Cohort 2 Mentor Bios

Below is a biography to each of our mentors.

Please read more about them and see who you think might be a good fit for you.

AIDEN

Hi! My name is Aiden and I am transgender, white man.
I grew up in Spartanburg, South Carolina. I studied vet medicine to become a vet tech. I have worked in Animal Welfare for 8 years. I have experience with both gender affirming top surgery and hrt ( hormone replacement therapy ) and would be happy to share my experiences about them with you! Other fun facts: I am both a cat and dog person. I love being outdoors and hiking waterfalls. I also enjoy spreading positivity videos on Tik Tok about the LGBTQIA and educating others.
I am excited to be apart of the gender gender journeys mentor program.
**Choose me as your mentor if you want to discuss: hormone therapy, name changes, and coming out, among other things!**

ARIADNE

I am a genderqueer disabled working-class fat woman with a penchant for saying what I think, no matter the consequences. I believe in the use of voice and language to make a difference in this world. I use trauma-centered communication techniques, theater of the oppressed, and mindful movement to build bridges, and I take an ecofeminist and intuitive approach to advocating for justice. I would love to work with folks who are struggling with disability, size discrimination, eating disorders, and/or trauma histories. I know what it's like to forge a new identity out of a history of abuse, tragic loss, addiction, and chronic illness. I believe survival is heroic, AND I believe we all deserve much more than just survival. Let's find that 'more' together. That's what I'm here for.
**Choose me as your mentor if you want to discuss: name changes, sexual health and expression, and gender performance, among other things!**

AYME

I kept my desire to be a girl inside until I was 33. I finally realized the futility of fighting the current, and armed with a High School Diploma, some College experience, a lot of street smarts and white 'passing' privilege, I acknowledged the truth of my life, and began living my life within that truth. If being Ayme made you alive, free and happy, then go be Ayme. Otherwise, you'll be dead or in jail – quite the compelling argument.
I’m self-taught expert proven proficiency in computer skills, web & graphic design, typography, print production, desktop publishing, administration, event planning, project coordination, marketing, database management, fundraising (corporate and grass-roots), and customer service (serving to live, living to serve). Amateur songwriter/musician, but 28-year semi-professional singer (with some recording history) and GMCLA Alumni. Gender Blender DJ, Pleasure Activist and Mischief Maker of some renown since 2015 (www.soundcloud.com/meza-me).
I want to engage in right-hemisphere big picture dreaming, thinking and doing. Music and Art is the language that speaks to us, what connects us, brings and binds us together. It's time to stop fighting to take back. It's time to start fighting to give back. Our journey together should not be about having or collecting things (including labels). It’s about believing in and giving of yourself.
**Choose me as your mentor if you want to discuss: coming out, hormone therapy, and building community, among other things!**

BLAINE

Greetings! My name is Blaine and I am a binary gay trans man. I grew up in rural Alaska in a highly religious family. I have a criminal justice degree from Utah Valley University and I am currently pursuing a law degree starting this fall. I've navigated my medical transition throughout my undergraduate studies and, through a lot of work and perseverance, obtained acceptance from my family. I'm happy to share my experiences with you and hope to contribute to your success with challenges you may be facing. Other things to know about me: I fully support LGBTQ+ businesses and artists and have listened exclusively to LGBTQ+ musicians for the past year and a half. I enjoy painting, drawing, playing piano, and video games. I'm enthusiastic about joining the Gender Journeys mentor team and community and look forward to meeting all of you.

Choose me as your mentor if you’d like to discuss: Name Changes, Legal Rights, and Gender Performance among other things!

BLUE

Hi! My name is Blue. I am a 25-year-old trans-masculine non-binary person.
I had top surgery a few years ago, then decided to start testosterone a couple months after that. I'm excited to be becoming a Gender Journey mentor, and about sharing my experience of coming out and deciding what steps to take in my transition.
Some more about me: I grew up in a tiny hut on a tiny island off the coast of New Zealand. Since then, I've lived in mainland NZ, Ascension Is., Manchester, London, Hong Kong and finally since last year in Washington D.C. I work in education technology, doing my best to make sure trans and queer voices are heard and represented in education. In my spare time I like to make art, read, practise yoga, exercise and teach my dog Whiskey how to spin in circles.
**Choose me as your mentor if you want to discuss: coming out, gender-affirmation surgery, and gender exploration, among other things!**

