Kanoa Arteaga

Kanoa Arteaga is a māhū (trans) leader with a rich history of advocacy and skill in communications, masculinity studies, queer and trans movement work, training and facilitation and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) strategy. Kanoa spent his formative years between two islands: Alameda, California and O‘ahu, Hawai’i. These experiences shaped their understanding of identity, sovereignty, and the importance of community as a foundation for transformation.

Kanoa’s entry point to community activism began in Austin, Texas, where they founded LEADATX (Learning and Exploring Anti-racist Dialogue in Austin). This QTBIPOC-centered organizing group created spaces for queer and trans people of color to engage in meaningful anti-racist dialogue and take collective action against white supremacy in the heart of the Lonestar State. Recognizing the need for cultural connection alongside activism, Kanoa also founded Queer Qumbia En Tejas, a cultural arts collective that celebrated the intersection of identity and heritage through music and dance. Through these projects, he built spaces that not only fostered belonging but also amplified joy and resilience as forms of resistance.

After returning to the Bay Area, Kanoa joined Our Space, an LGBTQ youth community center in Hayward, California. There, he led Queer Love, the annual queer youth talent showcase, a cornerstone event that provided young people with a platform to share their voices and stories. This work underscored Kanoa’s belief in the power of visibility and affirmation for queer and trans youth, creating spaces where they could thrive, connect, and be celebrated.

Building on this foundation, Kanoa spent four years at Trans Lifeline, where they ran the Microgrants program. In this role, he oversaw the redistribution of vital funds to trans individuals across the United States, covering the costs of legal name and gender marker changes. This work reflected Kanoa’s dedication to mutual aid and their commitment to reducing barriers for trans communities, enabling countless people to access the financial resources they needed to live more safely and authentically.

In 2021, Kanoa launched Abundant Masculinities, a project years in the making. This initiative creates spaces for men and transmasculine individuals to heal from the wounds of patriarchy and explore healthier, more expansive masculinities. Abundant Masculinities is grounded in the idea that accountability and care are interdependent—essential tools for building communities where men can challenge harmful norms while being supported in their growth. By emphasizing the abundance of ways to embody masculinity, Kanoa’s work is helping men and transmasculine folks redefine what it means to be masculine in ways that are inclusive, generative, and healing.

Kanoa has had the privilege of working in collaboration with many notable national and local community organizations such as the Center for Asian American Studies at UT Austin, Kaiser Permanente, Gender Infinity, Stonewall National Education Symposium, City of Austin LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission, Philadelphia Trans Health Conference, Kentucky Health Justice Network and NARIKA among others.