Youth

The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) serves as a liaison between youth nationwide and The Trevor Project, as it relates to young people and the issues surrounding suicide, sexuality and gender identity. The YAC submits recommendations to The Trevor Project in an effort to increase Trevor visibility and best serve the LGBTQ youth population.

The YAC is a program of the Trevor Project comprised of 20 young people ages 16-24, (to convene monthly via conference call) that will advise the organization on outreach and programmatic efforts targeted at LGBTQ youth. Participants in the YAC will have the unique opportunity to have their voices and opinions heard and implemented into the strategies of a national organization.

TO APPLY:

FILL OUT OUR YAC APPLICATION

Current Members

King Chan

Sexual Orientation: Pan-Romantic Demisexual/Heteroflexible Ally
Gender Identity: Cisgender

Student at Santa Monica College from Long Beach, CA

Sophisticated with streetsmarts and swag, King Chan brings his own unique style to advocacy work. Raised by Malaysian immigrant parents in Long Beach, California, King’s introduction to activism began with a successful grassroots effort to halt the demolition of his city's biggest library. Being a former high school dropout in a predominant Latin and African American/Black community has shown him the various disparities that face minority groups. He has spoken to various audiences on topics related to gang warfare, homelessness, human relations, and societal oppressions, and to minority groups on topics such as bi-erasure, light skin privilege, and racial/gender/sexuality collusion. King’s biggest hope is to empower ALL community members to start talking among each other and collaborate. His repertoire includes being a former Gay-Straight Alliance Network statewide advocacy member and serving as a program facilitator on behalf of the California Conference for Equality & Justice (CCEJ). Nowadays, he focuses on working for a City Councilman to improve neighborhoods, improve literacy rates, and foster employment opportunities. In addition, he just joined the Asian American Justice Center’s Advisory Council to promote causes related to Asian American/Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian (AAPINH) families and two positions with the California Young Democrats (though he identifies as a pragmatic and has Republican friends, contrary to belief). King swears he is never too busy and somehow manages to attend wild (yet safe) adventures with his closest friends, read up on classic literature and current affairs, and is an enthusiastic public transportation rider – NO LIE!

Shannon Curran

Sexual Orientation: Straight
Gender Identity: Female

From Sherman, Texas

Ambitious, plucky, and a little bit zany, Shannon Curran joined the Trevor Project YAC in 2010. She majored in Theatre Performance at The University of Central Oklahoma, and now lives in Orlando, Florida. Her most recent project was Breakthrough: Bringing Down the Barriers, a show for social change about LGBTQ Equality. She is currently employed with Universal Studios in addition to being active within The Trevor Project and performing shows. In her free time you can probably find her reading, writing, or playing with her Cairn Terrier, Penelope.

Julian De La Paz

Sexual Orientation: Gay
Gender Identity: Male

Student at Georgetown University from El Paso, TX

Julian De La Paz is a fun, ferocious, and fierce breath of fresh air. As a freshman at Georgetown University in the School of Foreign Service in Washington, DC, Julian commits himself to serving others at home and in the community. He actively participates as a member of the Georgetown University Ballroom Dancing Team, is as a tutor for prisoners seeking their GED, a photographer for the Georgetown Voice school newspaper, and most recently, a member on the Youth Advisory Council for the Trevor Project. He finds inspiration from the beautiful people he encounters in his everyday life and he lives by his favorite Dr. Seuss quote, “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” Julian enjoys taking long, luxurious bubble baths, watching Titanic at every chance he gets, drinking (virgin) piña coladas, and dancing in the rain. He aspires to one day walk the catwalk as a model for Dolce & Gabbana and work as an Ambassador for the United Nations.

Josh Deese

Sexual Orientation: Gay
Gender Identity: Male

Student at Clewiston High School from Clewiston, FL

Dedicated, unstoppable, and full of youthful swagger, Josh Deese joined the Trevor Project's Youth Advisory Council in 2010. Born in Clewiston, Florida, Josh was raised in a community filled with close-mindedness and bigotry. After coming out to his community two days before his 16th birthday, Josh felt the deep stings of hatred and discrimination at school. This led Josh to get involved with the Trevor Project, and inspired him to make a change. Since joining the Trevor Project, Josh has worked with Equality Florida, the Human Rights Campaign, and the American Civil Liberties Union on legislative issues. In June of 2011, Josh went to the Florida Capitol and helped pass the Florida LGBT Equal Rights Act after arguing on the Senate floor. Josh is currently the Executive Director for the Hendry County Young Democrats, as well as the Legislative Liaison for the Hendry County Democratic Executive Committee. Josh hopes to go to college and major in Political Science, and then go to Law School to become a Criminal Defense and LGBTQ Rights attorney.  Josh's main goal is to run for office, and be elected into the United States House of Representatives, so that he can help represent the people in his community and stand up for equal rights.  His hobbies include going to the movies, shopping, speaking about politics/advocacy, meeting new people, touring art museums, learning new things, and enjoying life to its absolute fullest. Josh's inspiration is LGBTQ Rights activist Harvey Milk, who once said "I know that you cannot live on hope alone, but without it, life is not worth living. And you... and you... and you... gotta give 'em hope."  As a member of the Trevor team, Josh strives to keep Harvey Milk's words alive, and allow equality to breathe free for all people.

