Our Team

Biff

Deputy Director (they/them/theirs) biff@beyondthesewallslgbt.org

I am a cofounder of Beyond These Walls. I believe deeply in the work we do. I have built relationships with queer people in prison for over a decade and have learned that criminal justice is so much more complicated than we want it to be. Even people who cause serious harm to others are capable of healing and accountability, and I believe we are all safer when the systems of accountability actually work. For that to happen, we have to care for all members of our community, even the ones who have caused harm. Not just because everyone is better than their worst decision, but because we are all safer when people who have caused harm are equipped with the tools to succeed. With that said, 90% of people who have committed “crimes” do not need to be in prison. It does not serve them and it does not serve us. Abolition is not about eliminating systems of justice. Abolition is about replacing those systems with effective, proven ways to achieve healing and accountability for everyone.

I am a queer parent, artist, activist, and lover of coffee and cats.

I oversee Oregon-based programming, communications, and fundraising.

Chloe

Program Manager (she/her) Chloe@beyondthesewallslgbt.org

Chloe is the Program Manager at Beyond These Walls (BTW), where she leads programs focused on supporting formerly incarcerated LGBTQIA2S+ individuals. A transgender woman of color, Chloe brings firsthand experience to her role, having navigated the prison system herself. BTW first connected with Chloe eight years ago while she was incarcerated, and she has since emerged as a strong advocate and leader within the organization. After her release, Chloe completed BTW’s leadership development program, which propelled her into her current role. Her work centers on reentry support, policy advocacy, and empowering LGBTQIA2S+ individuals to build resilience and thrive both inside and outside of prison. Chloe’s commitment to social justice drives her efforts to create systemic change for marginalized communities across Oregon.

Havana

OR Case Manager (all pronouns) havana@beyondthesewallslgbt.org

My name is Havana. I was born and raised in Portland and I am the Oregon case manager for Beyond these Walls.

Growing up there were many members of my family including my father who faced incarceration. I saw the struggles incarceration created in my family and how big of an adjustment it was to be released. My father having been incarcerated and suffering racial discrimination in and out of prison taught me a lot about the system. I was taught prisons don’t rehabilitate, and that it’s not the way to help and heal someone. I wanted to change the system which takes a lifetime. So I did meaningful things that directly helped my community in the meantime like providing protest supplies and direct mutual aid. As a lesbian of color I try to lead a queer centered life and prioritize the wellbeing of my queer and BIPOC community. In my search for opportunities that served my community, I found BTW I knew it was perfect! My goal at BTW is to ensure my LGBTQ2SIA+ community is heard and taken care of. We only have ourselves and should strive to take care of each other regardless of our differences.