CARLY

Hi, I’m Carly! I’m a 29-year-old transwoman from the Bay Area. I started transitioning right before my 24th birthday and am grateful to myself for making that leap. I’d love to talk with you about mental health, hormone therapy, surgery, voice training, changing up wardrobes, and exploring sexuality in safe and positive ways! My friends describe me as a golden retriever— I love being outside and around people. Some of my biggest passions are fitness, journaling, board and video games, spicy food, bad horror movies, and kids’ cartoons! I’m really excited to join gender journeys and can’t wait to meet you! :)

Choose me as your mentor if you’d like to discuss: Coming out, Sexual Health and Expression, and Mental health among other things!

EVE

Hi I’m Eve :)
I’m a trans woman originally from the East Coast but have been in the Bay for the past 7 years. I’ve been living life as a woman for the past 5 years and have experience with varying surgeries (ffs/ orchi / SRS is coming this year!). I consider myself pretty binary and have l spent loads of time perfecting how I present in the world (from pitching up my voice to dressing for my body type, I’m 6’2 lol).
I’ve been a mentor digitally to quite a few trans women over the years and I’ve been told I’m a good listener. I’m very open about being trans in my day to day life and a vocal advocate for the queer community. I’d be happy to share all I’ve learned with you!
**Choose me as your mentor if you want to discuss: coming out, sexual health and expression, and gender performance, among other things!**

Kris__IMG_8417+%281%29.jpg — KRIS

Hey! My name is Kris. My pronouns are he/him and they/them. I am an autistic non-binary queer biracial black transman. I came out as transgender in 2014 at the age of 30. I grew up and currently live in the suburbs of Maryland, studied psychology and human services in college, and currently work as a freelance artist, writer, and advocate. I have experience with navigating HRT (hormone replacement therapy) including starting and ending HRT due to complications and taking different forms of HRT. I also have experience with gender exploration, coming out in a variety of settings, and sexual expression. Additionally, I have experience navigating my gender journey with chronic illness and disabilities. I would be happy to share my different experiences with you! Other fun facts are: I got married and became a dad during the COVID-19 pandemic, I love watching movies, listening to music, cooking, hiking, and board games!
**Choose me as your mentor if you would like to discuss: Coming out, Hormone Therapy, Sexual Health and Expression among other things!**

LUCY

I am Trans, assigned male at birth (AMAB), Queer and Lesbian.

This means that I was born with male genitals and a female brain. Doctors decided that I would be a man (they where wrong). I use Queer as shorthand to cover all my differences from the mainstream and what can I say, I like girls All this confuses some people and it used to confuse me. It took me years to figure it all out and years more to stop lieing about it.

Today, I am retired and live in California, Sacramento area. Been here for 2+ years. Before that I lived in a small village in Alaska which had access only by air. I am originally from suburban Philadelphia. I spend a lot of time and energy with Burning Man and Burning Man related projects. I am not an artist but do enjoy working with enamel (glass on metal). I am a tool user and like to make thing work.

Choose me as your mentor if you want to discuss: hormone therapy, stepping out of the binary, and gender performance, among other things!

MO’NIQUE

Hey, I’m Mo’Nique.
I am a Black Woman of Trans experience and my pronouns are She/Her. I’m from Sacramento. I have experience as a Hair Stylist and by trade am a Wig Maker and Makeup Enthusiast/Artist. Professionally, I am a Health Educator and Trans Inclusive Competent Care Advocate. I am also a current student with a goal to become a Therapist.
I have experience with navigating through the medical and surgical transition phases and would love to share my experience along with my passion for the aesthetics of beauty.
**Choose me as your mentor if you want to discuss: hormone therapy, gender-affirming surgery, and gender performance, among other things!**

NOOR

Noor Pervez is a queer Muslim disability activist and community organizer working at the intersection of faith, disability, race, LGBT+ issues, reproductive justice and eating disorders. Noor is a student organizer turned broader community activist. Noor has bylines at Disability Visibility Project and Rooted in Rights, and has presented at a variety of conferences and universities on the intersections of the communities he is a part of and works alongside.
**Choose me as your mentor is you want to discuss: Gender affirming surgery, Gender Exploration, Disability, religion, or other cultural milestones among other things!**

