Meet Our Current Board Members

Dr. Maria Gonzalez

President & Treasurer

About Maria

One of the earliest officers of the Texas Transgender Nondiscrimination Scholars, Maria is a professor at the University of Houston where she helped create a Queer inclusive campus. Bringing her experience in over 40 years of activism, she continues to advocate for the most vulnerable members of the LGBTQ+ community and help to create broader opportunities for positive trans-inclusive policies around the state.

Autumn Lauener, MSW

VIce President

About Autumn (they/she)

Autumn is an autistic and transgender social work professional specializing in macro practice, community organizing and equitable policy implementation. They have testified, advocated, and provided strategic insights against numerous anti-LGBTQIA+ bills in the Texas Legislature and support statewide coalition efforts advancing trans liberation. Outside of advocacy, Autumn enjoys poetry, sculpting, and playing the harmonica.

Rebecca Councill

Director of Media & Communications

About Rebecca

As a longtime advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community, Rebecca is dedicated to amplifying the mission of TXTNS through strategic media and communications. As a member of the community herself, she is passionate about ensuring transgender-inclusive policies in education. When not working, she enjoys watching reality and true crime shows with her wife and their beloved furbabies.