The Trans Youth Justice Project: A Political Education and Leadership Development Program.

Abstract

Research has demonstrated that systemic transphobia and cissexism harms transgender youth in terms of social, educational, and health outcomes. All too often, research and policy emphasizes vulnerability among trans youth in a way that denies their capabilities as agents of change or active participants in their liberation. This article analyzes the development of Trans Youth Justice Project, a political education and youth leadership development program for trans youth ages 15-22. Based in principles of gender minority stress and social justice youth development, the 6-week remote program aims to increase the capacity and resilience of trans youth, develop youth leaders, and contribute to addressing social, educational, and health inequalities. We conducted a formative program evaluation of 2 cycles of the program with a total of 25 youth. Pre- and post-test surveys indicated increased feelings of belongingness to a trans community. Follow-up interviews highlighted the impact the program had on skills for social justice, self-efficacy, and community connection. We offer suggestions for implementing the open-source program more broadly.