I really loved being in a room full of trans journalists and allies at a recent industry event hosted by the Trans Journalists Association. I'm definitely inspired by meeting people who are doing the kind of work that I aspire towards!
I was reminded at the event of the importance of amplifying the stories of trans kids and young adults in their own voices. It's not reasonable to think that adults, even allies, could accurately represent the lived experiences of trans kids.
These young peoples' experiences are important!
"I would like my name changed to Daniel on my school ID...It's frustrating...having to explain myself to other students when they ask...It makes me feel...really unsafe sometimes."
-- Barrio Scholars: No ICE or Transphobia On Campus, a comic book created by Daniel Trujillo, Alessandro Morales, and Luz Canela, published by Familia TQLM
It's hard to be a teenager, right? It can be especially hard if you're trans, because your body is getting used to all these hormonal, physical, and emotional changes, some of which may be causing dysphoria and great distress. And on top of that, trans kids need to handle who they are out to and how supportive (or not) these folks might be.
Then there's all the usual things like education and classmates and perhaps work and learning how to drive and getting a driver's license or other ID. These logistics are generally more challenging when you're trans and/or from a marginalized community.
But most of these challenges are not built into being trans. The difficulty comes from how people react to and attempt to control trans people.
But we can do better than that!
Listening to and reading trans kids' stories this week, I felt comforted, hopeful, and supported in my own experience. I think a big reason why kids are interested in sharing their stories in public is to let other people know they aren't alone.
You're loved. You're not alone. (as theater maker Beks Roen shared as a powerful affirmation in our interview about queer Shakespeare)
Of course, maintaining the privacy and safety of underage kids is crucial. Journalists have best practices for this, including allowing kids to share their experiences anonymously or using pseudonyms, and interviewing with a supportive adult family member or friend present.
Let's dive into some amazing media, by trans kids and/or featuring trans kids in their own voices.
Barrio Scholars: No ICE or Transphobia on Campus
This comic book shares the story of a kid who is not allowed to change his name on his school ID, and the support he receives from his family and community.
The story was written and illustrated by Daniel Trujillo and Alessandro Morales, young people whose experiences inspired this narrative, and Luz Canela, Creative & Editorial Lead.
Before reading this, I didn't know what advocating for immigrants' rights and trans rights had in common - but I learned that the Latine community has had to deal with problems getting IDs and people using their names for decades.
The grandfather in the comic says, "Back when I was a student [in 1968, during the East Los Angeles Walkouts] we weren't allowed to use our real names. Everyone called me Peter instead of Pancho. They erased not only our culture but our identity."
One message I took away from this comic is that we are stronger together in community and when we understand and empathize with each others' stories.
The comic book was published by Familia: Trans Queer Liberation Movement. If you'd like copies for your school or other organization, please reach out to them!
Daniel Really Suits You
Human Rights Campaign filmed a video featuring Daniel (who worked on the No ICE or Transphobia on Campus comic book) just living everyday life with supportive friends and family. It's 8 minutes and super heartwarming, check it out:
Love You For You series on The California Report
"Being trans, of course it's a big deal. But, I wish it didn't feel like such a big deal. I wish it just felt like, you know, another fun thing about me, instead of my whole identity."
-- a young person on the Love You For You series
I recently listened to the Love You For You series on The California Report on KQED, originally aired at the end of 2025. This series is hosted by Sasha Khokha, an ally and journalist who interviewed trans and non-binary youth, along with their loved ones.
The love, support, and confidence was so touching. I definitely teared up.
One of the kids said they were doing the interview to help and support other people who might be listening and need to hear a story like their own.
To find these episodes, look around Nov. or Dec. 2025 on The California Report podcast. I'll link one here:
The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project provides crisis support and information to LGBTQ+ young people. They are an organization that I'd trust to reach out to for help (if you're 24 or younger).
And some good news this week! The "Press 3" option on the 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline, to reach LGBTQ+ youth support specialists, was resumed as of this September 30 (after being discontinued in July 2025).
"Resuming this national resource will be critical in addressing the public health crisis of suicide among LGBTQ+ young people," said Jaymes Black, CEO of The Trevor Project, in a press release. “The Trevor Project was proud to pilot ‘Press 3’ when it first launched in 2022, and we remain ready, able, and willing to support any state, federal agency, or institution in providing LGBTQ+ young people with the comprehensive, current, and best-practice care they need and deserve."
Who are trans storytellers you've been learning from? Let us know in the comments!
