The Power of Trans Youth:
Diversity + Allyship Through Storytelling

A DEI Presentation By Jesse Freidin Photographer + Rebecca Minor MSW LICSW, Gender Specialist

Rahliek, Age 20, Virginia + Cam, Age 8, Minnesota + Lexi, Age 17, Illinois - from ‘Are You Ok?’ by Jesse Freidin

The Power of Trans Youth: Diversity and Allyship Through Storytelling is a relevant and engaging presentation for groups committed to prioritizing the safety and inclusion of trans, non-binary and gender expansive community members. State law makers have proposed more anti-trans bills in the month of January 2023 than all the anti-trans bills in 2021 and 2022 combined. This signifies a coordinated attack on trans Americans, resulting in the loss of healthcare, legal protections and a dangerously loud message of hate. Our programming, based on the award-winning documentary series ‘Are You OK?’, offers inspiring first hand accounts of trans youth and their supportive families from across the country. More importantly, it uses storytelling and emotion to educate.

Jesse Freidin, award-winning queer/trans identified photographer and author, and Rebecca Minor MSW LICSW, Gender Specialist and consultant, present this work together. In conversation with each other and the audience, participants deepen their understanding of the complexities surrounding trans identity through a creative and therapeutic lens.

Sharing this beautiful project makes a clear statement to the LGBTQIA+ members of your workplace that they are seen and heard, and teaches others how to become active allies with compassion and understanding. We’re confident the narratives of these young people and their families will create positive change, teach with love and foster an inclusive workspace.

We look forward to getting to know your community,

Jesse and Rebecca

  • The Power of Trans Youth: Embracing Diversity and Allyship Through Storytelling

    Virtual or In-Person Talk, Length: 2 hrs

    This is a well-rounded and truly unique alternative to presenting your staff with the traditional lecture on pronouns and trans identity. While sharing striking on-screen images and personal narratives of trans youth with supportive families from across America, Rebecca and Jesse will spark a thoughtful dialogue about trans rights and how your community can become more welcoming and effective allies.

    Through impassioned conversation, Rebecca and Jesse uncover themes of strength, joy and survival and encourage the audience to reflect on their own commitment to social justice. Photographs serve as a jumping off point for data-backed counseling approaches to each topic. Included will be a brief overview of current anti-trans legislation and practical strategies for allyship, as well as time for Q + A. Attendees will leave feeling deeply moved and empowered to support the trans and non-binary people in their lives.

  • Interactive ‘Are You OK?’ Pop-Up Exhibit

    Parent Roundtable Discussion with Rebecca and Jesse

    Photoshoot + Storytelling Event for Your Company

    Pronouns + Gender Identity 101 with Rebecca and Jesse

Rebecca Minor, MSW, LICSW: Bio

Rebecca Minor, MSW, LICSW is a neuroqueer femme, clinician, consultant, and educator specializing in the intersection of trauma, gender, and sexuality. As a Gender Specialist, Rebecca partners with trans and gender nonconforming youth through their journey of becoming, and is a guide to their parents in affirming it. Rebecca is part-time faculty at Boston University School of Social work and always works through a lens that is neurodiversity-affirming, trauma-informed, and resilience-oriented. In addition to her clinical work, Rebecca has provided cultural humility training and consultation to organizations, schools, and businesses for the past decade.

Jesse Freidin Photographer: Bio

Jesse Freidin is an award-winning queer/trans identified photographer and author. For 15 years he was America’s leading fine art dog photographer, and now focuses his attention on elevating the experience of the trans/TGNC community through portraiture and interviews. His current series “Are You OK?” addresses the dangers of the current wave of anti-trans legislation sweeping the country in a passionate attempt to erase stigma and uncover the voices of those most affected. Jesse’s work is in over 150 private collections nationwide, and has been featured in The New York Times, Insider, Vogue, The Huffington Post, NPR and many more. He is the author of two books: Finding Shelter: Portraits of Love, Healing and Survival (Lyons Press, 2017) and When Dogs Heal: Powerful Stories of People Living with HIV and the Dogs That Saved Them (Lerner Books, 2021).

Testimonials:

“We host an annual special speaker series in our interdisciplinary Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies program that is our most important opportunity to offer programming to our broadest community—current students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members. We invited Jesse Freidin because we wanted to address this urgent moment for trans youth in a compelling, accessible, and moving way. Freidin worked with us to create a digital installation that we staged in key campus and community public spaces leading up to the talk, and then gave a generous and generative presentation that modeled interdisciplinarity with a blend of visual art, interview, and analysis. The talk was perfect for college audiences, inspirational to students and faculty alike, and has sparked ongoing conversations in our community.”
- Simone Chess, Director of Gender, Sexuality + Women’s Studies, Wayne State University


“Rebecca recently spoke at Google for a discussion on how parents and caregivers can best support gender diverse children, along with policies that advocate for and make a difference in the lives of gender diverse youth. The talk was absolutely fantastic - very well-received, thoughtful and informative. Rebecca showed up with compassion, humor, and a wealth of knowledge and experience. People were very positive about the discussion and can’t wait for a follow-up. I’d highly recommend Rebecca as a crucial and compelling voice on any issues pertaining to transgender or gender-diverse youth. She is a truly wonderful resource.”
- Google Transgender ERG + Caregivers of Trans Kids ERG chairs

Jesse + Rebecca’s Previous Engagements:

Google: Trans Weeks of Awareness
TransHarvard Conference, Harvard University
First Event Conference 2023, Keynote Speakers
Free Mom Hugs + Real Mama Bears National Parent Groups
Massachusetts Council on LGBTQ Youth
Greater Boston PFLAG
Gender Spectrum Conference
Wayne State University, Gender + Women’s Studies Department
Center for Urban Research and Learning, Loyola University
Rent The Runway, Employee Resource Group
The Trevor Project
Massachusetts College of Art
Emerson Hospital