Supporting Trans Rights

This page is a dedicated space for initiatives in support of our Trans community. What you will see here are links to blogs & organizations. The specific organizations linked here are doing the work on the ground in states that have passed anti-trans legislation & where we have NWSL or MLS clubs.

No action is perfect in this truly horrible situation, but again – this is not over and won’t be for a long time. We hear that this is a priority for many of our members, and we agree. Visible support of trans communities and individuals is one piece that is very important, from all the feedback we’ve received. Another is money, which is a limited but vital resource. From outside the state, this is one of the best ways we can support, and it has always been something we are fortunate to do– both locally and in other communities– thanks to the dollars paid by our members.

While these legislative and political decisions are happening elsewhere, we know very personally that they impact all of us. They especially impact our trans community members and trans children and teens - who are already at great risk of violence and harm. We will continue to do our best to prioritize and address them while continuing to work with local orgs on the massive issues being faced in our own town and community. We encourage members to contact our leadership groups directly, via email, with your feedback and ideas.

Updates on legislation:

Unfortunately, the rights of transgender and non-binary individuals are being endangered in many states at this time. This amounts to an organized attempt to make an entire category of people disappear. This is unacceptable, for so many reasons. Trans and non-binary people are our friends, neighbors, family. They are people who deserve to live, play sports, get medical care, and see themselves reflected positively throughout society. Trans and non-binary people exist everywhere. They exist in states where their rights are being taken away. They exist in our community. They exist everywhere, and deserve to have equal rights and safety everywhere they go.

Legislation trackers:

Please use the contact link above to let us know if there is an update you would like to see included in this list.

Updates and links:

Check here for updates on this issue, relevant links from our leadership teams, and other information.

TASC/RSC/107IST statement on trans rights and away travel

Full survey results: asking trans individuals and their families about away travel

From Them.us: More than a third of trans youth are at risk of losing their healthcare and this research brief from the Williams Institute explains why it matters so very much

Florida SB 254: According to the bill, the state would be allowed to take children away from their families if the state believes that a child has been or may be experiencing gender-affirming care; and minors visiting Florida would be subject to the law, if it passes.

The last week in March is Trans Week of Visibility and Action but the need for action will continue - visit the link to find out more about what we can all do to help fight these attacks on trans lives

Join us in sending financial support to other states:

Unfortunately, anti-trans legislation is passing in many states right now. Below are links to organizations working to support trans people and fight this legislation in states with MLS or NWSL teams, or nationwide. Please contact us if you have suggestions for additional organizations we should consider adding to this list.

Links to organizations in many states not mentioned on this list can be found on the Equality Federation site.

Florida:

Tennessee:

Texas:

Kentucky:

Kansas:

Utah:

National:

Organizations operating locally to support non-binary and transgender communities:

Black and Beyond the Binary Collective

Mission

Black & Beyond the Binary Collective builds the leadership, healing, and safety for Black - African transgender, queer, nonbinary, and intersex (TQNI+) Oregonians.

Vision

We envision a future that gives power back to our communities, celebrates self-expression, and preserves the dignity, joy, and the future of Black queer and Trans communities living fully liberated lives.

You can support B3C directly from their website, or via a pledge for the Riveters Challenge Cup ACTS fundraiser!

Follow B3C on Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Q Center

Mission

To provide safe spaces, community building and empowerment for the positive transformation of LGBTQ2SIA+ communities and allies in the Pacific Northwest.

As the largest LGBTQ+ community center in the Pacific Northwest, Q Center proudly serves the LGBTQ2SIA+ communities of Portland Metro and Southwest Washington. Our drop-in and event space on North Mississippi Avenue is a frequent first stop for new arrivals in Portland, and for longtime residents who are newly out or questioning their sexual or gender identity. Q Center also serves as an information hub for friends, partners, community, and family members of LGBTQ2SIA+ individuals. We pride ourselves on our collaborative approach and seek out ways to share resources with other nonprofits and public institutions locally and statewide.

You can support the work of Q Center directly from their website.

Follow Q Center on Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Outside In

MISSION

We help homeless youth and other marginalized people move towards improved health and self-sufficiency.

VALUES

Compassion for our clients, our coworkers, and ourselves

Courage to do this work, mirroring the strength of our clients

Responsiveness to individual and community needs

Acceptance of challenges and the need to reduce harm and suffering

Service to those who have experienced inequities and struggled to access care

Persistence in our enduring vision for human growth and change.

Outside In has always been at the forefront of care for our trans neighbors, especially young people who are houseless or at risk of houselessness due to their gender identity.

Support Outside In direct from their website with a financial or material donation.

Portland Community Football Club

OUR STORY

We believe every young person deserves the opportunity to participate in organized, high-quality physical and social activities regardless of their family’s income level.

OUR MISSION

PCFC provides high-quality, affordable club soccer to low-income, immigrant, and refugee youth ages 5-18. We are also a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ youth.

Not only is PCFC a totally inclusive soccer club for youth, but they also pivoted during the pandemic to provide food boxes and financial support to the families of youth involved in their programming.

Support their work financially via their website, or apply to be a coach or non-coaching volunteer.

You can also support the youth of PCFC by donating cleats, socks, and shin guards during our April donation drive.

TransActive Gender Project

Our Philosophy

We believe gender expansive and transgender children, adolescents, and teens have an innate right to receive uncompromising affirmation of their self-identity and that caregivers, families, and allies deserve to receive the support they need to continue doing what they do best; raising, nurturing, and loving the children in their lives.

TransActive delivers:

Professional development and community centered training and education;

Facilitated support groups for adult family/allies and youth age 4-18;

Advocacy related to gender diverse social justice;

Policy development/implementation consultation and guidance, and

Screened referrals to mental health & medical providers experienced in trans youth care

You can donate to TransActive to support their advocacy and education work, apply as a volunteer to facilitate groups or lead activities, or hire them to provide professional development and training.