FORGE

White text against a black background and FORGE logo. A photo of someone in a car handing their drivers license to another person with a clipboard. Text: "trans folks are having drivers licenses revoked in Kansas. why this matters for trans survivors: Survivors are stripped of their identity (documents); Survivors lose their independence and ability to escape harmful situations; Potential increased harassment on the streets and public transit; Feeling unsafe/targeted in public; Fear for the future and what other rights might be taken away."

White text against a black background and FORGE logo. An image of a person incarcerated person writing a letter from bed. Text: "incarcerated trans folks face forced detransition. why this matters for trans survivors: Incarcerated people's mental and physical health are at risk: Physical violence, loss of healthcare, isolation, and forced detransitioning; People on the outside are impacted by the violence to their community and loved ones; Increased threat the use of conversion therapy and forced detransitioning everywhere."

White text against a black background and FORGE logo. An image of a person reading news articles on their phone. Text: "the Epstein files highlight widespread abuse. why this matters for trans survivors: Survivors may be constantly reminded of their own trauma experiences; Survivors witness how others talk about sexual violence, including victim blaming and the dismissal of survivors' stories; Increased distrust in the government as the scale of abuse is demonstrated; Rise in misinformation about trans people and gender-affirming care."

White text against a black background and FORGE logo. An image of a person standing among buildings destroyed by war. Text: "U.S. involvement in war impacts trans people everywhere. why this matters for trans survivors: Direct harm toward trans and nonbinary people living in areas targeted by military violence; Fears about the safety of loved ones who are experiencing violence; Reminders of trauma history for those who have left areas impacted by war; Uncertainty about the future."

TRANS NEWS ROUNDUP: What should victim service providers know about news impacting trans/nonbinary communities this week? These are just a few of the recent events that are impacting trans and nonbinary communities. #TransSurvivors #TransNews

[Image: A photo of a person stretching against a tan background. Text: "In and Out of Balance: Continuing advocacy through turbulence. Find your center. Online workshop: March 18, 2-3:30 pm EST. forge.tips/balance-and-advocacy." FORGE logo.]

Join us on March 18th for a workshop geared toward advocates, service providers, and trans community. We'll work together to identify ways to find our center, come back to balance, and act on our values amidst turmoil. forge.tips/balance-and-advocacy

[A photo of a person lying in grass with a book covering their face. Text: "Learning to Stay - Jaime Lazich. 'My trauma—in all its wonderfully protective facets—screams “Run run, run!!!” at the sign of any kind of conflict.' 'How do I stay in relationship when things get hard?'" FORGE logo.]

[A photo of a book open in grass. Text: "New on the blog. Learning to Stay by Jaime Lazich. forge.tips/learning-to-stay." FORGE logo.]

Our trauma responses often try to protect us. In this new Trans Survivors blog post, guest contributor Jaime Lazich explores the impacts of trauma on relationships - how trauma can make it feel easier to run, and how we might begin to heal. Read more: forge.tips/learning-to-stay

[Image: Text overlaying a pink background, below a graphic of two pink flowers. Text: "Stas Ginzburg. 'The abundance of creativity within our community affirms a shared humanity that resists erasure.'" FORGE logo.]

“My hope for 2026 is that my queer and trans siblings can live fully and unapologetically, without fear or stigmatization. The abundance of creativity within our community affirms a shared humanity that resists erasure.” Stas Ginzburg

[Image: Text on a green background with graphics of leaves. Text: "'To all of my trans siblings, just know you’re not alone. You are complex and beautiful, and you deserve support in every part of your life. Get support. Look after yourself. You are more than enough.' Toryn." FORGE logo.]

Trans and nonbinary folks who have struggled with eating disorders: you are not alone. Healing is possible. See how others have found a path to recovery at forge.tips/eating-disorder-awareness

[Image: A photo of Dua Saleh, overlaying a black background. Text: "Dua Saleh. buzzin' by Dua Saleh. 8 Black Trans Artists to listen to this month! forge.tips/black-trans-artists." FORGE logo.]

