TRANS AFFIRM, INC.
Trans Affirm, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) organization supporting trans Idahoans with resources, advocacy, and education to make a more equitable Idaho.
OUR MISSION
Trans Affirm exists to expand access to life-saving resources, affirming care, education, advocacy, and community connection for transgender and gender diverse people in Idaho, especially those in rural and underserved areas.
As a pioneer in transgender-affirming care in Idaho, we are dedicated to providing essential resources and support. At Trans Affirm, we are committed to supporting transgender and gender-diverse individuals by offering the following resources (and more!):
HOW WE DO IT
RESOURCE HUB
A centralized directory of vetted, affirming resources across Idaho, including healthcare, legal aid, housing, crisis support, and financial assistance. Built for quick access, especially for those in rural areas, serving the trans community, their loved ones, and allies.
Help us add more to it!
TRANSITION WEAR ACCESS
We provide free or by donation transition wear AT EVENTS ONLY, including binders, tucking underwear, bras, trans tape, packers, and other gender-affirming products to ensure trans+ people have access to feel comfortable and confident. We size on the spot for binders, and provide safety infomation to folks to ensure all products are used properly.
SUPPORT GROUPS
Professionally facilitated virtual groups for Trans+ youth and adults that provide structured, affirming environments focused on mental health, affirmation, and professional support. Groups are scheduled monthly and led by a nonbinary licensed professional.
MUTUAL AID PROGRAMS
Financial grants, essential supplies, and material support provided directly to community members. This includes HRT (coming soon!) and Electrolysis grants, transition wear, Plan B & safer sex supplies, Narcan & fentanyl test strips, and community requested items to support trans folks who have high risk of need.
COMMUNITY EVENTS & OUTREACH
Pop-up resource events, connection gatherings, and regional outreach across Idaho such as TDOR/TDOV and more. These initiatives bring services directly to communities that may otherwise lack access due to distance, transportation, or local limitations.
EDUCATION & VISIBILITY
Educational initiatives designed to increase understanding and affirming practices for both trans individuals and allies. This includes informational blog content on trans topics, printed educational brochures/ zines, and a developing lending library focused exclusively on queer educational and resource books.
Trans Affirm
🏳️⚧️
Trans Affirm 🏳️⚧️
MEET THE BOARD
Arya Shae (He/Him)
Executive Director, Founder, & Board Chair | Twin Falls, ID
Phil Thoman (He/Any)
Inventory Manager (In-training). TF Queer Connections Co-Lead | Twin Falls, ID
Want to join Trans Affirm? We are looking for folks to join our subcommittees!
MEET OUR SUBCOMMITTEES
Emmy Lou (They/Them)
Discord Mod Lead. TF Queer Connections Co-Lead | Twin Falls, ID
Run by trans people, for trans people
At Trans Affirm, we are by trans people, for trans people. We believe in the power of our own community leading the way. Our work is not just for community—it is done with community. We honor the importance of lifting each other up, creating opportunities for leadership, and building spaces where trans and gender-diverse voices are centered. Whether it’s education, events, or resources, we are committed to inspiring our community to step into leadership and shape the future alongside us.
Centering Trans Voices in Leadership
Our board structure reflects these values. We require that the majority of our board members identify as trans+ or gender-diverse. While we welcome allies, we do not allow allies, whether cisgender, queer, or otherwise, to make up the majority of our leadership. This ensures that our organization always remains rooted in trans voices and experiences. Every ally who joins our board undergoes thorough training with Safe Zone Project materials, equipping them to uphold our commitment to creating safe, affirming spaces for all individuals.
OUR ORIGIN STORY
Arya Shae is a trans man who experienced firsthand the stark contrast in access to trans care between big cities and smaller towns. After relocating from a major city in AZ to Twin Falls, ID, Arya quickly realized how difficult it was for trans individuals in smaller communities to find the resources and support they needed. Arya spent two years rationing his hormones and soon stopped using them entirely as he sought a provider that worked for him, eventually discovering that the care he needed was present, just hidden. Recognizing that many crucial resources were shared only by word of mouth, Arya felt compelled to take action and create a more accessible solution.
On April 20th, 2024, the first Trans Affirming Resource Fair was held in Twin Falls. It has overwhelming success with over 400 attendees, 20 vendors, and hundreds of transition wear items distributed. It was clear that there was a significant and urgent need for such an event in the community; the fair not only met a critical demand but also fostered a sense of belonging and hope among participants.
After founding the Trans Affirming Resource Fair, he assembled a team of volunteers to create a resource hub and establish a non-profit organization to expand programs across Idaho – Trans Affirm, Inc.
Since then, the organization has exploded in popularity and dire need, and continues to grow and serve all Trans+ Idahoans!