IMG_5150+2+%281%29.jpg — OLIVER

Hiya! My name is Oliver and I am a white, queer, trans man. Currently, I am a STEM college student and work as a part-time Communicators Tutor. I am a former News Editor and a former Copy Editor as well. I have experience in legally changing my name, passing without gender-affirming surgery or hormone replacement therapy, coming out, and in navigating the college experience while being trans, all of which I would be happy to share my experiences on! When I am not working or in class, I'm often doing research projects, writing new stories and poems, reading while drinking a nice cup of tea, bowling, watching F1, or playing video games with my friends. I can't wait to be a part of the Gender Journeys mentor team and community!
**Choose me as your mentor if you want to discuss: Coming out, Sexual Health and Expression, and Gender Exploration among other things!**

RAINBOW-WOLF

Hello, my name is Rainbow-Wolf (pronouns they/them), and I identify as trans/non-binary/genderqueer.

I am a queer demi-sexual/romantic polyamorous kinkster. I graduated almost 2 years ago with my Master in Social Work (MSW) and Graduate Certificate in Gender, Women's, and Sexuality Studies. I am a Licensed Social Worker (LSW). I have experience with pronouns and changing names socially, in addition to learning how to be your authentic self while living outside of the binary, and I would love to share my journey with you! I love to be out in nature, to travel, and I enjoy various creative/artistic endeavors, including photography. I am so grateful to be a part of the Gender Journeys mentor team, and I am looking forward to being a part of this community!

Choose me as your mentor if you want to discuss: pronouns, gender exploration, and stepping out of the binary, among other things!

ROBERT

Hey! I'm Robert and I'm a 31-year-old, queer transman from Oakland. I began my explicit transition over 10 years ago at the age of 19. Though prior to that I never shied from being true to myself and enjoyed doing things my own way. I’d love to meet you on your journey and talk about hormones, legal changes and paperwork, goals and productivity, and your relationship to your gender and sexuality.

I enjoy eating, making art, productivity, and taking on hands-on creative projects-- like the giant claw machine I built for Burning Man. I love getting to know people and troubleshooting problems. My communication style revolves around story sharing and talking through ideas conceptually. If any of that resonates with you, I think we'll be a great match! Bonus if you'd like to make art while we chat!
**Choose me as your mentor if you want to discuss: Name Changes, Coming out, Sexual Health and Expression among other things!**

SOLIS

Hello! My name is Solis, but feel free to call me Sol or Sunny!

I am 20 years old and use the term agender man to describe my gender with he/they pronouns (they/them can be used for me after I've given specific permission) and I'm of the strong belief that gender identity and expression are extremely personal and individual.

I am mixed white-Latine (Peruvian-American, not fluent in Spanish, but definitely interested in improving!) and grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area. I moved to the DMV when I was 17 and have lived here since. I have been living independently since I was 18 and have resources for new adults both in general and related to trans care. If you are in Maryland, I have even more resources readily available to offer. With my lived experience as a person with ADHD, bipolar disorder, and C-PTSD who has been in therapy for some years, I am more than happy to also offer guidance with some of those areas as well. Some fun facts about me are that I am currently studying at a community college with my major being Performing Arts (focusing on Musical Theatre), I am a men/non-binary attracted man, I love any and all animals and bugs (despite being terribly allergic to both pet dander and saliva), and the quickest way to my heart is through sour gummy worms!

I'm looking forward to growing alongside you!

Choose me as your mentor if you want to discuss: coming out, gender exploration, and gender questioning, among other things!

STEPHIE

Hi, I am Stephie, a transgender woman, but most often I just think of myself as a woman.
I am open about my transgender status when appropriate. I am proud to be a transgender woman. I am privileged in a number of ways, and in those that I am not, I reframe it as to be so. I am retired on disability for mental health issues. I have been on cross hormone treatment since April 2020, and I am seeking vaginoplasty surgery at John Hopkins. Hormones has been a positive experience for me, despite my original skepticism.
I have been in a loving relationship with a wonderful woman for 30+ years, and I am very fortunate to have her in my life. In addition to clothes shopping (lol) I am also deeply into cooking and baking. I also write a good deal and have previously written a philosophy blog, but currently I write a transgender one.
**Choose me as your mentor if you want to discuss: name changes, hormone therapy, and gender performance, among other things!**

