Today we’d like to introduce you to Angelle Maua.
Angelle, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My journey began when my son came out in 2017 as transgender. He was 15. I have always known that my son would identify differently in society and I was prepared for this. However, I was not prepared for him to tell me that he wanted to change his gender. I was shocked and went through the five stages of grief. I blamed social media, all the excuses the typical parent makes up to justify our feelings. After going through all of these emotions, he and I were able to talk and try to figure out how I can support him. We had to change insurance carriers due to the lack of support and training by our former insurance carrier and once that was done he transitioned super fast. January of 2018 he saw his trans competent pediatrician who we love and adore and got his first prescription for T (testosterone) and started T in February 2018. May 2018, he had top surgery. This is not a typical transition and we were blessed to have it go so smoothly and seamlessly. We did not have to appeal any denials and for that I am grateful.
After seeing my son transition and knowing all the hurdles and obstacles that get in the way of just getting medical care for transgender teens, I wanted to do more. I wanted to let other parents, families and significant others support trans* folks that it gets better and there are resources out there for us. The hardest and most challenging part of our journey was finding spaces that supported Black/PoC trans* nonbinary folks. Every time we went to a support group it was mainly white and as wonderful as they were not brave, safe space for us to be 100% our authentic selves. So, I decided to create spaces for us and now have support groups in the North and Southeast counties of San Diego. From there, GPC blossomed into a resource hub of 1:1 counseling sessions, medical, mental health, legal and homeless youth/young adult referrals. I also am the Co-Chair of GLSEN SD and provide Professional Development training throughout San Diego specifically the local school districts, primarily San Diego Unified School District.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, not at all. We struggled with suicidal ideations and an attempt. Finding spaces to identify and thrive. Constantly having to educate others about what being transgender or nonbinary is. Answering inappropriate questions. Finding gender-neutral bathrooms when we go out to shop or eat.
The Gender Phluid Collective – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I don’t specialize in anything specifically, nor do I think I am an authority or expert on what I do. However, I do create safe, affirming spaces for Black/PoC folks in the North and Southeast counties of San Diego. All of my groups have a therapist on hand to ensure folks get the support they need right then and there. I provide resources that consist of 1:1 counseling sessions, medical, mental health, legal and homeless youth/young adult referrals. I work closely with the San Diego Unified School District, Urban Restoration Counseling Center, San Diego Library network, The San Diego LGBT Community Center, YMCA Tay Academy/San Diego Youth Services and South Bay Youth Services, San Diego Pride, The Center for Gender Affirming Care at Rady’s Children’s Hospital-San Diego. and other LGBTQIA+ agencies.
I also am the Co-Chair of GLSEN SD and provide Professional Development training, with a focus on intercultural education throughout San Diego specifically the local school districts, primarily San Diego Unified School District.
What I am most proud of is cultivating relationships in the LGBTQIA+ community and also from that finding friendships that are amazing. I love everyone that I work with they are all very special to me and have been very supportive of my efforts.
What I think sets me apart from others is that I am the only one that provides safe spaces for our black youth. There are a lot of brown spaces (LatinX) but there are not Black queer spaces for us and this is what I was able to provide.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
August 9th, 2019. That is the date when GPC was exactly a year old. I survived the naysayers and proved my work is valuable and sustainable.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thegpcollective.wixsite.com/thegpcsd
- Phone: 8582550279
- Email: thegpcollective@gmail.com
Image Credit:
Photo is of Angelle Maua and cousin V.J.
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