Together 4 Trans Youth

@t4-ty.bsky.social

A Coalition of providers allied with trans youth and families working to ensure UPMC reinstate gender affirming care, secure protections for their private healthcare data, and advocating for PA to become a shield state, safeguarding access to care for all.

T4TY got together for another round of packing care kits for Trans youth! 28 kits in this round to allow Trans youth to explore their gender expression with scented products, make-up, accessories, zines, and more! Thanks to our partners at Hugh Lane for their donation.

If you or your child were discriminated against because of UPMC’s decision to end gender affirming care, please reach out to the City of Pittsburgh Commission on Human Relations. If you’d like support in making this connection or support while you go through the process, reach out tog4ty@gmail.com

CITY OF PITTSBURGH
CoMMIsSIOn ON HUMAN RELATIONS
CITY-COUNTY BUILDING
PRESS RELEASE
September 29, 2026
Executive Committee
Pittsburgh Commission on Human Relations
Public Statement on the Settlement Between the Department of Justice and
UPMC Regarding Gender-Affirming Care
The Pittsburgh Commission on Human Relations condemns the settlement between the
U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). While the continued anonymity and privacy of the children and families who have utilized gender-affirming services at UPM facilities is paramount, a ten-year moratorium on gender-affirming care services for those age 19 and younger is a devastating blow to the community.
Pittsburghers should not have to leave their hometown medical hub to seek care.
Inequities in health care are already a guarantee for vulnerable populations; utilizing identity to restrict access to clinical intervention is not only discriminatory, but life-threatening. Statistics on the impact to youth in the LGBTQIA+ community are readily available and clearly show the risk of removing access to these services. If the safety of children was truly at the heart of this matter, giving families the right to choose what care is right for them would be at the forefront.
It is a violation of Pittsburgh's City Code to, "Refuse, withhold from, or deny to any person elective medical care which would normally be provided to a person, but for that person's real or perceived gender identity or gender expression." If you feel your rights have been violated, we urge you to contact our office.
The City of Pittsburgh Commission on Human Relations is the official civil rights enforcement and investigative body for the City of Pittsburgh. If you have any questions,
please
contact
us at (412)
255-2600

Support Act Up PGH and support Trans Youth! Come out on Sunday 9/28 at 4pm at UPMC Childrens Hospital to show your support for Gender Affirming Care for our community. GAC is legal and protected in PA, Allegheny County, and the City of Pittsburgh

UPMC CAVES TO THE TRUMP DOJ SELLS
OUT TRANS KIDS FOR
TRANS
KIDS FOR
$950,000

TRANS KIDS
DESERVE HEALTHCARE

JOIN THE PICKET
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 | 4:00PM | UPMC CHILDREN'S

RED AND BLACK FLYER WITH PHOTO OF THE DIE IN FOR TRANS YOUTH AND PEOPLE HOLDING TOMBSTONES WITH PRO TRANS HEALTHCARE SLOGANS

We stand with Trans youth and their families today. As news of the UPMC settlement with the DOJ hit, many of our Trans youth are still without reliable, affordable access to GAC. Banning such care is discrimination is its plainest form and is in opposition to state, county, and city law.

A banner with the words “Protect Trans Healthcare” in orange letters carried by people in Pittsburgh PrideA photo of a man playing dead with a tombstone that says in trans colors “reinstate gender affirming care”A band at a protest walking along a banner that says “UPMC Life Ending Medicine” with red handprints around the words

This is our 4th installment of the “We Were Trans Kids Once” series. Share with a young trans person in your life. If you’d like to share your experience and wisdom in this series, email us at tog4ty@gmail.com

-Writing this letter for ourselves, but hoping other autistic, trans, queer, and/or plural folk get something out
To all the "fucked-up" weirdos, deviants, and plural menaces in the past, present, and future times:

Background is a reflection of houses in a puddle on the street with autumn leaves floating in itThey say it gets belier.
And it does sometimes.
You'll find people that you click with, who love you and you love in return. Giving yourselves to care after years of self loathing and self destruction.
It doesn't always last.

Red letters on a background of white with loose pen drawing of a figure leaping in black You'll hurt and get broken apart and reassemble and change. Gods, will yinz ever change. In and out, until you no longer recognize yourself. And often you will be beautiful.
That power of self. Piercings, dye jobs, tattoos, and surgeries. Like a shape shifter on the run from life to life because you're running from yourself.
And one day, you'll wake up and change your name only to realize that these many "you".
Are actually Us and them.

