By Jack Knoxville (he/they) · Trans Empowerment Project · March 31, 2026
Today is Trans Day of Visibility. And Trans Empowerment Project is spending it doing what we've always done — naming what's true, even when it's uncomfortable, and asking the people with power to use it differently.
Today, we're asking that of Mattel.
Here's what's happening
Mattel is one of the world's largest toy and game companies. They hold a top-100 rating from the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index — a widely recognized benchmark for LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion. They've made public commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
They also hold an active licensing agreement to produce Harry Potter merchandise. That means every sale generates royalties that flow back to J.K. Rowling — the IP owner, and the most prominent anti-trans activist in the world.
The tension
Mattel cannot simultaneously claim to champion LGBTQ+ people and financially sustain the platform of a person who has dedicated significant money and effort to stripping those same people of their rights.
We're not asking Mattel to have an opinion about fiction. We're asking them to look at what their licensing dollars are funding in the real world — and decide whose side they're actually on.
The receipts
This isn't a feeling. This isn't a culture war take. This is documented:
J.K. Rowling — what the public record shows
1
Donated £70,000 to For Women Scotland — an organization that actively campaigns against legal protections for trans people in the UK. (The Times, 2021)
2
Donated £70,000 to LGB Alliance — a UK organization that has opposed trans inclusion and campaigned against Mermaids, a support charity for trans youth. (The Guardian, 2021)
3
Co-founded Beira's Place — a rape crisis center that explicitly excludes trans women, mirroring legislative efforts to remove trans women from single-sex services. (Pink News, 2023)
4
Helped oppose Scotland's Gender Recognition Reform Bill — a bill that would have provided trans people a streamlined legal gender recognition process. The bill was effectively blocked. (BBC Scotland, 2023)
5
Her rhetoric has been directly echoed by US legislators pushing bathroom bans, healthcare restrictions for trans youth, and conversion therapy protections — bills that have caused real, documented harm to real families. (ACLU, GLAAD)
These are not opinions. These are financial and institutional decisions with real-world consequences for 2Spirit, Trans, Intersex, and Gender Expansive people everywhere.
"Every time someone buys a Mattel Harry Potter product, a portion of that revenue sustains the platform of a person who has made dismantling trans rights her public mission."
Why this matters to us — personally
Trans Empowerment Project was founded in 2016 to serve Disabled 2TIGE-BIPOC communities. In the years since, we've watched the political and cultural climate shift in ways that have directly, materially harmed the people we serve.
I've had to move because of what's happening. I know parents of trans kids who are terrified — kids being pulled off puberty blockers, denied access to bathrooms, turned away from healthcare. I know people who have lost jobs, homes, and communities. I know people who've lost the will to keep going.
This is not abstract. This is our lives.
And when a corporation with an HRC award on the shelf continues to financially sustain the person funding the legislation driving this harm — we say something about it.
For new visitors
Trans Empowerment Project is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We've been supporting Disabled 2TIGE-BIPOC communities since 2016. We run programs including microgrants, community leadership development, and international advocacy. Learn more at transempowerment.org.
What we're asking Mattel to do
Our petition makes three specific asks:
1. End all current Harry Potter licensing agreements at the earliest contractual opportunity. We're not asking them to break a contract. We're asking them to not renew one.
2. Publicly commit to not entering new Harry Potter merchandise deals. A one-time exit isn't enough. We want a clear statement of intent.
3. Issue a transparent statement explaining how their licensing decisions align with their stated DEI values. Accountability requires transparency. We want Mattel to say — publicly — how they reconcile these two things.
What this is not
This is not a boycott of Harry Potter fans. It is not a call to burn books or erase a cultural franchise. It is a specific, targeted ask to a specific corporation about a specific business decision — one that directly contradicts their stated values.
How you can help — right now
Trans Empowerment Project has a direct reach of 53,000 people globally. If even a fraction of those people share this petition, we will be in front of millions within days. That kind of visibility brings press. Press brings pressure. Pressure creates change.
Share it everywhere. Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, BlueSky, Discord, text message, group chat. Especially share it with parents of trans kids, with teachers, with HR professionals, with anyone who works in corporate DEI.
Tag Mattel directly. @Mattel on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X/Twitter. Make sure they're seeing the conversation.
Tag @HRC. They certified Mattel. They should be asked to weigh in.
