In the fall of 2002, the Tucson community was devastated by the tragic loss by suicide of Alexander John Goodrum, a local friend and transgender activist. Alexander suffered from co-occurring mental health issues, and, in his last weeks, he sought support from the local mental health system.

Alexander's death brought the issue of mental health to the forefront of the transgender community. The Goodrum Project was born out of that response.

The primary goals of The Goodrum Project are to offer resources, mediation, and encouragement to transgender individuals to develop self-advocacy skills; and to offer education for mental health professionals to facilitate positive relationships resulting in sensitive, solution-focused service plans.

The Goodrum Project is a program of the Southern Arizona Gender Alliance (SAGA). SAGA envisions a society in which transgender and transsexual people are ensured of their basic rights and can be open, honest, and safe at home, at work, and in the community. SAGA offers support, social, and discussion groups that reflect the various aspects of gender and society. We also provide educational forums and trainings for businesses, service providers, and community members to learn more about the issues facing transgender people and how our allies can be supportive and inclusive.