Uncategorized
By Conor Garcia, Digital Organizer
CW: This article deals with mental health and suicide prevention 
When I was 21 years old, I hiked a mountain with my roommate. For these purposes, we’ll call him Ben. I had shut myself in my room for over a month, and Ben was determined to get me out of the worst of it. He packed us both backpacks, drove us out to his favorite mountain in the state of Colorado, and we were off.
We didn’t talk at all aside from the occasional warning about a tricky part of the path or pointing out an interesting sight. My pack was heavy, and by the way it sat on him, I could tell his was a little lighter. I figured there was no harm in asking to transfer some of the things in my pack to his. To my surprise, he told me no.
About a quarter of the way up, I had to break. I was sweating up a storm, already exhausted, and taking off a backpack had never felt so good. Ben was sweating, but not nearly as tired as I was. He set his pack down and sat and waited for me. Didn’t scout ahead, never asked me if I was ready to keep going. He just offered me water and a granola bar, and waited. I checked out his pack to see it was surprisingly light: in fact, it was only about half full. I’m not the confrontational type, so I let it go. We continued up the mountain and I was fading fast. I’d stop, Ben would stop with me, and when I was ready we’d go on.
About 3 miles from the top and after about 5 hours, I insisted on splitting my pack. Ben asked me to sit, which I wasn’t about to say no to. He explained that he didn’t really know what was going on with me. If it was depression, anxiety, family issues, or all of the above, he just knew I was carrying something. While he’d love nothing more than to take some things from my pack, he couldn’t. What he could do is walk with me up this mountain. He could slow down, wait, and make sure I had what I needed to do it, he just couldn’t carry it for me. We ended up getting to the top, making it back down, and Ben drove us home and made dinner. We sat, I talked, he listened.
This month, TEP has been discussing Suicide Prevention and Awareness. There are so many of us in the 2TIGE (Two-Spirit, Trans, Intersex, and Gender-Expansive) community who are carrying things in our packs. Our mental health, our physical health, and our basic needs are a very simplistic start. For TEP to say that we can take things from your pack to make it lighter would be a lie, but we can go on that hike with you and give you what we do have to get up that mountain yourself. And it doesn’t end with our staff. Our Community Captains are dedicated to making sure all 2TIGE people not only know that their community is out there, but that they belong in it. From clothing swaps to community dinners, to food pantries and so much more, they want to be here for you. If you see yourself in my story, we strongly urge you to see if our inTRANSitions program has assistance we can provide. If you see yourself in Ben, go check out our Grow Power Locally page and get more information on becoming a Community Captain for your local area. A good friend of mine loves to say that you can change a life just by saying “hello,” and sometimes that can mean saving it.
inTRANSition, Uncategorized
By Jacquii Cooke
[Content Warning: The following content may evoke strong emotions and trigger memories. It aims to shed light on the issues faced by the Two-Spirit, Trans, Intersex, Gender Expansive, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color Communities (2TIGE BIPOC) during Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month. If you prefer to skip potentially triggering content, please refer to the Tips/Lessons Section Link below.]
Trans Empowerment Project (TEP) stands firm in our unwavering commitment to forge a world that is equitable, where every individual can bask in the joy of simply existing peacefully. We yearn not just to aid you in the pursuit of happiness, but to help you grasp it firmly, embrace it wholeheartedly, and nurture it ceaselessly. It is our unshakeable belief that we are entitled to experience unbridled joy in our day-to-day lives. We demand the fundamental right to exist without the abhorrent attempts at erasure and sabotage hurled at us by those who hold positions of power they don’t deserve. Far too many of us contend with our own internal demons, compelled to battle our own inner self-saboteur. We often have our own self-destructive thoughts and have no need for external forces to compound our pain, to deepen our wounds, or to amplify the struggles we face.
Allow me to introduce myself. I am Jacquii Cooke, Multimedia Specialist for TEP and former Program Manager of inTRANSitions (TEP’s direct aid program). Through this heartfelt testimonial, I intend to share personal reflections, drawing upon my own experiences of engaging in self-destructive behavior, of staring death in the face, all while desperately crying out for help. I suffered silently. I was (and still am) seeking solace from a world that seems all too eager to turn a blind eye, unwilling to freely give the peace and help we all ultimately need to thrive while striving to live our best lives.