Samantha Gerson

Sexual Orientation: Lesbian
Gender Identity: Female

18 year-old Freshman at New York University from Los Angeles, CA

18 years old and a freshman at NYU's Silver School of Social Work, Samantha is back to once again serve on the Trevor Project’s Youth Advisory Council. She has enjoyed the past few years of reaching out to youth all across the country and exploring the different gender and sexuality binaries through the different organizations she has had the pleasure to learn from. Born and raised in LA, she is excited for her first year studying in New York and is working towards a Bachelor’s in Social Work and an Associate’s in American Sign Language. Aside from classes and time spent working with the YAC, she enjoys working as a nanny, cooking up a storm, or hanging out with her buddies.

Andrew Guerrero

Sexual Orientation: Gay
Gender Identity: Male

21 year-old student at St. Edward’s University from Austin, TX

A 21-year-old from Austin, Texas, Andrew Christopher Guerrero is a rising leader in the LGBTQ community. He is currently in his junior year at St. Edward's University working towards a BA in Communication. Andrew has held numerous leadership positions while in high school and college. Most recently, Andrew played a pivotal role in re-branding and re-launching the LGBTQ student organization known as PRIDE at St. Edward's University when he became President in May 2010. Since then, PRIDE has grown substantially in membership and activity, becoming the largest diversity organization on campus and receiving multiple awards for the positive contributions it has provided to the campus community. While navigating LGBTQ issues on a Catholic campus is difficult, Andrew remains focused on working directly with university administration to create positive change. After completing his education, he hopes to pursue a career in LGBTQ youth non-profit work and perhaps one day be an executive for The Trevor Project. Andrew is a hard-working, passionate individual that truly cares about others. If he isn't out trying to save the world, then you'll most likely find him exploring the sights and sounds of Austin or simply spending time with friends and family.

Andrea Dubin

Sexual Orientation: Lesbian
Gender Identity: Female

Student at MIT from Farmington Hills, MI

Andrea (Andy) Dubin is currently a graduate student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where she studies Oceanography and Climate Science.  Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Andrea spent four years studying chemistry in sunny Pasadena before moving back to the cold weather in Boston.  In her free time, she enjoys theater, sports (especially water polo, curling, and hockey), and outdoor activities like camping and climbing.  Andrea is very interested in working towards improving the acceptance of LGBTQ students in schools and spreading awareness of the problems these students face.  She's incredibly excited to be joining the YAC and to work with other passionate young people to make a difference in many people's lives.

Myra Hollis

Sexual Orientation: Straight
Gender Identity: Female

Senior  at City Honors from Inglewood, CA

Myra Hollis joined the Trevor Projects YAC in 2010 after deciding that she wanted to make a difference for the LGBTQ community after seeing gay friends and family members being treated unfairly.  She has worked to bring awareness of LGBTQ issues to her school through what she calls the Empowerment Club. She hopes to major in psychology and eventually work with teens as a therapist.

Alyssa Mandula

Sexual Orientation: Gay/Queer
Gender Identity: Cisfemale

Student at DePaul University from Bloomington, IL

Alyssa Mandula is a passionate, nonviolent activist. She is currently majoring in Peace, Justice, and Conflict Studies and Philosophy and is minoring in LGBTQ Studies at DePaul University in Chicago. Alyssa was born and raised in Bloomington, Illinois, where she started her high school's Gay-Straight Alliance and ran The Central Illinois Safe School Alliance. She worked as a national ambassador for The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network for a year and is now in her second year with The Trevor Project. As a freshman in college, she is very excited to be finally living in the city and continuing her activism in Chicago. Alyssa hopes to eventually make a career out of activism for transgender youth. In the meantime, she is eating frozen yogurt, trying to survive dorm living, or waiting for the L.

Red Ortiz

Sexual Orientation: Queer
Gender Identity: Gender Queer

From Mexicali, Baja California Mexico

Friendly, funny, and zany, Red has been a member of the YAC since 2010. Currently studying and residing in Southern California, Red hopes to one day become an advocate for human rights in South and Central America. He has been involved in activism since high school when she worked for GLSEN and GSA Network. Ze grew up in the capitol of Baja California, Mexico and lived there 9 years before moving to California. When she is not dealing with the typical university student chaos, he enjoys the big city nightlife and doing outreach activism. Red believes he is a child of the gender spectrum and has no preferred gender pronoun.

