How Indya Moore Is 'Transing' Santa Claus

Pose star Indya Moore wants to make sure the neediest transgender young people aren't forgotten this holiday season.

Moore has launched TranSanta, a social media project aimed at getting presents to trans youth who are homeless, in foster care, or otherwise likely to be shut out of gifts, People reports. The TranSanta Instagram page displays letters from young trans people requesting gifts and a link where givers may select presents from Target registries.

"For the holidays, we want to show trans young people that they are loved, supported and have a family around the country and world of people who will care for them," Moore, who is trans and nonbinary, said in a statement, according to People. "We are transing Santa -- join us! Transness is so beautiful and we are celebrating our magic."

LGBTQ+ youth, and trans youth especially, are at high risk for discrimination, harassment, homelessness, and suicide. The 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey, which covered trans people of all ages, found that 30 percent of respondents had experienced homelessness at some point in their lives. Forty percent had attempted suicide. Most respondents reported some form of mistreatment, including harassment, physical assault, or sexual assault, during their school years. Among adults, many reported job discrimination.

In their statement, Moore highlighted the problems facing trans youth, noting that those who are Black or Latinx often have even greater difficulties than others. The performer further urged allies to fight legislation attacking trans young people, such as bills that seek to bar them from competing in school sports or block their access to gender-affirming medical care.

"I think it's important to take direct action and think about these things when we're living in a world that universally ostracizes trans people in every possible way," Moore said.

Moore is no stranger to philanthropy and activism. This year they raised $20,000 that was distributed to trans and queer people, mostly people of color, who were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the summer they joined in protests against racism and police brutality.