Shane Ivan Nash is a multifaceted advocate and visionary leader in the LGBTQ+ community. His remarkable journey, from a homeless teen escaping religious abuse to becoming a commissioner for the Transgender Advisory Council in Los Angeles and a Transgender Advisory Board Member for the City of West Hollywood, reflects his unwavering commitment to supporting and empowering the transgender community.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Shane has a deep understanding of the city and the community's needs. He has garnered extensive experience and expertise through his work in various LGBTQ+ nonprofits across the city over the years, engaging in direct actions and forming meaningful connections with the community through client-patient interactions especially the need for trans housing and healthcare.
Additionally, Shane has made significant contributions across various industries. From fundraising as Mr. LA & WeHo Pride 2023, representing one of the city's oldest nonprofits, ICLAH. He's also gained recognition as an award-winning DJ, having been voted by the community, as highlighted in the Los Angeles Blade's 2018 accolades and has authored groundbreaking literary works like "The Missing Piece," shedding light on the challenges encountered by transgender men within patriarchal systems.
Despite surviving a recent sexual assault, Shane has emerged as a catalyst for positive change. His advocacy for drink test strips in West Hollywood bars led to a California statewide expansion of the program, officially becoming law as of July 1st, 2024, thereby ensuring all bars must carry drink test strips.
Shane's advocacy extends beyond awareness to impactful current legislative initiatives such as CA Senate Bill 268. This bill aims to classify intentional intoxication of a person as a violent felony in California, addressing dangerous legal loopholes that overlook the violence inherent in rape cases involving unconscious victims.
Shane's resilience, dedication to inclusivity, and commitment to equality resonate not only in Los Angeles but also in the broader LGBTQ+ community. Through his art, advocacy, and unwavering pursuit of a more just world, Shane continues to inspire and uplift individuals, leaving an indelible mark on the path toward a more equitable and inclusive society.