A. Latham Staples

A. Latham Staples is the founder and C.E.O of the Empowering Spirits Foundation, a national LGBT grassroots based civil rights organization based in San Diego, CA. Staples and his husband were one of the first same-sex couples to legally wed in California. After the passage of Proposition 8 in California, which defined marriage to be between only a man and a woman, he sold A. Latham Staples & Associates, a healthcare firm, to focus solely on civil rights issues. Staples diverse background includes working as Corporate Sales Manager at Dell, Inc. in Oklahoma City, OK; Vice President of PR and Marketing of Red Ridge Entertainment, Inc. in Nashville, TN; as a reporter in Waco, Texas; and as a musical performer since the age of five. Staples has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Political Science from the Honors College at Baylor University in Waco, Texas.

Alex Salazar

Alex Salazar has been an Art Critic for over 20 years writing for various art journals in Boston, Los Angeles, and San Diego. Alex holds a Masters Degree in Theological Studies and Art History from Harvard University, a Masters Degree in Sociology of Art from Boston College and a Bachelor of Arts from The Colorado College. Additionally, he lived in Florence, Italy where he studied Baroque and Renaissance Art and Sculpture and then later moved to London to complete his thematic studies in Modern and Contemporary Art and Architecture. Alex was also the recipient of the Nicky Award in 2009 as Executive Director of The Madison Gallery in La Jolla.

Alexis Scott

Alexis graduated from Thomas Jefferson School of Law in 2007. In law school she served as Student Body President, Public Relations Director for OUTLaw, and competing member of the Mock Trial team. Upon graduating she accepted an associate position with Anthony J. Solare and was recently named partner. At Solare & Scott they provide legal services focusing on criminal defense – including juvenile and military cases, family law, and civil litigation. A true believer in justice and equality Alexis hopes to influence positive change in our legal and political system. You can contact Alexis at 619.234.7575 or online at SolareandScott.com.

Arlon Staggs

Arlon Jay Staggs received his Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from Mississippi College School of Law in 2000. He is a professional writer, business owner, professor, and activist. Even though his opinions are usually spot-on, they are not necessarily the views of SDGLN.com. He can be reached at arlonjay@arlonjay.com.

Ben Cartwright

Ben Cartwright is SDGLN's Higher Education & Nonprofit Liaison and has been a campus and community activist in San Diego for over 10-years. His community involvement began as a student at SDSU and from there he launched into a number of other community activities. He has written for a number of local publications including Update, Hillquest, and GLT. Cartwright won the Lambda Archive's 2007 "Community Hero Award"; 2008 Nicky Award for "Outstanding Community Activist"; and 2009 Nick Award for "Outstanding Writer/Columnist".

Big Mike

Big Mike is a 20 year resident of San Diego. Long time bartender, activist, photographer, and writer, he is well known within many circles throughout southern California. A positive thinker by nature, he believes that kindness and generosity are part of the fiber woven into the blanket that makes this community great.

Billy Masters

Just the name Billy Masters conjures up an image of irreverent hysteria, political incorrectness, and a jet-set lifestyle. With his weekly column syndicated to over twenty gay and alternative publications around the world, Masters’ is one of the most popular gay male personalities today. His web site, BillyMasters.com gets over 300,000 hits per day.

Brian White - di·verge Fitness

Brian is a highly respected expert in personal training and weight loss. He specializes in achieving body transformations for people who have special events coming up in their lives or just plain need to lose weight. Brian has created the Dirty30 Weight Loss Program, published a book, "Secrets From A Personal Trainer" and helped hundreds of people lose weight. Brian has been continuing his education since 1995 in the areas of wellness, weight loss and exercise, and he continues to create innovative workout methods that allow clients to lose weight successfully for the first (and last) time in their lives. Fun is the main component of his programs – because he believes if you aren't enjoying it, it isn't worth it!

Carlos Marquez

Director of Community Programs and Public Affairs
Carlos Marquez is the Director of Community Programs & Public Affairs at The Center where he oversees public policy and community programs. Prior to joining The Center, Marquez worked in Government and Community Affairs for the Service Employees International Union, Local 221. Marquez has also served as a Public Policy Associate for the United Way of America and a Research Associate for the ACLU’s National Legislative Office. Marquez is active in the community as the local Chair and National Executive Board Member of Pride At Work.

Recently, Marquez was named one of the “15 under 30” LGBT political figures to watch by the Gay & Lesbian Times. He currently holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from San Diego State University.