Trans Up Front Updates!

We've been quiet here because we've been busy working on BIG THINGS! Check out our board openings, new website, events, and volunteer opportunities.

Trans Up Front is a nonprofit organization. While we remain dedicated to providing our resources and advocacy to anyone, regardless of ability to pay, we need funding to continue doing the work. Please donate on our website or become a paid subscriber through Substack to support our organization.

1. 501c3 status

Despite having done advocacy work in our own time for over a decade, Trans Up Front as a formal organization is still in its infancy. Established in February as a response to Lurie Children’s Hospital cancelling all surgical gender affirming care (they are still not providing those services despite pushback from patients, community members, and the state), Trans Up Front has since received HUNDREDS of requests for advocacy.

To meet the huge influx of requests, our Executive Director and Director of Operations had transitioned to working full time on Trans Up Front on a volunteer basis. Donations received have gone to cover operating costs. Due to not yet having our official 501c3 status yet, we were limited in the fundraising that we were able to do.

BUT, despite governmental slowdowns and targeting of nonprofits and businesses supporting transgender populations, we finally got our official 501c3 status! This means that we can apply for grants, sponsorships, larger donations, and company matches.

2. Board positions

As part of finally being a real nonprofit, we are also in the process of filling our board! We are currently looking to bring on 2-3 more board members in the next month. Below are brief descriptions, however more information and how to apply is in the job posting in the links.

Director of Community Outreach - We are seeking an enthusiastic individual who will lead efforts to expand TUFIL’s presence and partnerships across Illinois. This position plays a key role in engaging with the community, building relationships with other organizations, and supporting fundraising and development initiatives.

Board Member at Large - Mental Health or Medical Professional Advisor - We are seeking a compassionate and committed mental health or medical professional to serve as a Board Member at Large. This role will bring essential expertise to our leadership team, helping to inform our programs, advocacy, resource development and support services for transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) youth and young adults.

3. Advisory Board

In order to represent different groups and help guide our work, we are currently forming two advisory boards (with more planned in the future). These boards go through a less strenuous application process than the board positions above, but still help shape our policies and actions. Additional information and the application form are in the links below:

Parent & Caregiver Advisory Board - serve as a guiding voice to ensure our work is informed by the lived experiences, needs, and insights of families. Members advise the board and organization on issues such as policy and actions to support families of TGNC individuals, help design and contribute to inclusive family programs and resources, and act as ambassadors within the community.

Accessibility Advisory Board - help ensure that Trans Up Front IL’s programs, events, and resources are informed by the lived experiences and expertise of people with disabilities. Grounded in the principles of disability justice, the board exists to identify and dismantle barriers to full participation, with a focus on equity, intersectionality, and community collaboration.

4. Website!

Thanks to an AMAZING volunteer of ours, we have a BRAND NEW and beautiful website! It’s full of ways to get involved, helpful information, articles, and pictures. Check it out!

5. Trainings & Town Halls

Click on the flier for more information and registration:

6. Upcoming Events

Click on the flier for more information and registration:

7. Volunteer with Trans Up Front!

Interested in getting involved? Fill out our volunteer form on our website and indicate any special skills or interests:

Be a guest contributor! Do you love writing? Have thoughts and opinions on the world right now or want to contribute some joy? Charlee Friedman, Director of Operations, will be working with anyone interested in submitting to our substack. They would love to speak with you and help you get your thoughts, passions, and perspectives ready to be published! They created a process that includes support here. These publications can feature your name or be anonymous if you prefer.

Graphics. We would love to feature other graphic designers and artists (any skill level) on our social media. For more information, check out our guide here. We would love to see what you come up with! Have any ideas? Have some graphics or art ready to go?

Be an Event Ambassador. We routinely get invited to events, including ones to benefit our organization! While our team is small (but mighty) we can't always be in two places at once. We are seeking individuals who are open to attending events within their area to be representatives of our organization. This could include giving a speech about what we do, selling or giving our TUF items, promoting the work we do, and accepting donations.

AND MORE!

Thank you all for sticking with us through this very long (but exciting) update, please remember to support us by donating, reposting, and spreading the word!

Trans Up Front is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.