Ally Academy, Sisterhood Not Cisterhood
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.
Further Resources to Grow Your Allyship:
Trans Empowerment Project
Instagram • Facebook
Liberation Lab – TEP’s training platform
24/7 access to our self-paced allyship learning platform.
Trainings include:
Trans 101 • Sisterhood, Not Cisterhood • Supporters, Not Saviors • Centering Disabled BIPOC 2TIGE Lives
Sisterhood Not Cisterhood
A growing community and learning space for women (and our allies!) committed to practicing real, inclusive sisterhood.
Microgrants Donate to help us provide quarterly micro-grants. TEP’s micro-grants provide support for community members who need it the most.
Ally Academy, Programs
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.
![[Community Contributor] In Solidarity With Trans Refugees in East Africa](https://transempowerment.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_7064-1-756x675.jpeg)
News, Organizing, TEP Africa
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
Organizing, Trans Employment Project
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.
News, Organizing, Programs
Hey Changemakers and Community Champions! 🌟
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!
***
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!
#DigitalCommunity #TEPFamily #LGBTQIAPride #GlobalMovement #BeTheChange #JoinUs
Community Voices, TEP Africa
[Trigger warning: The story below addresses the very real violent experiences that our Trans siblings across Africa have been faced with. This story is emotionally intense and at times, graphic. We urge you to put any discomfort you have into action so that no one is subjected to these injustices again.]
Article written by a community author living in Kenya, named N*
Hi, my name is N*. I remember exactly how it was when we left South Sudan due to wars in 2013 and I was 9 years. When we got to Kenya, I finished my primary education here and joined high school.
I have been in a single-sex school since my high school education started. That’s when I realized that my sexual feelings and attachment were so much in my fellow girls rather than boys. I identify as a non-binary queer South Sudanese person living in Kenya right now as a refugee.
Unfortunately, 1 year ago in March 2023, one of my closest friends outed me to my family members. I had kept a low profile and none of my family members knew about my sexuality for some years. They got so mad at me after knowing of my gender identity, they punished me and outed me to the rest of the entire South Sudanese community in the camp.
This put my life at risk. I got a lot of hate speech and most of them were suggesting I should be killed. They tied me up with ropes and made me walk all over the camp, setting me as a bad example to other girls. They were calling me all sorts of names and some of them were beating me as a mob. The police luckily appeared and they dispersed a group of people that had gathered.
They walked me to the fields where they were to practice Female Genital Mutilation in public (I had refused this practice some long time ago when I was getting into my teenage years) and then stoned me nearly to death. My sisters and brothers helped me escape too in the dispersed mob and I got to town. In much fear, I had no one to trust at that moment and nowhere I could feel safe.
I immediately got a bus to another area to hide for some time. I had a few fellow South Sudanese friends there. When I reached the town, they had already been told what had happened in the camp and none of them were allowed to host me. I felt more unsafe and I continued my way to Nairobi. I stayed with a Kenyan friend who was once my partner.
Her financial status wasn’t good to allow me to keep staying with her, so, I had to go back to the camp after staying together for 1 year. I sneaked back to the camp where I am living right now, in a certain place where I can’t move freely, work freely, stay safe, or trust everyone around me.
I decided to come back here because at least, I get free shelter and water other than in any other place though my safety isn’t good at all. Right now, I am stuck, I have nowhere I can run to. I am caught up here and I am worried what will happen if anyone notices that I came back to the camp.
My life is at risk and I have faced enough. In this Pride month as we are reflecting, empowering and uniting, I call on the whole Transgender community to reflect on what it means for us to get displaced and survive through such dehumanizing practices like FGM.
Let’s empower each other because it’s not sweet everywhere. Then lastly, all we need to do is to stand in solidarity and unity from all parts of the world to resist such persecutions. We are all potential victims but we are all potentially empowered to condemn and bring a stop to this.
HAPPY PRIDE 2024!
If you’d like to join us in building power for community members like N* who are living in Africa, please visit our TEP Africa group page.
TEP Africa
Written by Lucretia Ssenyonojo
On August 9, 2023, the Ugandan Constitutional Court upheld the Anti-Homosexuality Act, which criminalizes same-sex relationships and imposes harsh penalties, including life imprisonment. This decision has sparked widespread concern and fear among the LGBTQ+ community in Uganda, leading many to flee the country in search of safety.
