They Fought the Law & They WON!

Transformation Project of South Dakota is a pioneering, trans-affirming powerhouse that is reshaping the conversation about our trans and gender-expansive community. What began as a small support circle for parents of trans youth quickly grew by word of mouth, online message boards, and a shared understanding that this deeply marginalized community needed and deserves more.

After outgrowing living rooms and borrowed church basements, Transformation Project opened a one-of-a-kind community center in Sioux Falls, offering inclusive programming, a gender-affirming closet, advocacy resources, and most importantly: belonging.

Recently, the PFund Foundation board of directors visited the center and heard firsthand how the Transformation Project is changing lives and how our collective grantmaking helps power these life-affirming, life-saving services.

One of the most talked-about displays in the center is a framed letter of apology from former Governor Kristi Noem’s office, a symbol of hard-won justice. After the Governor cancelled approved funding intended to document the needs of the LGBTQ+ community, Transformation Project took the state to court. Refusing to settle, they pushed the case to trial and, through discovery, learned that Noem had instructed staff to cancel the project first and justify it later. Confronted with clear discrimination, the Governor’s office was forced to publicly apologize and restore the funding. Victory, in writing.

We are deeply impressed by their courage and grateful for their work. Check them out and consider making a gift to help keep this vital organization strong in the fight for trans rights and representation.