The colloquialism “I can do bad by my damn self,” reverberates in my mind as a relentlessly echoing and sobering truth I heard daily in childhood. My lived experiences align perfectly with that very colloquialism, as witnessing the malevolence I absorbed and inflicted upon myself seeped deep into my soul, molding my anger into a toxic brew of depression. It is said that depression is simply anger turned inward, and I have experienced this truth intimately. Over the last two decades, my experience has followed an agonizing pattern: moments of triumph, followed by descent into darkness, descending further still until things became bearable, and finally, a glimmer of hope that allowed me to label it as good. Yet, against all odds, I stand here today, proudly proclaiming that my rollercoaster of trials and tribulations has settled on the platform of “better.” I am determined to live my best life, defying the odds that once threatened to extinguish my light. I am alive and mentally stable enough to share my story with those within our community, our Trans siblings who bear the weight of their own struggles, and those who stand as allies doing the real work to help others in the community.
Even now, the scars on my left arm vividly mark my first attempt at extinguishing that candle. I felt used, dismissed, discarded, completely alone, and left to wallow in my own self-pity. The burden of loneliness seemed like the straw that would break this camel’s back. I just knew there was no other viable alternative but to call it a day. But I was wrong. And fortunately, that night as I knocked on Death’s door, that door remained closed. After a trip to the emergency room, the stitches on my arm marked the beginning of my journey with mental health facilities, where I hoped to find the support I so urgently needed.
The memories of this unsettlingly haunting choice raised questions for which I didn’t see the answers. It’s an unfortunate set of recollections I have, but what if the answers had been truly visible? Twenty-six years after my first attempt, I wonder: what if there were solutions offered during my first in-patient stay at Lake Shore Mental Health Facility in Knoxville, TN? What if there were organizations like TEP and our inTRANSitions program, offering real resolutions for folks in similar situations instead of band-aid fixes? Today, the answers to these questions have become clear. And I want to share them, along with some positive and inspiring lessons I’ve gleaned over the years, because it does get better.
Back in 1992, there was barely language to define my Trans identity; or rather, there was language, but it was suppressed and cruelly cloaked in a blatant attempt at colonial erasure. LGBTQIA2S+ organizations, inclusive of the most marginalized within the community, were and still are slightly hidden from view. The first advocacy group I joined–the then University of Tennessee GLB Student Union–saw its acronym with important letters missing from what many naysayers now unironically refer to as the “alphabet mafia.” The struggle is real, but the tables are on the way to turning right side up, if gradually. The fight for representation and equity is coming to fruition through the brave (often brazen) visibility of our diverse experiences.
There are now mental health facilities dedicated to helping those of us in crisis. As a direct result of five years of therapy–something I am a vocal proponent of since it has proven a readily available tool in my arsenal of self-discovery and ownership of self-care,–I felt empowered to join Trans Empowerment Project’s dedicated team. The inTRANSitions program in particular has helped me immensely during my evolutionary journey, providing the support and resources needed to live a more fulfilled life. The inTRANSitions program and other organizations’ programs, whose ultimate mission is to uplift the community from places of struggle, crisis, and trauma to something better now absolutely do exist. The proof is with me now, proudly writing to you as TEP’s Multimedia Specialist, looking to reach out to folks who were or are in similar situations and offer some hope with my story.
Opportunities exist for us when we continually stroll the path to evolving for the better, seeking happiness as if it were the storied pot of gold at the end of the proverbial rainbow. Many would say that we are the rainbow, and that we only seek to find ourselves, not confined to the shade, but in light-filled spaces filled with joy, equity, and mutual respect for each other’s dignity and right to thrive.
Allow me to share some tips and lessons on breaking the cycle of merely pursuing such happiness, but attaining it. Here are six practices I’ve put in place for my own self-care and peace of mind. I certainly encourage others to do similar towards the goal of moving yourself beyond survival mode to thriving:
- Practice Self-Acceptance: Embrace and celebrate your identity. Learn about Trans rights, healthcare options, and resources available to you. Affirm self-compassion by endorsing your worth and uniqueness. Being well-informed in the arms of acceptance can empower you to make informed decisions about your own well-being.
