March 31 marks International Trans Day of Visibility! Established in 2010, this day of action celebrates transgender people and amplifies the voices of the transgender community in the face of significant challenges by drawing attention to the ongoing struggle for full equality and recognition. Trans lives are more vulnerable than ever due to the current administration’s attacks on human rights, efforts to erase trans and nonbinary people from civic participation, and the many obstacles to accessing healthcare, public services, and public spaces. Dr. Bronner’s is proud to support trans-led organizations that are dedicated to trans liberation, both locally and nationally.
In recent years, transgender people have found themselves at the center of a culture war. Like immigrants and asylum seekers, they have become scapegoats in an increasingly polarized political and media landscape. During the last presidential campaign, these heated topics were exploited to deepen divisions and sway voters. This disproportionate fearmongering has fueled widespread harm and hatred, while distracting from the real issues that are undermining the economy and American democracy.
Transgender people make up less than 1% of the U.S. population (fewer than 2 million people). Despite this, the number of anti-trans bills introduced each year has spiked since 2020, setting new records every year. Currently, there are 806 bills under consideration across the country that impact trans rights. To make matters worse, President Trump has signed nine Executive Orders targeting trans people at the federal level, aiming to erase their existence and restrict access to healthcare, sports, education, and military service.
Disturbingly, a growing number of Americans support these restrictive policies. In a divided cultural landscape, fueled by conservative media pundits and social media algorithms that increasingly trap people in echo chambers, it’s no wonder that many communities are misled. Many Americans have never met and don’t know any trans and nonbinary people and instead are bombarded with sensationalist rhetoric that shapes their understanding and creates fear and transphobia. Speaking to the scapegoating of trans people that is increasingly common in public discourse, Laverne Cox said in a recent interview, “Trans people are less than 1% of the population, trans people are not the reason you can’t afford eggs. We’re not the reason that you can’t afford health care. We’re not the reason that you can’t buy a house, or your rent is too high. I think they’re focused on the wrong 1%.”
There is much work to be done—not only to defeat these inhumane and unjust policies and mischaracterizations, but also to shift the hearts and minds of those who are either indifferent to or actively harming trans people in the United States. The good news is that people are rising to the challenge. Trans individuals, allies, civil and human rights activists, lawyers, and lawmakers with a conscience are fighting these harmful decrees and pieces of legislation at the local, state, and national levels—both on the streets and in the courts. It’s both inspiring and exhausting. While Trans Day of Visibility is a day of activism, it is also a time to recharge and draw strength from the recognition and solidarity of others.
Visibility is a double-edged sword. Coming out as trans or nonbinary can be empowering. It’s meaningful to see and be seen by the broader community. However, in this current political climate, it takes incredible bravery and strength for trans people to be visible because visibility can also lead to being targeted and subjected to violence. Today we honor both our trans siblings who show themselves and those who feel it is not safe to do at this time. Despite rampant discrimination and targeted violence, trans people continue to stay strong, build community, and live meaningful lives.
For over a decade, Dr. Bronner’s has supported the LGBTQ+ community through ongoing partnerships with nonprofits, advocacy work, and participation in Pride parades and festivals nationwide. The company has an LGBTQ+ affinity group open to all staff members, and all trans employees receive full benefits. In response to the alarming rhetoric and public policies targeting trans people, Dr. Bronner’s is currently focusing on supporting trans-led organizations that are uplifting their communities through advocacy and direct services. We dedicate this work in honor of our employee, Kaleb Vaughn, a trans Black man whose life was tragically cut short when he died by suicide in 2021.
We have a task force of trans employees dedicated to identifying organizations doing impactful work for the trans community. It’s important to us to focus on grassroots organizations that support trans people at the intersection of multiple identities—particularly those who receive less visibility and support, such as BIPOC, incarcerated, and disabled individuals. By uplifting these groups, we ultimately strengthen the entire trans community and contribute to the liberation of all people.
Without further ado, here in alphabetical order we will share highlights of each organization we are funding:
Black Trans Advocacy Coalition
The Black Trans Advocacy Coalition (BTAC) is a black trans-led organization committed to improving the lives of black transgender people, building power within their communities, and collectively addressing challenges faced at the local, national and international level. Through a national advocacy center and community partnerships, they push for positive policy and against discrimination in health, employment, housing and education that disproportionately affect black trans people at the intersection of gender and race. Every year, BTAC hosts the National Black Trans Advocacy Conference, a 5-day education and empowerment program.
