Laz hails from the land of enchantment and is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of New Mexico. Laz comes from a musical family and has transitioned from the classical viola world to being a folk musician and performance artist. Laz spent many summers at Jesus camp trying to pray the gay away and spending their summers now with strong brilliant queer and trans youth is a dream come true. 

Felix is a social worker who lives and works in Durham, NC. He is queer, disabled, and nonbinary transmasculine. Felix has been playing the trumpet for over 20 years and started playing ukulele in 2019. He has a passion for music, hiking, running, and knitting. He has been serving on the QORDS board since November 2018.

Jenna is a queer Durham based teacher and creator. Jenna has been a part of QORDS since the Summer of 2020, first volunteering as a band coach and is currently the treasurer and on the Board for QORDS. Jenna currently teaches high school math but has also led improv and musical improv workshops in MA and NC over the past few years. Music, dance, art and self reflection has always been key components in their life and they’re looking forward to continuing that excitement with all the lovely people here at QORDS.

Kevin is a speech-language pathologist who specializes in long-distance transgender vocal training. Kevin has a a passion for entertaining and building up others, and loves the opportunity to bring all of themself to this space.  They have become more and more involved in QORDS since initially volunteering as a singing instructor in 2017. 

Raafe-Ahmad Purnsley, a North Carolina native, has a great love for the environment of the state and chose to get his BS from  Elon University in Environmental and Ecological Science. With a background in education that has focused on local NC history and science, Raafe has added a focus of social justice and activism to his teachings. Currently, Raafe is the Community Outreach Coordinator for his home co-op market in Durham, NC. When he isn’t connecting neighbors to resources or leading tours of the market Raafe moonlights at the electrifying Stormie Daie, who is a part of Durham House of Coxx. 

Dana is originally from Atlanta, but recently moved to Austin, TX, where she works as a Program Coordinator for UT Austin’s Center for Community Engagement. She is passionate about bringing together education, art, and activism, and is dedicated to being a mentor and advocate for LGBTQ+ youth. Dana has been a volunteer for QORDS since summer 2020. She plays cello and guitar and loves to stay up way too late writing songs. As a graduate of a performing arts high school, she genuinely believes that the arts can make the world a better place.

Penrose is a composer, choral singer, and graduate student. Penrose first became involved with QORDS as a band coach in 2020. When Penrose is not researching trans history or making and writing about music, zie spends hir time baking and keeping hir cat out of too much trouble. 

Cassiopeia is an instrument builder, educator, event organizer based in Dallas, TX. She is dedicated to creating accessible events and workshops that highlight queer artists and teachers and empower folks of all ages to make weird art with technology. As an educator, she has worked to create curriculums centered around creative coding, hacking, and trans music and art history. When she isn’t accidentally burning herself with a soldering iron, she’s hunting for cryptids or hanging out with her dog Bilbo. She joined QORDS in 2021 as a band coach and is beyond excited to support such an incredible community.