong similarities with patients’ stories and barriers in seeking help. In her youth she was very active in the LGBT nightlife scene and witnessed first-hand the rape culture that took advantage of vulnerable teens and their struggle to find support. Nadia Valdez is committed to being a pillar of support for patients and a driving force in the growth of Howard Brown’s in.power* program.

Through years of organizing and nonprofit work in the LGBTQ community, Tevin Giles recognized the need for holistic, intersectional programs that center the most marginalized. This commitment led Tevin to coordinate transformative programs for LGBTQ youth, train educators and healthcare providers, organize against racism, push for diversity and inclusion in nonprofits and education, and speak before an array of audiences on systematic oppression. These experiences led Tevin to join Howard Brown as in.power* case manager.

Dr. Ellie Ley is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon, board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. She left private practice to join the office of Dr. Toby Meltzer in December of 2015. She has had extensive training and has a true passion for working with the community, performing GCS and other plastic surgery procedures. She graduated from Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara and New York Medical College, and completed a residency in general surgery at the University of Arizona, and fellowships in craniofacial/pediatric surgery, hand and microsurgery, and plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Meg Bergeson, DNP, ACNP-BC, FNP-BC, RNFA, is a board-certified acute and family nurse practitioner who joined the Meltzer Clinic in 2011. She is experienced in pediatrics, burn, obstetrics and gynecology, emergency and trauma, with a BS in both psychology and nursing, and both a master’s and doctoral degree in nursing. Her work revolves mostly around transgender medicine and post-operative care. She follows all patients of Drs. Meltzer and Ley during hospitalization and post-operatively and also provides services for hormone replacement and aesthetic procedures.

Michelle Enfield, a Diné of the Red Running into the Water people Clan (Tachii’nii), is originally from Lukachukai, Arizona, but now resides in Los Angeles, California. She has trained in fine arts, and now studies psychology and business at Antioch University LA. She has first-hand experience working with homeless youth, as an HIV test counselor, and specifically with the Native American population providing HIV education, support, and referrals. She is a member of the Transgender Service Provider Network (TSPN) and co-chair of the Underrepresented Cultural Communities with the LA Department of Mental Health.

Katherine Kirkpatrick, an active participant in Gender Diversity's parent support groups and mother of two, is the author of five young adult novels, one children’s picture book, two nonfiction books and numerous magazine articles. She publishes a monthly column of personal essays, "Transformation," for Literary Mama Magazine.

Aydin Olson-Kennedy, MSW, is the executive director of the Los Angeles Gender Center where he provides therapy for gender-nonconforming and transgender youth, adults, and their families. He has spoken internationally on the importance of an informed-consent model of care, identifying and acknowledging domains of privilege and broadening clinicians and families understanding of gender dysphoria and its impact on the psychosocial well-being of gender-nonconforming and transgender individuals.

As director of the Child and Adolescent Program at the Los Angeles Gender Center, Susan Landon, LMFT, has been providing counseling for individuals, couples, children, and families in Santa Monica, California, for the past 30 years. She is a member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH). Susan speaks around the country about mental health therapy with gender-nonconforming children and adolescents, as well as facilitating a large parent and youth support group in Los Angeles.

Tai Vo is a scholar, artist, and activist based in Toronto. Their work, both in Toronto and New York City, has involved founding and sustaining programs that center the needs of queer, trans, and two-spirit people, with a focus on newcomers, disabled folks, and people of color through counselling, case management, youth engagement, outreach, and arts initiatives. He directed the award-winning documentary Our Compass, which was co-written by queer and trans youth labelled with intellectual disabilities. Tai is committed to fostering both self and community determination for all queer, trans, and two-spirit peoples.

Naveed Sarikhan is a disabled, trans, mixed-race therapist who operates a private practice in Federal Way and Tacoma, Washington.

