Growing up as a visibly trans youth in Merced during the 1990s, Katalina experienced firsthand difficulties faced by queers in small towns with limited resources. Determination, empathy, and commitment to social change makes her a powerful champion for LGBTQ+ rights.

Morgan, a Queer advocate from the Sierra Foothills, found their voice through creative arts and LGBTQ+ activism. After struggling to find community locally, they moved to San Francisco State University, where they organized spoken word nights, concerts, protests, and supported marriage equality. Returning to Sonora, they felt disconnected due to limited Queer visibility and rising homophobia. Now rooted in their rural hometown, Morgan works to build inclusive spaces, advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, and provide resources Queer community members often have to leave the area to access.

Roman grew up in Merced, CA. As a gay male, he realized quickly the lack of services and resources provided to the LGBTQ community in his home town. After living in San Francisco for 16 years he decided to return to his roots and provide those resources that were not available to him as a youth. He became a Peer Support Specialist at San Francisco State University and is an active member of the CHATT Bureau with the UCSF Trauma Recovery Center. He has led conferences on PTSD and DFSA. He has yearly participated as a Speaker at Standford Law providing a program on Compassionate Lawyering. Roman is an Advocate for LGBTQ+ Individuals and has continued to promote, advocate and encourage change for the LGBTQ+ Community.

Salma enjoys exploring history, art, literature, and Japanese popular culture, all while relishing in the company of live music. Despite the occasional intimidating eyeliner they faithfully serve the queer community in the Central Valley, leveraging their capabilities to create positive change.

Whether pen or eyeliner, her artistic talent knows no bounds. Astrology deep-belly laughs, and being a slut for charcuterie are endearing qualities only shadowed by her love and radical advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community.

Anthony’s passion, expertise, and lived experience is vital to those he serves. Having experience in farmworker issues, environmental justice, health equity, harm reduction, and queer persons history, Anthony finds it important to understand the historical context which impacts the present in his work.

Jaime has had an inspiring journey to the United States from Mexico, filled with challenges, including cultural barriers and language differences. He remains undeterred, pursuing a fulfilling life. In this country, Jaime finds refuge from the discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ .

“Poetry is a political act because it involves telling the truth.”
—June Jordan

Raveena is an agriculturalist, community herbalist, and full-spectrum birthworker passionate about reproductive justice and harm reduction. Before joining Cal Pride, they worked as an urban farmer and in employment discrimination law, advocating for LGBTQ+ and incarcerated TGI individuals. Today, Raveena creates safe spaces for creative writing and education in the Sierra Nevada foothills.

“Sometimes you just have to dance it out.”
—Grey’s Anatomy

James came out in 10th grade during the 90s, when visible LGBTQ+ support was nearly nonexistent. Facing isolation at school and rejection from family, those experiences now fuel his advocacy. He’s dedicated to supporting unhoused individuals with dignity, creating affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ youth, and promoting animal welfare. His deepest passion is health and harm reduction—ensuring everyone has access to the care and tools they need to live safely and with dignity.

At the age of sixteen, Mindy made the decision to leave school and enter the workforce, encountering personal challenges along the way. Despite these hurdles, she demonstrated resilience and emerged as a Trans – recovering addict and alcoholic, determined to support others on their own paths.

Patty’s journey began on a ranch, but evolved into unintentionally becoming a country girl, later transforming into a renowned and beloved songstress. Her affection for vodka and carbs is only eclipsed as an unwavering advocate of LGBTQ+ and womens rights.