SAN DIEGO – The San Diego LGBT Community Center has launched Project TRANS, its transgender services program.

Project TRANS (Transgender Referrals, Assistance, Networking and Services) will serve as an umbrella for the various services The Center has previously offered specifically to the transgender community, including discussion groups, behavioral health services, HIV prevention services, youth services and more.

In addition, the program will also focus on advocacy, referrals, outreach, cultural sensitivity trainings, social activities and events, workshops and networking with community agencies.

Through a partnership with the Transgender Law Center, Project TRANS will also provide assistance with legal documents for those who need to change their name and gender marker on their driver’s license or other forms of identification, often a daunting task for transgender individuals.

The new project will be led by program coordinator Connor Maddocks, who has served the community with The Center for seven years.

“The Center has offered discussion groups and behavioral health counseling for a long time, but it is time to branch out to address some of the more specific and emerging needs of the community by having a designated program and program staff dedicated specifically to working on the issues that are really affecting the transgender and gender queer community right now,” Maddocks said.

“I’m hoping we can help build and strengthen the community, and make clear that the transgender and gender queer community are safe, welcomed and celebrated at The Center.

For more information about Project TRANS and a schedule of the various discussion groups, click HERE or contact Maddocks at 619-692-2077, ext. 109 or via e-mail at trans@thecentersd.org.

The project's Facebook page is HERE.