Transgender Rights in the United States

Things To Know About the Jan 20, 2025, Anti-Trans Executive Order
On his first day as the 47th president, Trump signed multiple executive orders affecting the LGBTQ+ community, among others. Many of these orders challenge existing legal precedents and constitutional limits that protect our transgender community. Implementing these directives will likely face significant legal challenges and require further administrative guidance, making it unclear how or whether they will be enforced.

List of Safest / Worst States to Live in Based on Anit-Trans Legislation
A legislative risk map to help transgender individuals assess their safety and legal risks in different states. Most protective states include CA, CO, CT, DC, HI, IL, MA, MD, ME, MN, NJ, NM, NY, OR, RI, VT, WA.

List of States With Transgender “Sheild” Laws
A list of the states that enact "shield" or "refuge" laws to protect individuals and healthcare providers from legal repercussions. These laws aim to safeguard access to necessary transgender-related health care, especially for those traveling from states with bans on such care.

Congressional Scorecard
An online guide to help LGBTQIA+ Americans, allies, and others track how elected officials have voted on issues of equality. This resource provides valuable information to help individuals make informed decisions about advocacy and voting.

ACLU Passports and Gender Markers Intake
If you're facing issues with your passport gender marker, the ACLU may be able to assist. Report your concerns and find available resources or support by submitting your information today in a quick and confidential process.

Trans and Queer Safety Support Initiatives

Project Open Arms
Helping gender-nonconforming individuals fleeing anti-trans legislation and violence, with a focus on helping them migrate to the Pacific Northwest.

Transitional Justice
A grassroots organization that provides aid, housing, and support for transgender refugees fleeing persecution due to healthcare bans.

Rainbow Railroad
Helping LGBTQIA+ individuals relocate to escape state-sponsored violence.

InReach
The world's first tech platform that connects LGBTQ+ individuals facing persecution or discrimination with safe, independently verified resources.

Border Rights for Refugees Fleeing to Canada
Multilingual guides for refugees crossing the Canada-U.S. border, fleeing escalated sociopolitical, white supremacist, misogynist violence and I.C.E. raids in the U.S.

Transformative Justice Resources and Cop Watch
Big Door Brigade’s resource list for transformative justice, bystander intervention, and alternatives to police interactions.

Know Your Rights
Community defence guide to support marginalized communities.

How to start an Anti-Racist Neighborhood Watch
Toolkit for local communities for supporting local marginalized communities.

LGBTQIA+ Advocacy And Legal Resources in the USA

The Human Rights Campaign
The largest LGBTQ civil rights organization in the U.S., working to promote equality and provide support for the LGBTQ community through advocacy, awareness, and political engagement.

Bail Funds & Jail Support Resource List
Big Door Brigade list of best practices and support groups for bail and incarceration of LGBTQIA and BIPOC individuals.

SNaPCo
A Black Trans and Queer-led organization fighting for solutions, not punishment.

GLAAD
Advocates for fair LGBTQIA+ representation in the media.

National Center for Transgender Equality
Advocates for policy changes to safeguard the rights and freedoms of transgender Americans.

The Transgender Law Center
Provides legal support and resources to transgender and gender nonconforming individuals, while working to create inclusive, safe spaces.

​​LGBTQ Freedom Fund
Post bail for individuals in jail or immigrant detention and provide HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention services afterward.

Sylvia Rivera Law Project (SRLP)
Provides free legal help to low-income and/or POC trans and gender non-conforming people.

Immigration Equality
Provides free legal services to LGBTQ and HIV-positive immigrants seeking asylum or facing detention in the U.S., advocating for their safety, fair treatment, and equal rights.

The Matthew Shepard Foundation
Advocating to uphold the dignity and equality of all people through outreach at local, regional, and national levels.

Advocates for Trans Equality
Advocacy, name changes, ID documents, litigation, legal support for healthcare issues.

Black & Pink National
Bail support and direct in-prison support for LGBTQIA+ incarcerated people.

Sage
Advocacy and services for LGBT Elders.

GLITS
A Black trans-led organization focused on advocacy for and providing direct services.

Dignity For All
Offers emergency funding, support, and security services to human rights defenders and organizations facing threats or attacks because of their advocacy for LGBTQI+ rights.

