John Aguirre is the CEO and founder of CalPride. John utilizes his intersecting identities to inform his advocacy and support work: He is a Latinx LGBTQ+ man living with HIV, a farmworker’s son, a veteran, and a senior in mental wellness and SUD recovery. He leads CalPride through trauma informed management. He has a husband of 31 years, Steven, and they have a son, Cody. 

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

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.

“We are way more powerful when we turn to each other and not on each other, when we celebrate our diversity… and together tear down the mighty walls of injustice.” – Cynthia McKinney

With a bachelor’s degree in psychology and gender studies, they use their academic background and lived experience to educate local communities and advocate for LGBTQ+ folx, highlighting intersectional identities. They have known they are queer their whole life, coming out to friends and family at the age of 12. In their free time, they enjoy playing instruments, watching TV, camping, working out, and napping.

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 good drinks and carbs is only eclipsed as an unwavering advocate of LGBTQ+ and women’s rights.

Alex is a hardcore foodie and appreciates culinary delights. He is a passionate participant of grey sweatpants season. Alex contributes to CalPride’s mission, fostering an inclusive working environment and advancing LGBTQ+ rights and representation. Alex serves as one of three Public Information Officers (PIO) for CalPride.

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.

“But how could you live and have no story to tell?” – Dostoyevsky

Born and raised in Modesto, this artist-turned-academic blends their creative pursuits with their formal training in anthropology and public history to amplify the voices of their community. Ryann strives to make queer histories, cultures, and communities more accessible by bridging the gaps between the online and the offline queer experience. Ryann serves as one of three Public Information Officers (PIO) for CalPride, advocating for local accountability and transparency.

“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 CalPride, 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.

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+.

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 transgender recovering addict and alcoholic, determined to support others on their own paths.