Trans Day of Visibility only comes once a year. But the harm Rowling's funding enables happens every day — in courtrooms, clinics, school boards, and family living rooms.
Today, we're visible. And we're using that visibility to do something with it.
In solidarity and spite,
J
Jack Knoxville (he/they)
Founder, Trans Empowerment Project transempowerment.org
Clothing is something a lot of people take for granted. You walk into a store, grab your size, maybe try something on, maybe not, and move on with your day.
But for 2TIGE folks, it’s rarely that simple.
For many of us, clothing is tied up in dysphoria, safety, access, and whether or not we’re going to be seen, questioned, or even harassed just for existing. Something as basic as trying on a shirt can feel loaded. Public. Risky.
And that’s exactly why clothing swaps matter as much as they do.
At Trans Empowerment Project, clothing swaps were one of the first things we ever organized. Not because they’re flashy or complicated, but because they meet a need that is both immediate and deeply personal.
There is something powerful about walking into a space where you don’t have to explain yourself. Where no one is watching you try to “figure it out.” Where you can pick something up, try it on, and have a quiet moment with yourself that says, oh… this feels right.
That moment? It stays with people.
It’s not just about leaving with clothes. It’s about leaving with a little more confidence, a little less isolation, and a reminder that you’re not alone in any of this.
We’ve seen it over and over again. People come in unsure, sometimes guarded, sometimes carrying a lot. And then something shifts. Conversations start. Laughter shows up. Someone finds something that fits in a way nothing has before, and you can literally see it in their posture.
That’s community. That’s what we’re actually building.
And right now, the need for those spaces is growing faster than we can meet it on our own.
We’re hearing from folks all over who are looking for access to affirming clothing, but just as importantly, they’re looking for spaces where they can exist without being questioned or policed. In a moment where 2TIGE lives are being debated, targeted, and pushed to the margins, creating spaces of care and visibility isn’t extra. It’s necessary.
That’s why we’re inviting people to host clothing swaps with us.
Not because we think everyone suddenly has to become an event organizer, but because we know that real change doesn’t happen from one place or one organization. It happens when people decide to create something where they are.
Hosting a swap doesn’t mean having everything perfectly figured out. It means opening up a space, however big or small, and making it clear that people are welcome there. It means being part of something that’s rooted in care, dignity, and connection.
And the impact of that reaches further than you might expect.
A single clothing swap can spark ongoing relationships. It can connect people who didn’t know each other before. It can give someone their first experience of feeling seen in a way that actually feels good. It can remind someone that they deserve to take up space exactly as they are.
That’s not small.
That’s the kind of thing that helps people keep going.
So if you’ve been wondering how to show up right now in a way that is tangible and real, this is one way to do it.
We’ve put together everything you need to get started, and we’ll be right there with you as you do.
Over the past few days, 12 people across 9 states have signed up to be part of this campaign. Not because they had to. Not because it was convenient. But because they believe in showing up — visibly — for the 2TIGE community.
And honestly? That matters more than ever right now.
We’re living in a time where 2Spirit, Trans, Intersex, and Gender Expansive people are being targeted in very real ways. Policies, rhetoric, and fear are all being used to push folks out of public life. And in the middle of all of that, a lot of people are wondering who actually has their back.
This campaign is one answer to that question.
Why This Matters
“Inked in Solidarity” isn’t just about tattoos. It’s about choosing to be seen in your support.
Because visibility does something that quiet support can’t.
When someone wears their solidarity on their body, it creates moments. Someone asks about it. A conversation starts. A message gets shared that might not have happened otherwise. And for someone in the 2TIGE community who sees that in passing — at a coffee shop, online, walking down the street — it can be a small but powerful reminder:
I’m not alone in this.
That’s the kind of impact we’re building here. Not just a fundraiser, but a ripple effect.
A Growing Movement
Right now, this campaign is already stretching across 9 states.
📍
Each person on that map is choosing to show up in a way that’s visible, lasting, and real. And we’re just at the beginning.
There’s something kind of beautiful about that. People who may never meet, connected by a shared decision to stand with the 2TIGE community in a way that can’t be ignored.
An Invitation
We’re inviting more people to step into this with us over the next few days.
