Our Story

Cielo Sunsarae founded The Queer Trans Project in Jacksonville, Florida in Spring 2021 as a response to limitations imposed by local queer organizations on LGBTQ+ individuals seeking essential resources. With a vision, a $500 grant, and a 2 bedroom apartment, we established ourselves as an inclusive organization dedicated to addressing dysphoria experienced by trans and gender non-conforming individuals, irrespective of their demographic background.

Since our humble beginnings, The Queer Trans Project has grown exponentially, with a remarkable reach of millions of individuals across social media platforms and a substantial following of thousands of dedicated supporters. Our impact has extended beyond borders, thanks to the incredible support from our community.

We are proud to have forged meaningful partnerships with esteemed organizations such as Lush Cosmetics, GC2B, Stonewall Sports, Elevated Access, the Southern Equality Fund, the Resist Foundation, and more. These partnerships enable us to further our mission and expand the resources and opportunities we offer to the LGBTQ+ community.

Our Pillars

At Queer Trans Project, our organization is built upon four strong pillars that shape our mission and guide us in serving the LGBTQ+ community. Each pillar represents a fundamental value we hold dear, encompassing our commitment to inclusivity, representation, honesty, and the unwavering support of our community. We invite you to learn more about each pillar and how they define our organization by clicking below.

Authentic Representation

Representation matters deeply to us. We understand the importance of having leaders and board members who genuinely understand and reflect the diverse communities we serve. As a black trans-led organization, we take immense pride in being authentic representatives of the LGBTQ+ population. Our founder, a black trans individual, brings firsthand experience and empathy to the organization's core. We stand firm in our commitment never to provide for our community without truly representing them, celebrating the richness of identities within our community and amplifying their voices to the fullest extent.

Community-Rooted

We wholeheartedly believe in the power of community. Without our dedicated volunteers who help us table at events, the generous donors who contribute items and funds for our programs, and the meaningful partnerships we have formed with other organizations, we wouldn't be where we are today. Our very foundation is built on the strength and support of our community, and we are committed to being a true community organization in every sense of the word.

Inclusivity & Accessibility

Our organization was born out of the need to provide support and gender-affirming resources without limitations. We are here for all LGBTQ+ individuals who seek our services, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, or any other identity. Through our BIPOC Early Access program and UserWay accessibility settings on our website, we strive to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel represented and supported. Our commitment to inclusivity ensures that no one is left behind, and we strive to be a reliable resource for all those in need. With a leadership and board entirely composed of individuals we represent, The Queer Trans Project ensures genuine representation and advocates for an open, honest, and supportive community.

Honesty & Integrity

We embrace a culture of trust and understanding, We believe in the power of authentic connections and respect our community's identity without imposing burdensome verification processes. We stand firm in our commitment to providing gender-empowering resources to all LGBTQ+ individuals. Our open policy is founded on the belief that everyone deserves access to the support they need, but we also trust our community to be honest about their needs and refrain from exploiting our resources. With this, we challenge the societal pressures that question our identity daily and create a space where every individual can find acceptance, empowerment, and genuine care.

Questions

Email us at queertransproject@gmail.com