Within the last two years, there has been a dramatic increase in transgender deaths across the United States. Along with the increase in deaths, transgender people are ranked in the top five for most likely to be unemployed, homeless, and at risk for sexual transmitted disease. Only three percent of transgender students across America attend a university or accredited school. Taylor strives to be the change she wants to see.
Taylor serves as the Founder and President of the Trans Support Group at Jefferson High School and was recently invited to speak to Hillsborough County Schools principals and assistant principals on safety and awareness for the transgender population. Through this experience, Taylor realized she could use her voice to have a greater impact on the transgender community. Taylor is striving to start the T.R.A.N.S. Empowerment initiative in order to educate leaders in schools and businesses on the unique perspective that the transgender people can offer to the community. T.R.A.N.S. stands for Teaching Respect and Needs for Success. The program will operate under three different categories: high schools, colleges and universities, and businesses to promote the education and success of future transgender leaders.
Taylor becomes the 240th Lightning Community Hero since Jeff and Penny Vinik introduced the Lightning Community Hero program in 2011-12 with a $10 million, five-season commitment to the Tampa Bay community. Through this evening's game, in total, the Lightning Foundation has granted $12.15 million to more than 300 different non-profits in the Greater Tampa Bay area.
