InReach & Stand With Trans Announce Partnership

InReach and Stand With Trans are excited to announce a new partnership to strengthen support for transgender and non-binary youth and their caregivers across Michigan and the wider United States. This partnership comes as trans youth in the U.S. report poor mental health due to the COVID-19 pandemic and rise in anti-transgender legislation.

InReach is a trans-led nonprofit organization providing the world’s first tech platform matching the diverse LGBTQ+ community with safe, verified resources. InReach’s free technology instantly matches trans and queer people fleeing persecution and other LGBTQ+ people in need with independently verified, affirming medical and mental health care, immigration and other legal help, safe housing, education and employment opportunities, translation services, community support, and more critical support services. Transgender, non-binary, and gender-nonconforming individuals (including youth and their loved ones) can use the free InReach App to locate hotlines and support groups, pro bono legal help for name and gender marker changes, gender affirming medical care , housing, and more. Since launching in 2016, the InReach App has made over 250,000 matches between LGBTQ+ people in need and service providers verified to be safe. The App is available in all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories.

Stand With Trans, founded in 2015 by Roz Gould Keith, the parent of a trans young man, empowers and supports transgender youth and their loved ones. Education, direct support and social/community building opportunities are the three pillars in which the organization’s work aligns. Stand With Trans currently has 14 support groups for trans tweens, teens, parents and caregivers, nonbinary young adults and trans feminine identified young adults. Additionally, each year their Trans Empowerment Workshop brings hundreds of attendees to attend presentations, panels, and performances that educate, uplift, strengthen family ties, and improve mental health. Annually, Stand with Trans hosts two family friendly social events that are free, open to all, and provide a safe venue for youth and adults to connect and make new friends. The organization’s Ally Parent program boasts more than 200 allies who have been trained and vetted across the U.S. who are parents of trans individuals. These Ally Parents are love at the other end of the phone for trans youth and loved ones who just need some support, resources, or hand-holding as they navigate their journey.

“With the trans community at the center of a legislative culture war, it has become more important than ever to provide safe, affirming resources and support to vulnerable trans and nonbinary youth. We look forward to leveraging our technology alongside Stand With Trans to ensure all trans youth and their loved ones are able to access lifesaving, gender affirming services.”
-Asher Sovereign, InReach Operations Coordinator

“As trans youth and their caregivers are forced to flee states criminalizing lifesaving care, it is imperative that trans-led organizations join forces to protect trans kids. We are excited to partner with Stand With Trans to strengthen the digital support system for trans youth and their loved ones at this critical time.”
–Jamie Sgarro, InReach Co-Founder & Executive Director

“Partnering with InReach will add a critical resource to our tool kit in the ongoing effort to support transgender youth and their families. Our work will never be done; collaborating with others who recognize the important nature of the work and the growing need in our communities will help countless folks live an authentic life.”
–Roz Keith, Stand with Trans’ Founder & Executive Director

You can follow Stand With Trans on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn & Twitter – click here to visit their site and explore their resources.