Trans Justice Funding Project
Provides grants to grassroots trans justice organizations focused on combating racism, transmisogyny, economic injustice, and other forms of oppression.

FORGE
A national transgender anti-violence organization focused on providing training and resources for service providers working with transgender survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking.

Gender Diversity
Educates and supports parents, schools, and legal firms in offering resources and community-building events for gender-diverse individuals and their families.

Emergency Release Fund
Bail and interest-free legal loans for trans and people of color in NYC.

Transgender Legal Defence and Education Fund (TLDEF)
Works towards equality for transgender people through education, litigation, legal services, and public policy efforts.

Black Trans Advocacy
Advocating for health, housing, and employment equality for black trans individuals.

Trans Latina Coalition
Provides critical services and resources to improve their quality of life and access to support for transgender and gender nonconforming immigrants.

TransTech Social Enterprises
An incubator focused on economically empowering transgender individuals by providing co-working, and co-learning that equips LGBTQ+ people with career-ready skills.

SPARTA
Advocacy and support for trans military service members.

Transgender American Veterans Association
Advocacy and support for trans veterans.

TransAthlete
A resource offering information and advocacy on trans inclusion in sports.

Trans Doe Task Force
Investigates cases of missing and murdered LGBTQ+ individuals and legal prosecution.

Freedom for All Americans
A national campaign for policy and legislative advocacy for transgender-inclusive nondiscrimination protections.

The Task Force’s Transgender Civil Rights Project
Works to secure freedom and justice for LGBTQ+ individuals through focused political initiatives.

Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) Transgender Rights Project
Working for LGBTQ+ rights through advocacy and litigation.

National Center for Lesbian Rights
A national legal organization focused on advancing the rights of LGBTQ+ people through litigation, legislation, policy, and education.

TransJustice at the Audre Lorde Project
A political organization founded by and for transgender and gender non-conforming people of color.

Sustainable Economies Law Center
Provides legal tools, education, research, advice, and advocacy to help communities create sustainable sources of food, housing, energy, jobs, and more.

Transformative Justice Resources
Free gender-affirming criminal legal services for low-income and street-based transgender and gender non-conforming individuals targeted by the legal system.

National Participatory Defence Network
A nationwide list of participatory law firms focused on supporting families who have lost loved ones due to police brutality or biased judgments.

LGBTQIA+ Mutual Aid / Emergency Funds in the USA

Trans Lifeline microgrant program
Provides microgrants to trans and nonbinary individuals with low-barrier funds to assist in promoting economic and racial justice through mutual aid.

Trans Justice Funding Project
Funds grassroots, trans-led organizations across the U.S. and its territories. (Not for individuals)

Database of Localized Resources
Completed in 2020 to support during COVID-19, has a specific page for trans/queer-specific mutual aid resources.

Mutual Aid Database Resources for Undocumented Immigrants
Completed in 2020 to support during COVID-19, mutual aid initiatives listed by State. (not LGBTQ+ specific)

Mutual Aid Hub
Map of mutual aid networks and food resources by State. (not LGBTQ+ specific)

Food Not Bombs
Nationwide food access programs.

Project Safe Philly
Mutual aid/harm reduction group for women, trans and queer people that offers medical and emotional care.

The Okra Project
Supports Black trans people by providing home-cooked meals, financial assistance, cooking classes, wellness spaces, and cultural experiences.

LGBTQIA+ Emergency Shelter and Housing in the USA

Trans Housing Coalition
An Atlanta-based organization that provides permanent, affirmative housing for chronically homeless Black Trans women and other Trans individuals.

Trans Lifeline List of Housing Resources
Resource lists for LGBTQIA+ shelter and housing.

Housing Pathways Program
Safe housing options for LGBTQ+ survivors of partner abuse, confidential stays through Safehome, and up to two years of financial support for transitional housing.

National Homelessness Support
Resource lists for LGBTQIA+ emergency housing and shelter.

The Ali Forney Center
Emergency housing and placement services for LGBTQIA+ youth.

True Colors United
Emergency housing, placement services, and education services for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC youth.

Find Shelter
A search tool that helps find information on housing, shelter, healthcare, and clothing resources available in communities nationwide.

United Way Shelters
National list of emergency housing and shelters nationwide.

Sage LGBT Housing
List of LGBTQ+-friendly housing programs in NYC for Elders.

