Not A Nickname: The System Refused to Say My Name w/ Niko Sanford

Most foster systems fail the very youth they’re supposed to protect—especially when it comes to LGBTQ+ young people. In this episode of Thrivers Stories, Nico—a formerly fostered trans youth from Georgia—shares raw, powerful insights into the emotional toll of being misnamed, misunderstood, and marginalized by a system meant to care. He talks about the dangerous impact of systemic refusal to honor his identity, from being denied gender-affirming clothing to having his name and pronouns dismissed. His message is clear: when your environment ignores or erases you, your act of simply existing is an act of rebellion. Perfect for social workers, foster parents, advocates, or anyone committed to transforming the foster care system, this episode challenges us to see the humanity behind the statistics. Nico’s courage reminds us that honoring identity isn’t just kindness—it’s survival. Tune in to understand how affirming a young person’s true self can be the first step toward systemic change.