Hi there, friend. First, let me say: it means so much that you’re inspired by the work we’ve done with The Queer Trans Project. Building something like this is no small feat, and I’m genuinely excited that you’re considering making a difference in your own way. Since so many people have asked how we started, I wanted to share our journey here. This way, you can have the tools to begin your own project, while we stay focused on keeping ours thriving.
The Beginning
The Queer Trans Project didn’t start with a perfect plan or a team of experts. It started in my bedroom closet with a $500 microgrant, a lot of research, and an even greater amount of determination. I saw the overwhelming need for gender-affirming resources in my community and across the country and knew I had to act. The first step was recognizing a gap—something vital that wasn’t being provided—and deciding I could do something about it.
If you’re looking to start a project, my advice is to first get clear on what need you’re trying to meet. What problem is keeping you up at night? What solution are you uniquely positioned to provide? For me, it was helping trans folks access affirming items and support without barriers. For you, it might be something different—and that’s okay. Start small and stay focused.
Research and Planning
Before I launched anything, I spent countless hours researching. I looked at:
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What already existed: What programs, organizations, or resources were out there? How could I fill a gap rather than duplicate efforts?
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What people needed: I spoke with members of the community, listened to their stories, and paid attention to what was missing in their lives. I also used my personal lived experiences.
- How to fund it: Our first microgrant gave us a boost, but it wasn’t enough to sustain long-term growth. At the time, I wasn’t making money myself (I was serving in AmeriCorps), but I was dedicated. We started with community donations of items and spent countless hours looking for grants that supported groups or individuals who didn’t require a 501(c)(3) status (ex: Mobilize Power Fund). Those early contributions and opportunities made all the difference.
You don’t need all the answers right away, but you do need to be curious and persistent. Google was my best friend in the early days, and so was asking questions of others doing similar work.
Building Community
Community has been at the heart of The Queer Trans Project from the start. When you’re building something new, you need people who believe in your vision. I leaned on friends, family, and other trans folks who shared my dream of a better future. Over time, this turned into partnerships, volunteer support, and even collaborations with other organizations. You also need community to fall back on when things get hard - this work is draining as much as it is fulfilling.
My advice? Start by listening. Build trust and relationships before asking for anything. Don't go into meetings and collaborations with a sole goal of getting something out of it. People support what they help create, so bring them into the process; simultaneously, too many cooks in the kitchen spoils the both - while collaboration is important, not everyone needs to be involved in the direct organizing of an idea (some people just want to follow/help out).
Staying True to Your Values
One thing I’ve learned is that clarity about your mission and values will guide you through even the toughest challenges. For us, the four pillars of The Queer Trans Project—Authentic Representation, Community-Rooted, Inclusivity & Accessibility, and Honesty & Integrity—shape everything we do. They’ve helped us make hard decisions and stay grounded when the work gets overwhelming.
Ask yourself: What values will guide your work? Write them down, revisit them often, and let them steer your path.
Practical Tips
Here are a few things that worked for us:
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Start small: We began with just a handful of kits and grew from there. At first, we only gave out binders—and if you’re an OG, you’ll remember we also included stickers, fidget toys, and socks! Over time, we received more donations of items, which allowed us to expand what we could offer. It’s not about getting big; it’s about using your community and shared values to help people. Growth will come as you impact people’s lives.
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Be resourceful: Use what you have and ask for what you need. Many of our resources came from in-kind donations and community partnerships. Here's an example:
- Bad: Going to your local free market and gathering items to give away for your organization without asking for permission or making relationships.
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Good: Attending the market to connect with vendors, learning about them, and building relationships. Later, reach out to see if they’d be interested in donating items or even hosting a drive for your cause. This approach fosters trust, collaboration, and long-term support.
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Tell your story: Share your why with authenticity. People connect with real, heartfelt stories.
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Learn as you go: You won’t have all the answers, and that’s okay. Mistakes are part of the process and it's essential to grow.
- Be okay with hearing no's: No's are just as important as yesses. Every no leads you closer to a yes, and while you may often get a forever "no", some are just a not-right-now "no.
Your Journey is Yours
I want to leave you with this: our path won’t be your path, and that’s a good thing. Your community has unique needs, and your vision is uniquely yours. Take inspiration from what we’ve done, but don’t feel like you have to follow our steps exactly. The most important thing is to show up, start small, and stay committed.
I hope this guide helps you get started. Remember, the world needs what you have to offer. You’ve got this!
