Family Equality is thrilled to welcome Henry to our Program Department!
Henry Thomas, Program Manager
Henry (he/they) joined Family Equality in 2023 and has been involved in queer advocacy work for over a decade, with a particular interest in helping trans and non-binary people navigate complicated and oppressive systems. Most recently, he was the Program Coordinator for the legal information helpline at GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD), as well as GLAD’s Trans ID Project.
Henry attended Clark University in Worcester, MA, and has a bachelor’s degree in Women and Gender Studies. As a trans person with chronic illness, they’re also passionate about disability justice and improving the relationship queer people have with the medical system. Outside of work, Henry volunteers with Trans Lifeline’s Microgrants Program, loves to hike while listening to a good audiobook, and will watch almost any competitive cooking show. Born and raised in Maine, Henry currently lives in the Bay Area with his partner.
Top 3 favorite podcasts, books, or TV shows?
Always hard to pick favorites, but three books I’ve been recommending lately are There There by Tommy Orange, Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer, and Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner.
Recently I’ve also gotten into the podcast Normal Gossip—sometimes it’s great to get lost in someone else’s drama!
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
I love trying new board games, playing guitar, going to shows, and being outdoors. Movies and tv are also a big part of my life outside work—Abbott Elementary has been making me laugh a lot lately!
What drives you to do this work?
I think many of us are drawn to this work because we find it to be very personal, and I’m no exception to that. I’m driven by constant gratitude for everyone who has fiercely advocated for my ability to live openly as a trans and queer person—something I try never to take for granted. It feels important to pay it forward in all the ways that I can, and I’m excited to work with Family Equality to help continue shaping a kinder, more inclusive, and more equitable world.
What does family equality mean to you?
I love that there are limitless ways to create a loving family. For me, family equality comes down to making sure that all types of families are valued, protected, and uplifted. Having a family community (in whatever form that takes!) is a type of joy that should be possible for everyone.
Life motto:
“To pay attention, this is our endless and proper work.” -Mary Oliver