TDoE Kathie Moehlig

By JP Emerson

Please introduce yourself (tell us a little about who you are what you do)?
My name is Kathie Moehlig (she/her) and I am the Founder and Executive Director of TransFamily Support Services (TFSS). I am also the parent of a transgender youth. My son’s transition began over a decade ago when he was just 11 years old, a time when the word “transgender” was barely understood, let alone applied to young children. Back then, we had no doctors willing to provide him with care, schools were unequipped to support him (before the strong protections we have today in California), and insurance companies refused to cover his medical needs. As I fought for his right to access competent healthcare, pushed Rady Children’s Hospital to treat him, worked with schools to ensure he was included and respected, and battled with insurance companies, other families in similar situations started reaching out to me for guidance. For a few years, I provided support informally but I soon realized that, in order to create lasting change, I needed an organization behind me. That realization led to the founding of TransFamily Support Services a decade ago. To date, we have had the honor of serving over 6,000 transgender individuals and their families. 

Please tell us about becoming involved with Transgender Day of Empowerment: 
I have been involved in the planning of Transgender Day of Empowerment (TDOE) for over a decade. Even before I officially started TFSS, Tracie Jada O’Brien graciously welcomed me to the planning table. Her vision, so many years ago, recognized the deep need for the trans community to have a time and place to come together—not just to fight for rights, but to celebrate identities, resilience, and collective strength. She understood that empowerment comes not only from advocacy but from joy, visibility, and shared experiences. From the beginning, I saw TDOE as an opportunity to ensure that transgender youth were not only included but truly seen, celebrated, and uplifted. Over the years, this event has become a cornerstone for the trans community, providing a space where individuals of all ages can share their stories, embrace their power, and be surrounded by love and support. It is a moment of collective joy and recognition, a day that reminds every trans person that they belong, that they matter, and that they are worthy of success and happiness. In a world that too often tells trans people—especially trans youth—that they do not belong, TDOE stands as a powerful affirmation that they do. It is a space where we honor each journey, celebrate achievements, and reinforce the truth that trans people are here to thrive. 

Please address the importance of empowering our transgender community and for individuals to feel empowered: 
Empowering the transgender community is more critical now than ever. The political climate is increasingly hostile, with attacks on trans rights coming from all levels of government, even here in California. Our governor recently aligned with right-wing media in suggesting that the participation of trans girls in sports is unfair, despite California’s long-standing policies protecting the rights of trans youth to participate in sports, use bathrooms, and access locker rooms that align with their gender identity. These betrayals send harmful messages to our youth, who already face disproportionate levels of discrimination. Now more than ever, trans youth need to see happy, successful trans adults thriving in the world. Visibility matters. Representation matters. Transgender Day of Empowerment provides that visibility and offers hope, inspiration, and a sense of belonging. 

How can folks get involved (talk about your organization and the ways people can support it)?: 
There are many ways for people to get involved and support the work of TransFamily Support Services. First and foremost, donations are crucial to sustaining our programs and ensuring that transgender individuals and their families receive the guidance and resources they need. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us continue advocating, providing direct support, and expanding our reach to help more families. 

Beyond financial support, one of the most impactful things people can do is help spread the word. So many families of transgender individuals do not know that support exists, and they often feel alone in their journey. By sharing information about TFSS—whether on social media, within your workplace, or with someone you know who may need our services—you can help ensure that no family has to navigate this path by themselves. Education and advocacy are also key. One of the most powerful ways to support the trans community is by becoming informed and standing up for trans rights in everyday conversations. 

We know that anti-trans rhetoric is everywhere, from political debates to casual discussions among friends, family, and coworkers. If you’re not sure how to respond to misinformation or harmful narratives, we encourage you to attend one of our trainings. We offer sessions that equip allies with the knowledge and tools to confidently counter anti-trans rhetoric, advocate for inclusion, and make a difference in their communities. Every person has the ability to make an impact, whether through direct action, financial support, or simply using their voice to stand up for trans rights. Together, we can create a world where every transgender individual is seen, respected, and empowered. 

The WORD is Empowerment. At TFSS, we believe in empowering trans individuals, their families, and the broader community to create a world where every transgender person can thrive.