About Trans Spectrum of Arizona
Mission
Our mission is to foster a safe, welcoming, and inclusive support community for the transgender, non-binary, and gender diverse community and its allies in Arizona through building and facilitating a peer support network, resource sharing, education, and community outreach events and programs.
Vision
We envision a world in which transgender, non-binary, and gender diverse individuals, and their allies, are recognized, celebrated, and empowered to live their lives as they choose without fear of reprisal or repercussion.
Values
We value diversity, equity, inclusion, and individual liberty. We hold the following statements as our guiding principles:
- All gender identities are valid. There is no right or wrong way to be trans, gender diverse, expansive, or nonconforming.
- Everyone’s path is their own. There is no right or wrong way to transition. Gender transition is not required to be trans.
- People are who they say they are.
- Everyone has the right to the pursue happiness.
About Us
Founded by Sherri Shimansky in 2013, Trans Spectrum of Arizona (TSAZ) is a 100% volunteer operated, donation supported, nonprofit organization serving the transgender and gender expansive/diverse community and their significant others, friends, family and allies (SOFFAs) in Arizona.
Trans Spectrum of Arizona provides a number of services such as peer support groups, grants and scholarships, a free clothing boutique, and a trans-friendly resource guide.
Trans Spectrum of Arizona is a secular organization and is not affiliated with any religious or spiritual groups, however, we may rent space from religious organizations depending on need and availability.
In 2023, Trans Spectrum of Arizona became a program of the Queer Center, a designated 501(c)3 organization.