Roman Lopez-Mojarras came out as transgender during his freshman year at Coachella Valley High School. He said he was the only openly transgender person in the school.
But he found resources to help him through his transition in 2017. Lopez-Mojarras comes from a Mexican household where both his parents speak Spanish. The school provided him with a booklet written in Spanish for parents of transgender adolescents, which he described as a great resource. They were super supportive but they didn t know where to start, and now they (understand), Lopez-Mojarras said.
The resources were there because of Alianza Coachella Valley. The nonprofit conducted a 2016 survey of students in Desert Mirage and Coachella Valley high schools to ensure funds received by the Coachella Valley Unified School District aligned with student needs. The survey included questions about support systems, medical care and access, and a section for students who identify as LGBTQ.
2,200 toys being given out Wednesday in Thermal & North Shore
Alianza Coachella Valley is holding a drive-thru toy drive in three different locations in the east valley to celebrate Dia de Los Reyes or also known as Three Kings Day or Epiphany.
2,200 toys will be given out Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at:
Oasis Elementary School, 88175 74th Ave, Thermal
North Shore Community Park, on 70th Avenue in North Shore
Thermal Community Center, 87229 Church Street
Toys will be given out on a first come, first serve basis.
Alianza Coachella Valley is hoping to bring much-needed cheer to local families facing financial hardships.