BOARD OF GOVERNORS
Nicole Murray Ramirez
Founder
National Executive Director
Commissioner Ramirez, also known as “Empress Nicole the Great, Queen Mother I of the Americas,” has been a Latino and LGBTQ activist for over 55 years. He resides in San Diego, CA, where he is a city and county commissioner who has advised and served the last eight mayors of San Diego.
Ramirez is a past state chair of Equality California and a past national board member of the Gay Rights National Lobby, HRC, and the National LGBTQ Task Force. He served as the national co-chair of the Stonewall 25 celebration in New York, has served as national co-chair three times, and was elected twice to the National Executive Committee of the National LGBTQ March on Washington.
Commissioner Ramirez worked with both César Chávez and Harvey Milk. He led the effort to have San Diego become the first city in the world to name a street after Harvey Milk. As the titular head of the International Imperial Court System, he led successful national efforts that resulted in a Harvey Milk postage stamp and attended the official unveiling of the stamp at the White House. He also led the Imperial Court chapter’s effort that resulted in the USNS Harvey Milk naval vessel, which was built and launched in San Diego.
Ramirez is a past national board member of the Harvey Milk Foundation. Commissioner Nicole Murray Ramirez has received countless honors and awards, including a city street named after him in San Diego. He received the Cesar Chavez Social Justice Award from Chavez’s widow, Helen Chavez, and the national Harvey Milk honor from Harvey Milk’s nephew, Stuart Milk. The late Governor of Texas, Ann Richards, officially proclaimed Nicole an honorary Texan, and Governor Andy Beshear of Kentucky proclaimed him an “Honorary Colonel of Kentucky.” The commissioner has received the keys to the cities of Salt Lake City, Palm Springs, Portland, West Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, San Diego, Louisville, and many more.
As the founder of the National LGBTQ Wall of Honor, he always states that any of his accomplishments in life have not been done alone—that it has always taken a village. Nicole Ramirez is proud and honored to be the Queen Mother of the Imperial Court of the USA, Canada, and Mexico. In 2027, he will be stepping down after a 20-year reign.
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Kierra Johnson
President of Task Force, Kierra Johnson, joined the Task Force in 2018 as Deputy Executive Director but was already engaged with the organization, previously serving on the National LGBTQ Task Force’s board of directors and its National Action Council.
Johnson came to the Task Force after serving as URGE’s Executive Director with a wealth of experience in organizational leadership and management, program development, youth leadership and reproductive justice. As a bisexual Black woman, Johnson will become one of few out queer-identified women of color at the helm of a national LGBTQ organization.
She is recognized as a national expert on queer and reproductive rights issues and has testified in front of the U.S. House of Representatives and has appeared in Newsweek, The New York Times, Fox News, Feministing.com and National Public Radio. Johnson also serves on the boards of directors of the General Service Foundation, Groundswell Fund, and Guttmacher Institute.
Throughout her career, she has also served on the boards of Center for Community Change and the Women’s Information Network (WIN). Johnson has been recognized for her leadership with awards, including the Young Women of Achievement Award for WIN in 2002, the Women of Vision Award for the Ms. Foundation for Women in 2013, and Washingtonian Magazine’s Most Influential Washingtonians Under 40 in 2009.
When announced as the next Executive Director of the National LGBTQ Task Force, Kierra Johnson said, “Dignity, liberation, joy, freedom, love and resistance are just a few of the words that I associate with the National LGBTQ Task Force.
As a bisexual/pansexual woman, I am no stranger to being made invisible, advised to tone down, or trained in the art of the code switch. As a queer southern mom, it is no surprise why I would be drawn to an organization that touts the tagline ‘Be You.’ In these cultural and political times, it is an act of resistance to live out loud and to lead and love with our full identities. I am excited and honored to be named the next Executive Director of the LGBTQ Task Force! I welcome the opportunity to think strategically with a powerful team of leaders and be in service to those working to ensure that LGBTQ people especially the most targeted among us not only survive but thrive. I can’t wait to roll up my sleeves and dive in to continue the ongoing and creative work of the Task Force to change hearts and minds, behavior and policies so that justice is no longer a vision but a reality for all!”