Burt Webb, MD, started his practice in Scottsdale, AZ, after attending Stanford and Tulane Universities.
Shortly thereafter in 2002, he started performing vaginectomies and hysterectomies on trans patients. He has enjoyed the experience so much that a significant part of his practice is devoted to helping trans patients both surgically and with the hormone management aspect of their health.

Emily learned her child was transgender 8 years ago and plunged in with one goal: to empower her child and family to live their life mission with peace and confidence. In her 30 years in psycho-social justice, Energy Medicine, and inherited family trauma, she has contributed to conflict resolution in prisons and directed abuse prevention programs for homeless shelters through Columbia University, and directs trainings and mentors internationally. She now offers her “TransParent & TransFormed” program for mothers of gender-diverse children.

Jen Hastings, MD, assistant clinical professor at the UCSF Department of Family and Community Medicine and founding director of the Transgender Health Care Program at Planned Parenthood Mar Monte, is actively involved in supporting transgender services around the country. Jen works closely with the Santa Cruz Transgender Therapist Team and is involved in the integration of behavioral health, primary care, mindfulness, and medicine. Jen is a member of the medical advisory board of the UCSF Center of Excellence for Transgender Health which works to increase medical access and understanding about the gender journey.

Alexander Chen works at the National Center for Lesbian Rights, where he advances trans rights through litigation and policy advocacy. He graduated from Oxford University and Harvard Law School, where he was the first openly trans Harvard Law Review editor and worked at the DOJ, ACLU, and National Center for Transgender Equality. He clerked on the Ninth Circuit and S.D. Cal. In 2018, Alexander was named a Forbes 30 Under 30 in Law and Policy.

Dr. Mangubat a native of Seattle, is a graduate of the University of Washington Medical School, studied surgery at the University of Kentucky and trained in cosmetic surgery with Dr. Richard C. Webster, a legend in the field of cosmetic surgery. He performs a full spectrum of cosmetic procedures including many trans-procedures. He lectures worldwide on body sculpting procedures and is a leader amongst his peers. He has served on several Academy boards. Dr. Mangubat’s work with the Transgender community is well known to be caring and sensitive to each individual. His full resume: LaBelleVieCosmetic.com

Dr. Santucci spent the last 18 years as one of the nation's premier academic reconstructive urologists and is now devoting his surgical talents to the challenges of transgender surgery. Before coming to us, he was director of the Center for Urologic Reconstruction™ and a full clinical professor at the Michigan State College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSCOM). Dr. Santucci is the author of more than 100 scientific articles and has served on the editorial boards of more than 12 journals.
Dr. Santucci's Fellowship training in Reconstructive Urology is highly prized, and he trained both Dr. Curtis Crane and Dr. Mang Chen (and a dozen other surgeons) in the craft of urologic reconstruction. "I am proud and humble to be able to work with the most experienced and advanced transgender surgery group in the country. I am committed to using what I've learned to lend a hand to the very brave TG community."

Heidi Wittenberg, MD, obtained her bachelor's degree in genetics at the University of California, Berkeley, a master's degree in applied physiology, and graduated from the Chicago Medical School. She completed her residency at Johns Hopkins. She is board certified in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery and further studied gender-affirmation surgery.

Dr. Michele Angello offers individual, couples, group, and family therapy, as well as corporate education and training on a variety of issues concerning sexuality. She has presented internationally on her work with transgender, gender-variant, and gender-nonconforming youth. She facilitates several monthly support groups for transgender adults, youth, and parents, and offers sessions to people around the world via webcam. Dr. Angello has appeared as a guest expert on Dr. Phil, Larry King Live, The Tyra Banks Show, ABC Primetime, Dr. Oz, and many more shows and documentaries. She is also an adjunct professor at Widener University and has developed the first graduate course in the US that focuses on clinical issues in transgender communities. Her private practice is in Pennsylvania.

Michael is the Gender Odyssey conference director. He’s also a writer, rock star, storyteller, bodybuilder, social justice advocate, and aging queer trans guy. Michael has published myriad books, articles, and blogs, and received the Skip Schrader “Spirit of Activism” award from Equality Arizona. He holds a MPH in Policy and Management from the University of Arizona and a BS in Communications from Butler University.

