Trans Lifeline

The following words appear on a colorful Afro-futurist background with a picture of CeCe McDonald: “CeCe McDonald. CeCe McDonald uses her experience with incarceration to bring attention to the prison industrial complex, abolition, and the acute challenges trans women of color face both inside and outside of prison. She has spoken at colleges and universities and has given interviews with major news outlets. McDonald’s work sets the stage for a future free from carceral responses to violence that benefit trans and cis people alike. Photo credit: Chartwell Speakers”

The following words appear on a colorful Afro-futurist background with a picture of Patricio Manuel: “Patricio “Pat” Manuel (also known as “Cacahuate”). Patricio Manuel is a professional boxer whose career includes several barrier-breaking achievements, including being the first out transgender boxer, the most decorated amateur boxer to change gender divisions within USA Boxing, and being the first transgender man to beat a cisgender man in the amateur male division. In September 2018, he made history again when he became the first transgender boxer to compete in a professional boxing match in the U.S. and win. During a time when sports are a battleground for trans rights and dignity, Manuel is breaking barriers and paving the way for future Black trans athletes to be recognized, to be respected, and to win.”

The following words appear on a colorful Afro-futurist background with a picture of La Saia Wade: “LaSaia Wade. Wade has founded several organizations that have distributed funds to trans people, organized culturally competent social services for trans people, and led direct actions that have called attention to the violence experienced by trans women in Chicago. Wade’s work is a guide to reaching the future we all desire. It has always been us and will be us who care for, lift up, and support each other.”

The following words appear on a colorful Afro-futurist background with a picture of Kylar Broadus: “Kylar Broadus. Broadus is an attorney who focuses on LGBTQ+ law and transgender rights and is the founder of two organizations that support trans people of color through legal action. Broadus’ legal work does more than change policy; it affirms the rights and dignity of trans people, challenging discrimination and helping shift perceptions of trans people.”

Black trans futures are already here. Right now, Black trans leaders are building the foundation for a more liberated future by challenging transphobia and anti-Blackness through legislation, organizing, art, technology, and community.

#BlackTransFuturesMonth #BlackHistoryMonth #trans

Our liberation is intertwined, our safety is shared, and our future is collectively shaped. Liberation for all means dignity, safety, and freedom for Black trans people. We can and will shape a flourishing Black trans future.

#BlackTransFuturesMonth #BlackTransLivesMatter

The text "permission is a part of consent but consent =/= permission" on a dark blue background. At the bottom of the page the handles "@connectiwithoumou x(in collaboration with) @translifeline

The text "permission: to allow someone to do something. in many contexts, permission can be granted once while the act of practicing consent is more active and ongoing. permission asks: can I?, while consent considers questions like do you want X or Y? now or later? "how can i make this more comfortable?"@connectiwithoumou x(in collaboration with) @translifeline

The text "permission + power seeking permission alone doesn't always account for power dynamics, especially in peer support. people may say yes because they feel grateful, desperate, intimidated, afraid of losing support orr have lived by the phrase 'you get what you get and you don't get upset'. its too important to try and notice who holds power and how it's showing up and impacting peer support moments." on top of a dark blue background. At the bottom it says "@connectiwithoumou x(in collaboration with) @translifeline

The text "when practicing consent consider: 1. context - what's happening around or to this person (and their body) that might influence their yes or no? 2. history: what past experience with care, harm, peer support or authority could be shaping this moment? capacity: what do they realistically have access to right now - emotionally, physically, cognitively, rationally?" on top of a dark blue background. At the bottom it says "@connectiwithoumou x(in collaboration with) @translifeline

considerations for peer support: permission is a part of consent but it’s important to know that consent ≠ permission. consent asks us to look beyond a verbal “yes” and consider the conditions shaping that yes (or no).

when practicing consent consider:

💡 context
💡 history
💡 capacity
💡 safety

Binding is an important gender-affirming practice, and binders are one safe method to compress your chest to appear flatter. There are many different colors and types of binders, such as tanks, half binders, racerbacks, and more. Video 3: Basic Use & Care for you Binder. <3

White background with light blue lines in a grid formation. An image of a police car upside down with flowers growing out of it is at the bottom left. The text reads "flowers are nice & candy's so sweet. we will always choose our community over the police"

Background is white with lines that look like a piece of binder paper. An image of a hand holding a heart is on the bottom left. The text reads "Chocolates are my favorite, & my love, so are you! We will protect trans lives & protect trans youth!"

