Hi Friends!
I’m so glad you’ve made it here.
If you’ve been online recently, looked on the news - even been outside in some parts of the world then you’ve probably noticed a marked increase in the amount of talk about transgender people. You’ve probably also noticed that it’s been shoved into just about every political space there is, creating a whole host of environments for many people which can feel oppressive and suffocating.
This excess of media attention has resulted in many things:
- It’s harder to find resources that are genuinely helpful for transgender people due to an over-saturation of mixed content.
- “Safe spaces”, are now attracting a lot of unwanted attention.
- It is becoming normalised for people to question the validity of another human’s existence.
That’s going to get really old, really fast. Enough already.
So what’s this for?
Transcender is a purpose built tool containing a bunch of resources for, and regarding transgender individuals. It’s not perfect, but the plan is to continue adding to and tweaking this until it becomes a comprehensive tool to make trans people’s live just a little bit easier - whether that’s by taking the weight out of things when you need to explain something, for some interesting reads or simply by spreading knowledge about trans people to the public in a way that’s easily digestible.
What It Won’t Do
- It won’t reach everyone. Some people are simply too stubborn, and unwilling to learn.
What It Will Do
The system will provide an extensive set of highly quotable resources that you can easily share. There’s a lot of external resources for further reading and / or evidence mixed in with the content.
With a little bit of education (and maybe gently poking fun at some of the more ridiculous comments out there) - I’d really like it if this tool can take all the difficulty out of those awkward little things that so many trans people have to deal with on a daily basis. If you’re facing difficulty online, feel free to link to the content here.
The Only Thing I Ask Of You
In difficult times, the temptation to jump straight to protective aggression is very real. While there are some areas of the website that address hateful comments you might come across in the wild, I want to make something clear:
This tool is intended purely to close the gap between people. Do not use it to rile people up, offend or belittle anyone. It can be rough out there, but as problematic as some people can be it’s important to understand that there are still those who may learn to be more accepting - and anyone on the fence will be far more likely to take a supportive view if you’re reasonable with them.
That is hard. It’s okay to feel angry or upset, but if we really want to show people that we’re on the right side of history, it’s important that we’re kind.
You’ll find that a lot of the sections here use very similar language to many speakers online who are not so positive about the trans community. This is very deliberate. The idea here is that a lot of people that wouldn’t go anywhere near trans-positive resources are more likely to actually read it, and who knows - maybe it’ll reach some of them. Maybe some of them that don’t read it properly will help us spread it without even knowing, so there’s that too.
I can be really annoying when I feel it’s important. 🥰
Thank You So Much!
I really hope you like it! I’ve thrown a lot of brain power into this in the hope that other people don’t have to waste their’s as much later on, but now it’s over to you for the real test. I’d like to see this become one of the most permeating trans-positive resources online. I want to widen the public’s understanding of trans people in general, and claim back a little bit of positivity in this insane social climate.
If you agree with that sentiment and want to help, please consider supporting the project!
Above all - I wish you all the best. You have a great day x
Want to get involved?
We’re looking to expand the pool of expertise used in this project. That means writers, editors, medical professionals, therapists, artists and more.
You can contact us at: transcender.space@gmail.com or make requests and bug reports here
Donations Welcome!
This project was intended to be as accessible as possible so there’s no cost to use it! Given the amount of time it takes to develop resources like this, even a small donation would be greatly appreciated. Donations don’t come with any sort of guarantee, but they do go a long way in supporting future development.
I hope you will consider donating. Thank you!
For Anyone Who’s Really Struggling
If you’re feeling trapped, isolated, depressed or hurt it’s an awful place to be - please just know, you’re not alone in your experiences. You’re not broken, and it’s perfectly human to feel that way.
It’s important to remember that nobody is just born with the tools to deal with life’s difficulties. We all do the best that we can with the tools we have available, and while life can be challenging, tools and experience are things you can build with time. It can be a long road and it can be hard, but there is plenty you can do to make your life better.
Emotional tools, experience and a support network are not something you are born with. You can make them.
It’s easy to feel the weight of other people’s expectations, but I want you to remember some things:
- You don’t have to feel positive, just because it’s expected of you.
- You don’t have to do anything until you’re ready.
- You don’t have to justify yourself to others.
Your feelings are valid by their very definition - if you feel them, then those are valid feelings. I want you to arrive at a place in your life where you can feel safe, accepted and comfortable in your own skin because you deserve that just as much as everyone else. Step by step and piece by piece, you can get there, and although that’s hard, if you take nothing else from this please just know that you’re not as alone as you might feel.
I’m not going to tell you to do anything, but I am going leave some resources here for you - some are just nice online spaces, and some are some links to therapy or self-help resources. You don’t have to use them but if you’re suffering, I hope you’ll consider it.
Feeling overwhelmed or in crisis? You’re not alone.If you’re thinking about suicide or struggling to cope, please reach out.
Trans Inclusive Online Spaces
Some nice content to watch, some nice communities to connect with. They’re not all trans or LGBTQ+ related specifically, but they’re all trans inclusive at the very least. There’s plenty more than this, but these are all ones which tend to have a more positive focus and are a bit nicer if you’re feeling down.
Transgender Supportive Resources
- Spectra - An organisation providing many transgender supportive services, including counselling, social events, media and more.
- Switchboard - An LGBTQ+, confidential, emotional and mental health support support line.
- WPATH - An interdisciplinary professional and educational organisation devoted to transgender health.
- Stonewall - A charity promoting the support of gender non-conforming individuals via numerous campaigns since 1989.
- Mind In Somerset - An emotional and mental health support helpline and signposting service for people who identify as gender non-conforming.
- Mermaids UK - A charity with a focus on supporting transgender children, offering workshops for children, parents and professionals.
- Gendered Intelligence - Gendered Intelligence is a charity aiming to increase understandings of gender diversity and improve trans people’s quality of life.
- The Claire Project - An organiser for psychosocial support groups, information sessions, workshops and other affirmative care services.
- The Beaumont Society - The organisation behind a dedicated transgender social platform intended to connect people via events and online chat.
- Transbucket - A project dedicated to the collection of images and information on trans-related surgeries and healthcare.
- The Trevor Project - Online chat option for transgender mental health support and / or suicide prevention.
- AKT - An organisation specialising in providing shelter for the homeless LGBTQ+ population.