Dua Saleh is a Sudanese-American poet, actor, and singer, exploring identity and culture through genre-defying music. Discover new music from Black trans artists this Black Trans History Month! Listen at forge.tips/black-trans-artists
#BlackTransHistoryMonth #TransSurvivors #BlackTransHistory

[Image: Text overlaying a photo of a person's hands balancing a stack of rocks. Text: "Join us online! March 18, 2-3:30 pm EST. In and Out of Balance: Continuing advocacy through turbulence. forge.tips/balance-and-advocacy." FORGE logo.]

How do you stay grounded in your advocacy work while external forces attempt to derail you? In this upcoming workshop, participants will work together to identify ways to find their center, come back to balance, and act on their values.

Join us on March 18th! forge.tips/balance-and-advocacy

[Image: White text overlaying a light blue background. Text: "Trans and nonbinary youth are worthy of love, autonomy, and respect. #RealLoveRespects. loveisrespect.org. #tdvam2026" FORGE logo]

Trans and nonbinary youth are worthy of love, autonomy, and respect.

#TDVAM2026 #RealLoveRespects #TransYouth

A photo of two people hanging out in bed together. One is playing guitar while the other scrolls on their phone. Text: "forge.tips/living-with-trauma. In conflict, trauma can lead to..." Seeing all conflict as a personal attack or threat." FORGE logo.

A photo of a person looking down at their feet while they walk their dog. Text: "forge.tips/living-with-trauma. Believing that our mistakes make us bad people." FORGE logo.

A photo of someone curled up in bed. Text: "forge.tips/living-with-trauma. Deferring to others to avoid conflict." FORGE logo.

A photo of a person putting on makeup in bed. Text: "forge.tips/living-with-trauma. Ignoring our own needs and boundaries." FORGE logo.

Living with other people can be hard. Many trans people are living with some form of trauma that can make relationships more complicated to navigate. This new blog post explores some of the ways that trauma shows up in relationships with those we live with. forge.tips/living-with-trauma

[Image: A photo of Jackie Shane, overlaying a black background. Text: "Jackie Shane. Comin' Down by Jackie Shane. 8 Black Trans Artists to listen to this month! forge.tips/black-trans-artists." FORGE logo.]

“Jackie Shane combined the frenetic pace of rock and roll with the soulful energy of R&B to become one of [Toronto’s] most memorable performers of the 1960s." Listen to Jackie's "Comin' Down," along with music from past and present Black trans artists, at forge.tips/black-trans-artists

[Image: Text on a green background with graphics of leaves. Text: "'The climate surrounding politics these days has taken a toll on my mental health and with it, made it more difficult to continue in recovery.... In this political moment, being visibly trans can feel more exhausting than in the past.' Lucas Knudsen." FORGE logo.]

When trans and nonbinary folks are targeted by state-sanctioned hate, it can feel like very little is within our control. Food, and its impact on our bodies, might feel like one thing we can control in the midst of chaos. Read more at forge.tips/eating-disorder-awareness

[Image: A photo of Neverending Nina, overlaying a black background. Text: "Neverending Nina. That One by Neverending Nina. 8 Black Trans Artists to listen to this month! forge.tips/black-trans-artists." FORGE logo.]

Neverending Nina celebrates Black Trans Joy through a mix of funk, soul, R&B, and punk pop. Listen to Neverending Nina's "That One" on our Black Trans History Month playlist! forge.tips/black-trans-artists

[Image: A photo of Mykki Blanco, overlaying a black background. Text: "Mykki Blanco. Free Ride by Mykki Blanco. 8 Black Trans Artists to listen to this month! forge.tips/black-trans-artists." FORGE logo.]

Mykki Blanco has been a spoken word poet, an outspoken advocate for queer liberation, and a boundary-pushing rap artist. Discover Black trans artists to listen to this month at forge.tips/black-trans-artists

[Image: Dark orange text overlaying a light orange background. Text: "People of all genders and ages deserve to have their boundaries respected. #RealLoveRespects. loveisrespect.org. #tdvam2026" FORGE logo]

Dating violence doesn't discriminate, but trans and nonbinary youth may be at higher risk of abuse by a partner. This Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, we are reminded that people of all ages and genders deserve to have their boundaries respected.

