TRANS AFFIRM, INC.
Trans Affirm, Inc is a 501C(3) supporting trans Idahoans with resources, advocacy, and education.
OUR MISSION
Provide gender-affirming care and accessible resources for individuals seeking to transition and affirm their identities.
As a pioneer in transgender-affirming care in Southern 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.
HOW WE DO IT
RESOURCE HUB
a comprehensive (and ever growing) resource hub for the trans community, their loved ones, and allies.
POP-UP EVENTS
We host Resource Fairs, How-To Worshops, and Community Connection Events link trans and gender-diverse individuals with essential support and community. We also do connection events and trans-based events such as TDOR and more.
TRANSITION WEAR
We provide free or by donation transition wear, including binders, gaffs, bras, and other gender-affirming products to ensure trans and gender-diverse individuals 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.
EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY CARE
Trans Affirm creates educational materials to foster understanding and support for trans identities, offering resources for individuals, families, and allies. We also provide direct community care by distributing Narcan, Plan B, and condoms (18+) to promote health and safety. From donating queerbooks directly to GSA’s, to grants for transitioning, we provide community care and assistance.
MEET THE BOARD
Sarah Lerma (She/Her)
Secretary | Idaho Falls, ID Sarah.Lerma@transaffirm.org
Lee Stewart (They/Them)
Volunteer Specialist // Admin Board Member | Boise, ID lee.stewart@transaffirm.org
We accept Board Applications!
If you have the real time and commitment to join the team, you can apply to join us and make a real difference!
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!