Blue letters on a background of a graffitied cube among grasses The patchwork quilt of souls sharing a mind and body. 101 strong and counting.
Dalmatians and spots. A pack of wild dogs. A family claiming a space to live in this harsh world.
You'll find the rage and righteousness again. And calm when needed. Together you'll fight. A horde of ravenous paladins, bards, warriors, and witches carving the new world where people heal and can be with the ones they love.
Singular selves or plural systems.
With Love,
The Solshade Archipelago

Green, blue, and yellow letters on a background of an ice covered window

Welcome to our third installment of the “We Were Trans Kids Once” series. Please share with a young trans person in your life. If you’d like to share your story, lived experience, or wisdom in this series, email us at tog4ty@gmail.com

FROM KASEY
ADVICE TO MY YOUNGER SELF:
NEVER COMPROMISE ON WHO YOU ARE OR WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN

Photo of a blurred orange flower on green/grey background NEVER LOSE HOPE OR GIVE INTO CYNICISM.
LET YOUR WALLS AND INSECURITIES CRUMBLE INTO NONEXISTENCE.

Blurred photo of trees on a blue and brown background DARE TO LOVE AND DARE TO BE VULNERABLE.
THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE OUT THERE WHO LOVE YOU AND WE'RE ALL IN IT TOGETHER.

Blurred picture of pink flowers on a blue background

Our second installment the “We Were Trans Kids Once” series. If you have a young trans/gender-diverse person in your life, please share with them. If you want to share your story in this series, email us at tog4ty@gmail.com

From Jole
I'm nearly in my 40s, and only within the past several years have I begun to understand my own identity as a non-binary, agender trans person.  Picture of a tree in dense fogIf I could speak with my kid self, I would tell them to keep speaking out and being loud-you'll find other voices and support. I'd let them know to never stop. playing for fear of not fitting in, and that that's the best way to learn and to attract creative people.  Picture of a gate covered in a green and yellow vine opening into a grassy area in dense fog Most of all, I'd tell them, "You're not broken because you feel different from everyone else. You're going to have to work harder to become who you are, and often you'll feel alone and misunderstood."
Picture of a pier and boat in a foggy morning on a lakeYour journey will be imperfect and, at times, both terrifying and wonderful.
Sometimes it will be easy and sometimes it will feel unbearable, but that's going to make it that much more rewarding and joyful everyday just to be you.
Picture of an ornate black iron gate with a few covered spider web in one of the circles of the gate

This is our first installment in the “We Were Trans Kids Once” series. If you have a young trans/gender-diverse person in your life, please share. If you’d like to share your wisdom and experience, email us at tog4ty@gmail.com. Thank you to our brave, grown, vulnerable creators!

Transition can be really healing on its own, but for me being in trans community was what really allowed me to accept myself and feel whole. Loving other trans people and seeing their beauty and value made me see my own too.BUT finding other trans people and building meaningful relationships can be hard! Especially when trying to do it offline. It is awkward going to queer meet-ups or clubs or talking to cool-looking strangers at parties, but my advice would be to push through the awkwardness and do it.And keep embracing the awkwardness and reach out to people first, make plans, and check in on people. Be generous with your time
and nurture your
relationships because these are what will keep you safe and help you grow. Don't be discouraged if you don't immediately click with all the trans people you meet.With time and practice you'll find your people

Look out for our new series! If you have a young trans person in your life, this series shares wisdom, experience, and advice from trans/gender diverse adults. If you want to share your lived experience as part of this series, write to us at tog4ty@gmail.com

WE WERE TRANS
KIDS ONCE
Honest conversations about identity, joy, and community- from one generation to the next, for trans youth navigating their own journeys.

Pink and blue gradient background with a rainbow border and yellow twinkles in the corners

Thanks to The Soft Spot PGH and those who came out to donate. We shared our table with folks who wrote notes to Trans youth and made bracelets for the care kits! Special shout out to Mihiret Eyosias and Nina Lucia for their beautiful art. Look out for a sign up and new date for the talent show!

Table with logo Together 4 Trans and a painting of Marsha P Johnson, signage for ways to donate to different groups and resourcesPeople at a table at The Soft Spot PGH making bracelets and writing notes for care kits People at a table at The Soft Spot PGH making bracelets and writing notes for care kits Mihiret Eyosias and Nina Lucia holding their collaborative painting of Marsha P Johnson

Unfortunately we’ve postponed the “Glad You’re Queer” Talent Extravaganza. Keep an eye out for the new date and time. T4TY will still be at the Soft Spot on Saturday 8/15 from 2-4pm for Coming Together 4 Trans Youth Community Meet-Up! Come hang out with the T4TY team and enjoy community.