The Act has perpetuated discrimination, violence, and persecution against LGBTQ+ individuals, forcing many to live in hiding or seek asylum in neighboring countries such as Zambia, Kenya, and Sudan. However, even in these countries, LGBTQ+ individuals face challenges and discrimination, making their situation precarious.
The law has led to:
* Arbitrary arrests and detentions
* Violence and torture
* Forced evictions and homelessness
* Limited access to healthcare and education
* Social exclusion and stigma
Many LGBTQ+ individuals have reported being forced to flee their homes, leaving behind their families, livelihoods, and belongings. They often face exploitation and abuse during their journey, and in their host countries, they may encounter:
* Discrimination and violence
* Limited access to healthcare and legal protection
* Difficulty accessing education and employment
* Trauma and mental health issues
The situation is dire, and the international community has condemned the law, calling for its repeal and protection for LGBTQ+ individuals in Uganda and the region. Human rights organizations and advocacy groups continue to push for change, but until then, the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals in Uganda and beyond remain in danger.
It is essential to raise awareness about this issue and support efforts to repeal the Anti-Homosexuality Act, ensuring the safety and protection of all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Unfortunately, this is leading to a harsh anti homosexuality act in the East African region that has badly empowered all the other states in the region to come up with the same similar laws criminalizing their citizens for LOVE.
These are the causes of the LGBTQIA refugee crisis in Africa which is escalating day by day.
Click here to join us in the fight for equality, globally by making a donation or even hosting your own fundraiser for our LGBTQIA siblings in Africa
We hope that globally, everyone in the world will take notice of this wave, to understand that it’s here to target us as a queer community at large and then coming up with united voices, solidarity to fight and continue resisting these laws, challenging them and adding a voice to a campaign in Africa thats liberating queer refugees from here.
Community Captains, Organizing, Take Action
Clothing is what makes the (Hu)man; or so they say, which is why as our founder, I started TEP with a clothing swap.
I realized that clothing was one immediate form of gender expression that we have access to. Clothing amplifies outwardly the energy within our bodies. It introduces us to the world, without us having to say a word and is one of the many ways that we as humans have to connect to the world around us. Allowing us all to explore who we are, what we’re feeling, what we want to project to the rest of the world and affords comfort, especially against the elements during extreme weather.
Despite the fact that clothing is one of the most abundant resources on our planet, especially in the United States, where we are high subscribers to fast fashion, it can be incredibly difficult to access gender-affirming clothing that is affordable for our community.
From the discomfort of trying to shop in what may be an unaffirming and potentially unsafe space, to not having the cash needed to get the affirming clothing we want/need, clothing is one resource that the 2TIGE community is always in need of.
For the last few years we’ve been shipping out clothing packages to folks in need, but that’s just not sustainable!
So, now we’re asking our community members to join us in hosting clothing swaps across the country to make sure more folks get access to the clothing resources that they need.
Not only that, but clothing swaps can be a lot of fun; especially when organized with friends! We’ve had folks hold one off-events and also held them as regular functions in Knoxville, TN until COVID hit.
You can organize clothing swaps with friends or open them up to the larger community. They’re a great and affordable way for everyone in the community (including our accomplices) to come together for fun and to freshen up their wardrobes with fresh finds.
ICYMI: Clothing swaps can help protect the earth by ensuring that unwanted clothing ends up in the hands of communities who need them rather than adding to overfilled landfills!
Did you know: “It takes almost 8000 litres of water – what one person drinks in seven years – to make one pair of jeans. And when those jeans are discarded, they join the 21 billion tons of textiles that end up in landfills each year. Of 100 billion items produced yearly, 14 for each human on the planet, three in five will be discarded within the year.”(UN, 2019) & (NRDC.org, 2019)
Check out this list of: 26 Shocking Fast Fashion Statistics & Facts to Know in 2024 from YourSustainableGuide.com
Interested in hosting your own swap? Join our Community Captains Community Cohort and we’ll help you get started!
Sisterhood Not Cisterhood
By: Heather Knoxville (she/they)
In a world that too often echoes with division, Trans Empowerment Project (TEP) hopes to stand as a beacon of unity and love, especially through our transformative “Sisterhood Not Cisterhood” program. As we encourage folks to join our newest campaign, “Louder With Love,” it’s a poignant time to reflect on what it means to truly celebrate womanhood in all its diversity.
