About the Project

There is no official data collected on trans students in San Francisco Unified, but trans and non-binary students are facing many struggles, including family rejection, homelessness, mental health, bullying, and other major stressors. Individually and compounded, these factors impact school success. This project will promote school success for trans and non-binary students through study halls, community celebrations, access to community mentors, and linkages to community service providers. Building community power and success is important in a city where less than 25% of Black trans women have a high school diploma. In this project, students will be engaged as leaders, and will present at school staff meetings about what factors are impacting the success of trans and non-binary students in our school community, and how to support students. Even in San Francisco, most trans and non-binary youth have limited opportunities to see successful adults they identify with. Having regular meetings with community mentors will enable students to vision their own futures, and learn how to succeed in college and in careers as trans and non-binary people. Through presentations and outreach from community service providers, trans and non-binary students will be able to build more connections to TAJA’s Coalition, Dimensions Youth health clinic, and other non-profit organizations. This is the first project in San Francisco Unified to offer comprehensive supports focused on school success for trans and non binary students, and will focus on students at O’Connell High School. Mission High School students will also be invited to participate.