A panel discussion highlighting the impact of supportive parents in trans youth’s lives.
Sit in for a moderated conversation featuring two trans youth and their parents. Learn about the particular challenges facing trans and LGBTQ+ youth, and how families are responding to the ever-changing political and social landscape. Even more importantly, we’ll hear how these families uplift their children, and how we as a community can better respond in this critical moment.
In recent years, transgender youth and their families have been made central targets of political, legal, and cultural attacks on their fundamental rights and safety. A slew of SCOTUS rulings have undermined the ability of trans youth and their families to access life-saving healthcare, sports participation, and inclusive education. Across the nation, ultraconservative parental rights activists have dominated debates on trans and queer inclusion in schools, weaponizing their own beliefs to restrict the liberties of families who affirm their trans children. Nevertheless, trans youth in Los Angeles and beyond continue to show incredible courage and resolve to simply live authentically— many of them with loving, supportive parents, who are not only caretakers but staunch advocates.
Participant Bios
Lily Norcross is a high school student and track athlete from Arroyo Grande, CA. Now entering her Senior year she has been publicly outed in coverage of debates over CIF policies on transgender student participation in girls’ sports, local school board discussions, community activism, and an un-named example in the U.S. DOJ lawsuit against CDE and CIF.
Lily has described track as an important source of enjoyment, community, and resilience amid reported harassment, privacy concerns, and media attention.
Trevor Norcross (Lily’s dad) currently serves as the Vice President of the board of directors for the Gala Pride and Diversity Center in San Luis Obispo after taking a break from his career in Human Resources. Since his daughter came out as transgender before starting high school, Trevor has become a visible public advocate. He regularly speaks at CIF meetings, local school board sessions, and state-level events in support of transgender students’ and athletes.
Deborah Setele is a mom and writer/screenwriter living in Los Angeles. As a mom, this soon-to-be empty nester is both thrilled and devastated that her son is about to take flight. She and her husband Joseph couldn’t be prouder of the amazing person their son has become. Deborah looks forward to spending more time writing screenplays and exploring exciting new career opportunities.
Jay Setele is a high school senior with a passion for science. He is deep into college applications this semester with an aim to study biochemistry in college. During his very busy senior year he will head up the school’s yearbook committee, play on the boys’ volleyball team, and train for the Los Angeles Marathon. He also loves art, photography and spending time with his three cats.
Nereyda “Nena” Hernandez is a mother, community advocate, legal professional, and, most importantly, the proud and unwavering parent of Track Star, A.B Hernandez. When asked why she is so supportive of A.B, Nena’s answer is simple: because that is her duty as a parent, Period.
Trevor Ladner (he/him) is the Director of Education & Advocacy at One Institute, overseeing youth and K-12 programs in collaboration with schools, government, and community organizations. In this role, he co-leads the Rainbow Education Coalition Los Angeles (RECLA), which holds LAUSD accountable to implementing affirming policies and equitable resources for queer and trans students, families, and educators in the nation’s second-largest school district. He also serves as an Arts and Cultural Affairs Commissioner for the City of West Hollywood and as a member of LAUSD’s Curriculum and Instruction Committee. A former classroom teacher, Trevor earned a Master’s in Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and a B.A. in Sociology and African American Studies from Harvard College. He is proudly Gen Z, a drag artist, and a Mississippi Gulf Coast native, where his journey began as a queer youth activist.
We Are Family: A Conversation with Trans Youth and Supportive Parents is co-presented by PFLAG LA as a part of the 2026 Circa: Queer Histories Festival, presented by One Institute.
One Gallery is an art gallery and cultural programming space operated by One Institute, the oldest active LGBTQ+ organization in the country. Located in the heart of West Hollywood, One Gallery is dedicated to hosting archival and contemporary art installations that showcase LGBTQ+ history. Through partnerships with established and emerging community partners, the gallery also serves as a low-cost, multi-purpose space for community meetings, creative workshops, classes, and other mission-aligned programming.
PFLAG Los Angeles is a volunteer-powered nonprofit that has served the Los Angeles community continuously since our first meeting on March 8, 1976. Founded in response to the urgent need for family support and LGBTQ+ advocacy, PFLAG Los Angeles grew from a small gathering into a trusted resource for thousands. Our mission is to support LGBTQ+ individuals and their families, educate the broader community, and advocate for equal rights.