BOARD OF GOVERNORS
Bismarck Maisonet -Venus Dionus Murray
Chair
Bismarck Maisonet’s life is a powerful narrative of resilience, creativity, and compassion. Forced out of his home at the tender age of 16, Maisonet faced the harsh realities of life alongside his partner. With nothing but determination and a will to survive, he learned to navigate the challenges of independence at a young age. This formative experience shaped his character, instilling in him a deep sense of perseverance and resourcefulness that would become the foundation for his extraordinary career and contributions to society.
With over three decades of experience as a makeup artist, Bismarck Maisonet has become a revered figure in the beauty industry. His artistry is celebrated for its transformative power, earning him the privilege of working with an illustrious list of clients that includes celebrities, government officials, and even royalty. Maisonet’s ability to enhance natural beauty while crafting iconic looks has established him as a trusted name in high-profile circles. His work is not just makeup—it is an art form that exudes sophistication and elegance.
In addition to his artistic talents, Maisonet has excelled in the corporate world as an account executive for major cosmetic brands. His strategic vision and business acumen have contributed to the growth and innovation of these brands, solidifying his reputation as a leader who bridges creativity with commerce.
Bismarck’s intellectual journey began at the University of Puerto Rico, where he earned a degree in Mathematics. His academic achievements reflect his analytical mind and disciplined approach to problem-solving—qualities that would later propel him into leadership roles far beyond the realm of beauty. Years after establishing himself as a masterful artist, Maisonet transitioned into national corporate leadership as an executive at the International Court Council (ICC), serving as corporate secretary on its board. In this prestigious role, he demonstrated exceptional strategic thinking and governance expertise while navigating complex international frameworks.
While Maisonet’s professional accomplishments are extraordinary, his humanitarian efforts are equally inspiring. In the 1990s, he volunteered at an orphanage in Puerto Rico dedicated to children living with HIV/AIDS. This selfless act was more than just volunteer work—it was a profound expression of empathy and commitment to uplifting marginalized communities during a time when stigma around HIV/AIDS was widespread. His compassion left an indelible mark on those he served and ignited a lifelong passion for activism.
Today, Maisonet continues to dedicate himself to causes close to his heart. Whether through hands-on volunteer work or advocacy campaigns, he remains steadfast in his pursuit of positive change. His free time is devoted to activism that addresses social justice issues and empowers underserved communities.
Maisonet’s life serves as an inspiring testament to the power of resilience and purpose. He is not only a masterful artist but also a trailblazer in business and a beacon of hope for those in need. Through his artistry, intellect, and heart for humanity, Bismarck Maisonet has left an indelible mark on every sphere he has touched—and continues to inspire others to rise above challenges and create meaningful impact in the world.
Scott Seibert
Chair
Scott believes in activism “from the suites to the streets” and has the activist record to prove it! From the Doanhue TV show to the Sundance award winning Movie No on Nine, his involvement includes campaigns as a youngster (McGovern bumper stickering) to Democratic Party State Central Committee and candidates/campaigns/marches in between. Most significantly, Scott chaired OUTPAC, Citizens for Safe Streets, was on the No on 8 regional board and No on 9 State Board and was a registered lobbyist for Community Colleges for two legislative sessions. Scotts official civic involvement included 2 terms as Chair of the Eugene Human Rights Commission, service as an appointed member of the Bureau of Labor Civil Rights Council, Metro Human Rights Commission, a year as student rep to the State Board of Education, a term on the Certificate of Need Appeals Board and literally dozens of other committees/commissions ranging from HIV Services and Public Education to city budgets, streetcars, neighborhood zoning/design and citizen involvement. He was a participant in Stonewall 25, the Vancouver BC and New York City Gay Games, and was a leader in the Pink Panthers- a Portland gay safety patrol as well as Oregon Queer Nation. Numerous national awards including HRC Equality Award and International Association of Firefighters Award of Distinction. He currently seres as President of The International Court Council (ICS60.org). He has only been tear-gassed during disturbances twice and hit by a flash bang grenade once but remains available for public demonstrations.
