by Randy Ford, Development Associate (she/her/Goddess)

It is that time of year again where we are approaching #TransgenderAwarenessWeek! For those that do not know, TAW is where organizations and community members raise visibility and amplify the issues of Trans and Gender Diverse people. LRP is #GivingThemFlowers and highlighting Black Trans Women and Femmes across disciplines that we feel haven’t gotten the recognition they deserve. Starting on the 15th, we’ll be sharing the work and words from five people that BTTF has chosen to support across our social media platforms and our blog!

Each feature day leads up to #TransgenderDayofRemembrance on November 20th, where we will hold virtual space and honor the ones we’ve lost to gender based violence. Starting at 4pm, Ganesha Gold Buffalo will open up the space and welcome the community and our transcestors. We will have a musical selection from the local Goddess herself, Adé Connere, who will sing a song dedicated to our fallen siblings. Our ED Jaelynn Scott will read the reported names this year and we will wrap up the virtual gathering by around 5pm. 

If you wish to share space with us on November 20th, please RSVP on our FB event page. This event is sponsored by our friends at TRACTION - Trans Community Action. Learn more about them at tractionpnw.org.

For allies, accomplices, and supporters that are looking for ways to support the Trans community, here are a few things you can do during this time.

• Donate to local organizations fighting for Trans Equality.

  • Trans Women of Color Solidarity Network

  • Queer The Land

  • UTOPIA Washington

  • Chief Seattle Club

• Redistribute wealth and resources to Black and Indigenous Trans people in your community

• Amplify the work and lives of Black and Indigenous Trans people EVERYDAY beyond TAW

• Speak up when you see discriminiation of ANY kind, but ESPECIALLY transphobia and transmisogynoir

• Vote AGAINST anti-trans legislation, policy, and laws

Stay tuned next as we feature just a handful of folx in the community whom we love and admire deeply. Please help us amplify the importance of Trans liberation, centering Black Trans Women and femmes, and the importance of Black Trans Leadership.