Gender Justice LA is a grassroots organization that is building the the power of the transgender and gender non-conforming community here in LA. We use community organizing and leadership development to make concrete changes in the lives of all TGNC people, especially low-income trans people of color. We seek to build our community's power to fight for racial, social, cultural, and economic justice. 

Rooted in the unique social justice landscape of Los Angeles, GJLA envisions a safe and just society for all transgender and gender non-conforming people. Recognizing the mutual dependence of racial, economic, and gender-based liberation, we are committed to working from an intersectional lens, and to centering the needs of low income, transgender people of color. These needs include access to quality, respectful, and affordable health care; freedom from bigotry, harassment, and violence; opportunities for education, employment, and leadership; safe spaces for enhancing spiritual, physical, and social wellness; and the right to self-determination.

We're a grassroots organization building the the power of the transgender and gender non-conforming community here in LA. Join us!

STAFF: 

Ezak Perez: GJLA Executive Director 

Ezak Amaviska Perez was born and raised in and around Tongva Land (Los Angeles, California). They are Two Spirit of center and of Hopi & P'aéaekilâ Puebloan people and Xicanx. Ezak is a trans organizer who is always remembering & reclaiming his roots. They have been facilitating and organizing locally in LA as well as nationally for the past 16 years. He is currently the Executive Director of Gender Justice LA (GJLA), which is a grassroots social justice organization led by and for gender non-conforming, two spirit, Black, Indigenous, trans people of color in LA. Ezak believes it is essential to build up the collective leadership and power of the trans and gender non-conforming community. They work at the intersections of racial, economic and gender justice. Ezak remains hopeful and committed in continuing the legacy laid out by their ancestors and trancestors. You can reach Ezak via email [email protected]

Ace Anaya: Campaign Coordinator

Ace Anaya (he/they/elle) is Gender Justice LA’s Campaign Coordinator and primarily coordinates GJLA’s Programs, Campaigns, and Core Membership, as well as provides direct systems navigation for health and social services. He also creates communication content across social media and newsletters, and represents GJLA in local and national movement work and coalitions, like the TGI Health Policy Coalition and ACLU’s nationwide TGI SCOTUS  Advocacy Coalition since 2023. 

They have implemented multiple state and local grants, such as the LBTQ Health Equity Initiative, TGI Wellness and Equity Grants – both from the California Department of Public Health–  County TGI Rise Capacity Building grants, and City District Emergency Preparedness grants–  to support the well-being of the BIPOC TGNC, TGI, and 2S communities across Los Angeles County (specifically Lincoln Heights) and California.

Thanks to Gender Justice LA’s professional development support, they were able to attend the LGBTQ’s National Community Change Conference, Borealis Philanthropy’s Emerging LGBTQ Leaders of Color Fund’s 1-1 leadership coaching, Soul Fire Farm FIRE Immersion, Solis Policy Institute Policy Fellowship, Vision Change Win’s National Security School, and most recently,  In Defense of Movement’s Trans Leadership cohort. All of these opportunities, in turn, have allowed Ace to bring back this wealth of knowledge to GJLA through developing trans led political education/ know your rights, rapid response/safety, food, and land justice programming.