Maybe you’ve been thinking about getting a tattoo for a while. Maybe you’ve been wondering how to show up in a way that actually feels meaningful. Maybe you’re just tired of watching what’s happening and want to do something that makes it clear where you stand.
If you’ve been online at all lately, you already know this: everything feels loud. And not in a fun way.
The hate is loud. The fear is loud. The doom scroll never shuts up.
And for 2TIGE (Two Spirit, Trans, Intersex, and Gender Expansive) folks, that noise isn’t just annoying — it seeps into our bodies, our nervous systems, our sense of safety. It makes rest feel impossible and joy feel irresponsible.
So we’re choosing something different.
From Feb 17–22, we’re bringing back Louder With Love — a Twitch-based fundraising week rooted in joy, care, and showing up for each other without pretending things aren’t hard.
Not toxic positivity. Not “good vibes only.” Just… love, but loud enough to actually matter.
What Louder With Love Looks Like in Real Life
Louder With Love is simple on purpose.
Streamers show up on Twitch and do what they already do — play games, chat, create — and we invite their communities to help fund real support for Trans Empowerment Project and the 2TIGE folks we serve.
You can:
Run a dedicated fundraising stream
Add a donation goal to a regular stream
Raid, boost, or hype someone else’s stream
Or just help spread the word
We provide optional overlays, graphics, chat commands, and support so no one has to build this from scratch.
This isn’t about doing the most. It’s about doing something, together.
Let’s Be Honest for a Minute
We already have a few streamers signed up. They’re great. We love them.
And, we need to say this plainly, but that won’t be enough.
Our streaming program needs to bring in about $90,000 this year to keep Trans Empowerment Project running at the level our community needs. Louder With Love is the first of five fundraising events we’re rolling out to try to get there. If this one doesn’t land, everything else gets harder.
We can’t get there on small streams alone, no matter how much heart is in them. We need creators with bigger audiences to help us — even if it’s just for one stream.
How & Why We’re Inviting Streamers to Get SAFE
As part of Louder With Love, we’re inviting streamers to become SAFE-certified through our SAFE Stream training.
SAFE stands for Supportive, Accountable, Fair, and Empowering.
It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being honest. About saying, “If harm happens here, I won’t ignore it.”
SAFE-certified streamers get:
A badge or certificate they can display
Language to explain what SAFE means to their community
A way to signal care without making big promises they can’t keep
For 2TIGE folks who are constantly weighing whether a space is worth the risk, that signal matters.
Why We’re Asking You to Show Up
We don’t love having to say this part, but we’re not going to dance around it.
If we don’t hit our fundraising goals this year, our capacity shrinks even further; or we close our doors completely. And the people impacted first are the ones who already have the least room to absorb another loss.
We’re not asking anyone to save us. We are asking people with reach to show up with us. Because love, rooted in resources, is the only way we will keep our doors open this year.
Want to Join Us?
📅 Feb 17–22 🎮 On Twitch 💜 Join at the level that makes sense for you
We’ll bring the tools. You bring your voice. Let’s get #LouderWithLove together!
A Note for Creators with 10k+ Followers
This part’s for you.
We know your inbox is full. We know you get asked to support causes all the time. And we know saying yes to everything would burn you out fast.
So here’s the honest version.
One stream from a creator with your reach can do what dozens of smaller streams simply can’t. It can fund weeks of community support. It can keep training programs running. It can mean the difference between “we’ll try again later” and “we’re still here.”
We’re not asking for a long-term commitment. We’re not asking you to carry this alone. We’re asking for one moment of shared effort.
If you care about building safer internet spaces. If you care about Trans folks having places to land. If you’ve ever wondered how to use your platform without it feeling performative…
This is a way to do that.
Join us for Louder With Love, Feb 17–22. Even one stream helps more than you know.
The Supreme Court is reviewing state bans on transgender girls in school sports. The outcome could have major implications for LGBTQ students nationwide.
Idaho was the first state to totally ban Transgender student athletes from school sports in 2020, with West Virginia following in 2021. Since then, 25 other states have enacted sports bans restricting access to girls’ and women’s sports for trans students in schools and universities that receive public funds.
This past week on Jan. 13th, the U.S. Supreme Court heard over three hours of oral arguments in two cases challenging the Idaho and West Virginia laws: Little v. Hecox and West Virginia v. B.P.J. The cases ask whether state bans on transgender women and girls participating in school sports violate the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution and Title IX, the federal law prohibiting discrimination “on the basis of sex” in education.
