Renae Punzalan
She/Her/Hers
Director of Youth Services
Renae, a native Chamorro from Guam, has been a steadfast advocate and creative force since joining the Transgender Health & Wellness Center in 2021. Her journey with the organization began as a Trans Navigator then as the Director of Outreach, and has recently ascended to the role of Director of Youth Services. Her ambition led her to Los Angeles, where she pursued her dreams as an actor, dancer, and writer, and worked as a freelance Entertainment Journalist for Reuters Television, interviewing stars like Jennifer Lopez and Robert Downey Jr.
Her advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community, which started in Guam, gained momentum in Los Angeles, where she volunteered with organizations like Gender Justice L.A. and the L.A. LGBT Center. In 2020, she embraced a new chapter in the Coachella Valley by joining AsiaSF Palm Springs, an all-Trans cabaret dinner show, furthering her mission to uplift Transgender and gender diverse individuals.
At the helm of the Marsha P. Johnson LGBTQ+ Youth Drop-In Center, Renae provides essential resources and services to queer, trans, and allied youth. Her influence extends into education as she is the Community Advisor for the GLOW (Gay, Lesbian or Whatever) Club at Palm Springs High School and liaises with the GSA Club at Coachella Valley High School, ensuring that her advocacy continues to resonate within the community. She also actively participates and facilitates significant events such as Trans Pride, Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR), and Trans and Non Binary Tuesday, creating celebratory and supportive spaces for the community. Her dedication to the cause since 2021 has been instrumental in advancing the rights and visibility of transgender, gender non conforming, and intersex individuals..