Arkansas was the first state in the country to ban transgender-affirming care for kids. The state also has a law allowing Arkansans to sue for damages if they encounter someone in a bathroom, changing room, shelter or correctional facility who does not align with the "designated sex" of the restroom. It is estimated more than 10,000 transgender people live in the Natural State, and the nonprofit advocacy group Intransitive is there to help them feel seen and accepted. Cynthia Martinez, communications director for Intransitive, said it is easy for members to feel left out, especially during commemorations like Hispanic Heritage Month. "Living at the intersections of these identities just makes us so much more powerful and we have the right to be included and are fundamental to our culture," Martinez asserted. "We're also trying to create more acceptance within the rest of our community." The group is hosting a [...]

The Medill fellow who helped build the Neighborhood Navigators pilot will lead the initiative as it launches this month.