- Set Boundaries: Learn to prioritize your self-care by setting boundaries with others. Clearly communicate your needs so that you protect your mental and emotional energy.
- Build A Support System: Surround yourself with supportive friends, family, and healthcare professionals who can offer a listening ear and are affirming of your identity. Share your feelings and challenges, as talking about them can provide relief.
- Explore Support Groups: Join support groups specifically designed for Trans folks experiencing similar feelings or challenges. Engage with media, books, and social platforms that uplift and represent Trans voices. Intentionally placing yourself in such spaces can foster a sense of community, belonging, and understanding, as well as help reduce feelings of isolation.
- Create A Safety Plan: Work to develop a crisis plan that outlines steps to take during a moment of crisis. This plan typically includes strategies to identify triggers, coping mechanisms, and emergency contacts to help you navigate in such moments.
- Celebrate Personal Milestones: Acknowledge your own progress and achievements. This can help build self-confidence and resilience. This strategy can help elevate your self-esteem and is the foundation on which you might find your own champion within.
Now, as I continually try taking my own tips, evolving myself for the better, and transforming into the embodiment of my most authentic self, I urge you to take hold of this fervor and call for self-care, healing, and joy during Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month. Channel this testimonial and be encouraged to be your most happily authentic self every month. We are not called to struggle alone, there can be happy endings. Channel it into helpful action when you see friends, loved ones, and strangers alike enduring struggle.
We see you. And I know we must cooperate, finding our power together, advocating for the rights and well-being of our 2TIGE community, especially the most marginalized of us within it. Let us support one another, rejecting the notion that our existence is anything less than extraordinary. Together, we can create a world we’re proud to call home. We can create an existence where our every moment is painted with vibrant brushstrokes of love, joy, acceptance, healing, and empowerment!
Trans joy might be radical, but JOY is a birthright. Help us bring folks who are struggling from surviving to thriving and experiencing joy. The program that helped me get there is inTRANSitions. Make a donation for this life-saving work and sign up for updates to get involved. And together, daring to be better to each other and to ourselves, let’s make it happen.
Project Care, Uncategorized
by Alex Moody, Project Care Manager
Envisioning a holistic and accessible healthcare set-up for suicide prevention among Queer, Transgender, and Intersex Black and Indigenous People of Color (QTIBIPOC) involves a stark acknowledgment: Mental healthcare is healthcare. It is equally as important as our physical health and necessitates the same level of attention and care – acknowledging this is the starting point of our journey to combat healthcare disparities faced by the Trans community.
The discriminatory practices within the healthcare system towards QTIBIPOC range from subtle microaggressions to explicit acts of racism and transphobia. This complex interaction of systemic oppression results in increased healthcare disparities and contributes significantly to declining mental health and a higher inclination towards suicidal ideation. The negative experiences in healthcare settings also act as a barrier, discouraging QTIBIPOC from seeking necessary, often life-saving treatment.
There’s an undeniable urgency for accessible mental healthcare for Two-Spirit, Trans, Intersex, and Gender-expansive (2TIGE) individuals, with a particular need to provide better care for QTIBIPOC. A study by the Williams Institute highlights this urgency: an alarming statistic reveals that 51% of transgender individuals have attempted suicide. That number is something that we can and must reduce by providing quality, affordable, equitable, and accessible mental healthcare for all.
The disparities faced by QTIBIPOC compared to white LGBTQ+ individuals are particularly apparent in the realm of health. Research by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) shows QTIBIPOC experience a higher rate of HIV infections and diabetes – just the tip of the iceberg in a sea of inequities.
Nevertheless, we have the power to remodel the healthcare system to better serve our community, and create a more affirming environment for QTIBIPOC. The process begins with healthcare providers holding themselves accountable in their patient interactions. Regular clinic surveys to gather patient feedback, followed by thoughtful reflections on the feedback, can significantly enhance patient-provider interactions.
Investing in quality education resources and periodic training for healthcare staff can provide invaluable insights into providing quality care for 2TIGE and QTIBIPOC individuals. Furthermore, combating white supremacy in the workplace begins with self-awareness, necessitating the use of resources to learn, unlearn, and confront inherent biases.
