The Fund for Trans Generation is delighted to introduce Lucas Gauna (he/him) as our new Program Associate!
Lucas brings a deep commitment to social justice and grassroots advocacy to his new role as Program Associate at the FTG Fund. Before joining Borealis, Lucas worked with both national organizations, such as the Trevor Project, and local trans-led organizations like Capital Tea in Tallahassee, FL. In these roles, he spearheaded initiatives aimed at enhancing the wellbeing of LGTBQ+ individuals, including supporting crisis counselors, securing funding for grassroots organizations, and advancing accessibility by creating Spanish-language content.
As a community leader in Tallahassee, Lucas is deeply involved in several nonprofit organizations, serving on their boards and actively working to elevate marginalized voices. Additionally, he volunteers his time as a crisis counselor at the Trevor Project, providing crucial mental health support to LGBTQ+ youth.
As FTG’s new Program Associate, Lucas will uplift and support the efforts of trans and gender non-conforming leaders and organizations building towards a liberated world. We spent some time learning about what brought Lucas to the FTG and the principles that guide his work. Learn more below!
Where do you come from? (place of origin or growth, racial and/or ethnic identification etc.)
I was born in Villa Clara, Cuba and immigrated to the US with my mom when I was ten. I have lived in Florida ever since.
How does your identity or background inform and influence your work?
As a queer and trans person living in the South, my identities and background deeply inform my work. I want to see my communities thrive and have ample access to the resources they need to cultivate joy, freedom, and liberation. I want my work to align with that deep desire to see us thrive beyond survival.
What’s your role at Borealis Philanthropy? What work do you hold?
I am the new Program Associate of the Fund for Trans Generations. In this role, I will be supporting the work of the fund so that we can continue distributing resources and supporting grassroots trans-led organizations.
What brings you to Borealis Philanthropy? What drew you to movement building work?
I have been involved in organizing work for most of my career. I learned about Borealis a few years ago while searching for funding for a grassroots organization I was a part of. I have seen first-hand the impact that Borealis has had by funding the work of emerging organizations often overlooked by traditional philanthropy. I wanted to be part of that impact.
What excites you about being part of Borealis and the work FTG does?
I feel deep gratitude for having the opportunity to learn from and work alongside two brilliant leaders, Lupe and Dominique. They both embody the kind of leadership that I want to see in the world. I’m also excited to support our grantees to ensure they have the resources and tools they need to continue doing impactful work in their communities.
What brings you joy?
Being in community with the people I love and care about brings me the most joy. I also love food and travel. My favorite thing to do while traveling is trying local restaurants and coffee shops wherever I go.