White background with light blue lines in a grid formation. And image of an arm with the sign "Until we're all free" is on the bottom left. The text reads "Roses are pink, violets are blue. Trans joy is resistance and our resistance isn't new!"

White background with light blue lines in a grid formation. An image of a rose with a yellow/beige ribbon is wrapped around it. The text reads "Roses are red, & sometimes magenta, say it with all your heart, CHINGA LA MIGRA!"

✨🏳️‍⚧️💘will you be our valentine?💘🏳️‍⚧️✨

Gradient yellow to pink background. An illustration of an arm holding a megaphone with the Trans flag colors waving out of it. The text says, "TAKE ACTION. All major medical associations agree: Gender-affirming care is essential healthcare that saves lives."

Gradient yellow to pink background. An illustration of a closed fist in the air, the Trans flag colors wrapped around the wrist and extending, waving out of it. The text says, "The US department of health and human services is trying to block hospitals from providing this care to trans and gender-diverse youth. SIGN OUR PETITION to speak up against this attack on trans people."

Take Action! From now til Feb 17 5pm ET!

Gender-affirming care is essential, life-saving healthcare. The federal gov't is trying to block hospitals from providing this care to trans youth. Sign now to oppose these attacks.

mailchi.mp/translifeline/tlforgenderaffirmingcare

Wearing a binder is just one method of binding. Other options include binding with trans tape, wearing sports bras, or compression shirts. Learn about healthier alternatives to duct tape, Ace bandages, or plastic wrap for binding your chest! Video 2: What to avoid when binding

A quote from Raquel Willis reads, “Each generation of trans people has faced some kind of persecution. And each time, we refuse the scarcity myths handed to us, leaving the soil richer for the next ones. So I ask you, Oh, trans people of now, what fruit will you bear?” A photo of Raquel Willis appears on top of an ombre yellow to pink background with her photo in the top left corner.

This Black Trans Futures Month, we look to Black transcestors for guidance and recognize that we are the transcestors of the future - leaving the soil richer for the next generation. How will you be remembered by future generations of Black trans siblings? Comment below!

Photo credit: Texas Isaiah

“Magic: The Gathering” Gathers for Trans Lives, Raises $450,000 in Less Than Two Days “Magic is political.”

Something incredible is happening in the Magic: The Gathering community.

The prolific MTG Youtube channel Tolarian Community College has raised $450,000 and growing for Trans Lifeline.

Read our writer S. Baum's story here and go pitch in!

www.erininthemorning.com/p/magic-the-...

Together, we raised over $600,000 for @translifeline.org this year. From the bottom of my heart, I'm so grateful. We have come together to say to our trans friends and family that they are loved and that they are not alone.

Trans rights are human rights.

When we gather together, we can make Magic.

Purple and pink background with the text Community Conversations as the main title. The flyer is promoting our speakers and highlighting the session: Redefining Love & Relationships on Our Own Terms.

Purple and pink background with a headshot of Luckie Alexander in the center. His bio reads: Luckie Alexander is a Black trans man and community advocate focused on advancing gender and social justice, particularly for transmasculine people and trans parents. He served in multiple leadership and advisory roles, including the Los Angeles County Transgender Advisory Council, HIV Commission, and the Brown Boi Project, and has received community recognition such as the Mr. Quest 2018 award. Luckie founded Invisible Men, a platform and organization amplifying transmasculine voices and providing needed resources, and played a key role in the historic Trans Visibility March, including creating its Library of Congress–archived website. With nearly two decades of experience in leadership, homelessness services, mentorship, education, and public speaking, he combines advocacy, art, and technology to uplift communities. He holds degrees in Computer Science, Math, and Culinary Arts, is pursuing a BA in Psychology, and is the artist behind the “All Black Lives Matter” installation on Hollywood Boulevard.