Nick Phillips

Sexual Orientation: Gay
Gender Identity: Male

16-year-old from Lewiston, ID

Nick Phillips lives as an openly gay male in the small town of Valdez, Alaska.  Being involved in student council, drama club, yearbook, Academic Decathlon, Business Professionals of America, and National Honor Society puts him in a great position within the school to create change. Since freshman year, he—along with the support of his family—has been working to change school policy to one of zero tolerance towards the bullying of LGBTQ youth. Being in a small, conservative town in rural Alaska inspires him to make schools a better place, not only in Alaska, but also in other places where LGBTQ youth may be struggling. In his free time between shoveling snow and attempting to stay dry, he pursues his passions, which include photography, drawing, embracing the outdoors, and spending time with the ones he loves the most. He is extremely excited to work with those on the YAC who share his passions and objectives, as well as starting his dream of helping to improve the situation for members of the LGBTQ community.

Shontay Richardson

Sexual Orientation: Queer
Gender Identity: Gender Fluid

19 year old student at Purchase College, SUNY from Dobbs Ferry, NY

Shontay Richardson is 19, queer, and a sophomore at The State University of New York at Purchase where she is studying Studio Composition in the music conservatory.  She is a very active member on campus and is involved with a handful of clubs and organizations, works with The Office of Student Life, interns with The Alternative Clinic, and is a Resident Assistant.  She is constantly keeping herself involved in various organizations off campus, as well.  She has worked closely with Center Lane, a community center in Westchester County for LGBTQ youth, as well as Youth Pride in Rockland County.  Deep down she’s a real theatre geek, and hopes one day to grace the stage with some amazing talents.  She is thrilled to be a part of the YAC team and can't wait to see what The Trevor Project has in store for her!

James Riple

Gender Identity: Male

Student at Palos Verdes Peninsula High School from Palos Verdes, CA

Humorous, outgoing, and always leaving people feeling exhilarated, James Riple is a committed individual from Palos Verdes, CA. Currently a senior at Palos Verdes Peninsula High School, James enjoys running two school clubs—Global Affairs and PVPHS' Political Debating and Volunteering Society. He brings leadership skills from all aspects of life. From running fundraisers and organizing club meetings, to managing volunteers on political campaigns, he is especially accomplished at public speaking. Whether in heated discussions or passionate debates, James remains calm while staying loyal to his beliefs. His friends will testify to the fact that he often engages them in debates about equality for the LGBTQ community, remaining respectful while never backing down. He believes the only goal in life is to leave it in a better way than you came. In other words, James has high goals and won’t stop until he achieves them. In his free time James likes to spend time playing volleyball, taking photographs, and catching up on his favorite TV show; Psych.

Jordan Scruggs

Sexual Orientation: Lesbian
Gender Identity: Female

Student at American University from Chatanooga, TN

A child at heart, Jordan Scruggs joined The Trevor Project team in 2011 after transferring during her junior year from Chatanooga, Tennessee to a college in Washington, DC. She brings a lot of experience, including her previous work tutoring children and developing a prom for students with developmental disabilities. She began her work within the LGBTQ community in college, and over the years has campaigned for the repeal of DADT and Anti-Bullying legislation, participated in Day of Silence, and reached out to her church community, discussing how they affect the LGBTQ community.  Jordan is currently pursuing her B.A. in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at American University, and when not working at The Trevor project, you can probably find her dancing to *NSYNC, watching Die Hard for the 100th time, or using one of the million social networks she's on.

Nowmee Shehab

Sexual Orientation: Lesbian
Gender Identity: Female

Student at Smith College from Dhaka, Bangladesh

Nowmee Shehab is a first year student at Smith College in Massachusetts where she plans to study Government and Women and Gender Studies. She grew up in the bustling capital of Bangladesh and moved to Snellville, Georgia during sophomore year of high school. She founded the Gay-Straight Alliance in high school and served as the GLSEN Media Ambassador for the school year, gaining valuable experience in youth organizing and media relations. Now she is involved with various social justice organizations at Smith and is working passionately to end all forms of oppression. She is very excited to join YAC and hopes that through the Trevor Project and other platforms she will work for, and collaborate with, queer youth of color. In her free time, Nowmee likes to take walks, get lost in music, and go dancing with friends.

