Life
March 31 is Transgender Day of Visibility. It’s a day of celebration, giving recognition to people who are transgender and gender non-conforming, and bringing attention to the accomplishments of trans people around the world. Transgender Day of Visibility focuses on empowerment, lifting up people in the trans community and showing support for trans rights. In addition to sharing your support on social, an easy way you can participate is by finding trans rights organizations to donate to.
The fight for trans equality is still very much a fight. This interactive map from the Equality Federation shows what LGBTQ legislation is happening in each state. For example, North Carolina’s "bathroom bill," known as HB2, was repealed — but before you start your #HB2isOverParty, many LGBTQ rights groups, like the Human Rights Campaign, are calling it a fake “repeal.” A new bill was put in place that overturned the initial house bill, which required individuals to use bathrooms at government-run facilities that corresponded to their gender assigned at birth.
This new bill repeals the bathroom-specific requirements stated above. However, it still leaves bathroom access regulation in the sole control of the Legislature. The new bill also prevents local government from passing or amending nondiscrimination legislation that relates to private employment and public accommodations. Essentially, the new bill is less of a repeal, and more of a roundabout way to prevent protections for LGBTQ individuals.
If you’re looking to support equal rights for all (and if you call yourself a feminist, you should be), organizations like the ACLU and the Human Rights Campaign are great starting places. There are many organizations focused on trans rights and LGBTQ equality. Here are 18 you can donate to in honor of Trans Day of Visibility.
1
National Center for Transgender Equality
The National Center for Transgender Equality is the leading social justice advocacy organization for transgender people in the U.S. It's helped pass transgender-inclusive federal legislation including a revision that allowed people to change the gender marker on their passports. To support the National Center for Transgender Equality, you can donate here.
2
Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund
TLDEF is a non-profit working for trans rights through legal services and litigation as well as providing education to the public on trans rights. It also started The Name Change Project, which covers name change fees for transgender people who might not otherwise have the financial resources to do so. Donate to TLDEF here.
3
Transgender Law Center
Transgender Law Center focuses on policy and attitude change, working to support trans people and trans rights. In collaboration with the Gay-Straight Alliance, the Transgender Law Center launched TRUTH, a program that allows trans youth to share their stories. To support the Transgender Law Center, you can donate here.
4
Trans Lifeline
Trans Lifeline provides a 24/7 hotline for transgender people experiencing a crisis. Ninety-seven percent of its budget comes from individual contributions. Donate to Trans Lifeline here.
5
The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project is the country's leading organization that provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ youth. Its programs and services focus on creating safe, inclusive environments for young LGBTQ people. Donate to The Trevor Project here.
6
GLSEN
GLSEN (pronounced "glisten") is the leading national education organization that focuses on ensuring safe and affirming schools for LGBTQ students. In addition to its national organization, there are local GLSEN chapters that help bring support to LGBTQ students in specific communities. Donate to GLSEN here.
7
Trans Student Educational Resources
TSER is a youth-led organization focused on creating a more trans-friendly educational environment. It specifically works to educate and empower trans youth to become activists and advocates for trans rights. Donate to TSER here.
8
TransKids Purple Rainbow Foundation
TransKids Purple Rainbow Foundation works to spread the message of tolerance and acceptance for trans youth. The foundation's honorary co-founder is Jazz Jennings, 16-year-old trans activist. To support TransKids Purple Rainbow Foundation, you can donate here.
9
Campus Pride
Campus Pride is an organization dedicated to creating safer, more LGBTQ-friendly college campuses. Its primary goal is to develop resources across college campuses that provide programs and services supporting LGBTQ students. Donate to Campus Pride here.
10
PFLAG
PFLAG unites people who are LGBTQ with family, friends, and allies. Through education and advocacy, PLFAG works to support equal rights for the LGBTQ community. Donate to PFLAG here.
11
Gender Spectrum
Gender Spectrum's mission is "to create gender sensitive and inclusive environments for all children and teens." It provides resources and education for trans people and trans allies to help establish inclusive spaces. Donate to Gender Spectrum here.
12
TransWomen of Color Collective
TWOCC is a grass-roots initiative supporting trans people of color. Through its Healing and Restorative Justice Institute, TWOCC works to educate and empower trans people of color and create opportunities for trans people of color to thrive. Donate to TWOCC here.
13
SAGE
SAGE provides services and advocacy for LGBTQ elders. It's the nation's largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of older LGBTQ adults. It provides support through programs like its housing initiative as well opportunities for LGBTQ older adults to share their stories. You can donate to SAGE here.
14
Black Trans Advocacy
Black Trans Advocacy is an organization focused on providing support and resources to people who are black and transgender. As the site states, "Black trans and gender non-conforming people reported experiencing the highest levels of discrimination of all transgender people based on the combination of anti-transgender bias with structural and individual racism." Black Trans Advocacy works toward equality for all, with specific focus on the heightened inequalities faced by black trans people. You can support Black Trans Advocacy here.
15
Honor 41
Honor 41 is a national non-profit organization supporting Latinx people who are LGBTQ. As an online-based community, Honor 41 provides community and support for Latinx LGBTQ people. Donate to Honor 41 here.
16
The Queer Undocumented Immigrants Program
17
National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance
NQAPIA is a federation of people who are LGBTQ and Asian and Pacific Islander. Through programs that promote visibility, education, and leadership, NQAPIA works to combat homophobia and racism. Donate to NQAPIA here.
18
Your Local Equality Federation Chapter
The Equality Federation empowers LGBTQ self-advocacy at the local level. You can find your local chapter here and donate to an organization fighting for LGBTQ rights in your community. You can support the national chapter of Equality Federation by donating here.