West Virginia v. B.P.J.
The West Virginia case centers on HB 3293, a law passed in 2021 that bans transgender girls from participating in girls’ school sports. The law was signed by Governor Jim Justice despite lawmakers being unable to identify any transgender athletes competing in the state at the time (CNN, Jan. 13, 2026).
The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Becky Pepper-Jackson, a 15-year-old trans girl who wants to continue participating in cross-country and track and field. Supporters of the challenge argue that the law singles out transgender students for exclusion and is opposed by many women athletes, sports organizations, and medical professionals (SCOTUSblog, Jan. 13, 2026).
Little v. Hecox
Little v. Hecox challenges Idaho’s 2020 law, HB 500, banning transgender women from school sports and allowing sex verification testing. The case was brought by Lindsay Hecox, a Trans woman who sought to try out for women’s athletic teams at Boise State University (CNN, Jan. 13, 2026).
The plaintiffs are represented by the American Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of Idaho, Legal Voice, and Cooley LLP, who argue that the law discriminates based on sex and gender identity without evidence of harm or unfair advantage.
Opposition to the Bans
In their fight against these bans, Becky Pepper-Jackson and Lindsay Hecox have drawn support from prominent figures in women’s sports like Billie Jean King, Megan Rapinoe, Sue Bird, Brianna Turner, and Dawn Staley. Major organizations like the Women’s Sports Foundation and the National Women’s Basketball Players Association have also opposed the bans, along with numerous medical professionals. These supporters argue that the laws unfairly single out transgender students for exclusion.
Ominous Signals from the Court
Despite lower courts consistently blocking the bans as violating the rights of Trans students, a majority of the Supreme Court justices seemed to agree that the Idaho and West Virginia laws can remain in effect. According to Amy Howe of CNN, The Supreme Court’s three Democratic members “appeared to recognize that the challengers faced an uphill battle. They seemed to devote much of their efforts to mitigating their losses – either by getting one case thrown out or by limiting the court’s decision to a narrow one.”
The outcome of these cases could shape how Title IX and constitutional protections apply to transgender students nationwide, with particular consequences for Trans youth seeking equal access to school activities (SCOTUSblog, Jan. 13, 2026).
The justices are expected to make their decision by June 2026.
10 Things You Can Do To Show Up For Your Trans Loved Ones
The holidays are rolling in again — twinkly lights, sweater weather, and that one cousin who insists on “playing devil’s advocate” even though nobody asked. For many Two-Spirit, Trans, Intersex, and Gender-Expansive (2TIGE) folks, this season can feel like a mixed bag: joy, anxiety, celebration, and the ever-present question of whether family gatherings will feel welcoming or…something less than that.
If someone you love is 2TIGE, the way you show up can make the difference between a holiday that feels safe and affirming, or one that they spend silently bracing themselves. The good news? Being a supportive, thoughtful ally isn’t complicated. It just takes intention, humility, and a willingness to prioritize their comfort over anyone else’s convenience.
Here are ten ways to show up with real love, respect, and solidarity this holiday season — and beyond.
1. Use Their Name and Pronouns (Yes, Every Time!)
Affirming someone’s name and pronouns is the foundation of showing respect. If your loved one has shared theirs with you, use them consistently, even when you’re reminiscing about childhood stories or talking to relatives who “don’t get it yet.” If you’re unsure of their pronouns or how they introduce themselves these days, ask ahead of time instead of guessing.
Singular “they” is not new, confusing, or grammatically rebellious. You’ve used it your whole life. If you can say “Someone left their casserole on the counter,” you’re already doing it. It’s not about perfection; it’s about practice and commitment.
2. Check In Ahead of Time and Do Your Own Learning
Before the gathering, reach out and ask how they’re feeling about the holiday and what would help them feel supported. Maybe they want you to correct people gently on their pronouns. Maybe they want backup around certain relatives. Maybe they just want a neutral, judgment-free space to exist.
Whatever they share, honor it, and then take responsibility for your own education. If they seem open to talking, great. If not, don’t treat them like a walking encyclopedia of transness. The emotional labor of explaining themselves shouldn’t fall on them just because you’re curious. You can learn plenty from vetted resources (and you’ll find some below).
