Aaron Gonzales (He/Him)

DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS

Aaron Gonzales a member of Sipekne’katik’s band of Mi’kmaq’s. Aaron grew up in Dorchester where, as a young, two-spirit, Mi’kmaq his experiences with discrimination and misclassification set him on an early path toward social justice work in order to understand and navigate systems of oppression. Aaron started this journey working at Tecumseh House, an alcohol and substance abuse drop-in center for Native Americans in the Boston Area, where he helped individuals in recovery connect with community resources and make strides in their sobriety. His passion for youth leadership, health, and sexuality education was ignited in his earliest experiences as one of 20 Native American leaders chosen from around the country to organize and train community members to educate health care professionals on the specific health care advocacy and access needs of Native communities. Aaron has also worked as a Health and Cultural Educator at the North American Indian Center of Boston, where he directed the Circle of Wellness program, a prevention program for Native women, committed to reducing the rate of new HIV infection / co-morbid infections and incorporating traditional Native remedies for help with side effects from HIV disease treatment.

Today Aaron is the Director of BAGLY’s Boston Programs, where he is responsible for developing the leadership capital of Greater Boston’s LGBTQ youth to make positive change in their communities. In this capacity, he oversees the implementation of BAGLY’s state-wide AGLY Network, BAGLY’s Community Center which houses youth-led, community building, social support, advocacy programming, Host Homes, Behavioral Health services, and a comprehensive HIV and STI clinic. In addition Aaron has previously held seats as a community funder for the Queer Youth Fund, the Board of Director for the North American Indian Center of Boston and the American Express Leadership Academy. Aaron currently sits on the Massachusetts Commission on Indian Affairs, representing the North American Indian Center of Boston.