Transgender Law Center

Transgender Law Center is a national legal and advocacy organization based in Oakland that works so transgender and gender-nonconforming people can live safely, authentically and free from discrimination. Since 2002 it has combined impact litigation, policy work and community organizing, with priority for Black, Indigenous and other people of color, disabled people and people living with HIV.

Its Legal Services Project includes a Legal Information Helpdesk that explains laws and policies affecting trans people, from employment, health care and housing to immigration and identity documents. The Prison Mail Program answers letters from incarcerated trans and gender-nonconforming people with legal resources, and the Attorney Solidarity Network connects cooperating attorneys with trans people who need advice or representation.

Community programs include Positively Trans, a network for trans people living with HIV; the Disability Project; Black Trans Circles, which builds leadership among Black trans women in the South and Midwest; the Gender Justice Leadership Programs for trans youth, run with GSA Network; and the Black LGBTQIA+ Migrant Project. The Border Butterflies Project provides legal and humanitarian support to LGBTQ+ asylum seekers at the southern border.

The Action for Transformation Fund directs rapid-response grants to trans-led organizing, and the Trans Agenda for Liberation sets out a community-guided vision for the movement. Donors, volunteers and attorneys can join in through the website.