This page contains information about transgender populations, support groups and resources for transgender/cross-dressers, their spouses and families.
Transgender Population Information from the UCLA Williams Institute
The following information is from the UCLA Willams Institute concerning transgender in the US (LINK)
As of 2020 there are an estimated 1.6 million people who identify as transgender in the US according to University of California Los Angeles. This is less than one percent of the population. Recent data provided an opportunity to update prior population estimates. The Williams Institute used data from the 2014-15 BRFSS to estimate the number of adults (ages 18 and older) and youth (ages 13 to 17) who identify as transgender. Since then, a total of 43 states have used the BRFSS optional gender identity module for at least one year, providing more years of data from more states since these initial estimates.
In 2020 about 1.3 million adults in the U.S. (18+ years-old) identify as transgender. About 500,000 are transgender women, 480,000 are transgender men, and 320,000 are gender nonconforming. Among youth (ages 13 to 17) in the U.S. about 300,000 identify as transgender.
Overall, based on estimates from 2014-2020 the percentage and number of adults, compared to the overall population, who identify as transgender has remained steady. The Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) data has given us a better understanding of the youth gender identity profile. Youth ages 13 to 17 comprise 18% of the entire transgender-identified population in the U.S., up from 10% who identified as transgender previously. Some of this increase is due to a wider range of identity “labels” being included under the transgender umbrella.
Of course, education and acceptance will account for much of the increase overall in youth and adults in the past 15 years. With the anti-trans environment in 2025, the number of self-identified trans youth and adults will likely begin to decline as more individuals are hesitant or fearful in coming out.anti-trans environment in 2025, the number of self-identified trans youth and adults will likely begin to decline as more individuals are hesitant or fearful in coming out.
Note from LITC: Of course, availability and acceptance will account for much of the increase overall in youth and adults in the past 15 years, especially with the youth. With the current anti-trans environment in 2025, the number of self-identified trans youth (and adults) will more than likely go down as more individuals will be hesitant or fearful in coming out.
The U.S. Transgender Survey (USTS)
You can learn more about the transgender community from a very comprehensive survey published in 2022 by the USTS. This is the largest survey devoted to the lives and experiences of transgender people across the United States. The USTS was created by trans people, for trans people. Over 92,000 transgender persons took part.** See more at: LINK
The 2000 Census on Gender Expression from HRC
How Many Identify as Transgender in the U.S.?
| U.S. Population in 2000 | 276,059,000 |
| US Male Population | 134,979,000 |
| US Female Population | 141,080,000 |
| TOTAL Estimated Number of Transgender Persons in US | 13,687,818*** |
The 2000 Census Breakdown:
Female to Male: (Genetic females cross dressing as males)
| Halloween Exhibitions | 3,041,399 |
| Part Time Cross Dressing | 1,414,251 |
| Full Time Cross Dressing (living full-time, without SRS) | 71,473 |
| Post Operative (sexual reassignment surgery completed) | 36,497 |
| TOTAL Estimated Transgender Female to Male | 4,563,620* |
Male to Female: (Genetic males cross dressing as females)
| Halloween Exhibitions | 4,562,099 |
| Part Time Cross Dressing (wearing only certain female items) | 3,041,399 |
| Part Time Cross Dressing (full feminine expression) | 1,216,560 |
| Full Time Cross Dressing (living full-time, without SRS) | 243,312 |
| Post Operative (sexual reassignment surgery completed) | 60,828 |
| TOTAL Estimated Transgender Male to Female | 9,124,198*** |
Many of these numbers, although appearing specific, are largely based on deciphering or expanding on available information. They are basically a “best guess” according to data collected by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) published in 2000. At the time, over 13.1 million, out of the 13.68 million estimated were not pursuing a full-time expression of their gender-divergence, but were cross-dressing to various degrees. A full 8.7 million of these were men, and 4.4 million were women. The numbers could even be higher in that many individuals still remain unidentified or closeted. In the 2000 census, there were over 400,000 people (male and female) who are living full-time as the gender opposite their declared birth gender. This number, by most accountings, is now 1.6 million.
This would put Light in the Closet’s potential focus group at 9.5 million males (M2F).
