This project emerged from a series of interviews conducted by Dr. Byron Johns in partnership with UCLA’s Center for Oral History Research. Since 2022, 23 in-depth oral histories have been recorded, documenting stories of resilience, identity, activism, and vision within the Los Angeles Black LGBTQ+ community. These narratives serve not only as an essential historical archive, but also as the foundation for the project’s next phase. Building on the success of the 2024 public launch of Stories from the Los Angeles Black LGBT Community, held at AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA) as part of the Circa Festival, this next phase expands the work by activating these stories through six themed, intergenerational community dialogues: (1) Mobilizing, Organizing, and Advocating for Our Rights; (2) Trans and Gender Non-Conforming Identities; (3) House and Ball Culture; (4) Queer/Same-Gender-Loving Identity; (5) Women/Lesbian Experiences; and (6) Faith and Spirituality.
This dialogue focuses on Trans and Gender Non-Conforming Identities and addresses critical gaps in historical representation, intergenerational understanding, and community cohesion. Despite their contributions to social movements and cultural life, Black trans leaders have often been excluded from mainstream archives and narratives. The program will feature LGBTQIA+ artistic performance aligned with the theme. Facilitated dialogue includes an overview, contextual framing, and selected oral history excerpts, followed by guided small-group discussions and activities. A large-group debrief allows participants to share insights, identify themes, and shape recommendations. Each session concludes with announcements, acknowledgments, evaluation, networking, resources, refreshments, music, and dancing, fostering learning, reflection, relationship-building, and community-driven solutions.
Participant Bios
Dr. Byron Johns is an organizational psychologist, consultant, and founder of A Place to Be (APTB), a nonprofit dedicated to nurturing, inspiring, empowering, and transforming lives through community connection. Guided by the belief that relationships create change, APTB develops educational programs and social experiences that foster belonging and strengthen communities. As an independent consultant, Dr. Johns partnered with UCLA’s Center for Oral History Research to document the stories of 23 Black LGBTQIA2S+ leaders who have shaped Los Angeles history. He created the Intergenerational Dialogue Series to amplify community voices, deepen understanding, inspire collaboration, and advance equity, healing, and social change.
Jazzmun Nichcala Crayton is an award-winning actress, advocate, and community leader with more than 25 years of advancing equity, health, and social justice. Recognized for roles in Roseanne, The Wayans Bros. Show, the CSI franchise, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, and the Sundance-acclaimed film Punks, she has built an distinguished career in community advocacy. As Associate Director at APAIT (Access to Prevention, Advocacy, Intervention & Treatment), she develops programs serving underserved communities and coordinates the Midnight Stroll initiative, connecting street-based sex workers to health and support services. Jazzmun serves on the Los Angeles Transgender Advisory Council, championing inclusive policies, empowerment, and leadership.
Jovan Wolf (he/they) is a Blasian trans leader, veteran, and multidisciplinary creative dedicated to uplifting trans, gender-expansive, and intersex (TGI) communities through storytelling, art, and advocacy. As Founder and Executive Director of Living Legends, he leads initiatives centered on healing, creative archiving, leadership development, and community connection. Jovan also serves as Outreach Coordinator for Gender Justice Los Angeles, Operations Director for FLUX LA, Board Member of the OUTWORDS Archive, and is a Solis Policy Institute Fellow. Through Neon Wolf Events and Neon Wolf Leather, he combines artistry, identity, and activism, advancing visibility, belonging, and collective liberation for TGI communities.
An Intergenerational Dialogue with the LA Black Trans Community is organized by A Place to Be as a part of the 2026 Circa: Queer Histories Festival, presented by One Institute.
Incorporated in 2018, A Place To Be (APTB) is an international network that provides opportunities for individuals to plug into community. The underpinning tenants of the organization are to nurture, inspire, empower, and transform individuals by hosting various educational, social, and recreational activities