Organizations like Trans Empowerment Project (TEP) play an integral role in easing this transition by supplying these pivotal resources for healthcare providers. TEP’s program, Project Care, focuses on educating providers and patients on what quality Trans care looks like and can be. Covering topics such as white supremacy, discrimination, biases, and defining reliable care for QTIBIPOC and the Trans community, Project Care pledges to aid in the transformation of healthcare systems into spaces where all lives aren’t merely said to matter, but are treated like they do.
Trans Employment Project
By: Mo Viviane (they/them), Associate Director of Workplace Equity & Inclusion
The journey of 2 Spirit, Trans, Intersex and Gender Expansive (2TIGE) folks has often been marked by courage, self-discovery, and resilience. However, it’s a journey with many challenges, particularly within employment. The lack of adequate support and affirmation in the workplace for 2TIGE people can have profound implications for our professional lives and mental health. I want to delve deeper into the intricate relationship between workplace support, mental well-being, and suicide prevention for our community.
The Struggles of 2TIGE Folks in the Workplace
As 2TIGE folks, we face unique hurdles in our professional lives. These challenges can range from subtle forms of discrimination and microaggressions to overt acts of prejudice. Many workplaces lack policies and practices that protect us from discrimination based on our gender identity. This creates an environment of fear and uncertainty, making it challenging to express our authentic selves without fear of backlash.
The absence of support and affirmation takes a toll on our mental health. We are constantly navigating hostile or unwelcoming workplaces that lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression. The stressors associated with hiding our identities or facing daily discrimination can exacerbate pre-existing mental health conditions and lead to the onset of new ones. The cumulative effect of these challenges can contribute to a heightened risk of suicidal ideation.
The Link to Suicide Prevention
Addressing the lack of support and affirmation in the workplace is crucial to suicide prevention for the 2TIGE community. Throughout my research, I have found that 2TIGE folks are at significantly higher risk for suicide attempts and completion than our cisgender counterparts. A study published in the journal JAMA Surgery reveals that gender-affirming surgeries were associated with reducing suicide risk in our community, and it also highlights the importance of affirming gender identity.
Gender affirmation goes beyond medical procedures: it extends into all aspects of life, like workplaces. A supportive environment improves mental health outcomes and acts as a protective factor against suicidal ideation. Providing your 2TIGE employees with equitable opportunities, recognizing their names and pronouns, and fostering a culture of inclusivity can make a substantial difference in their overall well-being.
Steps Towards Change
- Policy Implementation: Workplaces NEED to establish and enforce policies that explicitly prohibit discrimination based on gender identity and expression! These policies must address restroom access, dress codes, and employee benefits to ensure that 2TIGE folks are treated equitably and respectfully.
- Education & Training: Organizations need to provide education and training for employees to raise awareness of 2TIGE identities, experiences, and the importance of creating inclusive environments. It is not to be the work of your 2TIGE employees to train other folks in the workplace – this is tokenization and can be triggering for folks. Sensitivity training can help mitigate ignorance and foster empathy.
- Affirmative Practices: As an employer, you must implement practices affirming and validating gender identities and expressions. This includes using correct names and pronouns, providing gender-neutral facilities, and supporting gender transition processes (as well as including that support in your grievances policies).
- Mental Health Support: Access to mental health resources is essential. As an employer, you can collaborate with mental health professionals to provide gender-affirming counseling services tailored to your 2TIGE employees. You can also further support by offering 2TIGE folks resources such as Trans LifeLine rather than the general suicide hotline.
Creating workplaces that support and affirm our community is a human right and a fundamental step toward suicide prevention. The connection between workplace environment, mental health, and suicide risks is undeniable. Acknowledging the struggles faced by 2TIGE folks and taking proactive measures to provide safe and inclusive atmospheres at organizations and companies contribute significantly to the overall well-being of your employees while fostering a culture of acceptance and understanding.
In fostering a culture of acceptance and support for 2TIGE individuals, you can make a lasting positive impact. Trans Employment Project is an invaluable resource, offering a wealth of knowledge, guidance, and practical tools to create workplaces where every individual feels valued and respected. By getting involved with Trans Employment Project (TEmP), you’re investing in the well-being of your employees while also committing to more inclusive, diverse, and thriving workplaces.
Together, let’s take proactive steps towards a reality where everyone can excel and flourish!