* UCLA Williams Institute. Using data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System, and advanced statistical modeling, this study estimates the population of adults and youth who identify as transgender nationally and in each of the 50 states, plus the District of Columbia. It also provides estimates regarding gender, age, and race/ethnicity. Find out more at: LINK
** The U.S. Transgender Survey (USTS), the largest survey devoted to the lives and experiences of transgender people across the United States. The USTS was created by trans people, for trans people. Find out more at: LINK
***The figure of 13.68 million has been produced by Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and confirmed by various groups including the American Medical Association (AMA). This figure attempts to include all individuals falling under the general category of transgender. An estimated 95% of these are closeted cross-dressers. (see 2000 census) Due to the social, religious and even, at times, medical ignorance concerning gender identity, these estimates are difficult to verify. However, even the most conservative accounting would show gender identity is a concern to a large amount of people in the US. There is a concerted effort being made by various groups to include questions about gender identity in future census polls.
Resources and Websites*
With more information being made available about gender identity issues and cross dressing, there are finally some support systems being formed for families, especially for those who are out of their closets. However, it is still difficult to find good solid support systems for the spouses of those who are still closeted.
River City GEMS Resource Page
The River City Gems Resources Directory is very comprehensive. Although some of the information may be out of date, there is still a lot of relevant content. Their goal is to provide a collection of online resources on diverse topics of interest to the transgender and crossdressing community, as well as a selected list of local Sacramento and Northern California resources.
Use the pulldown menus to browse local or online resources by category. If you know of an important resource that they do not have listed or if one is out of date, please let them know. LINK
Transsexual Support “Road Map”*
The ministry Light in the Closet is focused mainly on those who are non-op transgender (those who are not pursuing sexual reassignment SRS). The “non-op” group of transgender is by far the largest and the needs of their family members are distinctly different from those who are pursuing SRS and/or a lifestyle that fully reflects the “other” gender. For those who are dealing with this radical life change may we suggest contacting the following group. This group is not distinctly Christian, but the resources appear to be sound.
For viewing the Transexual Road Map visit Out and Proud: LINK
Resources for Transgender Education and Rights:
Advocates for Trans Equality (was NCTE)*
Advancing equality through advocacy, collaboration and empowerment.
National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) was founded in 2003 by transgender activists who saw the urgent need for a consistent voice in Washington DC for transgender people. Leveraging decades of experience on the frontlines of power, we shift government and society towards a future where we are no less than equal. A4TE was formed in 2024 as NCTE and Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund (TLDEF), two long-time champions for the trans community, merged together as one organization. A4TE builds on their successes to boldly imagine a world where trans people live our lives joyfully and without barriers. They are a good resource for information and association.
Visit their website at: LINK
GLAAD Religion and Values Program*
Changing hearts and minds
As more and more faith traditions take steps to embrace and support LGBT people, GLAAD is working to ensure that mainstream media outlets reflect this progress and show the growing acceptance of LGBT people and issues in many faith communities. The Religion, Faith & Values team works with denominational groups and faith leaders to help elevate their voices in the mainstream media, and works with both mainstream and faith based media outlets to ensure that the stories of inclusive faith leaders and communities appear in the media.
Visit their website at: LINK
Human Rights Campaign (HRC)*
HRC Religion and Faith Program
Their mission is to change the conversation about gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people and faith. Because of the pioneering efforts of brave religious people speaking out for equality, a new movement for change is emerging that embraces a culture of welcome, compassion, and hospitality. These are values at the heart of all our faith traditions.
Visit their website at: LINK
HRC Transgender Program
Transgender people face unique challenges such as widespread discrimination, hate, violence, the complex process of getting appropriate identity documents, finding culturally competent healthcare providers, and family issues. This makes them some of the most vulnerable members of American society. These challenges affect thousands of people and their families, representing all ages, classes and ethnic groups, who together are an integral part of America. Log onto their website to learn more.
Visit their website at: LINK
Gender Spectrum Education and Training*
Providing education, resources and training to help create a gender sensitive and supportive environment.
Gender Spectrum Education and Training is committed to creating a more supportive world for people of all genders. We do this by increasing awareness and understanding of the normal range of gender variations found in everyone.
Whether you are familiar with gender variance or are just starting to learn about gender identity and expression, Gender Spectrum Education and Training can help you create a more gender sensitive and supportive environment for all people, including gender variant and transgender youth. We will assist you in understanding gender in all its complexities and variations, at any stage of life.
For more information please see: LINK
Freedom Center for Social Justice*
Celebrating 15 Years of Justice and Progress.
The Freedom Center for Social Justice is a culture-shifting organization committed to the growth, safety and empowerment of marginalized populations. Our vision is a world where equal protections and opportunities exist for all through advocacy, community education, and faith-based organizing. We are committed to providing support that opens doors, raises awareness, and creates life-giving change.