Purple and pink background with a headshot of Calpyso Jeté Balmain in the center. Her bio reads: Calypso Jeté Balmain is a trailblazer in the ballroom community—an acclaimed dancer, trans showgirl, and mentor from the legendary House of Balmain, winners of HBO Max’s Legendary Season 1. Beyond the stage, she is a passionate advocate for LGBTQIA+ youth, focused on community building, education, and healthcare access, while mentoring the next generation to live boldly and authentically.

Purple and pink background with a headshot of Quei Tann in the center. Her bio reads: Quei Tann- She/Hers Bio: Quei Tann is a multi-hyphenate talent: a recording artist, comedian, and actor who seamlessly blends performance with purpose. You may recognize her from her roles in hit series like How to Get Away with Murder, Netflix’s Dear White People, and American Horror Story. Currently a social work student, Quei is dedicated to the politics of liberation. Over the past year, she has collaborated with the Trans Latin@ Coalition, grounding her professional transition in community-led advocacy. Her work is defined by a commitment to bridging the gap between the creative arts and systemic change, using her platform to champion the liberation of her community and beyond.

This month's Community Conversations, “Redefining Love & Relationships on Our Own Terms,” brings together three leaders, each offering powerful insights on love, intimacy, and connection rooted in lived experience, cultural wisdom, and radical authenticity. Sign up today! https://tally.so/r/EkWRG4

Chest binding is a gender-affirming practice done by all kinds of people. It can improve one’s mental health and decrease gender dysphoria. Given some of the current policies in place, we think these videos are worth resurfacing. Video 1: Safer Ways to Bind Your Chest <3

$150,000 (actually it's now $155,000) for @translifeline.org LET'S GO MAGIC: THE GATHERING PLAYERS!!!!!!

The words “Black Trans Futures Month” appear on a yellow and pink ombre background with an Afrofuturist design and a graphic of a Black trans person in the bottom right corner.

The words “#BlackTransFuturesMonth is about celebrating the contributions and history of Black Trans folks. It serves as a time to reflect on the profound impact they’ve had on various aspects of society, including culture, politics, science, arts, and more. It also invites us to envision a future where Black trans people thrive. ” appear on a yellow and pink ombre background with an Afrofuturist design and a graphic of a Black trans person in the bottom left corner.

The words “Black Trans History Month. Black History Month originated from the ideas of Black educators and the Black United Students at Kent State University in February 1969. The inaugural celebration occurred at Kent State, running from January 2 to February 28, 1970. How did we get to Black Trans Futures Month? Popularized by The Movement for Black Lives in the early 2010s during protests against police violence, Black Futures Month emerged in 2015. It's a time to not only remember Black history but also collectively envision a future where Black people thrive.” appear on a yellow and pink ombre background with an Afrofuturist design and a graphic of a Black trans person in the bottom right corner.

The words “Black Trans Futures Month. This month serves as an important reminder that Black trans people have the power and the love it will take to build a future where they prosper.” appear on a yellow and pink ombre background with an Afrofuturist design and a graphic of a Black trans person in the bottom right corner.

Black Trans Futures Month is when we envision a world where Black trans people have everything they need to flourish. This month, we’ll be featuring Black trans leaders who are not only envisioning a better future for Black trans community but are working, organizing, and fighting for it every day.

I'm giving away TEN Collector Booster Boxes of Lorwyn Eclipsed!

I'm giving TEN PEOPLE each one box of Collector Boosters from Lorwyn as a thank you for donating to Trans Lifeline!

Just donate in multiples of $4.00 to @translifeline.org until Feb 7 at 10am PST!

Donate--> give.translifeline.org/tcc

why peer support. why harm reduction. why now? Peer support is a radical, community-led practice rooted in lived experience, mutual aid, and shared care. You can practice this today, in your friendships, in your workplaces, in your communities. with the strangers around you. today and forever.

These moments today cannot even begin to encapsulate the daily, generations-long revolutionary acts that occur.

