When I was a little kid, I was unapologetically curious and colorfully authentic until I was told to dim my feminine light.

I was that nerdy kid who excelled in academia. Despite constant bullying and abuse at home and in school, I was able to somehow focus on my studies. School became my constant in life. In junior high, I was selected to be one of the first students in North Miami to be enrolled in an Advanced Placement (AP) Program. I was so proud to be taking college courses while in ninth grade. 

I managed to graduate high school early and soon after found myself on the streets as a homeless queer teen. I had become part of the estimated 38% of transgender and nonbinary youth who experience homelessness. 

I knew that I was trans at a very young age, but I come from a generation that didn’t even know that such a thing existed. I’m grateful that transgender and nonbinary lives are part of mainstream modern life, even as we fiercely fight for equality. For much of my life, I tried to fit into whatever boxes I needed to fit into. I dealt with stagnating depression, homelessness, discrimination, and so much self-loathing. 

I managed to achieve many wonderful things even without an education; I know many successful people who achieved their dreams without a formal education. On my journey, my education was always in the back of my mind, but never quite within reach until the day that I decided to transition. At the age of 45, I decided that I needed to listen to that once unapologetically curious and colorfully authentic kid. I vowed to create my own box and define my dreams on my own terms.

I know what it means to be alone and misunderstood. That’s why I advocate for young adults who want to live out their educational dreams. That’s why I founded TransEd. One of our clients recently wrote this: “Being a part of this program has changed my life in ways I didn’t think were possible. It helped me believe in myself and my future again. My tutoring sessions have shown me that school doesn’t have to be grim or scary. It can actually be fun and exciting and comfortable. It makes a huge difference knowing someone truly cares. I finally feel seen and supported in a way I never expected, all thanks to TransEd.”

We offer GED certifications for young adults age 18-34 where we provide new computers, books, supplies, exam fees and weekly private tutoring. We meet our clients where they are and work through the program at their pace. We also offer annual scholarships for higher education programs. This year, we’re proud to be awarding four college/vocational school scholarships totaling $12,500.

As for me? I completed my BA with honors and on August 1, 2025 I will graduate from Florida State University College of Law with my Juris Master in Health Care Regulation. This one’s for all the colorful kids who were told to dim their light; keep on shining, my brilliant LGBTQ+ siblings!

Franchesca D’Amore is a transgender advocate, holistic life coach, diva extraordinaire and the Founder and President of TransEd (transed.org).