Trans & Friends Youth Group Hosts Virtual Meeting

Monthly gathering provides support and community for LGBTQIA+ youth in Atlanta

Apr. 6, 2026 at 11:00pm

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An abstract, out-of-focus photograph in soft, warm tones depicting a group of young people gathered together, their forms blurred into indistinct shapes, conveying a sense of community and exploration of identity.The Trans & Friends Youth Group offers a welcoming virtual space for LGBTQIA+ youth to connect, share, and find support.Atlanta Today

Charis Books, an independent bookstore in Atlanta, is hosting a virtual meeting of its Trans & Friends Youth Group on the first Monday of each month. The group is open to 12-18-year-old transgender, gender-questioning, and allied youth, providing a facilitated space to discuss gender identity, access resources, and engage in activism around social issues.

Why it matters

The Trans & Friends Youth Group fills an important need for LGBTQIA+ youth in the Atlanta area, offering a supportive community and adult-facilitated discussions around gender identity at a time when many young people are navigating these complex issues. The group's virtual and in-person format also makes it accessible to a wide range of participants.

The details

The Trans & Friends Youth Group is co-facilitated by Mr. Jesse McNulty, Sr., a veteran teacher and advocate for LGBTQIA+ youth, and Dante DeStefano, one of the group's original co-founders. The group meets virtually on the first Monday of each month and in-person on the third Monday at Charis Books and More. Participants can register for the virtual meetings through Zoom, with the option to enable live AI captions.

  • The Trans & Friends Youth Group meets virtually on the first Monday of each month.
  • The group also meets in-person on the third Monday of each month at Charis Books and More.

The players

Mr. Jesse McNulty, Sr.

A 25-year veteran teacher of at-opportunity youth in the metro-Atlanta area, with a Master's of Education in Special Education- Behavioral Disorders. He is a co-founder and co-facilitator of the Trans & Friends Youth Group, as well as an advocate for LGBTQIA+ and queerly situated youth.

Dante DeStefano

One of the original co-founders of the Trans & Friends Youth Group, Dante has been an advocate for the queer community, especially transgender and gender-expansive youth, since 2003. As a co-facilitator, he is thrilled to continue providing support for young people navigating their gender identity.

Charis Books

An independent bookstore in Atlanta that hosts the Trans & Friends Youth Group and supports the expression of diverse and marginalized voices through its programming.

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What they’re saying

“Whether silently or aloud, please come ready to consider your own gender in a transient world.”

— Mr. Jesse McNulty, Sr., Co-founder and Co-facilitator, Trans & Friends Youth Group

“As co-facilitator, he is thrilled that T&F has continued to provide support for young people, wherever they are navigating and exploring on their gender journey.”

— Dante DeStefano, Co-founder and Co-facilitator, Trans & Friends Youth Group

What’s next

The Trans & Friends Youth Group will host its next virtual meeting on the first Monday of May 2026.

The takeaway

The Trans & Friends Youth Group is a vital resource for LGBTQIA+ youth in Atlanta, providing a supportive community and space for self-exploration and activism around gender identity and social issues.