Familia TQLM
Familia: Trans Queer Liberation Movement (TQLM) is invested in the collective liberation of Latinx trans, queer, and gender nonconforming people through organizing, advocacy, movement building, storytelling, and political education. Building toward a legacy of racial justice and liberation, they seek to connect and empower people on local and national immigration and LGBTQIA+ issues, across the US and along the border. Their programs include #JotasvsICE leadership circle, Healing & Liberation program for community members who have experienced incarceration or forced migration, and LGBTQ Border Project: a coalition dedicated to helping LGBTQIA+ asylum seekers along the US-Mexico Border.
Gender Illumination
Gender Illumination works toward liberation for trans, nonbinary, genderqueer, and gender nonconforming people using the tools of education, healing, leadership, mentorship, ritual, and community building. Gender Illumination serves to educate the general public, shift cultural narratives, create safer spaces for all to explore gender, and build a world in which multiple genders are celebrated and honored. They are committed to working from a place of intersectionality and acknowledging how racism, sexism, transphobia, ableism, and classism are directly connected. Gender Illumination works to counter the harms of systematic oppression by building upon and creating new systems of liberation. This year, the organization offers a new workshop series called “Resilience, Resistance, and Joy: Education to Help Us All Get Thru These Trying Times.” Other program offerings include one on one mentorship, public speaking, performance, inclusive rituals, healing sessions, and events.
Gender Illumination on Instagram
Gender Illumination on Facebook
The Okra Project
The Okra Project is a mutual aid collective that seeks to support Black trans people in alleviating the barriers to developing food security, housing security and mental wellness. Originally founded in Brooklyn, NY, they have expanded their support across the US. This past year, they supported the Black trans community through their Winter Utilities Fund, Rides and Meals Fund, mental health support through BetterHelp, Holiday Grocery fund, and more.
Trans Empowerment Project
Trans Empowerment Project is dedicated to moving the trans community “out of crisis and into empowerment” by shifting the narrative, building power and improving access to essential resources for the most marginalized in our community. By centering Disabled 2TIGE-BIPOC (2-Spirit, Trans, Intersex, Gender-Expansive members who are also Black, Indigenous, and or People of Color) in creating equitable systems of support, they are ensuring the bodily and community health and autonomy of the whole of our society. Their programming ranges from providing direct aid in accessing healthcare, employment opportunity and inclusion, to uplifting trans-told stories, inmate advocacy, and mentorship & trainings on effective allyship and power building.
Trans Empowerment Project on Instagram
TransFamily Support Services
TransFamily Support Services is a San Diego-based organization dedicated to offering support, guidance, and advocacy for transgender and nonbinary youth and their families nationwide. TFSS employs various strategies such as direct services, education, and advocacy, to fulfill their mission of saving lives by shaping a gender affirming community. This includes hosting family support groups and engagement sessions to foster safe and supportive home environments. They also facilitate peer-to-peer support groups for youth, mentorship programs, and provide assistance with navigating insurance, health, and legal systems. Although their physical presence is in Southern California, they extend many of their support services online to individuals across the United States.
TransFamily Support Services on Instagram
Trans Visible Montana
Trans Visible Montana is a statewide collective of transgender, non-binary, and two spirit Montanans with support from local organizations and communities. The organization provides leadership development, visibility, and public education through free and low-cost services to expand liberation for all. They value lived experience, decentralized collective power, education for liberation, and anti-racism. They are the only trans specific organization in all of Montana and focus on racial justice work, giving BIPOC members a weighted vote of 1.5. Trans Visible Montana offers a free leadership camp exclusively by and for trans, nonbinary, and two spirit Montanans.
Trans Visible Montana on Instagram
TRANScend runs a yearly retreat that aims to promote leadership in transgender and genderqueer communities through community-built events that help participants heal from transphobia with activities that celebrate and affirm their authentic selves.
Dr. Bronner’s is honored to be in solidarity with these organizations. We are committed to the ongoing struggle for trans liberation and liberation for all people. We must remember that no one is free while anyone is oppressed. As Dr. Bronner’s founder Emanuel Bronner said: “For we’re All-One None. All-One!”
With love and solidarity,
Dr. Bronner’s 2025 Trans Funding Team