Uncategorized
By COO & Sisterhood, Not Cisterhood Coordinator Heather Knoxville 
This month, Trans Empowerment Project (TEP) is holding space to talk about Suicide and Self-Harm Prevention, specifically about the alarmingly high suicide rates in the Trans community and what can be done to reduce them. I’m Heather Knoxville, COO of TEP and the creator/manager of our Sisterhood, Not Cisterhood program.
As cis women, it’s essential to recognize our role in providing support and allyship for our Trans sisters. True allies go beyond token gestures and demand consistent effort to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.
As an ally myself, it’s important to me that we make it very clear that we are a sisterhood, and we will not allow for continued harm of our Trans sisters, or any of our siblings in the Trans community. Keep reading to discover a roadmap of actionable measures that we can undertake to help the Trans community during Suicide Prevention Month and beyond.
Suicide and Self-Harm in the Trans Community
Personally, one of the things that upset me the most is hearing how alone and isolated my sisters feel. I know that feeling all too well – I spent 15 years with my abuser, who kept me as isolated as possible. (Because we’re easier to control that way, you know.)
Studies have shown that around 77% of Trans women have attempted suicide or had suicidal thoughts at some point in their lives. The situations that lead to these mental health struggles include discrimination, lack of acceptance, violence, and sexual assault/harassment. As cis women, acknowledging and addressing these issues in our spheres of influence can make a significant difference in helping our Trans sisters.
How You Can Help
Here are some practical steps that cis women can take to show support for Trans women:
- Use correct pronouns and names: Be mindful of using the correct pronouns and names chosen by your Trans siblings. This simple act validates and shows respect for their identity.
- Challenge Transphobia: Speak out against Transphobic comments and behaviors in daily life, social settings, and online spaces. You don’t have to say the “perfect” thing, just say something!
- Advocate for Trans-inclusive policies: Promote and support policies in the workplace and community that accommodate the needs, rights, and well-being of Trans folks.
- Amplify Trans voices: Raise awareness about the experiences and perspectives of the Trans community through social media, activism, and engaging in conversations with others.
- Don’t use language that isn’t inclusive! (e.g., saying that women should be able to “create life” or that men can’t.)
- Use the buddy system: If you have Trans friends or loved ones, do things together! Not only will that give you both the joy of strengthening your relationship, but it can also lessen the odds that our Trans sisters will end up victims of harassment or violence.
It’s Called “Sisterhood”, Not “Cisterhood”
Womanhood has nothing to do with physical characteristics or the clothes someone wears, it’s just who we are. No one should get to gatekeep your access to it, and we shouldn’t get to gatekeep others.
The Sisterhood, Not Cisterhood program aims to bridge the gap between cis women and Trans women by fostering education and community, building a network of femme-led support across the country. Participating in and promoting programs like this empowers Trans women and helps create a safe space for them.
Sisterhood, Not Cisterhood offers workshops, monthly virtual meet-ups, and friendship-building opportunities, ultimately helping to reduce instances of suicide and self-harm in the Trans community, especially among Trans women.
Ally Is a Verb
Allyship is not a pin or sticker you wear to indicate that you’re a “safe” person to be around, being an ally is a lifelong journey that involves continual education and personal growth. It’s important to acknowledge mistakes and learn from them, to be open to change, and to actively seek resources to better understand the Trans community.
Listen, I know it can be hard to hear that you’ve made a mistake or said the wrong thing, especially when you had good intentions. But how will we ever learn how to be better allies if we can’t handle being corrected?
Instead, thank the person for their labor, be grateful they felt safe enough around you to correct your mistakes, tuck that new bit of knowledge away where you can find it next time, and move on.
Maintain a growth mindset and consistently strive to create a better world for everyone, because we all deserve to thrive!
You Can Make a Difference
Collective efforts and intentional practices are vital in addressing the mental health crisis in the Trans community. As cis women and allies, it’s our responsibility to show solidarity with our Trans sisters and foster an environment of inclusivity. This Suicide Prevention Month, let’s commit to unlocking effective allyship and making a tangible difference in the lives of Trans folks.
Every conscious effort we make, no matter how small you think it is, creates an impact in our quest for a world where everyone thrives as their authentic self.
Need help knowing where to start? Check out the main Sisterhood, Not Cisterhood page, or come find me at TEP. ([email protected])
Cheers!
