MENDOCINO CO., 3/8/25 — The Mendocino County Safe Space Project, a nonprofit that advocates for LGBTQIA communities in the region, announced that applications are now open for the Roy Mora Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship fund is available to all high school students in Mendocino County who identify themselves as part of the LGBTQIA community.
Roy Mora, a transgender youth, died near the end of December in Fort Bragg. Mora’s body was found beneath the Noyo River Bridge after being missing for several weeks, sparking a wave of grief amongst locals in the coastal community.
In a statement to The Mendocino Voice, Chief Neil Cervenka of the Fort Bragg Police Department said “Based on the evidence and facts, it is believed that Roy Mora jumped from the bridge but an official autopsy has not been released.”
Mora’s story is not uncommon among transgender youth. According to national data from The Trevor Project, 46% of transgender and nonbinary young people seriously considered suicide in 2024. The same report found that 50% of LGBTQIA youth who needed mental health resources that year were unable to access them, showing significant gaps in support.
“Children, teenagers, particularly, who are trans and LGBTQ, have a really high chance of suicide attempts and completion,” said Cynthia Coupé of the Mendocino County Safe Space Project.
Coupé, who co-founded the nonprofit with their partner, Reyna Coupé, wanted to create a safe space where both children and families could feel comfortable learning about the LGBTQIA community.
“We want to create visibility and understanding so the families understand things better. We want to create that safe space where they feel comfortable coming to us to gain understanding rather than being scared away,” Cynthia Coupé said.
The scholarship, open to all high school students who identify as LGBTQIA, will award funds ranging from $500 to $1,500 to help young people pursue their dreams, whether that be college, trade school or a new passion. The project asks students to submit a story expressing their experiences and passions, whether through an art piece, essay, video or audio recording. No word requirement has been specified by the project.
Mora’s mother, Jen Mora, will be on the selection committee, helping review applications. The scholarship will be offered each year.
To be eligible to apply, LGBTQIA students must complete their high school degree this year and be residents of Mendocino County. There is no GPA requirement for the scholarship. Applications are due Monday, April 15.
To apply for the scholarship or for general inquiries, contact Mendocino County Safe Space Project organizer Reyna Coupé by emailing mendosafespace@gmail.com or calling (707) 962-7929.
Roy Mora was last seen with people she thought she trusted. Officer Padraic Ferris, and his wife Noelle Ferris.At their home the night of December 7th 2024 they refused to get this intoxicated child to a safe place. Told her to leave. No phone calls, no consideration. My child is deceased due to their negligence.