My Friend’s Place
LGBTQIA+-specific housing placement and support in Los Angeles.

New Alternatives
LGBTQIA+-specific housing placement and support in New York.

2SLGBTQIA+ Gender-Affirming Health Support Programs for the USA

Nationwide 2SLGBTQIA+ Health Programs

Origami Customs 
A network of over 50 NGOs to help gender-diverse individuals with access barriers to receive binders and gaffs for free.

Elevated Access
A network of volunteer pilots offering free transportation to individuals needing healthcare, including abortion and gender-affirming services.

Point of Pride
Offers several programs to assist with the costs of gender-affirming healthcare, including the following:

The Annual Trans Surgery Fund is a scholarship-style initiative that provides financial support for trans individuals who are unable to afford gender-affirming surgery.

The HRT Access Fund is a program that offers financial support to trans individuals who are unable to afford gender-affirming hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

The Electrolysis Support Fund helps cover the cost of permanent hair removal services, including electrolysis and laser hair removal, for trans individuals in need.

The Thrive Fund provides small grants to support a range of gender-affirming health and wellness needs, such as wigs, prosthetics, fertility preservation, vocal training, non-permanent hair removal, and medical tattooing.

The Free Chest Binder program offers free chest binders to any trans individual who needs one but cannot afford or safely access one.

The Free Femme Shapewear program offers free gaffs to any trans individual who needs one but cannot afford or safely access one.

Plume Healthcare
A virtual clinic offering gender-affirming care and wellness resources for the trans and gender non-conforming community. It provides accessible, inclusive medical services and a supportive online community for trans individuals.

TThe Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index
An annual list of employers that provide at least one trans-inclusive healthcare plan, helping individuals easily find companies that offer such coverage after six months of part-time work.

GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ Equality
The largest association of LGBTQ healthcare professionals, working to ensure equal healthcare access for LGBTQ individuals and providing resources to connect them with LGBTQ-friendly medical providers for over 30 years.

FOLX Health
A virtual comprehensive healthcare clinic tailored to the unique needs of the LGBTQIA+ community in a safe and inclusive environment. Their mission is to redefine healthcare by providing high-quality, discrimination-free care that prioritizes the well-being of LGBTQIA+ individuals.

QueerMed
QueerMed is an online clinic that provides virtual gender-affirming care and wellness resources tailored to the trans and gender non-conforming community. It offers accessible telemedicine services, educational resources, and a supportive online community for trans individuals.

QueerDoc
Through telemedicine services and consulting programs, QueerDoc provides individuals with essential gender-affirming treatments and helps healthcare providers enhance their skills in serving trans and LGBTQ+ patients.

TrueU Health
True U Clinic focuses on providing virtual hormone therapy, offering trans and non-binary individuals safe, compassionate, and medically supervised care.

Trans Youth Emergency Project
A program where families of trans youth in restricted states can receive grants of $500 to cover urgent needs, such as travel expenses, medication costs, and mental health or wellness support for qualifying minors.

Out 2 Enroll LGBTIA+ Health Insurance
This program helps LGBTQIA+ individuals understand their rights, navigate the insurance marketplace, and access gender-affirming health coverage. It also offers free training and educational materials to assisters, brokers, and navigators to help them better support LGBTQIA+ consumers.

Trans Health Project
A program that provides legal support, has a national helpline, and advocates for changes in insurance coverage and medical policies to ensure comprehensive care for transgender individuals.

TransMission
A program that provides $500 micro-grants to help transgender adults with transition-related costs. The LOFT also offers a pro-bono name change service.

GenderBands
A program that provides larger grants to assist transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals in accessing gender-affirming care.

The Jim Collins Foundation
Two grant options to help cover medical fees for gender-affirming surgery, with the General Fund covering 100% of costs and the Krysallis Anne Hembrough Legacy Fund covering 50% with a matching requirement.

Trans Family Support Services
Provides free insurance navigation assistance for both parents of transgender youth and transgender adults.

Dem Bois Inc.
They provide grants for gender-affirming surgeries to FTM transgender and transmasculine individuals of color who lack the resources to access necessary transition care.

For the Gworls
A Black, trans-led collective that raises funds to support Black transgender individuals with expenses such as rent, gender-affirming surgeries, medical co-pays, and travel assistance.

