I'm Ethan Michelle Ganz, a 47-year-old trans nonbinary activist fighting for justice and equity.
I am an activist, advocate, speaker, and community organizer. I am 47 years old and have been married for 6 years. I've experienced discrimination in my career as a level 4 NCCER-certified Industrial Pipefitter, leading me to go back to school. In 2017, I started attending HCC at the age of 41. After graduating, I ran for Houston City Council District C. The experience changed my life.
My journey with Pure Justice started in 2019 when I volunteered with them and later became a part of their Access to Democracy Campaign as a Voter Engagement Organizer. That job ignited my love for community organizing.
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​I had the opportunity to participate in a transformative initiative within Harris County jail to empower those within its walls. We successfully registered over 1,500 voters, with a staggering 90% of them being justice-impacted individuals. At the time, an alarming 80% of those incarcerated were awaiting trial. Yet we firmly believe that every voice deserves to be heard, and every right to vote must be upheld.
*Photo by Nora Dayton
This year, I have been focused on fighting oppression, white Christian Nationalism, and fascism in the state legislature. With determination to run for city council, I couldn't rest until I fought for our cause in Austin. Then in June, I was nominated and elected Nonbinary Grand Marshal of Pride. Now it is time to win Houston City Council At Large 3.
Education:
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Level 4 NCCER Industrial Pipefitter- Associated Builders and Contractors School
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AA Humanities/Global Studies from Houston Community College
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BA Political Science/International Studies from the University of St. Thomas
Positions Held:
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Vice Chair of the Alliance Party National Executive Committee
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LGBTQ Caucus Chair of the Alliance Party National Committee
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Board Member at the Houston Peace and Justice Center
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Co-Founder of the Montrose Residents Coalition
Family:
I share my life with my spouse, Krys, for over a decade now, and we have been happily married for six years. We live in Montrose, in an apartment, with our dogs. We are a working class family, who love each other, our neighborhood, and our community immensely.