Wilbert Ramos -Goddess Dionus Murray
Vice Chair
Wilbert Ramos is a celebrated artist, humanitarian, and fierce advocate for LGBTQ+ rights whose remarkable journey has left an indelible mark on the worlds of entertainment, activism, and community empowerment. As an Emmy-nominated makeup artist, Wilbert’s talent and vision have graced some of the most iconic productions in television, including Morning Joe and his life story was featured in Today show story - TODAY Hair dresser on finding a family in the LGBTQ+ community. His art has been recognized with the prestigious Peabody Award, a testament to his ability to elevate storytelling through the transformative power of makeup and design.
Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Wilbert’s passion for history led him to study at the University of Puerto Rico, where he cultivated a deep understanding of cultural heritage and societal change.
Beyond his artistic achievements, Wilbert’s heart lies in activism and advocacy. He has devoted much of his life to championing LGBTQ+ causes and fighting for equality. As a proud member of the International Imperial Court System (ICC), Wilbert has used his platform to uplift marginalized voices within the LGBTQ+ community. His commitment to creating safe spaces and fostering inclusivity is evident in his work at Estancia Corazón, an AIDS center in Puerto Rico dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by HIV/AIDS. His time at Estancia Corazón was transformative, deepening his empathy and resolve to make a difference.
Wilbert’s advocacy extends to education through his co-founding of the Swan Pride Scholarship, a program designed to empower LGBTQ+ youth and other marginalized students by providing them with access to opportunities that can change their lives. The scholarship reflects Wilbert’s belief in the importance of education as a tool for liberation and progress.
As an openly gay man who has overcome adversity on his path to success, Wilbert’s activism is deeply personal. He understands firsthand the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals navigating societal stigma and systemic inequality. His work is fueled by a desire to create a world where everyone can live authentically and without fear. Through his artistry, advocacy, and unwavering dedication to community building, Wilbert Ramos embodies resilience, compassion, and the transformative power of chosen family.
Today, Wilbert continues to inspire others through his work in entertainment and activism. Whether behind the scenes crafting stunning looks or on the front lines fighting for equality, he remains a beacon of hope for those seeking acceptance and empowerment. His legacy is one of beauty—not just in art but in humanity—and his commitment to uplifting others ensures that his impact will be felt for generations to come
Cathy Renna
Chair
Director of Communications
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Cathy Renna joins the National LGBTQ Task Force as Communications Director but is no stranger to the organization. As a longtime supporter and contractor on projects over the years and a regular presence at Creating Change, she has been part of the Task Force’s extended family for decades.
Renna is a veteran in the communications industry and serves as the Principal of Target Cue, an LGBTQ+ focused communications consultancy. Since her time at GLAAD through the 1990’s, Cathy has executed her particular expertise in crisis and strategic communications, playing a central role in shaping nearly all major issues affecting the LGBTQ community, from the beating death of Matthew Shepard in 1998 to the fight for marriage equality and the repeal of “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell”, working with NYC Pride, the emerging visibility of transgender and non-binary people and is thrilled to elevate the visibility of the Task Force as a strong, inclusive and intersectional voice in the queer movement and a queer voice in the progressive movement.
After leaving her position at GLAAD as National News Media Director, Cathy joined Fenton Communications, where she served as its New York office Media Director from 2004 to 2006 and worked with clients ranging from MoveOn.org to the American Lung Association to Nobel Peace Prize recipient Wangari Maathai.
She went on to found Renna Communications and then Target Cue in 2013. In her near 30 years of media relations and activism experience, Cathy has garnered placements in every major media outlet in the U.S. and internationally, including The New York Times, USA Today, The Associated Press, BBC, and the Washington Post. She continues to be a sought-after spokesperson for LGBTQ+ issues.
Renna is currently an adjunct professor at Montclair State University, teaching “The Role of Media, Public Relations, and Communications Strategies for LGBTQ+ Equity and Advocacy.
