Recently, I had the opportunity to table for KYC at a community event. We had the usual visitors stop by: a former youth from the 2000s, a parent of a trans girl visiting from out of town and asking about programs in her area, and a kid who just wanted a sticker.
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But one young person in particular stayed with me. They appeared to be a seventh-grade student, dressed pretty generically masculine, wearing noise-canceling headphones. They stopped at the table, asked who we were, and quietly pocketed a “she/they” pronoun pin.
About 20 minutes later, they came back for our flyers. I handed them one for Genderscope, our discussion group for trans, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming youth, and we also talked about Art Club, Movie & Pizza Night, and our new youth survey process for first visits.
Another 20 minutes passed, and they returned again. “This word on the flyer – cisgender – what does that mean?”

A little while later, they came back holding the pin they’d taken earlier. “What label is for someone who wants these pronouns?”
We talked about how there are infinite combinations of pronouns and labels. Someone who is nonbinary might use they/them pronouns – but they don’t have to. There’s no one right way to exist. Toward the end of the night, they stopped by one last time just to ask: “Is this the kind of place where kids can wear whatever clothes they want?”
Yes. KYC is exactly that kind of place. A place where young people can wear what they want, use the name they want, and participate in the programs that make them feel seen and supported.
As we kick off Pride Month in a new building, so much remains the same: KYC is a space for exploration, friendship, and belonging. Sometimes the most important thing we can offer a young person is not an answer, but the freedom to ask the question in the first place. Every time a young person comes back to the table – curious, uncertain, hopeful – it’s a reminder of why spaces like this matter so deeply.

Amanda Erickson, Interim Executive Director 

HISTORY
Trans Day of Visibility was created by Rachel Crandall, a transgender activist based in Michigan. Crandall wanted to create a day to celebrate transgender people and to raise awareness about the issues they face. So much She chose March 31st as the date for Trans Day of Visibility because it falls between International Women's Day (March 8th) and the Day of Silence (April 17th).

“I wanted a day that we can celebrate the living, and I wanted a day that all over the world we could be all together,” she said.

​The first Trans Day of Visibility was celebrated on March 31st, 2009. Crandall made a Facebook post encouraging folks to create celebrations and events wherever in the world they called home. 

The day was marked by a small event in Michigan, where Crandall was based. However, the event quickly gained attention and spread across the United States and around the world. Since then, Trans Day of Visibility has grown into an important day to celebrate the transgender community and honor all the ways they have contributed to society. 

IMPORTANCE 
First and foremost, TDOV is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements and contributions transgender people have made to society. Trans folks are our friends, coworkers, family, community members. Transgender people have made significant contributions to art, science, politics, sports, and many other fields. Throughout history, transgender folks have been at the front of every movement for human rights.

COMPTON'S CAFETERIA
Before there was the Stonewall Uprising, there was Compton's Cafeteria.

Located in the heart of 1940s - 1970s San Francisco's Tenderloin district, Comptons Cafeteria was an all-night restaurant that served as a popular gathering spot for trans folks, drag queens, and the LGBTQIA+ community - much to the dismay of Compton's management. 

Laws around sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression left LGBTQIA+ folks, and transgender folks in particular vulnerable to police violence. Reports during this time often mixed the terms "drag queen" or "trans women," although gender identity and gender performance are not synonymous. Raids were a routine, monthly occurence, with the police often used as a tool to force people seen as undesirable out. Compton's Cafeteria was no different.

In the summer of August 1966, a group of trans women stood up to one such police raid. According to NPR's CodeSwitch, "Outside on the street, dozens of people fought back as police forced them into paddy wagons." In a 2019 interview with The Guardian, Donna Personna remarked, 

“These ladies took the bullets for us,” said Personna, a performer and activist who went to Compton’s Cafeteria as a teenager in the 1960s and now lives down the street. “Everyone in our community stands on their shoulders.”

AWARENESS 
Transgender youth face increased discrimination. However, data also shows that LGBTQ+ youth who report the presence of trusted adults in their school have higher levels of self-esteem, and attempt suicide at half the rate when their pronouns are respected. 

​When people can see transgender people as real people with lives, hopes, and dreams, it becomes harder to discriminate. Promoting empathy and understanding can lead to greater acceptance and support for all.

