TransFamily Support Services 5 years of Making a Difference: A chat with Kathie Moehlig

By Cesar A Reyes

TransFamily Support Services is committed to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment where all clients, staff, volunteers, and board members feel respected and valued regardless of race, age, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, education, or any other bias.  They are committed to modeling diversity, inclusion, and equity and maintaining fair and equal treatment for all. They are celebrating 5 years of service and we wanted to get to know the organization and its Founder Kathie Moehlig a little better.

Please introduce yourself.

Kathie Moehlig (she/her), Founder and Executive Director of TransFamily Support Services (TFSS). TFSS mission is to save lives by shaping a gender affirming community. We are the only organization in SD county exclusively serving with this population.

Can you talk about how TransFamily Support Services came to be?

I am a parent of a trans person. My son started his transition over a decade ago when he was 11 years old. Back then, most people didn’t even know what the word “transgender” meant, much less that it affected younger kids. We had no doctors locally who were willing to treat him, and the school had no idea how best to support him. While I was advocating to get our local children’s hospital to treat him and schools to know what to do, other families heard about what I was doing and started calling to ask for my help. I did that for a few years, just helping others,

and then realized that if I was going to have an impact, I needed to have an organization to make that impact. So, nearly 10 years ago, TFSS was born.

Tell us about the past 5 years.

When I started the organization, I never thought we would be where we are today or that there would be such a need. Over the last 5 years, we have more than doubled our staff as well as the number of families we serve. We started with just me as a volunteer, and now we are a staff of 11, mostly young adults who are transgender or nonbinary. They guide our programming and those we serve. We have also seen in the last 3-5 years that trans youth face increasing challenges and need more support than ever.

Additionally, the rise of anti-trans rhetoric right here in San Diego, across California, and the Nation has created a more hostile environment for trans individuals. This rhetoric has led to harmful legislation, increased discrimination, and a surge in mental health crises among trans youth. Our work has become even more critical as we strive to combat misinformation, provide accurate resources, and offer a safe haven for those affected by these negative societal attitudes. Our advocacy efforts are now more focused on fighting these prejudices and ensuring

that trans individuals receive the respect, rights, and support they deserve.

Please explain the importance of the organization in the community.

TFSS is crucial in the community because we provide essential support and resources that are often hard to find. We help trans individuals, and their families navigate the complexities of medical and social transitions, advocate for their rights, and offer a safe and supportive environment. Our presence helps reduce the isolation many trans people and their families feel, and we work to educate the broader community to foster acceptance and understanding.

What services do you offer?

We offer a wide range of services including:

– Support groups for youth up to age 30 and nine different parent/caregiver support groups

– Mentorship programs

– Assistance with insurance and medical navigation for trans folks of any age

– Advocacy and education for schools and healthcare providers

– Resources for legal name and gender marker changes

– Crisis intervention and mental health referrals

How can people get involved?

People can get involved by:

– Volunteering with our programs and events

– Donating to support our services

– Attending our workshops and training sessions

– Joining our support groups as a participant or facilitator

– Advocating for trans rights and inclusivity in their own communities

How can people stay connected?

Stay connected by:

– Following us on social media

– Subscribing to our newsletter

– Visiting our website for updates and resources

– Attending our events and support groups

– Reaching out to us directly for support or to get involved