Honorary Advisory Committee
Coco LaChine
Coco LaChine is a prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ community, Having Served as Empress and as the president of the Imperial Court of New York. She is recognized for her philanthropic efforts and activism, particularly through her involvement with the Imperial Court System, which raises funds for various causes such as AIDS, refugess, and support LGBTQ causes. Coco LaChine is also celebrated for her contributions to the arts, having appeared in films like “To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar” and working as a director and writer in the entertainment industry. Her leadership and dedication have made her a respected voice in LGBTQ+ advocacy
Rea Carey
Rea Carey is one of the most respected leaders in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBTQ) movement. Through her leadership, Carey has advanced a vision of freedom for LGBTQ people and their families that is broad, inclusive and unabashedly progressive.
She grounds her work solidly in racial, economic and social justice. This approach to leadership has delivered results as diverseas: winning an LGBT-inclusive federal hate crimes prevention law; defeating multiple state anti-LGBT ballot measures; spotlighting discrimination against transgender people; winning marriage equality; building stronger support for fair immigration reform; and, successfully securing scores of changes in federal agencies to attend to the needs of the LGBTQ community.
Prior to her work with the Task Force, Carey worked extensively in HIV/AIDS prevention, on issues affecting homeless and LGBTQ youth, and in organization and leadership development. She was a co-founder of Gay Men and Lesbians Opposing Violence (DC) and the founding executive director of the National Youth Advocacy Coalition. Carey is a Hunt Alternatives’ Prime Movers Fellow and serves on the boards of directors for the Flamboyan Foundation and Freeman Foundation
Stuart Milk
Stuart Milk is a global LGBT human rights activist and political speaker. The nephew of civil rights leader Harvey Milk, he is the co-founder of the Harvey Milk Foundation. Founder of the Harvey Milk Foundation
Cleve Jones
Cleve Jones is an American AIDS and LGBT rights activist. He conceived the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt which has become, at 54 tons, the world's largest piece of community folk art as of 2016. Founder of the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt, San Francisco AIDS Foundation
Reverend Troy Perry
Troy Deroy Perry Jr is the founder of the Metropolitan Community Church, a Christian denomination with a special affirming ministry with the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities, in Los Angeles on October 6, 1968
Mandy Carter
Mandy Carter is an American black lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) activist. She is a former Executive Director and one of the six co-founders of the North Carolina-based Southerners On New Ground (SONG). Founded at the 1993 National Gay and Lesbian Task Force's (NGLTF) Creating Change Conference in Durham, North Carolina, SONG integrates work against homophobia into freedom struggles in the South. Carter is a co-founder of the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC).
Toni Atkins
Toni G. Atkins is an American Democratic politician from San Diego, California. She was the Speaker of the California State Assembly and is currently a member of the California State Senate representing the 39th district. She formerly served on the San Diego City Council from 2000 to 2008, including a term as Acting Mayor. She served as the acting governor of California for nine hours on July 30, 2014, making her the first openly gay governor of California.
Marjorie Hill
Marjorie J. Hill, Ph.D. is the former Chief Executive Officer of Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC), the nation’s oldest AIDS service organization. GMHC provides a continuum of services to 11,000 men, women, and families living with and affected by HIV/AIDS, and a world-renowned legacy of health-care advocacy, promoting social justice, and supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender rights. Dr. Hill previously served as GMHC’s Managing Director for Community Health, where she had responsibility for the Women’s Institute, the Institute for Gay Men’s Health (IGMH), and coordination of community-level health promotion initiatives.
Prior to her tenure at GMHC, Dr. Hill was the Assistant Commissioner for the Bureau of HIV/AIDS at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH). At DOHMH Dr. Hill had administrative oversight for HIV prevention, treatment, and research and housing programs. Dr. Hill was responsible for all aspects of federally mandated community planning and for the development of city-wide HIV/AIDS policy. In addition, Dr. Hill provided oversight for over 400 prevention, care, and treatment programs and is especially proud of the historic expansion of Syringe Exchange Programs, enhanced NYC inter-agency collaboration, and the 5 million male and female condoms distributed annually during her tenure.