Jamison Green (PhD - Equalities Law) is an author, educator, public speaker, and independent legal scholar. He is also a consulting expert in transgender health and employment discrimination litigation; diversity trainer and policy consultant for business, educational, and governmental institutions; former corporate publications director; and award-winning global trans activist. He is the immediate past-president of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), and author of Becoming a Visible Man. He also identifies as a competitive skier, construction cable splicer, voice actor, singer, and Afro-Brazilian percussionist.

Aydin Olson-Kennedy, MSW, is the executive director of the Los Angeles Gender Center where he provides therapy for gender-nonconforming and transgender youth, adults, and their families. He has spoken internationally on the importance of an informed-consent model of care, identifying and acknowledging domains of privilege and broadening clinicians and families understanding of gender dysphoria and its impact on the psychosocial well-being of gender-nonconforming and transgender individuals.

Johanna Olson-Kennedy, MD, specializes in the care of gender-nonconforming children and transgender youth. Board certified in pediatrics and adolescent medicine, Dr. Olson-Kennedy has been providing medical intervention for transgender youth and young for the past 11 years, and is considered a national expert in this area. The medical director of the Center for Transyouth Health and Development at Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles, the largest transgender youth clinic in the United States, she also spearheads a rigorous research program that seeks to understand the trans experience from childhood through early adulthood. Dr. Olson-Kennedy has appeared frequently on national television, and spoken all over the country to educate providers, parents, and other communities about the needs of transgender youth.

As director of the Child and Adolescent Program at the Los Angeles Gender Center, Susan Landon, LMFT, has been providing counseling for individuals, couples, children, and families in Santa Monica, California, for the past 30 years. She is a member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH). Susan speaks around the country about mental health therapy with gender-nonconforming children and adolescents, as well as facilitating a large parent and youth support group in Los Angeles.

Alexander Chen works at the National Center for Lesbian Rights, where he advances trans rights through litigation and policy advocacy. He graduated from Oxford University and Harvard Law School, where he was the first openly trans Harvard Law Review editor, and worked at the DOJ, ACLU, and National Center for Transgender Equality. He clerked on the Ninth Circuit and S.D. Cal. In 2018, Alexander was listed in Forbes 30 Under 30 in Law and Policy.

Asaf Orr joined NCLR in February 2012 as a staff attorney working on issues related to families and youth. In July 2015, he was named NCLR’s Transgender Youth Project Staff Attorney. As part of that project, Asaf engages in litigation, public policy, and informal advocacy to safeguard the right of transgender and gender-expansive youth to be affirmed and supported for who they are.

Thomas Satterwhite, MD, obtained his bachelor’s degree (Human Biology with Honors) and medical degree at Stanford University in Palo Alto, CA. He remained at Stanford Hospital to complete his residency in plastic surgery, a highly regarded training program. His expertise in facial surgery was further refined with the completion of a craniofacial fellowship in Miami, FL, under the tutelage of Dr. S. Anthony Wolfe, a world-renowned craniofacial surgeon.

Aidan Key is the director of Gender Diversity, an organization that provides education to teachers, staff, counselors, and administrators regarding gender-inclusive schools grades K-12. Additionally, he provides support for families of transgender and gender-nonconforming children and teens through his parent support groups in Washington State. Key speaks regularly to universities and organizations seeking to expand their knowledge of issues related to gender identity in children and adults. He is also the founder of the Gender Odyssey conferences.

Scott Peacock serves as Deputy Superintendent for Leadership and Equity in Snohomish, WA. In 1991 he received a master’s degree in Teaching Social Studies from the State University of New York at Binghamton. For the past 25 years, he has lived in Snohomish with his wife and sons. Over that time he has served as a high school social studies teacher, an assistant principal, a middle school principal, and Assistant Superintendent for Leadership and Learning prior to moving into his current position.