3. Don’t Ask Questions You Wouldn’t Ask a Cis Person
This one’s simple: if you wouldn’t ask a cisgender friend or family member a particular question, you shouldn’t ask your trans loved one either. Curiosity is normal, but bodies, medical decisions, and personal details are private. Questions like “Have you had surgery?” “What’s in your pants?” or “Which bathroom do you use?” are inappropriate, invasive, and irrelevant to who they are as a human being.
Respect their boundaries the same way you’d want yours respected.
4. Rethink Gendered Traditions
Families often have deeply ingrained gendered roles during the holidays: the women cook, the men watch football, or gifts are exchanged “by the boys” and “by the girls.” These traditions can feel alienating or painful for trans and non-binary relatives.
If your loved one is a trans man or trans woman, include them wholeheartedly in traditions that match their identity, versus ones assigned to them at birth. If they’re non-binary, talk with them about what feels comfortable or brainstorm new traditions together ahead of time. Safety and inclusion matter more than nostalgia.
5. Tell Old Stories the Right Way and Be Careful with Photos
Stories of childhood mischief and awkward middle-school moments can be sweet, but retelling them requires a little extra care. Use your loved one’s current name and pronouns when sharing memories. There’s no need to call in memories with language like “when you were a boy/girl”. These story still land without that kind of framing. Instead try something like “When you were younger”.
Photos are trickier. Some 2TIGE people enjoy looking back at old pictures; others find them dysphoric or painful. Always ask privately before pulling out old albums, passing around pre-transition pictures, or posting anything online. Even well-intentioned nostalgia can cross a boundary without meaning to.
6. Remember: Their Story Is Theirs to Share
Just because your loved one came out to you does not mean they’ve come out to everyone else in their life. They may not be out at work, school, church, or within certain parts of the family. Outing someone (even accidentally) can put them at risk socially, professionally, and in today’s climate, sometimes physically. Ie- just because you’re cool, doesn’t mean everyone else at the table is or will be.
Let people control their own narratives. If someone asks a question that you’re unsure how to navigate, try redirecting instead of revealing information that isn’t yours to disclose.
(Example: Your Trans loved one leaves the room, and suddenly Aunt Susan wants to know about their surgery status, you don’t need to give her a play by play, instead allow your Trans loved one to decide if/when they want to share that story and redirect the conversation to a favorite memory or anything else. If she or anyone else persists, it’s okay to be direct and let them know that that is not your story to share.)
7. Give Gifts That Celebrate Who They Are, Not Who You Assume They Should Be
Buying gifts for a newly out 2TIGE loved one doesn’t have to feel intimidating. The best strategy is the simplest: ask them what they want. Maybe they’re building a new wardrobe, exploring skincare or makeup for the first time, or trying out new hobbies or styles. They may also appreciate something fun, silly, comforting, or nostalgic (especially things they were denied growing up due to gendered expectations).
The goal isn’t to “get it perfect.” It’s to choose something that creates joy and says: I see you.
8. Stand Up to the Problematic Relative(s) – You Already Know Exactly Who We’re Talking About
Almost every holiday table has that one person who refuses to adjust, makes snide comments, misgenders people “on principle,” or wants to debate human rights like it’s fantasy football. Your loved one shouldn’t have to defend themselves alone.
Being an ally means stepping in; Calmly, confidently, and consistently. You don’t need to be confrontational to be firm. A simple “We’re using their correct name,” or “Hey, that’s not respectful,” is more powerful than you think. When allies speak up, 2TIGE people don’t always have to carry that burden themselves.
Allyship is a verb. Practicing it shows that you mean what you say.
9. Prioritize Their Comfort Over Your Discomfort
It’s okay if using new pronouns feels unfamiliar at first or if you’re nervous about correcting others. What’s not okay is putting the weight of your feelings onto your 2TIGE loved one. Their comfort, safety, and humanity are not optional because you feel awkward or uncertain.
If you care about them, truly care, then yes, stretch! Try new things. You’re going to get braver and things will get easier. That’s part of loving someone who needs you in their corner.
Their safety is more important than anyone else’s discomfort. Full stop.
10. When You Mess Up (And You Will), Fix It and Move Forward
No one expects perfection. What matters is how you respond. If you use the wrong pronoun or name, correct yourself quickly, apologize once, and move on. Don’t make a scene, spiral, or demand reassurance. Your loved one shouldn’t have to comfort you for a mistake you made.