Annise Parker
Annise Danette Parker is an American politician who served as the 61st Mayor of Houston, Texas, from 2010 until 2016. She also served as an at-large member of the Houston City Council from 1998 to 2003 and city controller from 2004 to 2010. Parker was Houston's second female mayor and one of the first openly gay mayors of a major U.S. city, with Houston being the most populous U.S. city to elect an openly gay mayor. Following the voter-approval of Proposition 2 on November 3, 2015, which extended the terms of the Mayor, City Controller, and City Councilmembers to two four-year terms, Parker became the last Houston Mayor to be limited to serving three two-year terms.
Paker is currently the President and CEO of the Victory Fund.
Matt McCoy
Matthew W. "Matt" McCoy is the Iowa State Senator from the 21st District, which is composed of south and southwest Des Moines. A member of the Iowa Democratic Party, McCoy has served in the Iowa Senate since 1997. Prior to his service in the Iowa Senate, McCoy served in the Iowa House of Representatives from 1993-1997. McCoy is the first openly gay member of the Iowa Legislature.
Cecilia Chung
Cecilia Chung is a civil rights leader and activist for LGBT rights, HIV/AIDS awareness, health advocacy and social justice. Cecilia is a trans woman. Her life story was one of four main storylines in the 2017 ABC miniseries When We Rise about LGBT rights in the 1970's and 80's.
Cecilia has spent much of her adult life advocating for health related issues affecting the LGBT community. This has included working as a HIV test counselor at UCSF AIDS Health Project, HIV Program Coordinator at API American Health Forum and as Deputy Director at the Transgender Law Center. Additionally, Cecilia is the first transgender woman and first Asian to be elected to lead the Board of Directors of the San Francisco Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Celebration, and the first transgender woman as well as the first person living openly with HIV to Chair the San Francisco Human Rights Commission.
Cecilia founded San Francisco Transgender Advocacy and Mentorship (SF TEAM) to provide events for the transgender community through the San Francisco LGBT Community Center. She was also one of the founders of the annual Trans March.
Marsha Botzer
Marsha Botzer has served the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and progressive communities in various roles for over 30 years. In her home state she was an early member of Hands Off Washington, a founding board member of both Equal Rights Washington and the Seattle LGBT Community Center, and has served as a board member for Pride Foundation, Safe Schools Coalition, Lambert House, and Seattle Counseling Service. Marsha was a founding member and secretary of Equality Washington, a co-chair the Seattle City LBGT Commission, and has served as chair of the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services LGBT Advisory Committee.
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Nationally and internationally, Marsha served as co-chair of The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force in 2009-10, a position that she also held in 2005-6. She is a founding member of the Out In Front Leadership Project, creating a Leadership Training Program for the LGBTIQA Community, and currently serves on the World Professional Association for Transgender Health board of directors. Marsha founded Seattle’s internationally known Ingersoll Gender Center, and continues to serve the organization. In 2008 Marsha served as a national co-chair of the Obama Pride Campaign. In 2009 she served on the Leadership Committee for the Equality Across America March in Washington DC, speaking at the Capitol Rally. In 2011 Marsha joined the Faculty of the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center’s Emerging Leaders Program.
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In 2002 Marsha received the Greater Seattle Business Association Community Leader Award. In 2004 Marsha received the Horace Mann “Victories for Humanity” Award from Antioch University and the Virginia Prince Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Federation for Gender Education. In 2006 Lambda Legal selected Marsha to receive its Civil Rights Hero Award, and in 2007 she was given The Task Force Leadership Award. In 2009 Marsha received the Jose Julio Sarria Civil Rights Award. In 2011 Marsha received the Washington State GLBT Bar Association Award for Community Service, and in 2013 the Inaugural U.S. Edition Trans 100 List selected Marsha for membership.
Matt Foreman
Matt Foreman is an American lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights lawyer and activist with a rich background in political advocacy and civil rights work. He is currently the program director at the Haas, Jr. Fund, overseeing its work in the areas of gay and lesbian and immigrant rights.