Dr. Ellie Ley is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon, board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. She left private practice to join the office of Dr. Toby Meltzer in December of 2015. She has had extensive training and has a true passion for working with the community, performing GCS and other plastic surgery procedures. She graduated from Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara and New York Medical College, and completed a residency in general surgery at the University of Arizona, and fellowships in craniofacial/pediatric surgery, hand and microsurgery, and plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Aydin Olson-Kennedy, MSW, is the executive director of the Los Angeles Gender Center where he provides therapy for gender-nonconforming and transgender youth, adults, and their families. He has spoken internationally on the importance of an informed-consent model of care, identifying and acknowledging domains of privilege and broadening clinicians and families understanding of gender dysphoria and its impact on the psychosocial well-being of gender-nonconforming and transgender individuals.

Johanna Olson-Kennedy, MD, specializes in the care of gender-nonconforming children and transgender youth. Board certified in pediatrics and adolescent medicine, Dr. Olson-Kennedy has been providing medical intervention for transgender youth and young for the past 11 years, and is considered a national expert in this area. The medical director of the Center for Transyouth Health and Development at Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles, the largest transgender youth clinic in the United States, she also spearheads a rigorous research program that seeks to understand the trans experience from childhood through early adulthood. Dr. Olson-Kennedy has appeared frequently on national television, and spoken all over the country to educate providers, parents, and other communities about the needs of transgender youth.

As director of the Child and Adolescent Program at the Los Angeles Gender Center, Susan Landon, LMFT, has been providing counseling for individuals, couples, children, and families in Santa Monica, California, for the past 30 years. She is a member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH). Susan speaks around the country about mental health therapy with gender-nonconforming children and adolescents, as well as facilitating a large parent and youth support group in Los Angeles.

Aidan Key is the director of Gender Diversity, an organization that provides education to teachers, staff, counselors, and administrators regarding gender-inclusive schools grades K-12. Additionally, he provides support for families of transgender and gender-nonconforming children and teens through his parent support groups in Washington State. Key speaks regularly to universities and organizations seeking to expand their knowledge of issues related to gender identity in children and adults. He is also the founder of the Gender Odyssey conferences.

Asaf Orr joined NCLR in February 2012 as a staff attorney working on issues related to families and youth. In July 2015, he was named NCLR’s Transgender Youth Project Staff Attorney. As part of that project, Asaf engages in litigation, public policy, and informal advocacy to safeguard the right of transgender and gender-expansive youth to be affirmed and supported for who they are.

Scott Peacock serves as Deputy Superintendent for Leadership and Equity in Snohomish, WA. In 1991 he received a master’s degree in Teaching Social Studies from the State University of New York at Binghamton. For the past 25 years, he has lived in Snohomish with his wife and sons. Over that time he has served as a high school social studies teacher, an assistant principal, a middle school principal, and Assistant Superintendent for Leadership and Learning prior to moving into his current position.

Logan Berrian is a registered nurse with extensive experience as a clinical nurse case manager. He has been leading the phalloplasty program at the Buncke Clinic since last summer, and provides care coordination and clinical post-operative support for our patients.

Jen is a marketing veteran and proud parent of a 12-year-old transgender daughter, a gift that has inspired her to become a national advocate and speaker intent on shedding light and levity on the gender conversation. Tapping her skills and connections in 25+ years in the global agency world, Jen helped launch The GenderCool Project in February, 2018, an awareness campaign and non-profit spotlighting exceptional stories of the accomplishments of transgender youth. The campaign aims to open up understanding in communities across the country by introducing WHO these remarkable kids are and not WHAT they are.

The GenderCool Project launch was covered internationally by media including: The TODAY Show with Megyn Kelly; New York Times; People Magazine; ABC News; NBC News; Teen Vogue; Huffington Post; Pink News; and WGN News with more powerful national media coverage planned in the coming months. More than 43 countries across continents are now engaged with the campaign, from Uganda to Australia to Costa Rica to Israel.

