Damien Alan Lopez was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey. A published Queer author, he is a proud transgender man with hopes to shift the conversation of trans identities represented in children’s books and other mediums. His story has been recognized by First Lady Tammy Murphy of New Jersey, the 2021 dotCOMM Platinum Awards, El Vocero de Puerto Rico, and ThemsHealth 2021 Children’s Book Recommendation List.
He attended the Culinary Arts Institute at Hudson County Community College in Jersey City, and completed his Bachelor of Science for Nutrition and Food Sciences at Montclair State University in Montclair, New Jersey. While he was introduced into advocacy and involvement with the LGBTQ community in college, Damien has worked in community involvement and engagement by organizing events to raise money and donate binders to those fighting against anti-transgender laws in the United States.
He is a Transgender advocate and keynotes health and education seminars that assist with Trans inclusion and the experience of being Trans. He recently was recognized on Insider’s NJ Insider OUT 100: LGBTQ Power List. He is passionate about transgender issues, education, and culinary arts!