[Image: A photo of Honey Dijon, overlaying a black background. Text: "Honey Dijon. The Nightlife by Honey Dijon (ft. Chlöe). 8 Black Trans Artists to listen to this month! forge.tips/black-trans-artists." FORGE logo.]

“I approach DJing as an art form or craft. For me it’s like someone painting a picture, or writing music, or designing something," Honey Dijon says in an interview with SSENSE. Find new music to listen to this Black Trans History Month, at forge.tips/black-trans-artists!

[Image: Text on a dark green background, below an image of a ripe plum. Text: "Poetry has been hugely healing for me as I've recovered from horrendous domestic and intimate partner violence. I drew metaphors in the sand and said, no more accepting abuse as love. I feel like I've mostly transformed from trauma surviving to trans thriving, despite all odds and obstacles, and these poems are evidence of just how far I've grown. From Trauma Surviving to Trans Thriving: "Not Your Fucking Rehab" and "Protection" by Zoë Zack Dunning. forge.tips/trans-thriving." FORGE logo.]

Our newest Trans Survivors blog post features two poems from Zoë Zack Dunning: "Not Your Fucking Rehab" and "Protection." Read Zoë's work at forge.tips/trans-thriving. Connect with Zoë at allmylinks.com/mellifluouswriting!

#TransSurvivors #TransPoets #DVSurvivor #IPV

[Image: Light blue text overlaying a dark blue background, above a black and white graphic of as TV, record, and person holding a microphone. Text: "#RealLoveRespects. #TDVAM2026. trans and non-binary teens deserve to see healthy representations of relationships in the media." FORGE logo]

Some recent shows and books (like Heartstopper and Sex Education) depict young trans people navigating love and relationships. Seeing what healthy (and unhealthy) dynamics look like help us to recognize potential harm in our own relationships.

#TDVAM2026 #RealLoveRespects #TransYouth

[Image: Blue text against a white background, alongside graphics of an N95 mask and two condoms inside wrappers. Text: "National Condom Awareness Day - Feb 14th, 2026. Wearing one helps to protect your community." FORGE logo.]

Condoms are one tool we can use to protect ourselves and our partners from preventable illness! We can also protect ourselves and our communities by limiting the spread of airborne illnesses like COVID-19 and flu by wearing high quality masks (N95s, KN95s, or better!), especially in crowded spaces.

[Image: A photo of Big Freedia, overlaying a black background. Text: "Big Freedia. Take My Hand by Big Freedia. 8 Black Trans Artists to listen to this month! forge.tips/black-trans-artists." FORGE logo.]

Born in New Orleans, Big Freedia has helped to popularize the bounce genre of hip-hop. Her work has since gained popularity as she’s performed with artists like Beyoncé, Kesha, Lizzo, RuPaul, and others. Find new music to listen to this Black Trans History Month: forge.tips/black-trans-artists

[Image: A photo of 2AM Ricky, overlaying a black background. Text: "2AM Ricky. Love Ain't Rational by 2AM Ricky. 8 Black Trans Artists to listen to this month! forge.tips/black-trans-artists." FORGE logo.]

“When I first got the news that we had reached #3 on the iTunes charts, I shed tears of joy. I cried not only out of joy and celebration for myself, but for what that moment meant for black music history." Listen to 2AM Ricky's "Love Ain't Rational": forge.tips/black-trans-artists

[Image: Overlaying a photo of mountains and a lake, a checklist of items on a notepad. Text: "Is this thing working? questions to ask... does this strategy make sense? are the claims “too good to be true?” does it reflect my values? what feels possible for me? is someone trying to make money off of this? what do others have to say? forge.tips/is-this-thing-working" FORGE logo.]

We often have to learn for ourselves what strategies will be helpful (especially when it comes to chronic illness and disability). In this new blog post, Emil shares how they evaluate different advice they receive; how they figure out what works and what doesn't. forge.tips/is-this-thing-working

[Image: White text overlaying an image of a young person with long hair pulled back and a blue flower behind their ear, wearing an orange t-shirt that says "I am the voice of a generation." Text: "Wear Orange for Teen Dating Violence Awareness. Tomorrow - Feb 10th!" FORGE logo.]