tica june2020.jpg — TICA

My name is Tica and I identify as a Trans Hispanic man.
Born and raised in Miami, Florida to 1st generation Cuban American parents, I am very proud of my heritage and roots. My family and I have been living in Baltimore, since summer 2017 after packing our bags in search of a place to make our home. I have been working in the health care field for over 11 years, in an array of specialties including geriatric, cardiology, cosmetic, dental, among many others. In the Summer of 2018, I started working at Planned Parenthood of MD as a Care Coordinator and Gender Affirming Care Program Assistant. I have experience with all aspects of transitioning including both personal and professional experience. I am currently a few semesters shy of completing my Masters in Health Care Administration. I’m happily married to my college sweetheart; we have two fur babies, a pit and a corgi mix, and our new addition, Bruce the Betta fish. My hobbies include painting, hiking, and anything that has to do with water!
**Choose me as your mentor if you want to discuss: hormone therapy, sexual health and expression, gender exploration, and legal rights, among other things!**

Cohort 2 Mentor Bios

AIDEN

Hi! My name is Aiden and I am transgender, white man.

I am excited to be apart of the gender gender journeys mentor program.

Choose me as your mentor if you want to discuss: hormone therapy, name changes, and coming out, among other things!

ARIADNE

Choose me as your mentor if you want to discuss: name changes, sexual health and expression, and gender performance, among other things!

AYME

Choose me as your mentor if you want to discuss: coming out, hormone therapy, and building community, among other things!

BLAINE

Choose me as your mentor if you’d like to discuss: Name Changes, Legal Rights, and Gender Performance among other things!

BLUE

Hi! My name is Blue. I am a 25-year-old trans-masculine non-binary person.

I had top surgery a few years ago, then decided to start testosterone a couple months after that. I'm excited to be becoming a Gender Journey mentor, and about sharing my experience of coming out and deciding what steps to take in my transition.

Choose me as your mentor if you want to discuss: coming out, gender-affirmation surgery, and gender exploration, among other things!

CARLY

Choose me as your mentor if you’d like to discuss: Coming out, Sexual Health and Expression, and Mental health among other things!

EVE

Hi I’m Eve :)

I’ve been a mentor digitally to quite a few trans women over the years and I’ve been told I’m a good listener. I’m very open about being trans in my day to day life and a vocal advocate for the queer community. I’d be happy to share all I’ve learned with you!

Choose me as your mentor if you want to discuss: coming out, sexual health and expression, and gender performance, among other things!

KRIS

Choose me as your mentor if you would like to discuss: Coming out, Hormone Therapy, Sexual Health and Expression among other things!

LUCY

I am Trans, assigned male at birth (AMAB), Queer and Lesbian.

Choose me as your mentor if you want to discuss: hormone therapy, stepping out of the binary, and gender performance, among other things!

MO’NIQUE

Hey, I’m Mo’Nique.

I have experience with navigating through the medical and surgical transition phases and would love to share my experience along with my passion for the aesthetics of beauty.

Choose me as your mentor if you want to discuss: hormone therapy, gender-affirming surgery, and gender performance, among other things!

NOOR

Choose me as your mentor is you want to discuss: Gender affirming surgery, Gender Exploration, Disability, religion, or other cultural milestones among other things!

OLIVER

Choose me as your mentor if you want to discuss: Coming out, Sexual Health and Expression, and Gender Exploration among other things!

RAINBOW-WOLF

Hello, my name is Rainbow-Wolf (pronouns they/them), and I identify as trans/non-binary/genderqueer.

Choose me as your mentor if you want to discuss: pronouns, gender exploration, and stepping out of the binary, among other things!

ROBERT

Choose me as your mentor if you want to discuss: Name Changes, Coming out, Sexual Health and Expression among other things!

SOLIS

Hello! My name is Solis, but feel free to call me Sol or Sunny!

I am 20 years old and use the term agender man to describe my gender with he/they pronouns (they/them can be used for me after I've given specific permission) and I'm of the strong belief that gender identity and expression are extremely personal and individual.

I'm looking forward to growing alongside you!

Choose me as your mentor if you want to discuss: coming out, gender exploration, and gender questioning, among other things!

STEPHIE

Hi, I am Stephie, a transgender woman, but most often I just think of myself as a woman.

Choose me as your mentor if you want to discuss: name changes, hormone therapy, and gender performance, among other things!

TICA

My name is Tica and I identify as a Trans Hispanic man.

Choose me as your mentor if you want to discuss: hormone therapy, sexual health and expression, gender exploration, and legal rights, among other things!

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