She is also on the front line of school policy work for gender inclusive schools in Illinois, helping to lead the charge in multiple school districts, representing more than 35,000 students.

Prior to founding The GenderCool Project, she had a thriving communications consultancy, supporting iconic brands such as McDonald's, Netflix, Starbucks and Allstate. Her battlefield training was at global PR giant Edelman Worldwide where she rose to senior vice president/group head.

She is a graduate of the University of Colorado, Boulder with a bachelor of science from the school of journalism. Jen is business-level fluent in Spanish and a medaled triathlete and marathoner.

Tai Vo is a scholar, artist, and activist based in Toronto. Their work, both in Toronto and New York City, has involved founding and sustaining programs that center the needs of queer, trans, and two-spirit people, with a focus on newcomers, disabled folks, and people of color through counselling, case management, youth engagement, outreach, and arts initiatives. He directed the award-winning documentary Our Compass, which was co-written by queer and trans youth labelled with intellectual disabilities. Tai is committed to fostering both self and community determination for all queer, trans, and two-spirit peoples.

Naveed Sarikhan is a disabled, trans, mixed-race therapist who operates a private practice in Federal Way and Tacoma, Washington.

Board-certified plastic surgeon Scott W. Mosser, MD, began his career in medicine as a Fulbright Scholar to Ecuador, where he spent a year investigating the Ecuadorian healthcare system. He is a graduate of Baylor College of Medicine (Houston, TX) and Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, OH), where he completed his internship and six years of comprehensive general and plastic surgery training. This was followed by a year-long fellowship dedicated to cosmetic surgery, during which time he perfected his techniques in facial and body cosmetic surgery.

India Susanne Holden is a published author and seminar and workshop leader. They are a certified life coach and Reiki master, spiritual guide, and tarot reader with over a decade of experience teaching classes and seeing individual clients. India is the author of two books: The World Is Better Than You Think and Crafting a Happy Life. A third book, The Happy Activist, will be published in 2018.
Fun Fact: India is a former recording artist with Sony, Germany.

Kathie Moehlig is the founder and executive director of TransFamily Support Services in San Diego, California. For over 30 years, she has been a public speaker, a workshop presenter, and a support group leader. Kathie is a certified life coach, a licensed minister, and a certified parent counselor. As a parent advocate for her transgender son, Kathie navigated his admittance as the first transgender patient at the Rady Children’s Hospital Gender Management Clinic in San Diego. She provides compassionate and informative support for other transgender families and friends. Kathie works tirelessly to help transgender youth and their families navigate the journey.

Johanna Olson-Kennedy, MD, specializes in the care of gender-nonconforming children and transgender youth. Board certified in pediatrics and adolescent medicine, Dr. Olson-Kennedy has been providing medical intervention for transgender youth and young for the past 11 years, and is considered a national expert in this area. The medical director of the Center for Transyouth Health and Development at Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles, the largest transgender youth clinic in the United States, she also spearheads a rigorous research program that seeks to understand the trans experience from childhood through early adulthood. Dr. Olson-Kennedy has appeared frequently on national television, and spoken all over the country to educate providers, parents, and other communities about the needs of transgender youth.

Aydin Olson-Kennedy, MSW, is the executive director of the Los Angeles Gender Center where he provides therapy for gender-nonconforming and transgender youth, adults, and their families. He has spoken internationally on the importance of an informed-consent model of care, identifying and acknowledging domains of privilege and broadening clinicians and families understanding of gender dysphoria and its impact on the psychosocial well-being of gender-nonconforming and transgender individuals.n the importance of informed consent mental and medical health care for gender non-conforming and transgender individuals, with emphasis on identifying and acknowledging domains of privilege.

As director of the Child and Adolescent Program at the Los Angeles Gender Center, Susan Landon, LMFT, has been providing counseling for individuals, couples, children, and families in Santa Monica, California, for the past 30 years. She is a member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH). Susan speaks around the country about mental health therapy with gender-nonconforming children and adolescents, as well as facilitating a large parent and youth support group in Los Angeles.