Today is Wear Orange Day! Raise awareness for Teen Dating Violence and show your support for survivors by sharing a photo of yourself wearing orange (or wear it to work/school!) Supporting healthy relationships, respect, and care is for people of all ages and genders.

[Image: White text overlaying an image of a person with long braided hair and sunglasses wearing an orange t-shirt. Text: "Wear Orange for Teen Dating Violence Awareness. Tomorrow - Feb 10th!" FORGE logo.]

Tomorrow is Wear Orange Day! On Feb 10th during Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, wear orange, hang orange lights, and let others know why you support survivors.

#WearOrangeDay #TDVAM2026 #RealLoveRespects #TeenDatingViolence

[Image: Brown text overlaying a purple background, above a graphic of a flower. Text: "'Maybe that’s exactly how we find ourselves: real, vulnerable, human, and sincerely, hopelessly alive.' Tara. Hyperpop has always been about us (TransActual). forge.tips/hyperpop." FORGE logo.]

"Maybe that’s exactly how we find ourselves: real, vulnerable, human, and sincerely, hopelessly alive," says Tara, in "Hyperpop has always been about us" on TransActual.org (@transactualuk.bsky.social)! Find the article at forge.tips/hyperpop

[Image: A photo of Shea Diamond, overlaying a black background. Text: "Shea Diamond. I Am Her by Shea Diamond. 8 Black Trans Artists to listen to this month! forge.tips/black-trans-artists." FORGE logo.]

Music can offer a powerful tool to shift emotions, connect with ourselves, and heal from trauma. This Black Trans History Month, we’re celebrating eight Black trans musicians, both past and present, who spread hope, resistence, and healing through their work. forge.tips/black-trans-artists

[Image: White text overlaying a light blue background. Text: "February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. #RealLoveRespects. loveisrespect.org. #tdvam2026."]

Each February, young people nationwide raise awareness about teen dating violence through Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM). This annual month-long push focuses on advocacy and education to stop dating abuse before it starts. Join us by using the hashtag #RealLoveRespects

[Image: Brown text overlaying a tan background, with an outline drawing out two people embracing. Text: "'Our bodies, which home and carry us, deserve the same love we give to our physical homes.' Jamie. One man’s trash is a trans masc’s treasure. forge.tips/charity-shops." FORGE logo.]

“Our bodies, which home and carry us, deserve the same love we give to our physical homes," writes Jamie, in 'One man’s trash is a trans masc’s treasure: How the local charity shops helped me find my identity' on @transactualuk.bsky.social! Find the article at forge.tips/charity-shops.

[Image: Against a purple background, a photo of a young trans person wearing a black hoodie with a serious expression on their face. Text: "Call for submissions. Trans Survivors: Issue #5: Teens and Youth. Deadline extended: Feb 7th! Open to contributors age 24 and under! Poetry, art, and short fiction/nonfiction; $25 contributor payment. forge.tips/submit." FORGE logo.]

DEADLINE EXTENDED! We're looking for submissions from trans/nonbinary youth for the Trans Survivors Zine. We welcome your grief and rage at the state of our current world; we welcome your stories of healing, hope, and resilience; we welcome a range of expressions and experiences. forge.tips/submit

Get the facts! LGBTQ+ people are more likely to experience stalking compared to cisgender, heterosexual people. This quick fact sheet from SPARC covers some stats on trans and LGB peoples’ experiences with stalking, along with resources for getting help. Read more: forge.tips/stalking-facts

[Slide 1: Red text overlaying a photo of a young person sitting in a windowsill and looking out thoughtfully. Text: "Trans youth: make your voice heard. forge.tips/submit." FORGE logo.]

[Slide 2: a photo of a young person sitting in a windowsill and looking out thoughtfully. Text: "Submit to trans survivors! forge.tips/submit. Open to contributors age 24 and under! Poetry, art, and short fiction/non-fiction. $25 contributor payment. Deadline: Feb 1st." FORGE logo.]

There's still time to submit to Trans Survivors! We welcome submissions of art and writing on unique experiences in the current world as a young trans person; around a range of topics on growth, imagining the future, healing, trauma, and resilience. forge.tips/submit