As I personally reflect on “Louder With Love” and the growth of the Sisterhood Not Cisterhood program, I am reminded of the many women I’ve interacted with at conferences and workshops – women who are learning how to be better, more intersectional allies; women who are finding themselves, claiming their power, and learning how to lead (and when to follow other leaders); women who are getting out of their comfort zones to try and make the world a better place, even with everything else they carry.
These are trans women, cis women, BIPOC women, disabled women, white women – all coming together to learn from one another and to build community together. I am in awe of these women, and it has been a pleasure to teach and learn alongside them. Never have I seen “sisterhood” exemplified more than in these spaces, where egos are put aside, and minds are open to learning and, more importantly, hearing.
The Power of Inclusive Sisterhood
At the heart of our Sisterhood Not Cisterhood program is a simple yet profound belief: every woman deserves recognition, celebration, and empowerment. Here’s why inclusive sisterhood is not just important but essential:
- Unity in Diversity: Our strength lies not in our sameness but in our diversity. By embracing every woman’s unique experiences and perspectives, we build a more resilient and compassionate community.
- Breaking Barriers: Historically marginalized groups, including 2TIGE ( 2 Spirit, Trans, Intersex, and Gender Expansive), disabled, and BIPOC communities, have faced systemic barriers to empowerment and recognition. Inclusive sisterhood seeks to dismantle these barriers, ensuring that every woman has the opportunity to thrive.
- A Larger Community: When we stand together, the community of women isn’t just big; it’s boundless. United, there’s no limit to the change we can enact and the futures we can build.
This actually reminds me of a t-shirt my husband bought for me that says, “Our world needs women who are dangerously awake, fully alive, and unified in heart and purpose.” That rings so true for me, especially right now. Our world feels like it’s on fire, but if we wake up and work together instead of letting ourselves be divided, we can build a world where everyone thrives – that is the purpose we need to be unified under, and we need to be loud about it.
(BTW, you can get one of those t-shirts for yourself from Mahogany Mommies…no affiliation with us, they just make some really cool stuff)
Louder With Love: Why It Matters
The “Louder With Love” campaign is more than a slogan; it’s a call to action. In an age where dividing lines are drawn too quickly and hate can spread with a click, choosing love is a revolutionary act. Here’s how we can all get “Louder With Love”:
- Drown Out Hate: Every act of love, big or small, has the power to silence messages of hate. Whether it’s through words of support, acts of kindness, or standing up for one another, love is our most potent weapon. Perform a random act of kindness today – and remember to check on your 2TIGE and BIPOC friends; this world is heavy right now.
- Disrupt the Doom Scroll: In the relentless cycle of negative news and social media toxicity, it’s easy to feel despair. But by amplifying positive stories, achievements, and moments of unity, we can change the narrative together. Make a positive post of your own using our #LouderWithLove hashtag and challenge 3 friends to do the same, or use our customizable social media toolkit for sample posts.
- Build a Future on Love: Our dreams for the future are built on the foundation we lay today. By fostering an environment of love and support, we make it possible for every woman to achieve her full potential.
Together, We Are Unstoppable
The message of “Sisterhood Not Cisterhood” and the “Louder With Love” campaign is clear: our love for each other must be louder, stronger, and more enduring than any forces that seek to divide us. It’s a reminder that together, we’re not just a community; we’re a force for change.
As members of the TEP family, whether you’ve been around for a while or you’re just getting here, you’re part of this beautiful, ongoing movement of empowerment and unity. Let’s stand together, louder with love, and show the world the incredible power of inclusivity and unwavering solidarity.
Looking ahead to a year that is sure to be fraught with tension and repeated attempts at dividing our country, I’m filled with hope and determination because I’ve seen firsthand how collective efforts can weave a tapestry of support and belonging. My pledge this year is simple, but resolute: I will be louder with love, in words and in action – and I hope you’ll join me.
Together, there’s no doubt in my mind that we can build a future where every person, in all their unique glory, is celebrated and empowered to thrive.
