“I’m looking forward to building connections, learning about others, and becoming a part of an empowering community of transgender and non-binary adults who support each other’s creativity. We deserve our right to take up space and be comfortable in our skin while living in our truth.”

FUN FACTS

1. I’m a fur mom of two beautiful dogs, Aspen and Chewy.

2. I’m an outdoorsy kinda gal!

3. My favorite color is pink.

Kelly Nou is a first-generation Cambodian-American immigrant, cosmetologist, and former female impersonator. She has lived in Kansas City since she was a young child and has lived her truth as a transgender woman for 20+ years.

Kelly is honored to nurture and mentor many transgender girls in the Kansas City community as they start their journeys and remains dedicated to uplifting her trans sisters of color.  She is very focused on healthcare access and keeping communities of color safe. Kelly currently works with Maximus as a Contact Tracer with Springfield Greene County Health Department, helping to reduce the spread of Covid-19.

In 2022, Kelly was recently interviewed and included in the Kansas City Beacon’s article for her work with the community organization Transformations, highlighted in KSHB 41 News’ Pride Month video portrait series, well as named by the City of Kansas City, Missouri on a Special Action Proclamation honoring trans-BIPOC leaders for Trans Day of Visibility.

“Liberation Camp will be the joyful, loving, & healing experience my inner child has always needed. I am honored to co-create a healing space for respite amongst queer & trans siblings of color.”

FUN FACTS

1. The nerd in me loves playing video games and reading Black science fiction.

2. When I grow up I want to live on land that would be a safe haven for other trans kinfolk, with beauuuutiful sunny landscapes, and possible a few goats and chickens.

3. My favorite place to be is at the beach.

nahr suha (Camp Counselor) is a community farmer, dreamer & tree hugger.  A gender-variant, trans-feminine, mixed star-seed of the SWANA diaspora. a resource mover at Grantmakers for Girls of Color who is deeply invested in pouring into TGNC youth of Color. 

nahr is heavily influenced by nature as means to channel a sense of home, healing, art, spirituality, and empowerment. They hope to inspire others with their love for the natural world, especially trans youth whose insights, experiences, & voices are necessary for our collective liberated future. In their work with the land, nahr has taken opportunities to share knowledge and uplift youth in outdoor settings while growing food and facilitating discussions about the importance of environmental health and its connection to community well-being. 

nahr currently resides on Duwamish Coast Salish territories (Seattle/WA).

“Last year was life-changing! I can't wait to see what this year brings” 😁

FUN FACTS

1. I’m a novice metal worker

2. I am an ice cream fanatic.

3. I grow and cultivate my own herb garden.

JD Bezares (Camp Counselor) is a Latino queer transman and a US Army veteran. Originally from the east coast, he was raised by his mom in the mountains of northern Virginia. After she remarried, he moved with his mom to a beach town in north Florida. While in college, JD enlisted in the Army and pursued his desire to help others. After his tour in the military, he worked in security until he began managing others and mentoring young leaders. His professional work now includes managing a $6.8 million commercial portfolio that features commercial assets, facility maintenance, and event and logistics management. JD is an avid gardener, dad to two amazing pups, servant-at-large for two cats, and serves as the treasurer for a nonprofit spiritual retreat center.

JD serves the City of Kansas City as the Housing Commissioner for the LGBTQ Commission. In addition, he enjoys volunteering his time to mentor young transmen and is committed to uplifting and supporting minorities in his community, specifically uplifting Black and Brown transwomen.

“Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up.”

FUN FACTS

1. I have a two-year-old Minnie Schnauzer named Rue.

2. Creating is my self-care.

3. I’m developing a digital comic centering on characters of the TGNC experience.

Aaron Arthur-Gray (Camp Advisor) is a Master of Social Work Candidate at Columbia University School of Social Work. A multi-disciplinary creative operating at the intersections of art, healing, and advocacy, Aaron supports surviving communities through direct clinical practice. In his past, Aaron has worked with various age groups, from adolescents to the elderly, in both school and virtual settings. 

Aaron is trained in Crisis Intervention, Motivational interviewing, Strength-Based Perspectives, and Mindfulness. His current efforts include Substance Use and Chemical Dependency, Gender and Sexuality, and the neurological and physical impact of trauma. In addition, Aaron has conducted research surrounding art therapy with struggling youth, the effects of trauma and substance use on the Trans and Gender Nonconforming population, and Eye Movement and Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR). To learn more about Aaron’s work, please visit aaronarthurgray.com.