Transcend Stigma Project

The Transcend Stigma Project is dedicated to dismantling societal stigma, particularly for marginalized communities, and fostering genuine liberation through empowerment, community support, and accountable allyship. Founded by Noah Buchanan, an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor who has firsthand experience of societal and clinical stigma, the organization was inspired by the deepened mental health crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic. This period highlighted the need for authentic, systemic change in mental health support and allyship.

Our mission is to empower individuals to live authentically and unapologetically, emphasizing mental health, self-advocacy, and the rejection of harmful societal narratives. We are grounded in liberation psychology, an approach rooted in social justice that promotes "advocating with" rather than "speaking for" marginalized groups, ensuring that allyship truly supports rather than undermines.

Our core values are:

• Accountability: Actively addressing biases and making amends to create real change.
• Authenticity: Supporting people to stay true to their identities without compromising for acceptance.
• Unapologetic Advocacy: Standing firm in our commitment to marginalized communities.
• Community: Building solidarity and mutual support through shared understanding.
• Knowledge: Committing to continual learning and challenging biases in mental health and social justice.
• Liberation: Seeking freedom from stigma and societal oppression.

With a vision for a world where every individual is free to live without stigma, we aim to foster environments that celebrate diversity, prioritize mental health, and dismantle barriers to self-expression. We serve and amplify marginalized voices to drive lasting, inclusive change.