Jahlove Serrano
Board President
Is a health educator youth advocate HIV/AIDS activist androgynous model/runway coach /Drag Queen/background dancer/and choreographer to the stars. He's a Guatemalan/American native of Bronx New York. Contracted HIV a couple of days shy of his 16th birthday he decided to take a leadership role amongst his peers and community to be very public with his HIV status to combat the ignorance and stigma around HIV/AIDS. He's working in the field of HIV/AIDS prevention, outreach and research. He's working hard on a global, national, city and local level to address the needs of HIV positive and negative youth. Jahlove has worked with NYC AIDS institute, National Gay Mens Advocacy Coalition, The Global Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS North America (GNP+NA), AIDS ALLIANCES, The White House, and The Department of Health. He's currently on a national campaign called "HIV stops with me” NYC "In Care" campaign and Janssen Positively fearless Global campaign. Jahlove uses his entertainment platform to promote HIV/AIDS Awareness and education throughout the United States and beyond.
Edward Powell
Board Treasurer
International Makeup Artist Edward Powell has been changing the way women do makeup and see themselves for over 13 yrs. His early beginnings in NY saw him perfecting his skill with such artists as Sam Fine, Bobbi Brown, Vincent, Longo, Cynde Watson and many others. He has done work at Fashion Week for such Designers as Imitation of Christ, Amsale, Peter Som, Roland Mouret, Karl Lagerfeld just to name a few. Whether it is here in the U.S. or in Moscow, Montreal, or other European Countries, Edward's makeup style makes a difference in the lives of his clients. Always in demand, Edward's makeup can be seen on Celebrities such as, Marsha Gay Harden (Oscar, Tony Award winner), Dee Dee Bridgewater (Tony, Grammy Award winner), Bonnie Bernstien (ESPNW), and also on "The Wendy Williams Show", "Good Morning America", "ESPNW", as well as numerous industry powerhouse magazines. Edward is ALWAYS doing work to expand his knowledge, connect with all sectors of the industry, and bring a "old-school" approach into the modern landscape of Makeup and Social Media! It is Edward's work with the Non-Profit Organization "Hearts of Gold" (www.heartsofgold.org) that brings him the most pleasure. As an Executive Committee Member he is able to create projects and events that will help change the lives of the Homeless Women and Children that the organization serves. The annual HOG Gala is the highlight of the year and has the distinction of having Edward as the Lead Makeup Artist. With his new venture Troy Edwards, Edward is looking to bring a new dimension to his talent and also bring practicality and beauty into a cohesive relationship.
Tahtianna Fermin
Board Secretary
The founder and CEO of Bridges4Life, which works to help teens and young adults on street and in foster care become responsible, self-sufficient, confident and educated adults. Bridges4Life provides housing, preparation for adulthood, prevention services, and assists young people in negotiating aging-out services within the foster care system. Bridges4Life’s works within existing programs and resources to leverage new opportunities for the teens and young adults involved in the program, empowering social change agencies to develop local strategies for urban service.
Tahtiana is also a member of The National LGBTQ Workers Center’s NYC chapter, serving on the Center’s National Board as its New York Liaison. A community activist since 2008, Tahtianna has been a Community Follow-Up Worker (CFW) at Housing Works Inc., a recovery coach and patient navigator at The Alliance For Positive Change, amongst other initiatives, as well as speaking at the Presidential debate in 2008 for Barack Obama.
Tahtianna runs a Transgender support group weekly , the Alliance for Positive Change and Bridges4Life locations.
Justin Carter
Fundraising Advisor
Justin Carter is a musician, DJ and artist. He is the co-creator and co-founder and a resident DJ of the NYC nightlife staple Nowadays, the long-running NYC parties Mister Saturday Night and Mister Sunday and the deep listening series, Planetarium, all New York institutions centered on building community through music.
His three-decade-plus career intertwines the creative with the practical, having navigated mazes of permits with municipal and state agencies, garnering approvals from Community Boards and working with city officials. Justin's immense passion for community and music is equaled only by an astute organizational sense and an ability to build positive relationships. Most important of all, he has the wisdom to understand that without one, there cannot be the other.
BeyonG Veldkamp
Board Member
I am a human right fighter. I am one of the pride ambassadors. Was born in Suriname. I am the founder of Trans United in 2013 and I am the vice president of Trans United Europa. I work as a social worker and help LGBTQIA+ individuals in Amsterdam.
This year I start my own empowering and coaching organization. In my work I help other people from and experience expert. I help out with gender, sexual issue, and healthcare advise.
In 2017 I had the honored to win the Jos Brink Innovation Price. This is a video from that special day:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsjjVsFj3IE
Some Links with Interview about me and my work- They are in dutch
https://transmagazine.nl/ken-je-geschiedenis/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmrRykxiF5M
https://www.facebook.com/cocnederland/videos/10156738137684832
Life is Be you and One Love.
I don’t give up and I am unstoppable.
We are the changes.
Victoria Von Blaque
Board Member
Victoria Von Blaque is a non-binary, trans feminine individual who has embarked on a transformative journey of self-discovery. During their college years, Victoria explored sex work, uncovering a natural talent for seduction and manipulation. Challenging Eurocentric beauty standards, they broke barriers in the adult entertainment industry as the first BBW trans porn star on the internet. Rejecting societal expectations, Victoria founded their own company, Femme Fatale, LLC, venturing into various aspects of adult entertainment, including pornography and phone sex.
In 2014, Victoria shifted their focus to work for a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting LGBTQ youth from housing instability and empowering them to live independently. Their expertise in DEI, healthcare, sex work, and LGBTQ competency made them a highly sought-after speaker, delivering impactful talks at esteemed institutions such as Columbia University and Manhattanville College. Additionally, they provided training to organizations like Callen-Lorde and Howie the Harp, sharing their knowledge in working with marginalized communities.
As an influential figure, Victoria Von Blaque has graced the stages of prestigious conferences and summits, including The Biomedical HIV Prevention Summit, Creating Change, Sex Down South and Facing Race, among many others. Their captivating keynote speeches have resonated with audiences nationwide, covering topics such as DEI, Healthcare, Sex work and LGBTQ competency.
Victoria's talks promote understanding and acceptance, inspiring individuals to embrace diversity and create inclusive environments. Their compassionate approach fosters empathy and encourages open dialogue, leading to positive change in both professional and personal settings.
Drawing from their unique life experiences as a trans femme, cultural enterprise consultant, and survivor of discrimination, Victoria is a valuable resource and advocate for the TGNB community. Their engaging and personable approach creates moments of vulnerability and shared understanding among participants, making them an effective catalyst for change.