Every single fight for liberation is interconnected. 🌼✨✊🏽✨🌼

We will not look away. We will move in solidarity with one another - always.

Blue and purple background with Community Conversations as the title. The subtext says "Session 1: Thriving Beyond Surviving. Meet Our Speakers:"

Blue and Purple background featuring Jia Miramontes and their headshot. Bio reads: "Jia Miramontes (they/them) Community Advocate & Health Educator - Jia is a dedicated advocate supporting the well-being of the TGI community through the Department of Public Health and her work as a Reentry Counselor for LGBTQI2-S individuals impacted by incarceration. She serves with the Transgender Service Provider Network and the LA Transgender Advisory Council, helping shape more equitable and inclusive policy. With a strong background in community care and the arts, Jia continues to champion access to gender-affirming care and uplift trans voices."

Blue and Purple background featuring Maria L Roman Taylorson and her headshot. Bio reads: "Maria L Roman Taylorson (she/hers) The Translatin@ Coalition Vice President & Chief of Staff and Culture: Maria Louise Roman-Taylorson is a pioneering transgender leader and advocate with over 20 years of service in Los Angeles. From overcoming homelessness to becoming Vice President and Chief of Staff &Culture of the TransLatin@ Coalition, she has dedicated her life to expanding resources and opportunity for trans communities. Maria continues to use her voice to advocate to uplift her community and fight for those often left behind."

Blue and Purple background featuring Jazzmun Nichcala Crayton and her headshot. Bio reads: "Jazzmun Nichcala Crayton (Femme X Pronouns: Gender Fierce!) APAIT Associate Director: Jazzmun Nichcala Crayton is an acclaimed actress and advocate whose work bridges entertainment and social justice. From television and film to community leadership, she uses her platform to uplift historically marginalized voices. Today, Jazzmun serves as an Associate Director at APAIT and continues shaping policy and programs that empower trans communities."

We’re just 3 days away from the first of many Community Conversations sessions! ✨ Can't wait to see you there! (Please note: Registration for this session closed on Monday 01/19, but don’t worry! You’ll be able to catch the live recording on our YouTube channel after the session. )

✨ Join us on 01/22 for the very first Community Conversations as we kick off the New Year!✨ Last day to register is 01/20. We hope to see you there! <3

Green background with a bingo board and text that reads: Receiving Peer Support Bingo -Reached out to a trust person to ask for support - Spent time doing a hobby or activity that fills my cup - Practiced getting consent before sharing a potentially triggering or heavy story - Set a boundary with someone in my life - Considered and partnered with my body during hard conversations - Expressed myself with someone provided care that didn't resonate with me - Felt understood by someone providing support to me - Allowed myself to pause, breathe, and rest before, during or after sharing a part of myself / my story.

Green background with a bingo board and text that reads: Receiving Peer Support Bingo - Chose presence, radical patience and listening over fixing - Offered options, not ultimatums - Asked "what do you need right now?" or "What's on your ideal care menu?" - Co-created solutions rather than impose them - Shared a story from personal experience in a consent-centered way - Provided resources or information that could help someone make choices - Shared/gifted a zine that help validate a person's experience - Apologized when I caused hurt or harm and tried again

We dare you to practice peer support today (use the peer support bingo board if you'd like a few ideas!). ✨

We double-dog dare you to connect with a peer supporter in the next year! ✨

We triple-dog dare you to post the bingo card and tag us when you complete one of the squares. ✨

A pink, light pink, and yellow background with two illustrations of flowers in the bottom two corners, with text that reads: Thanks to the incredible support we have received from our community and partners, we have reached one of our organization's milestones: reflecting on 2025 and planning for 2026 together during an offline retreat

A pink, light pink, and yellow background with two illustrations of flowers in the bottom two corners, with text that reads: Starting Monday, January 5 through Friday, January 9, Trans Lifeline will be offline. We want to stay focused as a collective during our time together. Our hope in doing this is that we will be refocused and come back with a renewed sense of purpose and clarity. We will be back on Monday, January 12th.

