Today we’d like to introduce you to Frank Peña.
Hi Frank, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born and raised in San José, California, and began my educational journey at DeAnza College with plans to become a forensic investigator—years of watching CSI really left an impression on me! But life had other plans.
At the time, I was volunteering with a local LGBTQ+ nonprofit that had been a supportive space for me while coming out. When a paid internship opportunity opened up, I applied on a whim—and to my surprise, got it. That role led me to facilitate transgender peer support groups, including the very ones that had once supported me. It was a pivotal moment: I realized that I wanted to serve my community in a deeper and more intentional way. That’s when I shifted gears and pursued a career in social work.
I transferred to San José State University, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in Sociology with an emphasis in Women and Gender Studies. While there, I had the opportunity to work with Dr. Robert Marx on LGBTQ+ research, which led to us co-authoring three published articles together—an experience that shaped me both personally and professionally.
After graduating, I went on to earn my Master of Social Work at the University of Southern California. During this time, I continued working at the LGBTQ+ nonprofit, where I stayed for 10 years total. That organization, and the community I built there, played a huge role in shaping the therapist I am today.
Currently, I work both as a therapist and LGBTQ+ educator at Gather and Grow OC and at Fullerton College as part of the LGBTQIA2S+ Resource Program. In my role, My practice centers around gender-affirming care, intersectional identity, and trauma-informed support. Whether I’m offering individual therapy, running support groups, or facilitating trainings, my goal is always the same: to meet people where they are, and to create spaces that are compassionate, culturally competent, and deeply affirming.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road was definitely not smooth—but I’m truly grateful for the bumps along the way, because each one taught me something that continues to shape how I show up in this work.
Throughout my educational journey, I worked both a full-time and part-time job just to stay afloat. Balancing work, school, and community involvement wasn’t easy, and there were moments when I felt completely exhausted—mentally, physically, and emotionally. On top of that, I experienced deep personal loss during grad school when my father passed away. Grieving while trying to keep up with the demands of a master’s program was incredibly difficult, and there were times when I wasn’t sure I could keep going.
As a trans person of color navigating academic and professional spaces that weren’t always created with people like me in mind, I also faced challenges around visibility, belonging, and emotional safety. I often had to advocate for myself and others, even when I was still figuring things out internally.
But through all of it—working multiple jobs, grieving, pushing through doubt—I found purpose and community. Those struggles gave me deeper empathy, resilience, and a stronger sense of why I do this work. They taught me to lead with compassion, and to create the kind of affirming spaces I needed when I was younger.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I currently work as a therapist and LGBTQ+ educator in two settings: at Fullerton College and at a private practice called Gather and Grow OC.
At Fullerton College, I serve as the LGBTQIA2S+ Wellness Associate within the LGBTQ+ Resource Program. I meet with students for one-on-one wellness appointments, facilitate support groups for trans and queer students, and assist with access to affirming care—including writing letters for gender-affirming medical treatment and guiding students through name and gender marker changes. I also help develop wellness content and co-lead campus-wide events that center identity, healing, and community connection.
At Gather and Grow OC, I provide individual therapy and facilitate group spaces that support trans individuals and their loved ones. These include therapeutic spaces for parents and caregivers of trans youth, as well as social and support spaces for trans adults. My clinical work focuses on gender-affirming care, trauma-informed support, and identity development, particularly with LGBTQ+ youth and adults navigating systemic barriers and complex life transitions.
Across both roles, I’m proud to be known for creating warm, affirming spaces where people feel seen and supported. I’m a Health at Every Size (HAES) aligned therapist and a member of WPATH, which informs my work around body liberation and gender diversity.
What sets me apart is that I bring both lived and professional experience into my work. I strive to meet clients where they are with authenticity, curiosity, and compassion. My goal is not just to support people through challenges, but to help them reconnect with their power, joy, and sense of self.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was the eldest daughter—now the eldest son—raised in a traditionally Catholic, Latino (Tejano) family. That came with a lot of expectations around how I was supposed to move through the world, especially around gender. From a young age, I pushed back against those norms—whether it was arguing with my mom and grandma about the clothes I wanted to wear or refusing to fit into the boxes laid out in front of me. I was assertive (still am), always had something to say, and my mom used to joke that I should become a lawyer because of how well I could argue my case.
Personality-wise, I was definitely a yapper (still am)—talkative, passionate, curious. I loved playing sports, listening to music, and watching movies.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gatherandgrowoc.com
- Instagram: @franklygrowing
