About Us
“It’s vitally important we move boldly forward, always
conscious that our rhetoric of change must not eclipse our commitment to
making change happen.”
Jenn Burleton - TransActive Founder and Executive Director
Based in Portland, Oregon, TransActive Education & Advocacy provides a comprehensive array of educational, advocacy, support and research services to transgender and gender non-conforming children and youth, their families, allies, community organizations and helping professionals.
Co-founded in 2007 by Jenn Burleton, Hayley Klug and Kaig Lightner, TransActive was among the first organizations in the United States committed to advocating on behalf of transgender and gender non-conforming children, youth and their families.
TransActive helps caregivers, educators and others find the best way to provide the support their child and family need.
TransActive puts this into action through a Standard of Care we call Running the RACE:
- Recognition - Be aware and supportive of how a child experiences/expresses their gender identity. Look for persistent and consistent gender expression rather than isolated, even-based behavior or preferences.
- Acceptance - Know that transgender and gender non-conforming children experience their gender identity as deeply and authentically as a non-transgender child. Accepting that will insure healthier outcomes for the entire family.
- Congruence - Look for opportunities to follow the child's lead in creating environments where their internal gender identity and external gender experience can be in sync. This may include facilitating gender transition.
- Empowerment - Be open to a transgender child's need for social and physical congruence. This may (eventually) include puberty blocking and cross-sex hormone treatment.
