Michigan Arts & Culture

Grand Rapids nonprofit improving the lives of trans youth one student at a time

Michigan Public | By Stateside Staff

Published August 3, 2016 at 4:52 PM EDT

Simon Kittok has said that rights for trans people are 30 years behind the rest of the gay community.

Our conversation with Simon Kittok and Misha VanVaerenbergh

The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs reports attacks against transgender individuals jumped 13 percent in 2014, and nearly half of transgender individuals, 41 percent, attempt suicide.

When compared to the general population, trans people are nearly four times more likely to have an annual income of under $10,000.

A new West Michigan nonprofit is hoping to help trans youth get beyond these challenges.

The Grand Rapids Trans Foundation launched just last December.

Founder and director Simon Kittok and secretary Misha VanVaerenbergh joined us today to talk about the troubles transgender people face and their goals for the Foundation.

GUESTS

Simon Kittok is the founder, treasurer and executive director of the Grand Rapids Trans Foundation.

Misha VanVaerenbergh is the secretary for the Grand Rapids Trans Foundation.

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