Translife is a nonprofit organization in Santa Rosa, CA that envisions a safe world for the transgender and gender-expansive community to experience peace, joy, and connectedness.
We serve Sonoma County and surrounding areas, including but not limited to Mendocino County and Lake County, with special emphasis on rural communities.
Mission
Our mission is to foster a vibrant, healthy, and responsive community of, for, and by our transgender and gender-expansive population, those who love them, and those who support them.
We do this via:
- An annual community conference
- Training for professionals and allies
- Regular social and community events in Sonoma County and surrounding areas
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
We give equal validity and respect to all gender expressions, including but not limited to binary, non-binary, genderfluid, agender, gender-expansive, and two-spirit genders.
We strive for cultural competency and to meet the needs of diverse populations. Our goal is to be active anti-racist allies, and to provide a safe and affirming environment for those with intersecting oppression, including but not limited to the trans LatinX, BIPOC, black, brown, undocumented, immigrant, disabled, unhoused, neurodivergent, and sex worker communities.
Meet the Team
Interested in joining our team? Email us at info@translifecommunity.org or fill out our volunteer form. We’d love to hear from you!
Mike Kessler
Chair
Mike (they/he) is a non-binary human who transitioned from female to male in 2005. Mike has been with Translife since it’s inception in 2015, and is passionate about supporting their community. Mike is one of the co-founders of the Solano Pride Center and has been a queer and trans activist for the past 37 years, even though they insists they is only 26 years old. Mike is a licensed clinical social worker who currently works at Kaiser Santa Rosa on the Mental Health and Wellness Child Team as a generalist therapist and as the lead gender specialist. In they’s rare spare time, Mike enjoys spending time with and talking about their three beautiful cats, bird watching, learning about real history, racial and social justice activism, and learning to cook yummy vegan meals.
Email: mikek@translifecommunity.org
Rowan Gomez
Vice Chair
Rowan (she/they) currently lives and works on the ancestral lands of the Southern Pomo and Coastal Miwok peoples in Northern California. Their masters is from John F. Kennedy University, College of Graduate and Professional Studies where they studied Consciousness and Transformative Studies as well as specialties in Ecopsychology and Dreamwork. Her undergraduate studies at Chico State University included technical theatre, event production, acting/directing, and public speaking. A veteran of the IT industry, during .com days, Rowan now lets her kids explain new tech. Her service in the U.S. Navy gave her a perspective on large scale projects and diverse workplace environments with challenging conditions. Rowan now lives in Rohnert Park, California with her partner of 28 years and any number of cats; and is co-parent to two amazing young adults. She enjoys nature, Star Trek, anime, music, and art. With their partner, they study world drumming and provide rhythm music programs for community building, healing, and fun – especially targeting PTSD and other trauma survivors. As an advocate, educator, and occasional gadfly, Rowan is delighted to join the Translife board and to make a difference for our community. 💗 Love is Love 💗
Dillon Yonash
Communications
Dillon (he/him) is a husband, father, and transman. His first job was as a clown’s assistant, he graduated film school *mumbles* years ago, has worked for (and run!) many-a-film-festival, and currently works in marketing, advertising, and design. Dillon LOVES physical activity (lifting weights, hiking, biking, kayaking, paddle boarding, etc.) and is passionate about using his gifts to support, heal, and uplift his community.
Maureen Hansen
Member
Maureen (she/her) is a first-generation Irish-American, and the youngest of six siblings who grew up in the Sonoma County area. With her lifelong partner, they have raised two neurodivergent children with one being nonbinary. Her goal in life is to make Sonoma County a safe and supportive place where all are welcome and comfortable. In her free time, she gardens and befriends the birds, especially the crows.