As director of the Child and Adolescent Program at the Los Angeles Gender Center, Susan Landon, LMFT, has been providing counseling for individuals, couples, children, and families in Santa Monica, California, for the past 30 years. She is a member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH). Susan speaks around the country about mental health therapy with gender-nonconforming children and adolescents, as well as facilitating a large parent and youth support group in Los Angeles.

Gabrielle Bellitti has worked for the California Cryobank for four years now. She is passionate about working with the LGBTQ community in helping to assist with all sperm banking needs. Gabrielle received her undergraduate degree in psychology from Ashford University in 2007. She received her master’s degree in psychology from Capella University in 2013. Gabrielle is currently pursuing a PhD in psychology, and hopes to one day counsel transitioning youth.

Eli Erlick is the director of Trans Student Educational Resources, a national organization dedicated to transforming the educational environment for trans students.

Jenn Burleton is the executive director at TransActive Gender Center. Her expertise as an educator and advocate for transgender children, youth, and their families is internationally recognized. Her sense of humor, breadth of knowledge, and engaging presentation style has inspired and motivated audiences around the world. From her first act of public advocacy in 1966 as a 12-year-old transgender girl to today, Jenn has been committed to justice, inclusion, and hope for all transgender people.

Johanna Olson-Kennedy, MD, specializes in the care of gender-nonconforming children and transgender youth. Board certified in pediatrics and adolescent medicine, Dr. Olson-Kennedy has been providing medical intervention for transgender youth and young for the past 11 years, and is considered a national expert in this area. The medical director of the Center for Transyouth Health and Development at Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles, the largest transgender youth clinic in the United States, she also spearheads a rigorous research program that seeks to understand the trans experience from childhood through early adulthood. Dr. Olson-Kennedy has appeared frequently on national television, and spoken all over the country to educate providers, parents, and other communities about the needs of transgender youth.Los Angeles, the largest transgender youth clinic in the United States. She also spearheads a rigorous research program that seeks to understand the trans experience from childhood through early adulthood. Dr. Olson-Kennedy has appeared frequently on national television, and spoken all over the country to educate providers, parents, and other communities about the needs of transgender youth.

As director of the Child and Adolescent Program at the Los Angeles Gender Center, Susan Landon, LMFT, has been providing counseling for individuals, couples, children, and families in Santa Monica, California, for the past 30 years. She is a member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH). Susan speaks around the country about mental health therapy with gender-nonconforming children and adolescents, as well as facilitating a large parent and youth support group in Los Angeles.

Aydin Olson-Kennedy, MSW, is the executive director of the Los Angeles Gender Center where he provides therapy for gender-nonconforming and transgender youth, adults, and their families. He has spoken internationally on the importance of an informed-consent model of care, identifying and acknowledging domains of privilege and broadening clinicians and families understanding of gender dysphoria and its impact on the psychosocial well-being of gender-nonconforming and transgender individuals.

Jean-Marie Navetta is the director of Learning & Inclusion for PFLAG National, leading its Straight for Equality project. Jean-Marie is the former director of communications for PFLAG where she increased the organization’s visibility in outlets including the New York Times and the Oprah Winfrey Show. She was also the media relations manager for the American Association of University Women, where her work focused on issues such as discrimination in education, pay equity, and Title IX. But Jean-Marie is, most importantly, living proof that philosophy majors can get real jobs.

Diego Sanchez is director of Advocacy, Policy, and Partnerships at PFLAG National. He was senior policy advisor to Congressman Barney Frank through his retirement in January 2013 and made history as the first openly transgender person to work as a senior legislative staffer on Capitol Hill, the first to testify before Congress in the first hearing on transgender employment discrimination in 2008 and the first openly trans person appointed to the DNC Platform Committee. With 20 award-winning years in global Fortune 500 companies, Diego earned a BA in journalism from the University of Georgia, where today he serves on the alumni advisory board.

Aidan is someone I know.