When my daughter Jackie came out as transgender at nineteen, I was overcome with shock, anxiety, and confusion. I was not the mother she needed and deserved. After educating myself and finally listening to her, everything changed. Three and a half years later, I’m her biggest fan and we’re closer than ever.  We’ve both worked hard to repair the damage I caused by my ignorance.

The transgender person in your life may be your child, parent, friend, partner, coworker, student, or anyone else in your circle. They may or may not have come out yet. Jackie and I want to share our struggles to help you avoid the deep pain we’ve experienced. We’ll be offering online courses, live workshops, articles, social media posts, resources, and more to help you educate yourself about diverse trans experiences and become the best transgender advocate you can possibly be.

-Bridget Sampson

Bridget is the Founder and CEO of Sampson Coaching & Consulting where she offers leadership training and coaching programs for Fortune 500 companies. As a TEDx Speaker and an Emeritus Professor of Communication Studies at California State University, Northridge, Bridget has shared her expertise on public speaking, interpersonal communication, organizational communication, and intercultural communication for over 25 years. Bridget is a professional coach certified by the International Coaching Federation and The Life Coach School, as well as a recipient of the Don Dorsey Excellence in Mentoring Award. She’s also the co-host of The Right Questions Podcast and The Transgender School Podcast. Bridget received her Master of Arts in Communication Studies with distinction from California State University, Northridge.

Things were very stressful when I stepped into the world as an out, transgender woman for the first time at nineteen. It took a lot to process being constantly misgendered, constantly having to explain that I was transitioning, and constantly having to answer endless questions from my friends and family about being trans.

Talking about my experience still isn’t easy, but the more time I put between those anxiety-ridden early days and my current reality, the easier it gets, and the more I want to share my experience to help others. I hope that through the Transgender School, I can help make the world a safer place for all queer people by educating one ally at a time.

-Jackie Thornhill

Jackie currently works as a public servant for the City of San Francisco. She formerly worked as a Campaign Manager, Communications Director, and Congressional Campaign Field Organizer. A proud LBGTQIA+ advocate, Jackie serves as Vice President of Events and Fundraising for The Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club in San Francisco. Jackie is also the recipient of the Certificate of Honor for Transgender Leadership, presented by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. She’s also the co-host of The Transgender School Podcast. Jackie received her Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Philosophy from The University of San Francisco where she graduated Magna Cum Laude.