Trans United with Family and Friends (TUFF)
A program that provides larger grants to assist transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals in accessing gender-affirming care.

Queer Trans Project
A program that offers free gender-affirming supplies and free flight assistance to travel to gender-affirming care appointments.

State-Specific 2SLGBTQIA+ Health Programs

We Are Family  South
A nonprofit that supports the LGBTQI+ community in the South, providing gender-affirming gear to individuals in South Carolina aged 24 and under.

The Transcend Campaign
North Dakota, South Dakota, and Iowa
A regional initiative supporting queer youth by covering transportation costs for out-of-state healthcare, and tuition for remote schools.

Spectrum: The Other Clinic
Mississippi
Founded by nonbinary and queer individuals in Mississippi, this clinic provides much-needed hormone replacement therapy (HRT) care in areas where it's often inaccessible.

Kaleidoscope Youth Center
Columbus, OH
A diverse and experienced team collaborates with queer youth to offer free programs, housing, and support services in Columbus and throughout Ohio. Their Gender Affirmation Project provides free binders and gaffs to individuals up to age 24.

THRIVE Gender Development Program
Columbus, OH
A program focused on providing care for individuals with differences in sexual development (DSD), gender development, and complex urological conditions.

TransHealth
Massachusetts
An independent healthcare center dedicated to providing comprehensive care and empowering trans and gender-diverse adults, children, and families.

Black Lives Matter Bloomington
Bloomington-Normal, IL
BLM in this area operates a program that offers gender-affirming gaffs and binders to individuals in the local community who need them.

Fullerton College Career Closet
Fullerton, CA
Serves Fullerton College students by offering clean, gently used clothing, shoes, and accessories. Students can also access other essential items, including gender-affirming garments, to meet their basic needs.

Denver Health Pediatrics
Denver, CO
A network of 19 centers located within Denver Public School (DPS) campuses, offering medical, mental health, dental, and behavioral healthcare. You can access our gender-affirming products through these centers.

LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert
Coachella, CA
Creating safe and inclusive space for all members of the LGBTQ community. Through their services, you can access discounts on gender-affirming products.

Yale Office of LGBTQ Resources
New Haven, CT
This “community living room” is stocked with products that students need, including gender-affirming gear

Q Center- University of Washington
Seattle, WA
EnGender is a developing program dedicated to offering free and accessible gender-affirming items to anyone in need. They provide these affirming products at no charge.

Transponder
Eugene, OR
A nonprofit organization founded and led by transgender individuals in Eugene, Oregon, offering support, resources, and education for the transgender and gender-diverse community, as well as their allies.

Briarpatch Youth Services
Fitchburg, WI
Briar-Attire Gender Affirming Clothing Program, along with other initiatives designed to support LGBTQIAS+ and homeless youth.

Out Youth
Austin, TX
Supports LGBTQIA+ youth and their allies in Central Texas by offering programs and services that help these young individuals grow into happy, healthy, and successful adults.

Triangle Community Center
Norwalk, CT
Triangle Community Center strives to offer LGBTQ competency training for educators, service providers, and others, while also providing mental health counselling services.

LGBTQIA+ Crisis Care Hotlines

Trans Lifeline
Peer support specifically for the trans community, operated by and for trans individuals.
877-565-8860

The Trevor Project
24/7 free and confidential trained crisis counsellors.
866-488-7386

LGBT National Help Center
Free and confidential peer support, information, and local resources and online programs.
General Hotline: 888-843-4564
Youth Hotline: 800-246-7743
Coming Out Support Hotline: 888-688-5428
Senior Hotline: 888-234-7243

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Free and confidential trained crisis counselors for individuals struggling with thoughts of suicide and self-harm.
900-273-8255

Sexual Assault Hotline
Free and confidential crisis counsellors for individuals experiencing sexual assault issues.
800-656-4673

Domestic Violence Hotline
Free and confidential trained crisis counsellors for individuals experiencing domestic violence.
900-799-7233

QTBIPOC Addiction & Mental Health Support
Free and confidential trained crisis counsellors for QTBIPOC individuals seeking treatment for addiction or mental illness.
866-617-5694

SAGE LGBT Elder Hotline
Where older LGBT individuals can connect with compassionate responders who are ready to listen.
877-360-5428