West Coast

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Ryan Amir Harris (he, him, his) Is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio by way of Sparta Georgia.  A Trans man of color.  I currently serve as the Mid-West Regional Facilitator of Transsaints. A Ministry of The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries (TFAM) that invites Trans people and allies of faith to become involved in leadership and advocacy training that is focused on the unique perspective of the African American Trans Community.   

Additionally, I serve as I am a member of the Choir, a Deacon and Adjutant for the TFAM. I’m a member of Bound by Truth and Love Ministries located in Cincinnati, Ohio, Under the leadership of Founding Pastor Terry Hocker, serving the congregation and community as a Deacon and community activist.  

​Educated in the Ohio Public School system, attended the University of Cincinnati. I am A retired Correction Officer and co-parent to my three nephews. I’m a man of faith and I believe in family and community. 

He may be contacted at: chozzen7harris@yahoo.com

 I am a native of Michigan, and Trans Woman of Color currently residing in Cincinnati, Ohio.  I am a board member for TransOhio.org, a statewide transgender advocacy and education organization.  I believes that I have a story to be told that will encourage, support, and advocate for others in the Trans Community.  I am a self-taught freelance photographer & graphic designer and am writing and self-publishing a personal memoir tentatively entitled Beautiful Struggle, focusing on my unique and non-traditional experience as a later life transitioning Trans Woman of Color.  I am also currently working on a photo exbibit entitled, the Black Trans project, designed to bring visibility and perspective of the Trans & Non-Binary experiences, and more specifically the Black Trans & Non-Binary experiences.  

I am a woman of faith and a member of Truth & Destiny Covenant Ministries in Cincinnati, but worships regularly with other groups.  I am an eternal TransSaint of TransSaints, an auxiliary group of The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries that invites Trans people and allies of faith to become involved in leadership and advocacy training that is focused on the unique perspectives of the African American Trans community.

I earned my B.S. from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan, an MBA from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, and currently work for SCHAWK!, a Matthews International Company, which is the leading company in the Brand Packaging Management & Deployment Industry.  You can find my work at ARYKAH.COM.

She may be contacted at arykah.carter@gmail.com

  Reverend Yunus Coldman is an ordained Interfaith Minister. In 2010 he began   seeking a path that included multiple spiritual walks of life and finally   became an Interfaith Minister for the sole purpose of bringing life and   divine love to those who seek his counsel and services.  In September of 2013, Reverend Yunus made the   milestone, life changing, life affirming decision to move forward in the   process of transition  and to become a visible activist for the Trans*   community within ministry.  Reverend Yunus is the Eastern Regional Minister   of Trans Saints. Trans Saints is a community of Trans* faith leaders involved   in advocacy focused on the unique perspectives of the African American Trans*   community. These issues include, but are not limited to, HIV/AIDS, safe   shelter, non-discrimination, Trans* affirming theology and other areas of   Trans* sensitivity resulting in change of attitudes, public policies, and   equal rights for persons of the Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming   experience.  Reverend Yunus is a minister at Rivers of Living   Waters Ministries UCC. There he serves as Director of The Circle. This   ministry includes regular healing circles and counsel, meditation, and Reiki   practices. At Rivers of Living Waters New York, he is also the Co-Director of   the Healing & Restoration Ministry. This ministry affirms and advocates   for Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming persons in the church and   community.   He serves as Board Member with LGBT Faith Leaders   of African Descent, a 501(c)3 organization of lesbian, gay, bisexual,   transgender (LGBT), and same gender loving people of African Descent and   their allies formed to serve as ambassadors and educators to oppose   discrimination, exclusion or intimidation of LGBT persons in our society and   particularly in our church communities. He is an honorary Board Member of   Harlem Pride, Inc. whose mission is to advocate for, educate, promote, and   unite Harlem’s Same Gender Loving/LGBT individuals, organizations and   supporters in cultivating a sense of honor, dignity and respect for our   diverse culture and community. He is a member of the Unity Project Affirming   Faith Leader Network, spearheaded by New York City First Lady Chirlane   McCray, the first multi-agency initiative to support New York City’s LGBTQ   youth. Reverend Yunus also provides ministerial support on several committees   with the National LGBT Task Force.  Additionally, he recently completed his studies   and received certification with the NYS Chaplaincy Task Force and has, in the   past, offered chaplain services to the Trans community at Riker’s Island.  On December 8, 2018 Reverend Yunus Coldman, was   awarded the Humanitarian Award “For Many Years of Dedication and Loyalty to   the Community” from Princess Janae Place whose mission is to help people of   Trans experience maximize their full potential as they transition from   homelessness to independent living offering a critical referral source for   members to secure housing navigation, substance use and mental health   resources, legal assistance, job training/placement and health care. Their   motto is “Housing IS healthcare!”  He is CEO of Soulful Touch Services which, as a   licensed NY Wedding Officiant provides ceremonial services throughout the New   York tri-state area and Long Island and as a Certified Reiki Master Teacher   offers Reiki healing practices, counsel and meditation.  Reverend Yunus Coldman is available for speaking   engagements, panel discussions, and a variety ministerial services including   weddings, guided meditations & healing circles and Reiki services. He may be contacted at yunuscoldmantm@gmail.com. om