We are on a mission to fuel belonging, resilience, and wellbeing in trans and nonbinary young people through our nationwide mentoring community.
We envision a joyful future where all trans and nonbinary young people live with ease – empowered, celebrated, and unapologetically themselves. Because of this, we value:
Diversity, Intersectionality, & Equity
Diversity strengthens communities, and we center those living at the intersections of multiple marginalized identities. We intentionally create inclusive spaces that affirm the full complexity of people’s lived experiences, anchored in the process of cultural humility. We actively work toward equitable opportunities and just outcomes for all.
Intergenerational Community
Our vibrant, nationwide community of diverse trans/nonbinary young people and adults cultivates a deep sense of belonging and mutually beneficial, life-changing relationships.
Trans-Led
As a trans-led organization, we center the voices, leadership, and lived experiences of trans/nonbinary people—especially because trans communities are too often sidelined or tokenized, even within broader LGBTQ+ spaces. Because of this, nearly all of our leadership, including our staff, Advisory Council, Board of Directors, and volunteers identify as trans/nonbinary. We believe that meaningful change and safety for trans young can only be built when trans people are not just included, but empowered to lead.
Youth-Driven
We embolden trans and nonbinary young people to step into their power by centering their voices in all of our work and programs—cultivating their leadership, self-confidence and self-agency. We help them gain the skills they need to analyze the systems that negatively impact their wellbeing, so that they can positively impact their own lives and contribute to creating a more equitable and compassionate society.
Strengths-Based
Trans and nonbinary youth thrive when they are supported with care, resources, and opportunities to explore their identities, build on their strengths, learn new skills, overcome challenges, set and accomplish goals, and engage in self- and community-care. Guided by the Positive Youth Development (PYD) framework, we take a strengths-based approach that centers each young person's agency and inherent potential.
Accessibility
We offer programs in spaces that are as safe and accessible as possible—especially for those facing barriers such as geographic location, disability, lack of transportation, economic hardship or safety concerns.
Evidence-Based
To provide innovative, transformative programs that continually evolve to meet the needs of trans and nonbinary young people, we ground our work in credible, peer-reviewed studies and frequent program evaluation designed and reviewed in partnership with the young people we serve.
Trans Joy
We create abundant opportunities for trans and nonbinary young people to share joy, celebrate each other, and have fun among peers and across generations. Joy is more than a feeling– it is a powerful force for individual and collective liberation, resistance and resilience.