Discrimination can lead to a range of negative outcomes, including lower rates of employment, higher rates of poverty, and poorer physical and mental health outcomes. Trans Day of Visibility is an opportunity to raise awareness about the discrimination and challenges that transgender people face -and advocate for change. 

By celebrating the achievements and contributions of transgender people and highlighting the challenges they face, we can help to promote understanding and acceptance. We can also work to change the laws and policies that allow discrimination against transgender people to persist. Trans Day of Visibility is an important opportunity to raise awareness about this discrimination and to advocate for change. 

Kaleidoscope Youth Center
At Kaleidoscope Youth Center, we understand supporting trans lives starts with supporting LGBTQIA+ youth. Kaleidoscope Youth Center is a nonprofit organization based in Columbus, Ohio that provides support and resources to LGBTQ+ youth and young adults throughout Ohio. At Kaleidoscope Youth Center, Belonging begins here. 

In 2022, over 50% of our drop-in center youth identified as transgender, gender non-conforming, or gender non-binary. One of our most popular programs, Genderscope, is a support group for transgender and gender non-conforming youth.

Genderscope is designed to provide a safe and affirming space for transgender and gender non-conforming youth to come together, share their experiences, and get connected to resources. The program is led by trained facilitators who provide guidance and support to the group.

​While we are known for our drop-in center, KYC provides behavioral health support, professional development opportunities, and housing opportunities that center the needs and experiences of homeless and housing insecure/vulnerable LGBTQIA+ young adults 18-24.

We also provide access to free binders and gaffs to youth through our Gender Affirmation Project (GAP). Started in 2020 through support by the Nina West Foundation, our Gender Affirmation Project has provided over 500 gender-affirming garments to young people up to age 24. Through GAP, we've connected with 4 countries outside of the US to provide gender-affirming supplies to youth without local access.

If you or someone you know is transgender or gender non-conforming, and between 12-24 years old, you can reach out to KYC for resources, support, and connections to safer and more affirming spaces. Our center is located in Columbus, OH but we work to support youth across the state.

Our office is located in Columbus, Ohio, and KYC offers services and support to youth across the state.

​As a society, we've made great strides in promoting and protecting the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals!

However, there is still much work to be done, especially when it comes to affirming the rights of LGBTQ+ youth. In 2022, legislators nationwide introduced 315 "anti-equality" bills nationwide, with more than a few from Ohio. Focused on denying the freedom, safety, and dignity of LGBTQ+ people - in particular transgender/gender non-conforming youth, these bills used dangerous, inflammatory, and false anti-LGBTQIA rhetoric.

Even though many of the bills introduced during the 2022-2023 session failed, +120 bills restricting LGBTQ+ have already been introduced since the start of the 2023 legislative session. 

2. SHOP OUR STORE
​Online shopping has become a part of our daily lives, offering convenience and accessibility. But what if we told you that you could make a difference while shopping online? Now you can with the KYC Online Store! From t-shirts to tote bags, our store has something for everyone. Not only will you be getting some cool swag, but you'll also be supporting our mission to create safe and affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ youth. ​

​3. SHOP AMAZON WISHLIST

Not only is shopping from the KYC Amazon Wishlist convenient and easy, but it's also a great way to ensure that your donation is tailored to the needs of queer and trans young adults! Plus, you can rest assured knowing that your contribution is making a tangible impact on someone's life.

By purchasing items from  our Amazon Wishlist, you can help provide the necessary resources and supplies LGBTQ+ youth need - right now. With just a few clicks, you can help support the lives of Ohio's LGBTQIA+ young people. Items on the list are based on youth feedback, and support needs. 

Why not take a moment to browse a nonprofit's Amazon Wish List and see how you can help? LGBTQIA+ youth deserve the world. Let them know that there is a community behind them. Your support can go a long way in helping them achieve their goals and make a positive impact on the world.

4. HOST A FUNDRAISER

Fundraising is a fantastic way to bring your community together and support a good cause! Not only can it be a fun and rewarding experience, but it can also bring people together and encourage them to support a common goal. From Drag Brunches, Garden Parties, Bake Sales, Art Shows to Wrestling Matches, and Whiskey Tastings, there are tons of great ways to fundraise.

