November 20th is Transgender Day of Remembrance

Written By Michael Crumpler

CONTENT NOTE for our Trans & Nonbinary Family:
Today’s message—and the events held in honor of Trans Day of Remembrance—include references to anti-trans violence and the ongoing harm our communities face. Please care for your spirit, your body, and your boundaries. Engage only in the ways that feel safest and most supportive for you.

Rows of small votive candles glow warmly in the dark, their flames creating soft, reflective light.

“History isn’t something you look back at and say it was inevitable. It happens because people make decisions that are sometimes very impulsive and of the moment, but those moments are cumulative realities.” 
Marsha P. Johnson

Give to the Graylin Grant 
Mutual Aid Fund

The Blackyard Collective has established a mutual aid fund that will provide direct financial assistance to Black queer and trans individuals on their path to recovery.

As we witness the rise in physical attacks amid a cruel political climate that scapegoats the existence of transgender people, please donate to ensure that we can continue to support the lives of Black transgender people recovering from addiction and alcoholism.

Thank You!

DONATE TO THE BYC MUTUAL AID FUND

 TRANS RESOURCES FOR SURVIVING AND THRIVING

If you are a Black trans, intersex, nonbinary, or gender non-conforming member of The Blackyard Collective and need support, connection, or resources, please reach out to us for assistance. You are not alone. We see you, we love you, and we are committed to building a community where trans folks are safe, celebrated, and supported in every part of their journey.

You deserve safety, joy, and the support you need to live a fulfilling life. Below are trusted resources that center dignity, autonomy, and community care—especially for Black trans folks.

Crisis & Immediate Support

Legal, Healthcare & Protection

Housing, Mutual Aid & Financial Support

  • Destination Tomorrow - grassroots care network and the LGBTQ+ center of the Bronx.

  • For the Gworls - a collective that curates events to fundraise money to assist people with rent, patient-centered medical care, smaller co-pays for medicines/doctor’s visits, and travel assistance.

  • GLITS (Gays & Lesbians Living in a Transgender Society) - Black trans-led advocacy and direct services organization that is dedicated to fighting systemic discrimination against marginalized communities, in New York City and beyond.

  • The Okra Project — mutual aid is essential to supporting Black Trans people across the United States.

  • Black Trans Travel Fund - Helping to create a world where Black trans women are valued and supported. We seek an end to transmisogynistic violence.

Healing, Recovery & Community Care

  • The AMAAD Institute - creating safe and supportive spaces for healing, connection, and growth. 

  • Minority AIDS Project - provides services to individuals living with or impacted by HIV/AIDS, especially in communities of color. Many of our clients also face challenges related to housing insecurity, substance use, mental health, reentry, and access to medical care.

  • Invisible Men - For Trans Masc/trans Men - uplifts AFAB transmasculine people, flower and femme boys, nonbinary, two spirit, intersex, and gender expansive communities through storytelling, healing, art, and leadership.

  • Serenity House for TGI Recovery - a safe haven and supportive space dedicated to serving the LGBTQIA+ community in Los Angeles County.

  • Rainbow Hill Recovery  - mental health and substance use outpatient treatment program provided by queer people for queer people.

  • Black Trans Advocacy Coalition - a social justice organization led by black trans people to collectively address the inequities faced in the black transgender human experience.

  • BEAM (Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective) - trains, funds, holds healing space and resources an international network of therapists, wellness practitioners, healing justice efforts, and grassroots wellness initiatives to transform and support the well-being and mental health of our most marginalized communities.

  • Transmission Ministry Collective - connect and empower trans and gender-expansive people within a Christian context to explore gender and spirituality

Joy, Culture & Gender-Affirming Possibility

  • Unique Women's Coalition - a unified and powerful voice, amplifying the stories and addressing the unique needs of Black Trans culture.

  • Black Trans Femmes in the Arts (BTFA) - spaces for the production and preservation of Black trans art and culture by building community with Black trans femme artists.

  • TransLash Media - an independent news organization that tells trans stories to save trans lives.

  • Trans Santa - Send gifts to trans youth in need, safely & anonymously

***The Blackyard Collective (BYC) does not endorse, approve, or vouch for any specific organization, service, or resource listed above. This list is offered for informational purposes only. Please use your discretion and choose what feels safest and most supportive for you.

Sydney Rogers, MSW (she/her)

Advisor – The Black Trans Collective
Advisory Board, The Blackyard Collective
sydney@theblackyard.org

Rev. Michael J. Crumpler (he/they)

Co-Founder Member & Advisory Board Chair
The Blackyard Collective
michael@theblackyard.org

Michael Crumpler

https://www.theblackyard.org
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