Want to learn more about what is going on?
Track Legislation.
Expand your library.
- Queer Liberation Library - “Queer Liberation Library fights to build a vibrant, flourishing queer future by connecting LGBTQ+ people with literature, information and resources that celebrate the unique and empowering diversity of our community.”
- Books Unbanned - Brooklyn Public Library - “Brooklyn Public Library is adding our voice to those fighting for the rights of teens nationwide to read what they like, discover themselves and form their own opinions.”
Learn more about Two Spirit communities and intersections with TGNC communities. Native American Two Spirit Resource Guide
Want to get involved?
Contact your elected officials.
- Contact Your State Governor | USAGov - Search for your Governor by state, call their offices and leave a message.
- Tips when calling:
- Introduce yourself and indicate you are a constituent.
- Very few members of Congress, if any, track correspondence from outside their state or district, so it is important to convey immediately that you are a constituent.
- Explain why you are calling.
- Describe the issue, why it is important to you, and any other relevant facts you would like your congressional leader to be aware of.
- Highlight a personal experience related to the topic you are calling about.
- A personalized account of how policy impacts you or your community is invaluable when communicating with your members of Congress.
- If you are calling to support or oppose specific legislation, be ready with the bill’s title or number (e.g. H.R. 1234 / S. 1234).
- Be polite and courteous with staff.
- Be sure to provide your contact information, including name, address, phone number, and email.
- Always ask for a written response.
- Every office manages its constituent correspondence differently, and affirmatively asking for a response letter is one of the best ways to ensure your voice is being heard.
- Tips from AccessLex - View sample telephone script.
- Writing your Elected Representatives - ACLU - See this guide from the ACLU on how to write a letter to your representatives.
- State Action Center | National Center for Transgender Equality - “The National Center for Transgender Equality advocates to change policies and society to increase understanding and acceptance of transgender people. In the nation’s capital and throughout the country, NCTE works to replace disrespect, discrimination and violence with empathy, opportunity and justice.”
Follow the Nationwide ACLU on Instagram for quickly changing action plans:
Look at the action suggestions from Trans Week: Trans Week of Visibility & Action (They also have a great Instagram account, @trans_week.)
Donate to an organization that you think is pushing for positive change and fighting against anti-trans legislation.
Join Equity’s Trans, Nonbinary, Genderqueer Members Community to connect with other transgender, nonbinary, genderqueer and gender nonconforming Equity members and others with marginalized gender identities for social, educational and networking activities.
Want further resources on how to get help for a situation you are facing?
Find an organization in your area that provides resources for emergency funding, housing assistance and events to build community.
- Trans Legal Services Network Directory - "The National Center for Transgender Equality advocates to change policies and society to increase understanding and acceptance of transgender people. In the nation’s capital and throughout the country, NCTE works to replace disrespect, discrimination, and violence with empathy, opportunity, and justice."
- CenterLink: The Community of LGBTQ Centers - "CenterLink was founded in 1994 as a member-based coalition to support the development of strong, sustainable, LGBTQ community centers. A fundamental goal of CenterLink’s work is to strengthen, support, and connect LGBTQ community centers, and to help build the capacity of these centers to address the social, cultural, health, and political advocacy needs of LGBTQ community members across the country."
- OUTMemphis - “Wherever you are on your journey to being fully and authentically who you are, whether you are fully OUT or not, OUTMemphis supports you! For more information about the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community in the Mid-South area, please call 901.278.6422 or email info@outmemphis.org.”
- InTRANSitive (Arkansas) - “InTRANSitive works to advance the cause of Trans liberation in Arkansas through art, education, advocacy, organizing and culture in order to create effective systemic change and on-the-ground impact. We focus on supporting and building the leadership of Trans people with the commitment to a vision and strategy in the grassroots experiences of Trans migrants of color.”
Reach out for mental health resources (you can always access anonymous help).
If you no longer have access to gender-affirming care, Planned Parenthood operates across state borders and can help find a location: HRT: Hormone Therapy for Trans and Non-Binary Patients | Planned Parenthood Great Northwest, Hawaiʻi, Alaska, Indiana, Kentucky
If you are not working on an Equity show and need legal representation, here are some suggestions:
- Transgender Law Center - “Transgender Law Center (TLC) is the largest national trans-led organization advocating for a world in which all people are free to define themselves and their futures. Grounded in legal expertise and committed to racial justice, TLC employs a variety of community-driven strategies to keep transgender and gender nonconforming people alive, thriving and fighting for liberation.”
- SRLP (Sylvia Rivera Law Project) - “SRLP provides direct representation for low-income transgender people and transgender people of color in three main areas. We have three projects and, if your issue falls under one of our projects, we may be able to help you. If we can’t represent you, we can provide referrals and information on a wide range of issues affecting transgender and gender-nonconforming people.”
- Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund - “Committed to ending discrimination based upon gender identity and expression and to achieving equality for transgender people through public education, test-case litigation, direct legal services and public policy efforts.”
- Lambda Legal - “Lambda Legal's Help desk provides information and resources relating to discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression and HIV status.”
If you are working on an Equity contract and feel unsafe, contact the Business Representative for your show.
Contact Equity’s Diversity and Inclusion department if you want to talk, have questions or are looking for more ways to get involved/be connected to member communities: diversity@actorsequity.org
