At 14, Emilio was just beginning to understand their identity as a transgender youth. Coming out as queer created tension within their family. When they later came out as transgender, that tension became rejection. Emilio was forced to leave home and entered foster care.

Navigating a mental health crisis, Emilio was first placed in a response center before moving to Polinsky Children’s Center. During that time, a staff member asked whether they wanted to choose a new name that reflected their identity, an exciting possibility Emilio hadn’t yet considered. They picked one at random and lived with it for five years before finding the name that finally felt right: Emilio.

The questions didn’t stop there: Should they stay on the boys’ side or the girls’ side of the facility? Where did they belong?

Finding a foster home proved even more difficult. As a teenager, Emilio was already less likely to be placed. As a transgender teenager, the challenges multiplied. Some prospective foster parents offered placement only if Emilio attended church, wore dresses, and used a female name. Emilio refused.

“Why would I want to be in your household?” they remember thinking. “Why would I want to reduce myself to someone that I’m not when I just got the freedom to be who I am?”

Just before turning 18, Emilio reunified with their mother, but the arrangement was short lived. Soon they were kicked out and couch surfing while searching for stability. They eventually entered a transitional housing program, graduated from high school, enrolled at community college, and began pursuing degrees in Psychology and Sociology. Along the way, they also found something equally important: community through Just in Time for Foster Youth (JIT) and local LGBTQ+ organizations.

“Learning that there were other people like me, and that I was a person worthy of love… that changed things.”

One unexpected chapter came when Emilio’s mother decided to return to school at the same time. Despite their complicated relationship, Emilio helped her navigate college life, hoping education might create new understanding.

“As much as I wanted to give back to my LGBTQ and foster care community, I also wanted to give back to the family that I’m from,” Emilio said. “I thought, maybe if my mom learns a little more… maybe she could do better for my siblings.”

At the same time, JIT became a steady source of encouragement and practical support. Through the Changing Lanes service, Emilio learned to drive after years of feeling transportation was an impossible barrier.

“I didn’t have anyone to teach me how to drive,” they said. “I felt like my back was against a wall… and then JIT stepped in.”

After earning their driver’s license, Emilio was surprised with a donated vehicle through Drive2Success.

Through JIT’s College Bound service, they also received resources, coaching, and consistent encouragement while completing their education at San Diego State University. This summer, Emilio graduated with bachelor’s degrees in both Psychology and Sociology.

“I loved College Bound. This whole community telling me that I was doing a great job while I was going to school – it was such a healing experience.”

Emilio’s journey reflects a larger reality. While LGBTQ+ youth make up about 10% to 11% of the U.S. youth population, they represent an estimated 30% to 34% of young people in foster care, according to the Children’s Rights Center. Many enter the system because of family rejection and face higher rates of housing instability, discrimination, and mental health challenges.

At Just in Time, we know that an affirming community can change the trajectory of a young person’s life. By providing practical resources, meaningful relationships, and unwavering encouragement, we help young adults build the futures they deserve.