Our Mission
He She Ze and We (HSZ&W) supports transgender and nonbinary people of all ages and empowers their families and allies to create the life-saving, inclusive environments we all deserve.
Our Vision
We envision a Virginia where transgender and nonbinary people live and thrive authentically, and where every person is celebrated in their communities.
Our Core Values
Lead with Heart and Integrity
We move with our hearts. We act with integrity and authenticity, aligning our words and actions with our values. We commit to doing our best, holding ourselves accountable, and modeling transparency in all that we do.
Center Community
We intentionally center community to inform our work and advance our mission. We listen with care, seek to understand, and respond thoughtfully. We aim to build power with, not over, the people we serve and with whom we are in community. We invite people in, and grow alongside one another.
Learn Together
We practice curiosity and embrace a growth mindset, hold space for not always knowing, and believe that wisdom is shared. We commit to learning together, and that transformation happens over time through education, connection, and trust.
Act In Solidarity
We believe in the transformative and collective power of working in relationship with others who share a commitment to justice. We are responsible for one another’s well-being.
Practice Joy
We honor and prioritize joy as sustenance, celebration and resistance. We cultivate spaces of collective healing and genuine care, holding love and hope at the heart of our work.
Our Story
He She Ze and We (HSZ&W) began in 2012 as a small grassroots support group for parents of young gender-expansive children. As the organization grew, it quickly became clear that families with transgender and nonbinary loved ones of all ages needed connection, education, and trusted resources. Since becoming a 501(c)3 non-profit in 2020, HSZ&W has expanded from a volunteer-led effort into a statewide organization based in Richmond, Virginia, providing support, education, advocacy, and community connection throughout the state.
As HSZ&W has grown, so has our ability to respond to the evolving needs of transgender and nonbinary people, families, and allies. Our work has expanded to include direct support for transgender and nonbinary adults, providing individualized guidance, resource navigation, and opportunities for connection as people seek access to affirming care, services, and support.
Today, HSZ&W is a trusted resource organization dedicated to improving the health, wellbeing, safety, and sense of belonging of transgender and nonbinary people of all ages. We support transgender and nonbinary adults, families, caregivers, allies, and professionals through education, connection, advocacy, and access to affirming resources.
Our Work
Our work is grounded in a simple truth: supportive families and communities are among the strongest protective factors for transgender and nonbinary people, especially youth. By reducing isolation, increasing access to resources, creating opportunities for connection and belonging, and equipping people with knowledge and tools to offer meaningful support, we help build more affirming environments where transgender and nonbinary people can thrive.
Through our family support programming, parents, caregivers, and adult family members have access to ongoing support groups, educational opportunities, and social gatherings designed to increase understanding, strengthen relationships, and help families navigate their journeys with greater confidence.
Our Ally & Community Education program provides professional development and educational training for schools, healthcare providers, businesses, agencies, and community groups. By increasing understanding of gender diversity and providing practical tools for inclusion, we help create safer, more welcoming environments for transgender and nonbinary people.
Our work with transgender and nonbinary adults includes individualized guidance, resource navigation, and opportunities for connection and belonging. We help individuals access affirming providers, services, and support networks while creating spaces where transgender and nonbinary adults can build relationships, reduce isolation, and find meaningful connection.
At HSZ&W, we are committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization that welcomes all voices and reflects the communities we serve. Our staff, Board of Directors, and volunteers are united in their dedication to protecting, uplifting, and celebrating the trans and nonbinary community. We stand firm in our mission to advocate for equity, foster belonging, and champion diversity in all that we do.
