Jacey Thornton (she/they) | Project Rainbow, Therapist, Activist

"Create your own story, create your own narrative, and don’t let work drain you of your life’s purpose.”Jacey Thornton (she/they) is deeply rooted in her purpose to alleviate the suffering of others. At one of the darkest moments of her life, she reflected on why she should stay on this earth. This was about 20 years ago, when she was wondering why she had so much suffering in her life. "I remember reading the first Noble truth is suffering, and I just remember putting [the book] down, crying, going, that is true. That to me is what life is about. And if life is suffering and I’m suffering, I’m not broken, I’m human.”In this episode, Jacey speaks to "there were parts of work I wanted to escape, there were parts of work I wanted to embrace. I think this journey of life has helped me to really identify the need for purpose and to really make sure that I align with where I work.” Her work, whether at Project Rainbow, the Utah Trans+ Coalition, or Flourish Therapy, is all driven by this purpose. As someone who had waded, and continues to wade through trauma, Jacey wants to make sense of it. "I don't want it to be wasted, and by alleviating the suffering of others, that is how I turn my suffering into a gift." When she is tied into her purpose, she thrives.Outside of work, Jacey said she would still be going to drag shows and Pride festivals! She loves cooking, gardening and creating community gardens, skiing, being out in nature hiking and biking, and connecting with people and hosting Southern and Brazilian style barbecues. She co-parents 3 amazing kids and a golden doodle.Jacey can be found at: www.projectrainbowutah.orgprojectrainbowutah at LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.Email: [email protected] or [email protected] mentioned in this episode:Start With Why, by Simon SinekMan’s Search For Meaning, by Viktor FranklFacing the Shadow, by Patrick CarnesUntamed, by Glennon DoyleBrené BrownBe Here Now, by Ram DassThe Four Noble Truths: The Foundation of Buddhist Thought, by Geshe Tashi TseringThis episode was recorded in August 2025. *This episode contains content related to trauma and suicide. If you, or someone you know, is in crisis, please connect with the supportive folks at 988*