The
Glad You're Queer"
Talent Extravaganza
POSTPONEDCOMING TOGETHER 4 TRANS YOUTH
Community Meetup
Saturday, August 15th, 2026 2:00 to 4:00 PM
The Soft Spot PGH
5407 Penn Avenue
Pittsburgh PA 15206
Grab a beverage, make bracelets, play games, and connect with members of T4TY. Whether you come to chat, create, or enjoy the company, we would love to see you and your family there!
We will be collecting donations for Care Kits for trans youth and accepting donations for a gender-affirming clothing swap. For more information, please scan the QR code:
PRESENTED BY TOGETHER 4 TRANS YOUTH (T4TY)

It’s Stonewall Day. Our movement of liberation began as an anti-police brutality protest led by Trans women of the global majority living in poverty. Our fight is not over. Let us honor those who put their lives on the line for all Queer and Trans people to live and love free

A photo of Marsha P Johnson in front of Village Cigars, surrounded by people celebrating Pride (black and white photo)

If you are a Transgender/gender non-conforming adult and are willing to share any of your experiences, reflections, or advice with trans youth, please reach out to us! We are hoping to share your stories across our platforms to remind trans kids that they deserve to be, and can become, trans adults.

Picture of a Pink rotary telephone encircled by the words “Together 4 Trans Youth Needs Your Voice!”WE ARE LOOKING FOR TRANS & GENDER NON-CONFORMING
ADULTS WHO ARE WILLING TO SHARE THEIR STORIES, EXPERIENCES, AND ADVICE WITH THE TRANS YOUTH OF TODAYIF YOU ARE INTERESTED, PLEASE DM US ON INSTAGRAM -
@TOGETHER4TRANSYOUTH
BLUESKY - @T4-TY
OR EMAIL US AT - TOG4TY@GMAIL.COM
WE WILL ONLY SHARE ANYTHING THAT IS SHARED WITH US TO THE LEVEL OF YOUR COMFORT AND WILL MAINTAIN STRICT ANONYMITY, IF REQUESTED.

TOMORROW! T4TY and Assemble partnered to bring you Art Day at Garfield Pride. Join us! Assemble 4824 Penn Ave on May 30th from 1:30-3:30pm. We’ll make signs for the Pittsburgh Pride Parade, friendship bracelets, art, and more! We’re also collecting donations for care kits for trans youth!

TOGETHER 4 TRANS YOUTH &
ASSEMBLE PRESENT
ART DAY 2026
JOIN US AT GARFIELD PRIDE FOR A FUN CRAFT SESSION IN ANTICIPATION OF THE
2026 PITTSBURGH PRIDE FESTIVAL!
ALL AGES WELCOME!
May 30th 2026
1:30pm - 3:30 pm
Assemble
4824 Penn Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15224
MAKE SIGNS & FRIENDSHIP
BRACELETS FOR PRIDE!

During this time,
we will also be
collecting
donations to
create Care Kits
for trans youth!
We are collecting -
• New/unused hygeine items (deodorant, shampoo, body lotion, etc.)
• New/unused beauty products
• Non-perishable snack items
• Fidget/sensory items

T4TY and Assemble are partnering to bring you Art Day at Garfield Pride. Join us! Assemble 4824 Penn Ave on May 30th from 1:30-3:30pm. We’ll make signs for the Pittsburgh Pride Parade, friendship bracelets, art, and more! We’re also collecting donations for care kits we will curate for trans youth!

TOGETHER 4 TRANS YOUTH &
ASSEMBLE PRESENT
ART DAY 2026
JOIN US AT GARFIELD PRIDE FOR A FUN CRAFT SESSION IN ANTICIPATION OF THE
2026 PITTSBURGH PRIDE FESTIVAL!
ALL AGES WELCOME!
May 30th 2026
1:30pm - 3:30 pm
Assemble
4824 Penn Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15224
MAKE SIGNS & FRIENDSHIP
BRACELETS FOR PRIDE!

During this time,
we will also be
collections
donations to
create Care Kits
for trans youth!

We are collecting -
• New/unused hygeine items (deodorant, shampoo, body lotion, etc.)
• New/unused beauty products including hair accessories
• Non-perishable snack items
• Fidget/sensory items

T4TY and Assemble are partnering to bring you Art Day at Garfield Pride. Join us! Assemble 4824 Penn Ave on May 30th from 1:30-3:30pm. We’ll make signs for the Pittsburgh Pride Parade, friendship bracelets, art, and more! We’re also collecting donations for care kits we will curate for trans youth!

TOGETHER 4 TRANS YOUTH &
ASSEMBLE PRESENT
ART DAY 2026
JOIN US AT GARFIELD PRIDE FOR A FUN CRAFT SESSION IN ANTICIPATION OF THE
2026 PITTSBURGH PRIDE FESTIVAL!
ALL AGES WELCOME!
May 30th, 2026
1:30pm - 3:30 pm
Assemble
4824 Penn Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15224
MAKE SIGNS & FRIENDSHIP
BRACELETS FOR PRIDE!

During this time, we will also be collecting donations to create Care Kits for trans youth!
We are collecting -
• New/unused hygeine items (deodorant, shampoo, body lotion, etc.)
• New/unused beauty products
• Non-perishable snack items
• Fidget/sensory items