Want to host a community fundraiser ​or event benefiting KYC? Check out our Community Fundraising Guide!

LOOKING FOR EXAMPLES?

5. BECOME A VOLUNTEER 
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Are you looking for a way to make a positive impact in the lives of young people? Consider volunteering at Kaleidoscope Youth Center (KYC). 

At KYC, our volunteers are superheroes. Whether supporting our drop-in center programming, youth-centric events, or participating in a Day of Service as a group, volunteering at KYC is a rewarding experience that allows you to make a difference in the lives of young people. 

Thanks to volunteer support, Kaleidoscope Youth Center was able to reach 5,336 visits to the Drop-In Center in 2022!   

Join us in creating a world where all young people can live openly, authentically, and without fear of discrimination or violence. Volunteer at KYC today.

*Completion of a background check + attendance to one training session is required. A time commitment of a minimum of 2-hours, weekly, for at least six months are preferred!

Interested in volunteering? More details and volunteer requirements can be found here

Consistent financial support makes it easier to plan for future projects and initiatives and make a longtime positive impact. While we're most known for our drop-in center, its through consistent financial support that we've grown to provide both mental and behavioral health, and case management  services for young LGBTQ+ people under 24 - all at no charge.

A gift of $100/month provides the youth in our Community-Based Wellness housing and wellness program with an entire week's worth of food and hygiene products. 

For more information, including all the potential amazing swag, check out the Unity Circle homepage!

7. SUBSCRIBE FOR ALERTS

Keeping track of everything can be a challenge at times. With our RSS Feed, its as simple as the click of a button. 

Subscribing to a RSS feed is a simple way to stay informed about their activities, campaigns, and initiatives. Here are some of the benefits of subscribing to KYC’s RSS feed:

Stay up-to-date with the latest news By subscribing to a nonprofit's RSS feed, you will receive regular updates about our latest news and events. This can help you stay informed about our activities and campaigns, and learn more about the impact we are having in the community.

Learn about new initiatives and programs At KYC, we are constantly working to ensure our initiatives and programs are guided by the needs LGBTQ+ young. By subscribing to our RSS feed, you can be among the first to find out how you can get involved and support.

Get involved and take action RSS feeds are a great way to share information about upcoming events, campaigns, and advocacy opportunities. By subscribing to our feed, you can learn about these opportunities to take action and how you can support our work. Whether it's signing a petition, attending a rally or making a donation, we all have a role in supporting LGBTQ+ futures!

Save time and stay organized Subscribing to a RSS feed can help you save time and stay organized. Instead of having to navigate through a website or follow them on social media, you can receive all the latest news and updates in one place. This can help you stay on top of their activities and campaigns, without having to search for information or worry about missing out on important updates.

Subscribing to a RSS feed is a simple yet powerful way to stay informed about Kaleidoscope Youth Center’s activities, learn about new initiatives and programs, get involved and take action, and save time and stay organized. So why not subscribe today and start making a difference in your community?

Kaleidoscope Youth Center provides vital support and resources to LGBTQ+ youth in our community. Our work is more important now than ever before, with many young people facing unprecedented challenges and obstacles. By donating to Kaleidoscope, you can make a real difference in the lives of these youth, helping them to feel seen, heard, and valued. Your donation will go towards creating safe spaces, providing mentorship and counseling, and empowering youth to be their best selves. Please consider making a donation today and supporting the important work of Kaleidoscope Youth Center.

Together, we can build a brighter future for LGBTQ+ youth in our community!

​By the time I was 18, I knew how to move through the world in a way that can be described as “palatable.” I had completely divorced myself of my culture, worried more about how I would be perceived by white people than how I was honoring myself. ​

​In my time with KYC, I hope to create a sense of community among our QTPOC youth.​
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I want to inspire the next generation of Black queer folks to live out and proud, not shy away from their intersecting identity. I want to demonstrate that we are creators of Black queer history, in moments big and small. Most importantly, I want to celebrate. I want to celebrate the joy that comes with being a Black queer person. I want to celebrate the expansive beauty that is being a Black queer person. I want to celebrate a community that’s spent too long in the shadows. 

After all, belonging begins here. ​