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About Us
Our Mission: Educate. Advocate. Celebrate.
The Santa Barbara Transgender Advocacy Network educates individuals and organizations on best practices for transgender & gender expansive clients, patients, students, congregants and families; creates and develops spaces, actions, and policies that advance the welfare of transgender and diverse gender non-conforming individuals, their families, and allies in California's Central Coast communities.
Our Story
Our story began in 2014, when three families of transgender children met at our local PFLAG chapter, and decided to form a support group specifically for families of trans youth in Santa Barbara. Through word-of-mouth, and handmade fliers put up in schools and organizations throughout the county, our Trans Youth Santa Barbara family support group officially began in March of 2015. This new idea quickly grew from a small grassroots support group to a much larger network! Eventually, the Santa Barbara Transgender Advocacy Network was formed, including: trans affirming trainings for organizations and schools throughout the Tri-County area; support groups for transgender adults, teens, and families of trans youth; an executive director and board of directors; our Santa Barbara Transgender Center, Lisa's Place; local events, such as our county's first-ever recognized celebration of Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV); and our 501(c)(3) status as an official non-profit!
SBTAN continues in its grassroots community activism today, continuing to be inspired by our local transgender community of adults and youth, and the affirming families and allies that make up our thriving network. Thank you for supporting this vital work to our local Santa Barbara transgender community!
SBTAN Board of Directors
EXECUTIVE BOARD
President: Lillian Simmons
Vice President: Amy Wright
Secretary: Kathy Abad
Treasurer: Drew Wright
BOARD MEMBERS
Jon Abad
Megan Overland
Eileen Randall
Kai Tilley
ADVISORY BOARD
Lisa Gillinger
Kelley Winters
Our Staff
Board meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 6pm and are open to the public. Our by-laws can be accessed here.
Executive Director Open
Lisa's Place Coordinator Abby Tracy
Training Director Open
Social Media Manager Open
Support Group Coordinator Kathy Abad
To inquire about open volunteer positions, please contact info@sbtan.org.