Foreman was executive director of the NYC Gay & Lesbian Anti-Violence Project from 1990 to 1996 and the Empire State Pride Agenda from 1997 to 2003. He was executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force from May 2003 until 2008.[1]
Foreman has also served in executive positions at the Empire State Pride Agenda and the New York City Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project. While working at the Pride Agenda, he led campaigns that resulted in enactment of a statewide nondiscrimination law, a hate crimes law and several laws extending equal benefits to the surviving partners of those killed on 9/11. His leadership was also instrumental in the success of measures providing $15 million for LGBT health and human services in New York state. His tenure at the Anti-Violence project is remembered for focusing the city's attention on anti-gay violence, resulting in important changes in police training, deployment and responsiveness.
Prior to his work in the LGBT rights field, Foreman was involved in prison policy and administration for ten years, including service as assistant commissioner of the West Virginia Department of Corrections, executive assistant to the New York City correction commissioner, and director of a medium/minimum-security facility on Rikers Island.
A graduate of the New York University School of Law, Foreman is a founding member of Heritage of Pride, the group that currently organizes LGBT Pride eventsin New York City, and a former member of the New York City Human Rights Commission.
Andrea Jenkins
Andrea Jenkins is an American policy aide, politician, writer, performance artist, poet, and transgender activist. She is known for being the first African-American openly transgender woman elected to public office in the United States,[1] serving since January 2018 on the Minneapolis City Council.
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Jenkins moved to Minnesota to attend the University of Minnesota in 1979 and was hired by the Hennepin County government, where she worked for a decade. Jenkins worked as a staff member on the Minneapolis City Council for 12 years before beginning work as curator of the Transgender Oral History Project at the University of Minnesota's Jean-Nickolaus Tretter Collection in Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Studies.
John D’Emilio
John D'Emilio is a professor emeritus of history and of women's and gender studies at the University of Illinois at Chicago. He taught at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He earned his Ph.D. from Columbia University in 1982, where his advisor was William Leuchtenburg. He was a Guggenheim fellow in 1998 and National Endowment for the Humanities fellow in 1997 and also served as Director of the Policy Institute at the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force from 1995 to 1997.
Glennda Testone
Glennda Testone joined New York City’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center as its first female Executive Director in 2009. Since then, she has strengthened The Center’s programs for adults, youth and families, ensuring all LGBT New Yorkers have an opportunity to live happy, healthy lives. Testone recently helped launch a new Center brand and website, celebrated 30 years of service by the organization and completed a $9.2 million capital building renovation to transform the LGBT community’s home on W 13 Street. Testone also spearheaded the launch of innovative and groundbreaking programming at The Center for LGBT youth, transgender community members and LBT women.
Testone came to The Center from The Women’s Media Center (WMC) where she served as the Vice President for three years. Prior to the WMC, Testone was the Senior Director of Media Programs for the national Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD).
Testone has appeared on CNN, FOX News and MSNBC, and has been quoted in outlets including Vogue, The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune, Time Out and W Magazine.
She is a member of the Ending the Epidemic Task Force, which works to implement Governor Cuomo’s plan to end the AIDS epidemic in New York. Testone also sits on the CenterLink Board, the Executive Board of the City University of New York Institute for Health Equality and is a member of the Bronx Borough President’s LGBT Policy Task Force. In 2005, Testone won Syracuse University’s LGBT Foundation Award for Outstanding Alumni. In addition, she has served on the NYC Commission on LGBTQ Runaway and Homeless Youth and was a Tenenbaum Leadership Institute Fellow at Milano, the New School for Management & Urban Policy.
Originally from Syracuse, New York, Testone has a Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism and Philosophy from Syracuse University and a Master’s degree in Women’s Studies from The Ohio State University.
Kate Kendall
Kate Kendall is the former Executive Director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, where she was on staff for over two decades.
Kendell grew up as a Latter-day Saint in Utah. After receiving her J.D. from the University of Utah College of Law in 1988 and a few years practicing corporate law, she pursued her real love—civil rights advocacy—and became the first staff attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union of Utah. There she directly litigated many high-profile cases focusing on all aspects of civil liberties, including reproductive rights, prisoners' rights, free speech, the rights of LGBT people, and the intersection of church and state.
