69+ Ways to Support LGB and especially T People

Welcome to What’s Helping Today, a newsletter about the everyday work of staying alive on earth — written by author and journalist Sandy Ernest Allen.

Hi all,

As Pride Month began, I asked my followers this question …

I got some great answers, like …

1.

3.

5.

Support them here.

7.

8.

Contribute here.

11. Great one:

ICYMI: my essay on JKR’s transphobia and what we should do about it:

13.

Yes! Anyone wanting to start their own gender journey, I published this manifesto the other day and suggest it as one starting place …

14.

Attention to my colleagues in media:

15.

19.

Someone had replied asking:

Coincidentally, I had already been soliciting ideas from folks …

Link to the post here. Responses included …

20.

Link.

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Link:

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Link.

23.

Adorbs! Link.

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Link.

25.

Link.

For more trans musicians, check out the trans music archive (and support them!):

26.

Link.

Book lovers, if you haven’t already, linking to our Lit Hub project:

Here are a bunch more orgs etc. to consider …

29.

32.

Contribute to the Good Law Project, which is helping trans youth (who in case you haven’t heard are under SUCH malicious attack in the UK):

33.

Another UK org to donate to:

34.

Mutual aid for trans Iowans:

35.

Grants to help trans folks in several Midwestern states:

36.

Org that supports emergency housing for trans refugees:

37.

For folks from red states seeking sanctuary in the PNW:

38.

Emergency support for trans Kansans:

39.

Black trans travel fund:

40.

Portland, OR-based nonprofit offering help to folks relocating, etc.:

41.

Another project helping to relocate folks to WA/OR:

42.

Illinois-based nonprofit doing microgrants, clothing swaps, etc., for trans folks:

43.

Another emergency travel fund for trans folks at greatest risk:

44.

Another org helping trans folks to relocate to Washington State:

45.

Illinois-based organization helping folks travel for gender-related surgeries, etc.:

46.

Donate to help support trans youth in the South:

47.

I’m a longtime dues-paying member and highly suggest supporting the TJA:

48. Support some random trans person’s fundraiser to travel or get surgery, many linked here …

49.

Or here …

50.

Consider supporting the Trans Income Project:

Some more queer-owned business and such to consider patronizing …

51.

Bay Area people, get a gay coffee …

52.

Buy books from a queer-owned bookshop. My followers recommended some, like …

53. Many more ideas here:

54. As an author, I’ll note out that yes it’s great if you buy my book but it’s also great if you request it from your local library (or that they buy a copy …).

55. Here are a bunch more queer-authored books fyc …

Support independent media sites covering fascist hate, ideas in this recent post:

57.

Here are 71 queer-owned brands to consider supporting …

58.

Here’s a database of queer-owned stuff all over … to find folks to support wherever you are.

Find a trans-inclusive salon in your area:

New Yorkers, I’ve personally gotten haircuts here before and recommend:

This spot in Denver looks fun:

60.

Read (and support) trans publications like The Transfeminine Review:

Read (and support) trans publishers like LittlePuss Press

62.
Support initiatives to preserve trans history, such as:

63.

Consider getting your next tattoo from a queer-owned shop, like this one in Savannah, GA:

Or this one in Madison, WI:

Folks in New York City and beyond, please join me in telling your mayor this is SUCH FUCKING BULLSHIT!!!

In general, wherever and however, tell your elected officials to support trans rights — or kick rocks …

I wrote more on this here:

65.

Support Assigned Media and other great trans-run journalistic ventures that are attempting to fill the gaps where cis media has largely abandonned us …

If you haven’t yet, read my new feature for Assigned, on the first-of-its-kind, trans-and-queer-led Anemoni House.

Or like support Parker Molloy’s The Present Age, which has just turned five:

66. Protest TERF bullshit wherever it pops up. Some inspiration:

67. Host a Heightened Scrutiny screening in your community …

68.

If you have any trans/gnc friends … remember that simple things like reaching out and saying “Hi, just thinking of you” or asking how they are, perhaps seeking to hang out or spend time together — these basic gestures of kindness matter. If you have no trans/gnc friends, that’s okay, no judgment … But consider that fact, as you proceed, yourself. I’d suggest first and foremost you start educating yourself, about trans people, our history, our present. More suggestions for cis allies here. Here’s a great episode to listen to on being allied with trans people during this time — and what to do.

69.

If you feel tentative about or even afraid of doing what I just said in #68: Consider your own insides first, I’d repeat — your ignorance, your shame, or even guilt. If you don’t have one already, I’d strongly suggest getting a qualified therapist to talk about your own feelings about gender.

Thank you for caring.

Sending love,
Sandy

p.s. Bonus #70, please share this post!

p.p.s. It’s my birthday today; consider giving me a few bucks? Your support means a ton. Thanks!!!

Thanks for reading What’s Helping Today, a newsletter by me — author and journalist Sandy Ernest Allen. If you were forwarded this message, What’s Helping Today is free; you can subscribe here.