Stand with Trans Expands Support Group Offerings to Upper Peninsula

December 5, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Cameron Parkins (he/him)
Communications Manager
cam@standwithtrans.org
313-618-6595

Stand with Trans Expands Support Group Offerings to Upper Peninsula

New, in-person support group for trans teens 

Farmington, MI – Stand with Trans is launching a new support group for transgender and non-binary youth living in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula starting in January 2023.

“In a rural community like Marquette, I think it’s incredibly important for there to be continually added resources for the LGBTQIA+ population; especially trans and gender non-conforming youth who are at a greater risk for feeling like they are alone in their experiences,” said Al Gray (they/them), who will be co-facilitating the group. “While other places across the country are trying to eliminate trans rights, having a safe place for support in the Upper Peninsula is imperative to assuring that local trans and gender non-conforming youth feel seen, heard, and validated.” 

Affirming gender identity reduces risk of self-harm, suicidality, and depression, according to research performed by The Trevor Project (2020). This is as much in gender affirming healthcare as well as having a supportive network, which Stand with Trans seeks to provide with the new support group. 

“It’s imperative to have resources like this for trans youth everywhere, but especially in rural communities like Marquette because there are so few resources for the LGBTQ+ community in general in the area. With everything going on across the country, this group will serve as a safe space for trans and gender non-conforming youth to be their true selves, as well as serve as a place to connect with peers,” said Anika Lusk, social work intern for Stand with Trans.

The support group meets at Suunta Integrative Health in Marquette, MI. The group is free but advanced registration is requested. Learn more at https://standwithtrans.org/support-groups.

The Stand with Trans mission is to empower and support transgender youth and their loved ones.

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