During her leadership, the issues facing the LGBT community—from homophobia in sports to immigration policy—have taken center stage in the United States' discussion of LGBT civil rights issues. Kendell is a nationally recognized spokesperson for LGBT rights and has an active voice in major media, including The New York Times The Wall Street Journal, The Advocate, NPR, CNN, and many others. Despite the national success of NCLR under her tenure, her most rewarding responsibilities still include fostering alliances on the community and organizational levels, and advocating from a grass-roots perspective on issues concerning social justice. She is also known for her inspiring and motivating keynote speeches at NCLR's annual Anniversary Celebration events and at events across the country.
David “Tigger” Ronneberg
David “Tigger” Bailey is proud to have served our leather and kink communities as International Mister Leather 2016. He also has the honor of being the first IML from New Jersey where he served as Mr. New Jersey Leather 2016.
A Massachusetts native, Tigger grew up on the east coast and came out in the leather scene over 30 years ago while attending MIT where he graduated with a degree in Management Science. Tigger witnessed and learned the principles of respect, acceptance, personal accountability and sexual freedom before migrating west to New York, in a time when social activism and rebellion were essential elements in the fight for our rights and our lives. Act Up/Speak Out, Silence = Death were the mantras he lived by.
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Tigger’s career took him to New Jersey, Toronto and now home in the D.C. Metro area where he serves as a board member for D.C. Leather Pride. Recognizing the privileges of a cisgendered male, Tigger addresses the issue head on of how to use every privilege and opportunity available to create unity and cohesion in a time of both hetero-normative assimilation and increased fractioning of the gay ommunity.
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Along the way, Tigger found 3 amazing men to love unconditionally and build a strong non-traditional family (2 Sirs, 2 boys, and lots of lube). Tigger shares his unconventional polyamorous life openly and empowers others to live in a way that is truly authentic, regardless of boundaries or norms. He is a proud collared Sir to his leather family where public service is valued and encouraged.
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Tigger took a step outside the box as IML and made a conscious decision to actively share the spotlight with his Sir and boys, to demonstrate how chosen family, unity and unconditional love can create a strength that can withstand time and scrutiny – how no one of us is an island. It was a message that invited countless conversations that took us back to our roots as sexual pioneers. And there were hugs, lots of hugs.
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Today, Tigger continues to relentlessly challenge us all to accept and support the authenticity of every individual in our community without judgment, shame or exclusion. The question is not what privilege we have, but how we use it through action and behavior to build a net that provides security and safety for us all.
Sister Roma
Michael Williams, better known by his stage name Sister Roma, is an American drag queen and art director of gay pornography. He is a twenty-year member of San Francisco's Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence Roma was the long-time art director at gay pornography studio Hot House Entertainment until Hot House was bought by NakedSword, in 2014; She now serves as "art director and overall Ambassador of NakedSword". Roma also co-hosts an online talk show, The Tim and Roma Show, that focuses on gay pornographic movies and the LGBT community. Roma has been a presenter at the GayVN Awards, a pornography industry awards show. Roma has served as an emcee and judge for the San Francisco Drag King Contest, the 2005 benefit Porn Idol;and at the BDSM/leather event the Folsom Street Fair.
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In 2003, Roma's drag act was incorporated into Ronnie Larsen's play Sleeping With Straight Men with Mink Stole in San Francisco. In 2006, Roma was nominated for Best Nonsexual Performance Gay Adult Video News (GAYVN) award for her portrayal of Mona Lott, the maid of Wet Palms, which is a ten-episode gay-porn soap opera series. He also has performed at San Francisco's long-running drag show Trannyshack. In 2012, Sister Roma was the sole community-elected grand marshal, serving with twelve other marshals appointed by the Pride Board of the San Francisco Pride Parade. In 2014, Roma objected to Facebook's real-name policy after the site suspended multiple accounts belonging to LGBT entertainers, and was one of a group of San Francisco residents who met with Facebook representatives to discuss the policy.
