Trans* Talk: Resources and Pride Month

On June 15, millions of Americans took part in the No Kings protest. In Seattle, around 70,000 protestors marched from Cal Anderson Park in Capitol Hill to Seattle Center. Whether you were among them or not, the ripples of the protest could be felt all over the city. For weeks, I have seen people with signs and heard chanting from around my block in the University District, and on my usual weekend commute, I have watched protestors stand together around Seattle Center. This is the first truly hopeful week I have had in a long time, and in the middle of Pride Month, knowing there are so many people willing to fight against this administration has been inspiring.

I imagine that in these Trans* Talk posts, I will continuously harp back to the importance of community. I can’t overstate the necessity of having support. Even so much as one trusted ally can make a difference. Seeing the protestors march this week made that even clearer. Together, we make change, we protect each other, we uplift each other’s voices.

'Trans Lives are Cherished' on a backdrop of Trans flag colors at Cal Anderson Park, Seattle

The Evergreen Echo

This month, I want to focus on resources for Trans* folks here in Seattle and King County. While this list won’t be exhaustive, I hope it can offer some guidance to anyone struggling and that it can help you find community and allyship. Some of these resources are only for youth, for BIPOC individuals, or they’re focused on one aspect of Trans* life more than another; however, they’re a good place to start if you’re looking for a more specific resource.

First, Trans Lifeline. This resource is especially expansive and a good place to begin if you are looking for community or a more specific sort of help. Trans Lifeline is a non-profit and grassroots hotline run by Trans* people for Trans* people. They can help Trans* individuals find a community or offer help for urgent financial aid. The hotline itself, (877) 565-8860, is both a crisis and non-crisis line. You can call it if you are questioning your identity, if you need urgent help and aren’t sure who to call, if you need directions to another resource, or for potential financial aid.

Ingersoll Gender Center is another expansive resource. Their programs include a Health Care Database, a Job Board, and Peer Support Groups. The Health Care Database and Job Board both focus on connecting Trans* folks with health care and employment that are Trans* friendly. The support groups meet on Wednesdays, focusing on a different topic each time, and they are run by Trans* folks.

While not specifically Trans*-centered, Seattle’s Planned Parenthood locations can be an especially good resource for Trans* individuals seeking medical care or medical transition. Most people are aware that Planned Parenthood can help with getting access to hormones, but they can also provide educational resources for medical transition, referrals for surgery, and support for legal transition, such as changing your legal name. Planned Parenthood can also provide a safe place for accessing sexual healthcare. Birth control, STD/STI testing, and HIV PrEP are available through Planned Parenthood, as is reproductive healthcare or other family planning information, testing, and procedures.

For Trans* youth, or for a parent looking for Trans* youth resources, I highly recommend Lambert House. Lambert House has a wealth of programs and has a lot of information on additional resources for Trans* youth. They offer mental health resources, a sports program, and even resources to connect people to faith leaders. I personally know a few people who have connections with and attended Lambert House programs, and the resource seems particularly robust for Trans* youth. They also have a lot of options for volunteer work if you are an adult seeking to aid Trans* youth.

For BIPOC resources, I recommend the Lavendar Rights Project. Please check out my previous article highlighting their work and services. Their focus is on protecting Black transwomen and transfemmes from systemic violence. They also offer events for Black Trans* folks and allies, including their Comedy Showcase, which they host each Pride Month.

BLM flags inside 12th Avenue Arts building, Capitol Hill, Seattle

The Evergreen Echo

Lastly, Seattle’s LGBTQ+ Center (formerly Gay City) and Peer Seattle provide dozens of Trans*- and Queer-focused events across Seattle. While these two resources don’t necessarily provide financial help, medical help, or programs like the other organizations on this list, I wanted to include these as resources for developing community. Attending Trans* events can help you build a network of people you can trust, as well as just being a great place to make new friends or expand your perspective on Trans* life.

I wish you all a Happy Pride Month! Remember to stay strong and stay joyous. Your existence is resistance, and I am so happy you’re still here. Talk soon!