HRC Foundation’s Trans Justice Initiative addresses the urgent needs of the transgender community and combats the root causes of the physical danger, hatred and discrimination faced by transgender people in the United States.

Our resources work to uplift the voices and needs of trans, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming communities through strategies that boost representation in data and media, support community-based organizations, and provide leadership opportunities that empower trans leaders to advocate locally and provide for the direct needs of their communities.

Together we fight against stigma and discrimination, help end trans violence and HIV, promote sexual health and equity, and provide access to work opportunities, professional development and education. We also offer support for trans communities directly through additional resources across the country through small grants, Lyft rides, and in-person advocacy.

The transgender, nonbinary and gender nonconforming community is beautiful, strong and one of the most resilient in the LGBTQ+ community.

Leadership Programs

ELEVATE

Our annual fellowship, ELEVATE, advances the leadership of transfeminine people by effectively increasing their personal and professional development, particularly in navigating and improving social and public health systems.

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ACTIVATE

Our annual professional development fellowship, ACTIVATE, is designed for trans and non-binary leaders of color who work in advocacy and community organizing, and provides an in-depth and comprehensive training curriculum that addresses the core skills needed to advance within leadership roles.

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MOTIVATE

Our MOTIVATE Program advances the leadership of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) transmen and transmasculine nonbinary folks by connecting them with other community members and investing in their professional development and leadership skills.

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ELÉVATE

Our all-new ELÉVATE Program advances the leadership of Spanish-speaking trans and nonbinary folks by connecting the community members and investing in their professional development and leadership skills.

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Empowering Communities

Transgender Justice Initiative Small Grants Program

The work of promoting equality and creating positive change for members of our transgender and non-binary community cannot be done alone. With our Small Grants Program, we are providing an opportunity for community members to do powerful work at the local level.

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Stories From Our Communities

Ciora Thomas: Serving and Advocating for my Local Black Trans Community

Happy Trans Day of Visibility: Hope and Progress for a Better World

Hear from Mila Genesis Hellfyre Hernandez and Nick Alicea Ortiz, Puerto Rican trans activists whose work and lives have been enriched by their involvement through our programs as current fellows of our leadership development cohort GENERAR and alumni of our ACTIVATE and ELEVATE programs.

Letter from HRC Alumni

Celebrating Changemakers Series

Our changemakers share their experiences with TJI's programs, and the impact these programs have had on their daily lives. We share their stories not only to uplift their successes, but also to ensure there are positive representations of the transgender and non-binary community and its resiliency, further combating transphobia, stigma, and anti-trans violence.

Read Their Stories

A Renewed Partnership to Eradicate HIV and Inequities

Health inequities fueled by racism, homophobia, transphobia, stigma, and other discriminatory beliefs and practices persist through the mishandling of global pandemics and public health emergencies. Through this partnership, we can make a measurable, lasting impact to end HIV and create a healthier and more equitable world for LGBTQ+ people.

More About Our Partnership Programs

Trans Talks Series

Across the country, we have seen violence against our trans community and for too long other people have spoken for us. With Trans Talks, we are coming together to grow our trans community and define our future using our own voices.