Russell Roybal
Co-Executive Director, Russell Roybal is a long-time leader in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer movement. He is currently Chief Advancement Officer of San Francisco AIDS Foundation and works alongside the organization’s development, marketing and communications, and AIDS/LifeCycle teams. He leads the fundraising, communications, and branding efforts that resource the organization’s programmatic efforts and advance the mission of the Foundation.
Previously, Roybal was the National LGBTQ Task Force’s deputy executive director, where he directed the organization’s programmatic and policy work, and the National Conference on LGBT Equality: Creating Change. At the Task Force he also served as deputy executive director of external relations and director of movement building.
Prior to joining the staff of The Task Force, Roybal was director of training and capacity building of the Gill Foundation, at the time the largest private funder of LGBTQ organizations in the United States.
He has also served on the staffs of LLEGO - the National Latina/o LGBT Organization, the San Diego LGBT Center, and San Diego Pride. In addition to his staff roles he has served on the boards of the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy, Grassroots Institute for Fundraising Training, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, and the International Court System. He is currently a board member of OutRight Action International, the Rockwood Leadership Institute, and the International Court Council.
John Carrillo
Co-Executive Director, John Carrillo is the 28th elected Emperor After Norton of The Imperial Court of San Francisco. He became involved with the court system in 1998 and was elected Emperor in 2000. John is a California Native and lives in San Francisco. John has served on the Board of Directors of The Imperial Council of San Francisco Inc. for over 10 years. He currently is the Chairman of the Board of Directors.
John devotes a majority of this time and talents to several Non Profit Organizations. John is also the President of the Board of Directors of The Tavern Guild dba The Community Thrift Store in San Francisco. He also worked with San Francisco Pride for many years on the community donations team. John has also been involved with the International Gay Rodeo Association as a state and local board member and even spent many years in the arena as a contestant. You will also find John on the softball field in San Francisco playing ball with the San Francisco Gay Softball League.
Wilson Cruz
Wilson Cruz (born Wilson Echevarría; December 27, 1973) is an American actor known for playing Rickie Vasquez on My So-Called Life, Angel in the Broadway tour production of Rent and the recurring characters Junito on Noah's Arc and Dr. Hugh Culber on Star Trek: Discovery. As an openly gay man of Puerto Rican ancestry, he has served as an advocate for gay youth, especially gay youth of color.
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Cruz works with and advocates on behalf of LGBT youth, especially youth of color. He has volunteered his time as host for the Youth Zone, an online community at Gay.com for LGBT youth. He was the Grand Marshal of the 1998 West Hollywood Gay Pride parade and the 2005 Chicago Pride Parade. In 2008, he was the keynote speaker at the University of Illinois at Chicago's Lavender Graduation and Rainbow Banquet honoring graduating LGBT students.
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Cruz joined the board of directors of GLAAD in 1997 in order to assist the organization through a leadership transition, and joined the staff of GLAAD in 2012 as a National Spokesperson and Strategic Giving Officer.
Masen Davis
Masen Davis is the Chief Executive Officer at Freedom for All Americans. Masen is a seasoned strategist who has spent the last two decades leading efforts to advance equality for LGBTQ Americans at the state, national, and global levels.
Masen served as the Executive Director of the Transgender Law Center (TLC) for nearly a decade, and under his leadership TLC became the nation’s largest transgender advocacy organization. His work was critical to the elimination of discriminatory insurance exclusions in California, creating a pathway for transgender Americans to access transition-related care. He was also an integral part of the coalition that helped pass California’s School Success and Opportunity Act (AB 1266), ensuring transgender students have access to facilities and activities that match their gender identity.
Prior to joining FFAA, Masen was Senior Director of Special Projects at the Gill Foundation, where he worked to strengthen and diversify funding efforts that would advance equal treatment and opportunities for transgender Americans. He also has served as co-director at Global Action for Trans* Equality. Masen also worked as a Community Investment Officer, later Development Director, for the United Way of Greater Los Angeles.
Masen is a published author, and his writings have been published in various books and journals, including Sexual Orientation and Gender Expression in Social Work Practice and New Directors in Student Services. Masen received his Masters of Social Welfare from UCLA, and Bachelor of Arts from Northwestern University.