The most respectful and authentic apology is changed behavior — not theatrics, not self-flagellation, and not turning your error into an entire holiday subplot.
After the Holidays: Keep Showing Up
Support doesn’t end when the decorations get boxed up. Keep checking in. Keep learning. Keep standing up when you need to. And most importantly, keep celebrating your loved one outside of crisis moments or visibility days. Trans people deserve ordinary joy, everyday safety, and people who stick around long after the holidays fade out.
In a world where understanding and empathy are more crucial than ever, our recent Ally Academy training called Privilege and Power -Understanding Your Role in Oppression offered a wealth of insights. Whether you’re a seasoned advocate or just beginning your journey, the highlights below will inspire and empower you to make a difference. Dive into the top five takeaways to transform your approach to allyship and community support.
1. Privilege: The Superpower You Didn’t Know You Had!
Privilege isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a tool for change. Recognizing your privilege is the first step in using it to uplift others. As Heather Knoxville, COO of Trans Empowerment Project, emphasized, “Privilege exists. There’s nothing wrong with having it; it’s what you do with it that matters.” By understanding and leveraging your privilege, you can amplify marginalized voices and drive systemic change.
2. Intersectionality: The Secret Sauce to Effective Allyship
Understanding intersectionality is key to being a true ally. It’s about recognizing how various identities—like race, gender, and ability—intersect to shape unique experiences. As the training highlighted, “A white 2TIGE man and a Black 2TIGE woman both experience discrimination, but only the latter also faces anti-Black racism.” Embrace this complexity to better understand and support those around you.
3. Power Mapping: Your Blueprint for Change
Feeling overwhelmed by systemic oppression? Power mapping is your answer. This strategic tool helps identify decision-makers, influencers, and allies to effectively challenge harmful policies. Whether it’s a school board implementing an anti-2TIGE sports ban or a workplace overlooking 2TIGE employees, power mapping reveals where change is possible and how you can contribute.
4. Redistributing Resources: Small Actions, Big Impact
Supporting the 2TIGE community doesn’t always require grand gestures. Simple acts like donating to 2TIGE-led funds, hiring 2TIGE individuals, or recommending them for opportunities can make a world of difference. As Jack Knoxville, founder of the Trans Empowerment Project, noted, “Even two or three dollars can make a huge impact.” Your contributions, no matter the size, help create a more equitable world!
5. Speak Up: Your Voice is a Catalyst for Change
Silence is complicity. Whether on social media or in personal conversations, use your voice to challenge discrimination and support the 2TIGE community. Whether you have influence over 5 or 5 million, your own social media accounts are wonderful platforms and catalysts you can use today to plant seeds of change.
Your words have power—use them to foster understanding and drive progress!
By embracing these insights, you’re not just becoming a better ally; you’re joining a movement towards a more inclusive and equitable future. Let’s continue to celebrate diversity, promote healing, and uplift every voice in our community. Together, we can make a difference.
As we celebrate Transgender Day of Visibility in 2025, I want to take a moment to highlight a painful reality that often goes unnoticed—the horrific situation of transgender individuals who flee their home countries seeking safety, only to find themselves trapped in yet another cycle of persecution and neglect.
Many transgender refugees escape their countries due to extreme violence, discrimination, and even threats to their lives. They flee with the hope of finding protection in nations that have signed international agreements to safeguard asylum seekers. However, upon arrival, they are met with further marginalization—not just from host governments but also from human rights organizations like UNHCR, which are meant to protect them.
In refugee camps, where they are placed as a form of “protection,” transgender individuals often face severe discrimination, harassment, and even torture. Transphobia runs deep, and instead of being safe, they are exposed to the same dangers they tried to escape. Many are left with no choice but to flee once again—this time from the very camps meant to shield them.
With limited options, some transgender refugees seek safety in other countries, even those that are unstable or engulfed in war. But no matter where they go, the cycle of suffering continues—rejected, unprotected, and forced to endure the same violence they had hoped to leave behind.
Visibility must go beyond celebration; it must be a call to action. The international community must recognize the urgent need for real protection for transgender refugees—protection that does not merely place them in unsafe environments but ensures their dignity, security, and right to live without fear.
