Daron Yanes: Advocate, Leader, and Community Builder
Daron Yanes is a proud Latinx trans man originally from Placetas, Cuba, and a passionate advocate for transgender rights, immigrant justice, and community empowerment. As the founder and CEO of Trans Men Empowerment, a nonprofit based in Houston, TX, Daron has dedicated his life to uplifting and supporting trans men, particularly within the Latinx and immigrant communities.

Early Life and Journey to the United States
Twelve years ago, Daron immigrated to the United States, seeking freedom and opportunities beyond the constraints of Cuba’s political system. From a young age, he knew he was trans, but in Cuba, access to gender-affirming resources was nearly impossible. It wasn’t until 2017, while in the U.S., that he was finally able to begin his transition—a pivotal moment that would inspire much of his future activism.

Leadership & Activism
Daron’s commitment to advocacy began early in his life, but his work in the U.S. gained momentum as he immersed himself in grassroots organizing. Before founding Trans Men
Empowerment, he served as Program Coordinator at Latin Trans Organization in Texas, where he led Chicos Trans Masculinos Houston, a group dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by Latinx trans men.

Over the years, he has volunteered with numerous national and local organizations, including:

• Task Force
• Latinos in the South
• Human Rights Campaign (HRC)
• Trans Women Liberation

His advocacy has focused on increasing visibility, access to healthcare, legal protections, and social support for trans men, ensuring that their voices are heard and respected.

Trans Men Empowerment
Through Trans Men Empowerment, Daron has launched several critical initiatives aimed at
providing education, resources, and direct assistance to trans men navigating their journeys,
particularly trans Latinx immigrants. His organization works tirelessly to:

• Educate trans men about healthcare access, transitioning resources, and legal rights.
• Provide direct aid for name and gender marker changes, hormone therapy access, and mental health support.
• Facilitate community building through peer support groups, leadership development programs, and public awareness campaigns.

Recognizing the need for more culturally competent services, he has ensured that Trans Men
Empowerment operates bilingually, offering support in both English and Spanish to better serve the community.

Recognitions & Awards
Daron’s dedication and impact have been widely recognized. Some of his most recent awards include:

• Carrying the Torch Award – Monica Roberts Resource Center
• Horizon Award – Houston Transgender Unity Committee
• Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition – U.S. Congresswoman Sylvia
  R. Garcia

These accolades reflect his unwavering commitment to advocacy and leadership within the Houston LGBTQ+ and immigrant communities.

A Vision for the Future
As an immigrant trans man who fought for his right to live authentically, Daron is deeply
committed to combating discrimination and systemic barriers faced by the trans community. He remains a vocal leader in the fight for transgender rights, advocating for legal protections,
healthcare access, and community empowerment.

His ultimate goal is to continue expanding the reach of Trans Men Empowerment, strengthening networks of support for trans men across Texas and beyond. Now, more than ever, he believes in the importance of visibility, solidarity, and collective action to push for meaningful change.