When Sabrina Ray began her transition journey, she noticed that resources in the Dayton area largely felt like social groups and didn’t incorporate as much structure or therapeutic aspects as she had hoped.
This planted a seed for Ray, but it wasn’t until the passing of a trans community member in the Dayton area that she realized it was time to take action.
“That’s what led me to reach out to these other organizations in the area that have resources and experience.” Ray said, “And when a lot of them were kinda like, ‘Hey, we don’t really have the bandwidth or resources,’ it was like, ‘Okay, I’m gonna have to figure out how to do it myself.'”
Sabrina Ray, with the help of her partner Nova Ray, launched TransHearts – a nonprofit peer-led support group for trans, nonbinary, and gender non-conforming individuals – in February 2026.
Only a few months since its inception, the group has garnered quite a bit of support from the community.
“We’ve had a really great reception as far as people attending our meetings regularly, and just the overall community reception has been mind-blowing to me, and I’m very thankful for that.” said Ray.
From hosting confidential, peer-led support groups to tabling at events including the Have a Gay Day Resource Fair and Beaver Creek Pride, TransHearts has strived to work alongside organizations that align with its mission. Most notably, Ray has stressed how important it’s been for TransHearts to build its website into a community resource hub, directing people to a variety of LGBTQ+ support.
When asked if she had any advice for others hoping to create their own “TransHearts” in their communities, Ray highlighted her own organization’s model.
“Just being open and willing to learn and listen, you know?” Ray said, “We’re all in this together. It’s not who’s the biggest or who’s gonna be around the longest. It’s gonna be who’s coming together to help everyone.” 🔥
IGNITE ACTION
- To learn more about TransHearts including information about meetings, events, resources and more, visit their website by clicking here.
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