To all transgender refugees struggling to survive, I see you. We see you. Your fight is not invisible. And we will continue to speak out until the world listens.
Written by Cyara Kiara, Transgender womxn and Human Rights Defender, Member TEP Africa
Managing volunteers can be a fun and rewarding experience. However, it can also get really messy really quickly. Therefore, it’s important to set clear and well defined expectations early on. Additionally, not all volunteers were created equally. Some folks may need a little more hand holding than others. Remember to practice anti-racism in your relationships when managing all staff and volunteers. We’re each coming to the table with different experiences, skillsets, ambitions, and abilities.
Below are 10 tips for managing volunteers more effectively:
1. Clear Communication
Ensure all instructions and expectations are clearly communicated to your volunteers. Using multiple channels like email, text, and face-to-face briefings ensures that everyone is on the same page. 2. Well-Defined Roles
Assign specific roles to volunteers based on their strengths and interests. Clearly defined roles with clearly defined tasks helps prevent confusion and ensures a smooth operation. 3. Training and Orientation
Provide necessary training and orientation sessions for volunteers. This doesn’t always have to be formal; a simple walkthrough or demonstration might be enough. Start with the absolute basics and don’t assume anyone’s experience or comfort level with the tools and skills they need to know. 4. Flexibility
Be flexible with scheduling and responsibilities. Volunteers are offering their time freely, so accommodating their schedules when possible can increase satisfaction and retention. 5. Recognition and Appreciation
Acknowledge their hard work and dedication. Recognition can be as simple as a public thank you, certificates, or small tokens of appreciation. 6. Feedback Mechanism
Have a system in place for volunteers to provide feedback about the events and actions you are leading. This can help identify areas for improvement and help ensure your volunteers feel valued. 7. Build a Community
Encourage camaraderie among volunteers. Fostering a sense of community, and creating spaces for volunteers to connect socially, can make the experience more enjoyable and increase the likelihood of them volunteering again. 8. Supply Necessary Resources
Ensure volunteers have all the tools and resources they need to perform their tasks efficiently. Lack of resources can lead to frustration and hinder their ability to help. 9. Emergency Preparedness
Prepare your volunteers for any emergencies. Brief them on emergency procedures and ensure they know who to contact in different scenarios. 10. Stay Positive and Supportive
Lead by example with a positive attitude. Support your volunteers by being available and approachable. Your positivity will reflect on their performance and overall experience.
We’re buzzing with excitement at Trans Empowerment Project and you’re the reason why! We are amping up our efforts and diving deep into the digital world to strengthen our global family. Say hello to a broader, more vibrant platform of emotional support and relief – because hey, everyone needs a digital family that gets them, right?
Guess what? You’re already one of us! Our digital community groups are growing, and each one is a mosaic of stories, triumphs, and unwavering support. Whether you’ve been with us from the start or are taking your first step into the fold, let’s celebrate our expanding universe:
👭 Sisterhood Not Cisterhood: Celebrate womanhood in all its forms – trans women, cis allies, and non-binary pals, this is your haven!
🌍 TEP Africa: Uniting voices from the Motherland, this group is a powerhouse of solidarity and empowerment on Continental turf.
✨ Influence for Good: Here, your passion for social justice turns into action. Change isn’t just spoken; it’s made.
🤝 Trans Mentorship Program: New to the journey? Find guidance. Seasoned traveler? Offer your wisdom. This mentorship brings generations together for growth and learning. (Mentees also wanted!)
📹 Take Back the Narrative: Become part of our storytelling community and find more ways to use your own experiences for empowerment.
And there’s more!
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Our digital communities are housed across a variety of tech platforms including Discord, Slack, Facebook, and Mighty Networks. Join our 24/7 pride parade where every day is a celebration of you!
Being part of our communities means you’re never alone, whether you’re sipping morning coffee or burning the midnight oil.
If you’re over the age of 16 and your heart beats to the rhythm of LGBTQIA+ pride, you’re exactly who we’d like to welcome in. Help us lift voices that too often echo in silence. Let’s connect, create safe spaces, and lead initiatives that spell pride, support, and empowerment in every language.
Ready to join us? Explore our digital communities page, and let’s enjoy the next chapter of this adventure together!
![[Community Contributor] In Solidarity With Trans Refugees in East Africa](https://transempowerment.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_7064-1-756x675.jpeg)
