Shaena Johnson

Out in the South Project Director

Shaena Johnson is a former GUTC Fellow and brings years of experience in philanthropy and LGBTQ movements, particularly in the U.S. South to her work as the Interim Out in the South Project Director.  Born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Shaena brings over 15 years of organizing and advocacy experience as well as her extensive work in the community focusing on issues facing LGBTQ youth in the juvenile justice system. Shaena investigated conditions of confinement for incarcerated youth and supported defense attorneys with zealous advocacy and investigation for court-involved youth in New Orleans as a Youth Advocate and later the LGBTQ Program Coordinator at the Juvenile Justice Project of Louisiana and as an Investigator at the Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights. Shaena is also the former Co-Director of BreakOUT!