Shutterstock 2456642265
NEWSISOUT.COM
National resources for trans and gender diverse communities
The Trump administration has launched a series of executive orders and other initiativesattacking the transgender community since taking power in January, targeting military service, affirming healthcare and participation in sports.Though many executive orders are being challenged in court, its an uncertain time for a community that feels threatened. Despite the uncertainty, there are resources out there to help.From legal assistance to mental health support, heres a list of nonprofits and organizations dedicated to improving the everyday livelihood of trans and gender diverse people.These are mostly national organizations; there are many additional groups that work in local communities across the country. Some of these national groups will connect those in need of help to a local organization.LEGAL HELPPresident Trump issued an executive order declaring there are only two genders male and female which applies to legal documents and passports. The order doesnt recognize the idea that one can transition their gender at birth to another gender.Ash Lazarus Orr filed to renew his passport with a gender marker reflecting his identity. That was in January, and he still hasnt received it. He refused to accept a passport without an accurate identification of who he is, so he filed a lawsuit with the ACLU in what is now known as Orr v. Trump.Orr told the Washington Blade that not receiving his passport back has taken away his freedom of visiting family in Canada and receiving gender-affirming care from a trusted provider in Ireland.The one thing getting him through this uncertain time is knowing who hes fighting for the trans community, his loved ones, and himself.Im trying to be that person that those younger parts of me needed growing up, Orr said. Check out a couple of legal support organizations below:Transgender Law CenterThe Transgender Law Center (TLC) provides legal resources and assistance. TLC has a list called the Attorney Solidarity Network of attorneys that can provide advice or representation for trans people.The organization also has a legal information help desk that answers questions regarding laws or policies impacting trans people.Website:https://transgenderlawcenter.orgPhone: 510-587-9696Email: info@transgenderlawcenter.orgAdvocates For Trans EqualityWith a variety of different programs tailored toward legal assistance and advocacy work, Advocates For Trans Equalitys reach is wide.The non-profit offers the Name Change Project, which provides pro bono legal name change services to low-income trans, gender-non-conforming and nonbinary people by utilizing its partnerships with law firms and corporate law departments.Advocates For Trans Equality also has departments and programs dedicated to increasing voter engagement, educating lawmakers on trans issues and offering litigation assistance to a small number of cases.Website:https://transequality.org/Phone: 202-642-4542General email:a4te@transequality.orgTo contact a specific department or program, visit its website above.ADVOCACYLooking to take action and get involved? Act now.American Civil Liberties UnionThe ACLU is a national nonprofit organization that mobilizes local communities and advocates for national causes.Getting involved is as easy as filling out letters to representatives or signing petitions. One live petition is todefend trans freedom.You can also join its People Power platform, where you serve as a volunteer in your community toadvance civil liberties and civil rights for all. ACLU has different chapters across the country, so visit its website for more information.Website:https://www.aclu.org/Phone: 212-549-2500MILITARY AND VETERANSTrump signed an executive order in January banning transgender service members from serving, stating their identityconflicts with a soldiers commitment to an honorable, truthful and disciplined lifestyle, even in ones personal life.Though the order has been legally challenged and struck down by a judge, U.S. Navy Lieutenant Rae Timberlake said its created an uncertain atmosphere for themself and other troops.All of the transgender service members I know have served with honor and integrity for many years[and were] targeted for removal and not subject to any kind of review based on merit, Timberlake, who joined the Navy at age 17, said.Theres kind of just this cloud looming over our organizations and our units, because we know any day our transgender shipmates could no longer be on the team.But Timberlakes message to any service member struggling because of the executive order was one of compassion and truth:Theres no policy that can take away what youve accomplished and what youve done.Here are some organizations that support service members and veterans:SPARTA PrideSPARTA is a peer-support group composed of active duty, veteran andfuture warrior service members.The group also engages in advocacy work and has helped change policies on gender neutral uniforms and reducing the time a trans service member would have to wait to return to their duties during their transition.Contact SPARTA to learn more about joining its support network.Website:https://spartapride.org/Email:inquiries@spartapride.orgModern Military AssociationModern Military supports service members and veterans through advocacy, legal assistance and mental health support.It tracks LGBTQ+ and HIV discrimination through reports made on its website, and offers guidance and advice to whoever submitted the report.It also supports the mental health of LGBTQ+ veterans and their families through its Resilient Heroes Program. By signing up, youll receive virtual peer support and case management services with a mental health coordinator.Website:https://modernmilitary.org/Phone: 202-328-3244Email:info@modernmilitary.orgCRISIS & MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORTIf you have a more urgent matter, or just need someone to listen, here are some organizations you can reach out to:The Trevor ProjectThe Trevor Project offers 24/7 counseling services. Calling, texting or chatting is free and confidential, and youll get to speak with someone specialized in supporting LGBTQ youth.The organization also focuses on public education by hosting online LGBTQ suicide prevention trainings. It advocates for policies and laws that contribute to supporting queer youth.Website:https://www.thetrevorproject.org/Crisis hotline: 1-866-488-7386General inquiry phone number: 212-695-8650Trans LifelineTrans Lifeline is a hotline run and operated by trans people. Whether youre questioning if youre trans or are a trans person just wanting to talk, someone will be there to help. Its free and confidential, and there wont be any non-consensual active rescue, such as calling the emergency services.The line is not 24/7, however. Check out its website for hours within your time zone.Website:https://translifeline.org/Phone: 877-565-8860Here are other organizations that offer support to the trans community:TransFamilies(support): Support for families with a gender diverse child.TransLatina Coalition(advocacy): Advocates for the specific needs of the transgender, gender expansive and intersex communities in the U.S.TransAthlete(information): Provides informative resources about trans athletes.Campaign for Southern EqualitysTrans Youth Emergency Project(healthcare support): A fund to help trans youth access lifesaving healthcare.TransTech Social(economic empowerment): Dedicated to discovering and empowering the career-ready skills of LGBTQ+ people.World Professional Association For Transgender Health(health): Resources, symposiums and research dedicated to improving transgender health.Sylvia Rivera Law Project(legal): Legal programs and services for marginalized communities.Gender Spectrum(support): Resources and support groups for trans youth and families.The Okra Project(support): Creates and supports initiatives that provide resources for the Black Trans community.The post National resources for trans and gender diverse communities appeared first on News Is Out.
0 Comments 0 Shares 126 Views 0 Reviews