Alyx Steadman

Sexual Orientation: Gay
Gender Identity: Male

Student at Hamilton High School from Hamilton, MT

At a local Radio Shack, the sign read: “Protect Yourself with Dish Network. Sign up now, Get Free Gun.” Welcome to Hamilton, Montana folks—the place where Alyx Steadman has grown up in since the age of three. While the example used may have been gasp or eye-rolling worthy, the life experiences accumulated in that town have shaped the man Alyx is today. By experiencing adversity first hand, he has empathy for those who are going through similar challenges, as well as passion to aid those who may be disenfranchised or discriminated against. His advocacy strategy involves being true to himself with true tolerance for others. He hopes to impress these principles wherever life takes him. In all his excess amounts of free time (wink, wink) he is on the executive board of his high school's Student Council and Key Club, participating in local theater, dancing around his living room, and taking photographs. He holds Kurt Hummel, Lady Gaga, and his mother as some of his highest inspirations. Alyx is so honored and excited to be a part of such a life changing organization. He views this as one of many fantastic stepping stones presented to him in his personal journey to help America's youth in achieving inclusivity.

Max Staebler

Sexual Orientation: Gay
Gender Identity: Male

Senior at Southeast High School from Bradenton, FL

Energetic, unconventional and somewhat of a perfectionist, Max Staebler joined the YAC in September 2010. Fully certified in the art of wearing lederhosen and that little feather cap, Maximilian is a native citizen of Germany, though he spent the majority of his life in balmy Florida. Maximilian has been actively involved in the LGBTQ community for over a year now.  Among other accomplishments, Maximilian worked on a bullying workshop for high school guidance counselors and administrators which will be implemented throughout his school district.  He also founded the first Gay-Straight Alliance in his county, which meets weekly with almost 20 regular attendees. As a member of the International Baccalaureate program at Southeast High School, Max would definitely call himself a nerd: he competes on the Academic Team, is a National Merit Semifinalist, and has a thing for laboratories. In the future, Maximilian hopes to attend Duke University to pursue his passion—biomedical engineering. On any given day you will find him studying, going for a run, or watching the latest episode of “Desperate Housewives.”

Andii Viveros

Sexual Orientation: Straight
Gender Identity: Transgender Female

From Fort Lauderdale, FL

Born and raised in sunny Fort Lauderdale, Florida's Southern Belle: Andii Viveros recently became one of the nation's first Transgender Prom Queens. Having just graduated High School with all honors credits and a technical degree in Culinary Arts, Andii was the founding President of her school's Gay-Straight Alliance, an active member with local non-profit "Drag it Out!" and is honored to now be part of The Trevor Project's Youth Advisory Council.  As an LGBTQ advocate and upcoming College Freshman, she has spent the past months writing an inspirational book on growing up Transgender and living life without limitations with the hopes that through sharing her story she will give hope to LGBTQ youth going through similar struggles. When not writing her book, you can most likely find Andii baking up a storm, making YouTube videos, or reading novels by the Queen of all Media, Wendy Williams.

Wolfgang Von Zennishionn

Sexual Orientation: Heteroflexbile
Gender Identity: FTM, Transsexual, Male 

From Dayton, OH

Seeking to be an ally and nothing more, Wolfgang Von Zennishionn joined Trevor Space in early 2009 following an email about it from the Human Rights Campaign. He continues his work on and off Trevor Space, all over the Internet and in real life. You may have seen his YouTube channel where he documents his transition.  Wolfgang was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio and attended the School of Advertising Art where he graduated with an Associates of Applied Business of Advertising Art. Due to economic struggles, Wolfgang has a LOT of free time, which is spent frequenting Trevor Space, spending quality time with his girlfriends (yes, plural), creating art, and generally living on his computer.

Brandon White

Sexual Orientation: Gay
Gender Identity: Male

Student at University of Central Oklahoma from Piedmont, OK

Artistic, quirky, and utterly positive, Brandon White is often seen showering people with an onslaught of happiness in his home state of Oklahoma. He is a writer, a student, and a leader in the LGBTQ community. Brandon is in his fourth year at the University of Central Oklahoma, where he has been the President of their Gay-Striaght Alliance—known as the Gay Alliance for Tolerance and Equality (GATE)—for two years. As a Legal Studies major, he plans to attend Law School in the future, and hopes to use his skills in promoting equality under the law in Oklahoma and in the United States. Brandon has been a barista at Starbucks for 3 years, and has a passion for coffee and tea culture. When he isn't working, going to school, or volunteering, Brandon can often be found playing video games (The Sims, Zelda, Mario), watching movies, or walking around giving strangers hugs.

Megan Wingo

Sexual Orientation: Queer

Gender Identity: Female

UC Merced Alumni from Tracy, CA

Squarely in the middle of what many call “The Other California,” Megan Wingo has carved a life of politics, activism and really great shoes.  A recent graduate of The University of California, Merced, Megan has been involved with The Trevor Project since April 2010.  After receiving a degree in History and Literature, Megan is now actively looking for a job in politics, elected or non-profit.  After helping to bring a Gay-Straight Alliance to campus, being a charter member of her sorority, and spending a semester interning in Washington, DC, Megan is proud to dedicate her time and energy to The Trevor Project.  Her few moments of calm are interrupted by her wirehair terrier Harvey Milkbone, who refuses to have his photo taken.