Miami-born Michael Hoeben is a transman with a passion for minority rights and public policy advocacy.  He is also a husband and a father, which has and continues to bring him a profound sense joy and purpose.  As a Boston University graduate, he carved out a career as a freelance writer and researcher, working closely with an international community of scholars and leaders across a wide array of disciplines, cultures, and contexts.  However, his current aim is to focus his efforts on fueling progress for LGBTQ equality and equity at home by serving his local community.  Most recently, Michael had the privilege to join Western North Carolina Community Health Services (WNCCHS) as the Trans/HIV Bridge & Retention Coordinator, where he helps in providing individualized patient-centered care, as well as conducting trans- and HIV-centered outreach, training, and collaborations in the community.  He is committed to social justice, believing that a human rights-focus is critical to correcting the systemic wrongs that continue to impede meaningful representation and inclusion for all people.  Michael is sincerely grateful for the opportunity to join the Blue Ridge Pride Center (BRPC) team, as this organization plays a key role in continuing to pave the way forward.