Nearly 1 in 5 Americans under the age of thirty identify as LGBTQ+ today, more than any generation before. As visibility for the queer and trans community reaches unprecedented heights, conservative activists and politicians are borrowing from old playbooks to attack the freedoms of a new generation, from transgender healthcare to queer-affirming schools. Nevertheless, Gen Z leaders are taking lessons from the past and imagining new ways forward for our community. Trevor Ladner, Director of Education Programs at One Institute, will convene a panel of five young leaders from nonprofits, activism, and politics, at the forefront of today’s LGBTQ+ movement in Los Angeles. Panelists will reflect on the queer and trans past and share their perspectives on how young leaders are working to secure our joy, rights, and freedoms today.
Participant Bios:
Trevor Ladner (he/him) is an educator, advocate, and public historian committed to youth well-being and civic engagement through innovative history/social studies instruction and inclusive school supports. At One Institute, he directs LGBTQ+ history programs and advocacy for youth and K-12 educators. Trevor previously taught U.S. history, government, economics, and civics in middle and high schools and interned in government. He earned his B.A. in Sociology and African American Studies from Harvard College and a master’s from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Trevor is proudly Gen Z, a drag queen, and a Mississippi native.
Hazel Louboutin Balmain (she/her) is Thee WestCoast Mother Of The Iconic Luxurious Kiki Haus Of Louboutin & LA Mother Of The 1st 100k Winning Haus Of Balmain From Season 1 Of Legendary. Hazel is A Black Woman Of Trans Experience originally From Georgia who moved To LA To Start Her True Life & Career Consisting Of A Wide Variety Entertainment. Within Doing So, She Also Found A Love For Being An Activist For Her Young Black Trans Women and community as a whole.
Jasine Cumplido (she/they) is a queer community leader from Boyle Heights. She currently serves as Programs Manager at Latino Equality Alliance, where her journey in activism began as a LEA Youth Council member in 2014. With a focus on leadership development, education equity, and LGBTQ+ youth empowerment, Jasine works to create spaces where queer and trans youth can thrive. Since 2021, they have co-led the Rainbow Education Coalition of Los Angeles (RECLA), pushing for safer, more inclusive schools across LAUSD. Her work is rooted in giving back to the communities that raised her and building a better future for the next generation.
Damiana Cano (she/her) is a community organizer born and raised in the San Fernando Valley. She is currently organizing with Somos Familia Valle, a grassroots LGBTQ+ advocacy movement based in the San Fernando Valley. As a transsexual daughter of Mexican immigrants, she is passionate about building a network of solidarity for LGBTQ+ people, sex workers, immigrants, and communities affected by colonialism. Most recently, she is working alongside community to demand justice for LAPD’s murder of Linda Moran. In her free time, you can find Damiana relaxing and enjoying the sun.
June Paniouchkine is an LGBTQ+ community advocate that pushes for a more just Los Angeles and California. June studied public policy and politics with a focus on LGBTQ+ healthcare policy at UCLA, also earning UCLA’s Ronni Sanlo Emerging Leaders Award for their work at and beyond the university. A Los Angeles native, June has long been involved in LA politics, served as a DNC Delegate for California, and has become increasingly involved in state and national politics by serving on several campaigns, working for the House of Representatives, Los Angeles City Council, and several nonprofit organizations in the region.
Nick Wyville (he/him) serves as the Associate Justice Deputy for Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, overseeing juvenile justice, LGBTQ+, and youth issues for the Third District. A graduate of Harvard College, Nick has focused his academic and professional career studying and researching sociology, history, and the criminal legal system. Having previously worked with numerous local and national campaigns, including President Biden’s 2020 campaign, he also worked on Supervisor Horvath’s 2022 successful Supervisorial campaign, as well as the Los Angeles County’s 2024 Yes on Measure G Ballot Initiative Campaign. He lives in West Hollywood where he also serves the City as a Human Services Commissioner.
This program is organized by One Institute and is co-presented with the Los Angeles LGBT Center as part of Circa: Queer Histories Festival 2025, presented by One Institute.
The Los Angeles LGBT Center is a safe and welcoming place where the LGBTQ+ community finds help, hope, and support when it is needed the most.
Founded in 1952, One Institute is the oldest active LGBTQ+ organization in the country and the proud presenters of Circa: Queer Histories Festival. It's mission is to elevate queer and trans history and embrace emerging stories through collaborative education, arts, and cultural programs.
Each year, One Institute produces one-of-a-kind exhibitions and public programs connecting LGBTQ+ history and contemporary culture to effect social change. Through unique K-12 teacher trainings, lesson plans, and youth mentorship programs, One empowers the next generation of teachers and students bringing queer history into classrooms and communities. As the independent community partner of ONE Archives at the USC Libraries, One Institute helps promote the largest collection of LGBTQ+ materials in the world.