Aaron Ridings

Aaron Ridings (he/they) is a respected nonprofit executive and subject matter expert on LGBTQI+ issues who has served nonprofit and government organizations at the national, state, and local level in management, operations, policy, program, and campaigns for more than 25 years.

Prior to joining PFLAG National, Aaron most recently served as Deputy Executive Director for Administration, Policy, and Research at GLSEN, where they managed and facilitated work among teams and departments and provided leadership in executing the organization’s mission and strategic priorities.

Aaron began his career in Oregon politics and community organizing and relocated to Washington, D.C. to begin their work at the national level as Associate Director of the LGBTQI+ Project at the Center for American Progress. As a public policy advocate, they have drafted and helped pass legislative and administrative policies in collaboration with federal, state, city, county, school district, and Tribal governments. He is frequently quoted in national news media and has published articles in academic and professional association journals.

A descendant of the Seneca Nation and Chickasaw Nation, they identify as Two Spirit and are a lifelong advocate to end the epidemic of missing and murdered indigenous women (MMIW) and for justice for American Indian children in the foster care system. Aaron earned a Master of Public Administration specializing in Nonprofit Management from Portland State University and is the recipient of many awards recognizing his relentless advocacy, including from Queer Heroes Northwest, the City of Portland, Ore. Human Rights Commission, and the Native American Youth and Family Center.