For youth
What do you mean by “trans”?
We understand trans as an umbrella term that includes anyone who crosses socially and culturally-imposed ideas about gender. This can include genderqueer/nonbinary people, trans women, trans men, Two-Spirit people, and on and on.
Am I “trans enough” to participate in this program?
There is no such thing as “trans enough“!! If you identify as trans then you are eligible to participate in this program.
What’s the deal with the application process?
Because we think it’s important for youth to get paid for their participation, we have a limited number of spots in the program. We select applicants based on the following: 1) their enthusiasm about and commitment to participating, 2) ensuring that the participants mirror the diversity of the trans community, and 3) having a balance of youth who are both experienced and new to activism. If we can’t welcome you to the group, it’s not a reflection of you as a person!
Is this a support group?
This is supportive space, but it is not a “support group” like ones you may have participated in with a mental health provider or therapist. You will definitely feel supported by the co-facilitators and fellow participants, but the primary goal of the program is to build knowledge and tools for social justice work. The focus is on social movement organizing, rather than individual self-advocacy.
Is this like school?
Nope, this is not school. It’s interactive and collaborative. There isn’t homework and you aren’t being graded. But, it is an organized learning experience, not strictly social time or a support group.
What will I do in the program?
You’ll learn skills to create social change for trans youth while also building community. Topics include: intro to oppression, trans history, youth organizing, and social movement strategies. The program meets 2 times a week over Zoom for 6 weeks. You’ll need access to the internet, a free Zoom account, and a webcam with a microphone.
Do I have to share my camera?
Nope. We encourage everyone to turn their cameras on because it makes it easier to interact with each other, but no one is required to do so. We do ask that you stay present by listening and/or engaging in the chat. There’s also the option to “hide self view” on Zoom if that makes you more comfortable.
Do I have to live in Massachusetts or Wisconsin?
No, because the program is remote using Zoom, you can participate no matter where you live. Our sponsoring organizations are in Massachusetts and Wisconsin, but you can be anywhere!
Is the TYJP available as an in-person program?
Though TYJP started as an in-person group in Milwaukee, Wisconsin the COVID-19 pandemic caused us to go virtual, thus making it open to any youth identifying as trans in the U.S. We hope that in future there will be both in person and remote versions available to youth wherever they live.
For organizations
Who can use the curriculum?
Anyone! The curriculum will be made available under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercialShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0) license. This means that anyone can use or adapt the curriculum as long as they 1) attribute the curriculum to the Trans Youth Justice Project; 2) do not use the curriculum for commercial purposes (making money); and 3) if you remix, transform, or build upon the material, you must distribute your contributions under the same license as the original.
When will the curriculum be available for others to use?
Late fall 2021
Do I need to be trans in order to facilitate this curriculum?
This curriculum was designed for and by transgender communities. At least one of the co-facilitators should be part of the trans community. As appropriate, a committed trans accomplice with deep knowledge of and experience in trans liberation can serve as a co-facilitator. We highly encourage a co-facilitation team that brings a range of experiences and identities to the program. In other words, avoid a facilitation team that is entirely white, trans-masculine, etc.
How can I get funding to pay youth?
You might be able to fold the TYJP into your existing program by adding modules that meet your funding agency’s requirements (eg: adding content on sexual health or violence prevention). If you are a small, trans-led organization, you may be eligible for funding from the Trans Justice Funding Project (applications usually in Feb/March).
Trans Youth Justice Project 