Tim'm T. West (he/they) is a poet, scholar, rapper, and youth activist who was born in Cincinnati and raised primarily in rural Arkansas. A contemporary Renaissance man, he is a featured voice in multiple documentaries about hip hop and masculinity because of his groundbreaking work as a gay-identified hip hop artist, AIDS activist, and youth advocate, among other affiliations. 

A teacher and cultural producer at a number of secondary and post-secondary institutions, as well as a former varsity basketball coach, Tim’m has a B.A. from Duke University and graduate degrees from The New School for Social Research and Stanford University.

They are the author of several books (Red Dirt Revival: a poetic memoir in 6 Breaths, BARE: notes from a porchdweller, Flirting, and pre|dispositions). As a writer, Tim’m is widely anthologized and published. As a recording artist, they have  produced and released nine hip hop albums, the first several with iconic queer rap group D/DC. 

After serving for 8.5 years as Senior Managing Director of Teach for America’s National Prism Alliances (LGBTQ+ Initiative), Tim’m became Executive Director of the LGBTQ+ Institute at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.

Jennifer Barnes-Balenciaga (she/her), newlywed, Mrs. McQueen, transitioned to Manhattan after being an 11-year resident of Atlanta. As the first LGBTQ+ liaison in Georgia as appointed by State Representative Park Cannon of District 58 in January 2018 and parted from the position in September 2022, during that time Jennifer Barnes-Balenciaga has been the contributor to many Atlanta political and governmental legislation such as HB290, has collaborated to commemorate many Georgia LGBTQ+ leaders, including Miss Lawrence Balenciaga, and helps lead many queer movements within her community (World AIDS Day events, HIV testing initiatives, Black/LGBTQ+Pride/rallies, etc.).

She is currently the Director of the Crystal La’Beija Organizing Fellowship (CLOF), was an on-the-ground HIV Prevention Specialist, and continues to act as a volunteer around many HIV-related initiatives. Jennifer has also been a Youth Policy HIV Advisor for Georgia Equality and has presented at many HIV-related conferences, such as NAESM, USCA, and even at congressional gatherings through AIDSWatch. The multi-awarded Barnes-Balenciaga hails from Cincinnati, Ohio, and has been seen on Season 2 of POSE FX. She has been published in many distinguished publications, such as The New York Times, TEENVogue, Harvard Public Health & VeryWellHealth, to name a few.

She holds numerous organizational and committee affiliations: newly mayoral appointed Commissioner for NYC Commission on Gender Equity (CGE), Co-Investigator for RESPND-MI (MPX-NYC), Vice President of Cincinnati Black Pride, Social Media Committee Chair for Sankofa Black Women’s Conference, and is a member of the illustrious House of Balenciaga, a leading institution in the House and Ballroom Scene.

She recently graduated from BMCC, on the Dean’s List, with an AA in Political Science and is now attending Baruch College to finish her BA in Political Science with a Law Minor.

Umut Dursun (he/him) is a passionate and visionary leader who strives to create a positive and lasting impact for marginalized and underserved communities. Umut is the Executive Director of Harbor Camps, the first-ever summer camp established for transgender and non-binary/gender-nonconforming youth. Umut’s leadership fosters a culture of excellence, collaboration, and diversity among the staff, volunteers, donors, and partners.

Prior to Harbor Camps, Umut served as the Co-Director of YES Institute, a non-profit rooted in suicide prevention and a nationally recognized industry leader in providing powerful, action-oriented dialogue and research-based education on topics related to gender and orientation. Umut is a highly requested consultant and trainer who authentically shares his lived experiences as a transgender man, creating space for others to be vulnerable and eliminating the shame and stigma around these topics. 

As a Marine Veteran who served under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” Umut navigated coming to terms with his identity juxtaposed against the intolerance LGBTQ+ service members faced. In honor of his service, the Florida Panthers recognized Umut as a “Heroes Among Us” honoree.

Umut’s commitment to serve is the backbone of his career. He joined Teach For America (TFA) in 2011 as a high school teacher in Miami-Dade, FL, openly out as trans, leveraging his visibility to be a role model for youth. Since leaving the classroom, he has collaborated with thought leaders across various industries to implement systems change, tirelessly advocating for the well-being, safety, and belonging of queer and transgender youth.

Lexi Markham (they/them) is a rising Sophomore at Paideia School in Atlanta, Georgia. In their free time, they love to write poetry, read, and be outside. In 2024 they joined VOX ATL Youth Poet Laureate Ambassador Program. Lexi helped cofound a Trans Club at their high school, as well as an Environmental Club in their elementary school. They first engaged YOU(th) Belong in March 2023 when they shared poetry at YOU(th) Belong … On The Stage at OUT Front Theater and has volunteered at Compassion-Con and other LGBTQ+ Institute events. They hope to inspire others to fight for LGBTQ+ rights, embrace love, and exist authentically.

Ian Montero (he/him) is a freshman at Fordham University in New York City. Born and raised in Miami, Florida, he was a varsity track and field runner in high school who had a passion for theater and writing. He particularly appreciates poetry, and his favorite author is Ocean Vuong. In high school he was also the vice president of the Black Student Union. 

In college Ian is studying business and economics. As a Hispanic individual, he is deeply appreciative of his background, especially his Peruvian and Cuban descent. He has an interest in learning new languages and is currently studying French in and out of school.

Zaria Newbill (she/her) is Executive Director and Founder N.O.M.O. Organization. She is an award winning and one of the most recognizable black transgender advocates and activists living in the South. Zaria’s main geographical area of concern is the Middle and some parts of South Georgia. Where to this day there is no true representation or visibility of transwomen in many of these desert towns in rural Georgia.

Amore Rayan Cano (she/her) is a radiant force within our Trans and Gender Expansive Council, and was crowned as the winner of the prestigious Miss Trans Georgia pageant in 2023. Her creative spirit illuminates every aspect of her advocacy, serving as a beacon of empowerment for our community.

As a dancer, model, and aspiring singer and fashion designer, Amore embraces self-expression with authenticity and artistry, inspiring fellow council members to embrace their unique identities and talents.

Amore’s journey of self-discovery is a testament to resilience and courage.

Through her own experiences, she challenges societal norms and stereotypes imposed on transgender and gender-expansive individuals, advocating for the celebration of diversity and authenticity within our council and beyond in.

Vee Giovanni (she/her) is an African post-op transgender woman who does community work and activism on various causes from LGBTQIA Rights to Gender Based Violence-Femicide to Gun Violence Awareness and supplying weapons of war with Amnesty International. Her activism is principally  based at the Amani Women Center in Clarkston GA, which is a non profit which seeks to mainly uplift the voices and lives of refugee and immigrant women through various empowerment programs such as their sewing academy.

Nat Esparza (he/she/they) is a trans non-binary storyteller, chaplain-in-training, and future death and transition doula dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices and fostering spaces of deep empathy and inclusivity. With a commitment to honoring all minds and bodies, Nat uses their platform and skills to tell authentic stories that embrace queer, trans, disabled, and neurodivergent experiences, particularly through their upcoming podcast, Fiercely Curious, set to launch in 2025.

Their personal journey of embracing their genderqueer identity and Hispanic heritage came through a profound period of transition and self-discovery, leading them to a career devoted to walking with others through life’s most challenging thresholds. As a chaplain and doula, Nat aspires to support others in navigating identity, grief, and transformation with dignity and compassion. Through storytelling, Nat’s mission is to build connections that honor each unique narrative, bringing light to voices that too often go unheard.