Learn more about #LouderWithLove
Health and Wellness
In a world that never seems to pause, the act of resting can sometimes feel like a luxury we’re not afforded. Yet, for members of the 2 Spirit, Trans, Intersex, and Gender Expansive (2TIGE) community, taking time to rest is not an indulgence—it’s a crucial aspect of self-care that fosters empowerment, resilience, and healing. Unfortunately, rest has also been historically weaponized against marginalized groups, like ours, and used as a means to diminish and control.
Understanding this context is vital in reclaiming our right to rest and prioritize our well-being.
The Weaponization of Rest
For too long, resting has been entangled with narratives that paint it as a sign of laziness or lack of ambition, especially within marginalized communities. This harmful rhetoric serves as a tactic to perpetuate cycles of exhaustion and disempowerment, making it more challenging for individuals to advocate for themselves and their community. The cruel irony is that those who most need rest to heal and fight against systemic barriers are often the ones denied it.
The Consequences of Rest Deprivation
Physical and Mental Health: Chronic lack of rest can lead to serious health issues, including cardiovascular disease, anxiety, depression, and significantly weakened immune systems. For the 2TIGE community, this adds another layer of stress to lives already navigating complex terrains of discrimination and transition-related health care.
Emotional Well-Being: Without rest, our emotional reserves dry up, making it harder to cope with stress, navigate even the most simple of daily challenges, and maintain healthy relationships. Emotional exhaustion leaves us feeling alienated and burnt out, diminishing our capacity to engage with others, even those in our support networks.
Community Impact: On a larger scale, when members of our community are too tired to participate fully in life, our collective vibrancy and activism suffer.
Rest is not just an individual necessity but a communal one, vital for sustaining the movements that propel us forward.
Rest as an Act of Resistance
In the face of narratives that seek to keep us perpetually on the back foot, prioritizing rest emerges as a powerful act of resistance. Here are a few suggestions to incorporate rest into your self-care regimen:
Listen to Your Body:
Learn to recognize the early signs of fatigue and give yourself permission to slow down. Your body’s needs are legitimate, and honoring them is the first step toward healing.
Set Boundaries:
It’s OK to say no to additional responsibilities if you’re feeling stretched thin. Setting and maintaining boundaries is crucial in safeguarding your time for rest.
Create Restful Routines:
Identify activities that genuinely relax and rejuvenate you. This could be as simple as reading, writing, listening to music, taking a walk, or practicing mindfulness. Incorporating these into your daily routine can help ensure that rest becomes a non-negotiable part of your day.
Seek Community Support:
Sometimes, the weight of the world can make resting feel impossible. In these times, leaning on your community can offer relief and strength. Remember, you’re not in this alone. At TEP we have a community Discord for clients and volunteers to better connect with one another.
Moving Forward:
The right to rest is inherent and non-negotiable, forming the bedrock upon which we build our strength, creativity, and resilience. As a community and as individuals, we must reclaim and protect this right, recognizing rest as essential to our empowerment journey.
We must commit to treating rest not as a luxury but as a critical element of our self-care and activism. By doing so, we not only nurture ourselves but also strengthen our collective capacity to thrive and affect change. The path may be long, but together, with rest as our ally, we continue to move forward towards a future where empowerment and healing are accessible to all.
At Trans Empowerment Project, we understand the pressures and challenges our community faces, and we stand firm in our commitment to support and uplift each other. We’re here to help you find the balance and the space to rest, grow, and empower yourself and those around you. Which is also why TEP has never been in the habit of sending our already exhausted community to the front lines to be targeted by the Chad and Karen at Chick-fil-h8. Not only is it not sustainable but also we don’t owe others the time and energy it takes to convince a closed mind that we deserve to exist.
We all deserve the freedom of owning our own bodies. The freedom to dream and the freedom to exist in a world not controlled by white supremacy and colonialist values but one where we all get to thrive.
For Disabled 2Spirit, Trans, Intersex, and Gender Expansive community members who are also Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, these acts of aggression are further compounded by the biases of others and systemic oppressions, which we already know were designed to keep people of color disempowered. Many of us have spent our lives fighting to survive, while being denied access to the tools and resources we need to live a basic life, let alone our best lives.
While we will always encourage our community to participate in their own liberation, especially through learning about our rights and by participating in civic engagements like casting our votes, we also strongly urge you to take care of yourselves, through practicing proper self-care habits, especially through rest.
Prioritize healing, improve your mental health, and take the time needed to rest and recharge.
Your turn! Click the button below to share your fave methods of selfcare with us!