For more information please see: LINK
Trans Support Groups, Congregations & Associations:
Crossdresser’s Heaven / Christian Crossdresser*
There are a lot of sites on the internet that deal with cross dressing. Some of these are rather “out there” and have more to do with the entertainment aspect or fetish behavior. Light in the Closet does not, on this website address this sort of exploration. Most corss-dressers are very much in the closet, but some are “way out” of the closet. For many the act of cross dressing is a neccessary one if only for therapy alone. The exporation of cross dressing can be in a dignified, Christian context. For those who feel this exploration is necessary, there are some groups and resources available to them. Following is a link to a resource website. LINK
Diablo Valley Girls (DVG)*
Northern California (East Bay) Support Group – Located in Diablo Valley
If you can make it to the Bay Area, the Diablo Valley Girls (DVG) might be a good fit! They are a social and support group serving the crossdressing and transgender community in Northern California. They have attendees from all over Northern California.
For more information please visit: LINK
Welcoming and Affirming Congregations and Associations
United Church of Christ: The UCC was founded in 1957 as the union of several different Christian traditions: from the beginning of their history, they were a church that affirmed the ideal that Christians did not always have to agree to live together in communion. “That they may all be one,” is Jesus’ prayer for the unity of the church and the UCCC motto. The UCC is one of the most diverse Christian denominations in the United States. The United Church of Christ is a community of faith that seeks to respond to the Gospel of Jesus Christ in word and deed. The UCC tends to be a mostly progressive denomination that unabashedly engages heart and mind. And yet, the UCC somehow manages to balance congregational autonomy with a strong commitment to unity among its nearly 5,600 congregations—despite wide differences among many local congregations on a variety of issues.
WEBSITE: ucc.org
Metropolitan Community Church: Although still a young movement, there are MCC congregations worldwide. The MCC is distinctly Christian and takes a rather liberal approach. The MCC was the world’s first Christian church group with a primary, positive ministry to gays, lesbians, bisexual, and transgender persons. The first worship service was in Reverend Troy Perry’s living room in Huntington Park, California in 1968. This small group eventually founded the international movement of Metropolitan Community Churches. Today the MCC has 43,000 members and adherents in almost 300 congregations in 22 countries. In many ways MCC’s witness has changed the face of Christianity and helped to fuel the international struggle for LGBT rights and equality. Yu can read more on their website.
WEBSITE: mccchurch.org
Unitarian Universalist: Unitarian Universalism is a liberal religion that embraces theological diversity. They welcome different beliefs. Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person.
This is not strickly a christian religion and often many congregations reject the current popularized Christian doctrine. Although officially accepting of all religions as an association, some congregants have a negative view of Christians. They are however very accepting of the LGBT community and are one of the most welcoming assocaitions a transgender can find.
WEBSITE: www.uua.org
DignityUSA: DIGNITY is organized to unite gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Catholics, as well as their families, friends and loved ones in order to develop leadership, and be an instrument to promote reform in the Catholic Church.They are a resource specifically of Catholics looking for information about acceptance and inclusion for the LGBTQIA+.
WEBSITE: dignityusa.org
More Light Presbyterians: The mission of MLP is to follow the risen Christ, and seek to make the Church a true community of hospitality. The mission of More Light Presbyterians is to work for the full participation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people of faith in the life, ministry and witness of the Presbyterian Church (USA). They are individual members and congregations of the Presbyterian Church (USA) who are faithful to God’s call and believe that God continues to open new understandings of scripture and the Word in the life of Christ. As a Christian community, we believe that the church must seek to live out those understandings in our life together.
WEBSITE: mlp.org
TransEpiscopal: TransEpiscopal is a group of transgender Episcopalians and our significant others, families, friends and allies dedicated to enriching our spiritual lives and to making the Episcopal Church a welcoming and empowering place that all of us truly can call our spiritual home.
WEBSITE: transepiscopal.org
Reconciling Ministries: Reconciling Ministries are churches, communities, regional groups, Bible studies, small groups, campus ministries, colleges, and more – all committed to LGBTQ+ inclusion and justice.
WEBSITE: rmnetwork.org
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA): It is generally considered the most inclusive of the three major Lutheran denominations in the US, with policies and practices that support LGBTQ+ inclusion. Other Lutheran bodies, like the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS), hold more conservative views on LGBTQ+ issues.
WEBSITE: community.elca.org
There are many support groups across the nation. If you would like to locate one near you please email Light in the Closet.
*These websites and groups are not affiliated with Light in the Closet and LITC is not responsible for information or concepts promoted by the organizations. Please contact the organizations directly if you have issues or concerns.