by Lorie Lewis Ham
As we continue to celebrate Pride here at KRL this month, in this issue we are focusing on Gender Alchemy in Fresno. We recently chatted with their Executive Director, Jess Fitzpatrick, to learn more about who they are and what their mission is.
KRL: What specifically is Gender Alchemy?
Jess: Gender Alchemy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to conjure trans and gender-expansive joy through community nourishment and advocacy. In practice, that means we create drug-, alcohol-, and tobacco-free spaces where trans and gender-expansive people can connect, build community, and share resources. We offer peer support and social groups, provide free HRT supplies, and address food insecurity by serving a free meal at every event.
We also host a moderated-Discord server for safe online connection, where folks can chat, plan, share resources, watch movies, and play games together. On top of that, we hold large community events that celebrate our shared culture and history—like picnic days at the lake, GAYmer nights, Questing Queers (our tabletop RPG group), and our signature potlucks like Soup for My Family and Transgiving.
KRL: Can you share a little more about what services you provide?
Jess: As mentioned, our services include peer support groups, mental health-focused spaces, HRT supply distribution, and regular community-building events. Every gathering includes a free meal, and we focus on making our spaces affirming, accessible, and joyful. We also have a mix of 18 and over events and all age events. All of our events will be drug, alcohol, and tobacco free.
KRL: How and when did this come to be?
Jess: I’ve been a trans community activist since 2015. Over the years in Fresno County, I saw a consistent lack of safe, affirming spaces and resources for trans people. In 2020, I started an online peer group through my job at an LGBTQ+ resource center. That group eventually became in-person and grew from just two participants to 30–35 people weekly.
As interest grew, folks wanted more than peer groups – they wanted outings, celebrations, connections. Unfortunately, my workplace couldn’t support the additional activities or meet the growing need around food insecurity. So in April 2024, I teamed up with my husband Crow, and friends Kaede and Micah to start Gender Alchemy as a nonprofit.KRL: How did you come up with the name?
Jess: I was sitting at the Alchemist Café in the Tower District, brainstorming, and was struck by the word “alchemist.” The definition of alchemy is “a power or process that transforms something in a mysterious or impressive way.” That felt exactly right! Our community takes the raw elements of our lives and become who we were always meant to be. Gender Alchemy is about honoring that transformation.
KRL: Why do you feel this is important?
Jess: It’s important because trans people need – and deserve – spaces where they can just be themselves. Fresno is in one of the most conservative regions of California, and despite being the fifth largest city in the state, services for LGBTQ+ folks, especially trans folks, have been inconsistent or nonexistent. But the need is real. There’s a huge community here looking to connect, to feel safe, to be seen.
Gender Alchemy is about filling in those gaps—not just socially and emotionally, but also practically, by providing food, supplies, and care to a group that’s historically been under-resourced.
KRL: How many people are involved?
Jess: Right now, I’m the only staff member. We have five board members and a planning committee of about ten amazing community members. We regularly serve 30–35 people at our weekly support groups and around 65 at our biggest monthly event, Soup for My Family.
KRL: What are some of the events that you have?
Jess: We host weekly peer support and social groups, Soup for My Family (our monthly community potluck), a rebirthday party, game nights, movie nights, Questing Queers, and a trans- masc mental health group led by a therapist. We also do seasonal events, like a picnic at the lake and, coming soon, a beach day later this summer!
KRL: That’s amazing! What are your future goals?
Jess: We’re working toward building mentorship programs to foster new community leaders. We also want to launch a trans femme mental health group, create a food pantry and clothing exchange, offer cooking classes, and provide employment readiness programs, all under one roof.
KRL: I saw that you were fundraising for a more permanent location. Where do you meet now, and why is a more permanent location important? What is the link to donate?
Jess: Currently, we’re a nomadic nonprofit. We share space with the Fresno EOC LGBTQ+ Resource Center at 1900 Mariposa Street, Suite 113, and sometimes with Mighty Community and Fresno Inclusive. These spaces are great, but they aren’t big enough for the number of people we’re serving, and none of them have a kitchen, which limits our ability to prep and store food.
We’re now partnering with South Tower Community Land Trust in hopes of co-owning a building. To do that, we need to raise at least $10,000 by the end of July.
Anyone can donate at: givebutter.com/gaspace
KRL: What are some of your other needs/ways people can help?
Jess: Join us! Come to Soup for My Family, bring a dish or some ice if you can. But more than anything, bring your presence and your care. Many in our community are isolated or estranged from family, facing discrimination, or just trying to survive in a world that’s increasingly hostile. Just showing up and sharing a meal can make a huge impact. You don’t need to have all the answers, you just need to be present.
KRL: Where can people find you online? Do you plan to have a website at some point?
Jess: Right now, the best place to find us is on Instagram: @genderalchemynpo. Our website is in the works!
KRL: If someone needs help, or wants to help in some way, what is the best way to contact you?
Jess: The easiest way is through Instagram or by emailing us at: info@genderalchemyca[dot]org
KRL: Anything you’d like to add?
Jess: None of this would be possible without the community itself – people showing up, sharing space, and choosing to heal together. Gender Alchemy exists because people asked for it, and we’re honored to help bring that vision to life.
Thanks for sharing about what you do!
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