A pink, light pink, and yellow background with two illustrations of flowers in the bottom two corners, with text that reads: We understand that a time of crisis waits for no one. If you are in need of support during this time, we have released a Resource Kit on our website to help you. It includes other vetted and trusted hotlines and resources that you can access at any time.

A pink, light pink, and yellow background with two illustrations of flowers in the bottom two corners, with text that reads: Thank you again for your continued support and understanding. We're excited to start this new year refreshed and renewed with you! We will see you so soon! :sparkle emoji:

2025 was about shedding what wasn’t serving us, 2026 is about charging through! ✨🎉Starting Mon., Jan 5 through Fri., Jan 9, Trans Lifeline will be on an org-wide offline retreat. We will be back on Mon., Jan 12th! Our Resource Kit, feat. trusted, vetted resources are now available on our website.

A blue into purple background with small polkadots. There are 2 sets of white sparkle stars near the center. The text reads: "Community Conversations: A Monthly Virtual Panel Series"

A blue into purple background with small polkadots. There are 2 sets of white sparkle stars near the center and the bottom. The text reads: "Community Conversations is a virtual space for our trans community to listen, learn, and find support." At the bottom is a graphic of illustrated arms holding trans flags and hearts and flowers in the color of the trans flag.

A blue into purple background with small polkadots. There are 2 sets of white sparkle stars near the center and near the bottom. In the center is an illustration of trans people embracing each other. The text reads: "By and for the TGI+ community. A place for meaningful dialogue with guest speakers on issues that directly impact us - fostering empowerment, knowledge, and collective support."

A blue into purple background with small polkadots. There are 2 sets of white sparkle stars near the center and the bottom. The text reads: "Community Conversations: Our first session: Thriving Beyond Surviving Thursday, January 22nd 1pm - 2pm PT / 4pm -5pm ET. RSVP today"

Introducing our new virtual panel series, Community Conversations, created for and by the TGI+ community! Our first session is on Jan. 22nd @ 1pm PT. 🌈✨Sign up today: https://tally.so/r/mVkZjj

Hope grounds us and provides a foundation for our work moving forward and we know that from this place action becomes possible. ✨🏳️‍⚧️🫂Close out your 2025 by supporting this urgent and essential work! Share about us and donate today! <3

The words “2025 was a year of collective action. It was a difficult year for the trans community and we are proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish.” appear on a blue background among graphics of abstract waves. Below the text is a quote from Kelly Hayes: “It takes collective action to make waves. The reality is that each of us bringing our pebbles to the lake and throwing them in is what it takes to make change.”

The words “This year:” appear on a blue background with graphics of abstract waves in the corner. Below is the following list of accomplishments: - We responded to the ever-growing need for our hotline by prioritizing rebuilding that program in our budget. - We increased our call capacity by 75% during our operating hours by recruiting wonderful trans people and increasing starting salaries. - We moved towards a more self-care-focused schedule, where operators receive more support during the work day so they can be more present on the lines. - We built a beautiful virtual world that acts as a spiritual home for all of our trans ancestors, a place for QT art, connection, memorial, love, and hope. - We improved our team’s benefits to become more resourced in this work. We did this while honoring the values and boundaries that we believe in. - We relaunched a microgrants program that moved $100K to trans people across the US.

The words “Take collective action now. Support trans joy, community-building, and mutual aid by making an end-of-year donation today.” appear on a blue background with graphics of abstract waves in the corner.

We couldn't be more grateful for our community. ✨💗😌

Support trans joy, community-building, and mutual aid by making an end-of-year donation today. Your support now ensures that we can keep expanding our life-saving work next year and beyond.

The words “Artistic Accomplishments” appear on a blue and pink ombre background next to a photo of Liniker. A text box includes the words “First-ever out transgender artist to win a Latin Grammy, Liniker, a Black trans woman from Brazil, continues to break records, winning three Grammys in major categories at the 2025 Latin Grammy Awards.”

The words “Sports win” appear on a blue and pink ombre background next to a photo of Kidd Bandit. A text box includes the words “Kidd Bandit, who won the 2023 QWI Award for LGBTQ Wrestler of the Year, returns to wrestling after taking a break to undergo her transition. Her nickname? “The Protagonist of Pro Wrestling.”

