JERRY MAI

CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER

Pronouns: he/him
Joined the Board of Directors: 2022

Born and proudly raised in San Jose, California, Jerry knows firsthand the needs of the Silicon Valley community. Previously, he served as a Committee Chair for the San Francisco Bay Area region of the Human Rights Campaign; he brought to our team an extensive background in LGBTQ+ advocacy with other organizations such as Equality Texas, The Trevor Project, and San Diego Pride. Professionally, Jerry works in the law enforcement sector as a Corporal for the County of Los Angeles' Department of Animal Care and Control, assigned to the Major Case Unit. 

Outside of volunteering and work, he enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants and collecting shoes. Jerry volunteers because it gives him a great sense of unity being able to connect with our community. His upbringing has been shaped by societal expectations that often come within the traditional Asian cultures. His sexual identity has been a source of internal conflict, as traditional Asian values emphasize heterosexuality and marriage to continue the family line. The pressure to conform to these expectations can be overwhelming, which can often lead to feelings of isolation and self-doubt. 

However, his experiences have also taught him to be resilient and to find support from within his community. As a result, he has become more vocal about his identity and has found solace in connecting with others who share similar struggles. Jerry’s journey has also taught him the importance of challenging social norms and advocating for greater acceptance and understanding of diverse sexual orientations and identities.