NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - The U.S. Department of Education is investigating Smith College after a Title IX complaint was filed by the group defending education. We’re hearing from the transgender community in Northampton about what this moment feels like — and how they’re responding.

The complaint alleged that Smith College’s policies discriminate “on the basis of sex” in federally funded programs, they point to campus spaces like restrooms, locker rooms and athletics, in addition to admitting self-identified transgender women. Now, trans advocates say that the investigation is fueling fear.

We spoke with Mona Huntley, who is not only the founder of a local transgender support group in the Pioneer Valley — but she’s a proud transgender woman as well. Huntley started the support group about a year ago with intentions of building a community of trans people that could lean on each other. That group shared their frustrations with the complaint against Smith, “It’s just, it’s so frustrating to constantly feel on the back foot and having to stick up for ourselves just existing in places.”

Several members of the support group attend Smith, Huntley explained that the conversation around the complaint has been exhausting for the group and for the trans community as a whole. Huntley said that regardless of what happens next with the investigation, the immediate response in the trans community is support, making sure people don’t feel isolated and alone, “thankfully, coming together in the community really helps. And that I recommend to any trans person, to try to focus less on the national conversation, on all the hatred being piled against us online. And just get out and try to meet other trans people and talk about your experiences.”

Huntley said that her group is meeting tonight as scheduled, and she hopes that the community response sends a message to all trans people that they are all in this together. If you or someone you know is interested in joining Huntley’s group — you can head to their website.