91ÁÔÆæ

Queer Hope Institute Partners and About Us

About Us

Queer and trans youth across the country–even here in the Bay Area–continue to experience violence and discrimination, leading to elevated risk of depression, suicidality, and negative academic and health outcomes. Research shows that sustained, affirming programming can counteract these harms by fostering hope, joy, and purpose. However, many existing initiatives face challenges due to a lack of institutional partners, logistical support, or expertise and time needed to document their impact. The Queer Hope Institute meets this vital need for resources and capacity by providing evaluation and strategy expertise, serving as a community-university bridge, and designing and implementing new programming—ensuring that every queer and trans youth in the Bay Area can access spaces that uplift, empower, and sustain them.

• Vision

  • Drawing on our expertise in youth development, community-engaged programming, and research, 91ÁÔÆæ’s Queer Hope Institute (QHI) works to create a world that celebrates the inherent dignity of queer and trans youth, empowering them to imagine and pursue hopeful futures and live meaningful, fulfilling lives.

• Mission

  • QHI ensures that queer and trans youth have the bright, beautiful futures they deserve by documenting the impact of existing initiatives, enhancing collaborations among researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and community partners, and developing innovative solutions that foster queer- and trans-inclusive environments.

    QHI accomplishes this mission in three primary ways: 

    1. Measuring and amplifying the impact of existing queer-affirming community programming.

    QHI conducts research and program evaluation to document the effectiveness of existing initiatives, helping them secure funding, expand their reach, and ensure long-term sustainability. By highlighting successes and areas for growth, we amplify their impact and strengthen support for their work.

    
    2. Enhancing and supporting existing queer-affirming community initiatives.

    QHI serves as a vital bridge between grassroots efforts, institutional partners, and academic research to strengthen queer-affirming initiatives. In this work, we uplift community partners and youth partners, offering strategic consultation and logistical support that helps them bring their dreams to fruition. By leveraging our networks and deep knowledge of program implementation, we assist initiatives in overcoming barriers and maximizing their impact on the lives of queer and trans youth.

    3. Designing and implementing new solutions that foster affirming, equitable environments.

    QHI is more than a research and support hub—it is a space for innovation, collaboration, and bold visioning. QHI builds sustainable, youth-activated programs and initiatives that ensure queer and trans youth not only exist in their communities but thrive within them. Informed by community needs and youth’s passions, our programming takes many forms: leadership development programs, school-based interventions, resource distribution, mutual aid, and others. 

     

Key Partners & Initiatives

• San Mateo-Foster City School District

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    QHI is partnering with the San Mateo-Foster City School District to create a vibrant, sustainable community of queer middle school youth and allies. This collaboration includes:
    First Annual Unity Conference (May 16, 2025, at 91ÁÔÆæ): A groundbreaking event designed specifically for queer and trans middle school students, fostering connection, empowerment, and leadership development.

• Santa Clara County Office of LGBTQ Affairs

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    QHI is working with the Santa Clara County Office of LGBTQ Affairs to empower transition-age queer and trans youth (18-24) to see themselves as change-makers. This initiative includes:

    First Annual LGBTQ+ Careers in Advocacy and Policy Summit (May 6, 2025, at 91ÁÔÆæ): A dynamic event that connects young adults with professionals in advocacy and policy, demonstrating the power of lived experience in shaping systemic change. Providing mentorship, networking opportunities, and resources to help queer and trans young adults bring their authentic experiences into community-based work.

• East Side Union School District

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    QHI is partnering with a high school in ESUHSD to host a queer- and trans-affirming, school-based space where students can connect, build community, and access resources that support their well-being and leadership development.

Meet The Team

• Robert Marx (they/them) — Director

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    Robert Marx (they/them) is an Associate Professor of Child and Adolescent Development in the Lurie College of Education at San Jose State University. Their research examines how family, school, and community supports contribute to the well-being of queer and trans youth, empowering them to live authentic, fulfilling lives. Robert collaborates with LGBTQIA+ community groups, schools and school districts, and community organizations to create queer-affirming spaces and improve their policies and practices. They live in the Bay Area with their lovely husband and the world’s cutest dog, a poodle-mix named Poppy.  A walking encyclopedia of The Golden Girls, Frasier, and Murder, She Wrote facts, Robert would be an asset to any trivia team—or any discussion of television made for older women.

• Danny Castillo (they/them) - Program Coordinator

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    Danny Castillo (they/them) is an Interdisciplinary Master's student at San Jose State University, specializing in queer anthropology and child development. They bring valuable expertise in diversity, equity, and inclusion to their work at Queer Hope Institute, informed by their research in queer theory and LGBTQIA+ youth wellbeing. Danny also serves as an Associate Management Analyst at the Santa Clara County Executive Office of LGBTQ Affairs, working to advance LGBTQ+ rights and resources. They hold a Cum Laude Bachelor's in Child and Adolescent Development, with a focus on Early Childhood Education. In their free time, Danny enjoys creative pursuits like crocheting and songwriting, as well as gaming and spending time with their partner and cats.

• Ellery Carlson (he/him) — Program Coordinator 

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    Ellery Carlson (he/him) is an undergraduate and soon to be Master’s student at San Jose State University, studying Child and Adolescent Development in the pre-service teaching track. He brings experience with social-emotional development, tracing the relationship between this healthy development and academic careers. Ellery is also engaged in research on the impacts of Gender Sexuality Alliances (GSAs) in schools. In his free time, he enjoys being active, reading, and spending time with his partner and pugs. He can also be found exploring new coffee shops and getting ice cream.