The words “2025 Trans Wins!” appear above a quote from Kelly Hayes that reads “Even if the end times are upon us, we should still plant trees” on a blue and pink ombre background.

The words "Political success” appear on a blue and pink ombre background next to a photo of SJ Howell. A text box includes the words “Following an impactful speech by nonbinary Representative SJ Howell, 17 Montana Republicans crossed party lines and rejected Senate Bill 164 which would charge parents with child abuse for providing gender-affirming care even if they were just driving through the state, resulting in the defeat of SB164.”

The words “Seminal art projects” appear on a blue and pink ombre background next to a photo of a trans artist. A text box includes the words “El Museo del Chopo opens a seminal exhibit showcasing five decades of trans women’s art and cultural production in México City. Plasticidades Encarnadas features 140 works by 39 trans artists.”

The words “A new era of allied electeds” appear on a blue and pink ombre background next to a photo of Zohran Mamdani. A text box includes the words “Newly elected Mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdani, invokes the legacy of transgender activist Sylvia River and commits to making New York City safer for trans people in a public video during his campaign. After being elected, Mamdani appoints Abby Stein, a trans woman, to his transition team.”

While it may feel like the end times are upon us, trans people have always found ways to not only survive but thrive, and 2025 was no different. Trans people and their allies made history and culture - here are some of our successes this year! Share more of our accomplishments with us below <3

The words “May revolutionary love be the medicine.” appear next to a photograph of a kitten jumping.

The words “May we see the end to every genocide. May every fascist empire fall.” appear next to a photograph of a kitten with its mouth open and eyes shut.

The words “May we never again witness human beings being ripped away and disappeared from their communities and families.” appear above a photograph of a kitten lying upside down and looking at the camera.

The words “May we have what we need to dream again” appear next to a photograph of a kitten sleeping on its side.

We hope to move more money to trans folks through our microgrants, we will continue to assess our hotline hours and capacity and expand it, and we are committed to being a beacon of hope for trans people. ✨🏳️‍⚧️✨

#transgender #LGBTQ #CommunityCare #TransLiberation

The words “Trans Lifeline Twitch Together For Good. Thank you to the 60 trans-identifying streamers for joining Twitch Together for Good. We had 205 hours of streaming and had 68 streamers and creators participate!” appear on a pink, purple, and green ombre background. The handles of the streamers who participated in the streamathon are listed. Surrounding the text are hearts in the trans flag colors and sparkles.

Twitch Together for Good Streamathon reminds us of what is possible when our community comes together. Together, we raised almost $22k! We wouldn’t have been able to accomplish this without the support of the 68 streamers and creators who participated this year.

The words “Microgrants Program Relaunches in partnership with” appear on a green background framed by a graphic of a fern stem sitting on top of a purple and orange rounded shape. Five trans lead organizations' logos are featured underneath. The five orgs are Collectivo Intercultural TRANSgrediendo, Lavender Rights Project, Trans Housing Coalition, Trans Income Project, and Trans Queer Pueblo. The words "To learn more about our relaunched Microgrants Program, read our latest blog post."

We’re grateful to announce the relaunch of our Microgrants Program! In October, we moved $100,000 directly into the hands of trans people across the nation and we did it in partnership with five incredible trans-led organizations. Read our latest blog to learn more about the relaunch ✨🏳️‍⚧️💸

The words “Help Support Trans Lifeline This Giving Tuesday!” appear on a turquoise background. Below, there are donation increments: “$25 Helps us budget + plan for the year. $45 connects one trans person to the hotline. $60 helps to cover the average legal fees to update an ID. $135 provides peer support from Trans Lifeline staff to one person to change their ID”. In the bottom right is a photograph of a trans person on the phone. In the bottom left is a graphic of fine line waves.

It’s giving abundance! It’s giving solidarity! It’s giving …Tuesday. ✨ Mental health outcomes for trans people can be different if we have community-based support, free from police & involuntary hospitalization. Share and donate: give.translifeline.org/HopeisaDisciplineTL