In today’s increasingly hostile political climate, where trans rights are under constant threat, supporting trans charities and causes is more crucial than ever. From President Donald Trump’s government only recognising two genders and denying citizens the right to have their preferred gender on passports, to continued delays in the UK on enacting conversion therapy bans, the fight for trans equality remains urgent.
As we celebrate ELLE UK's latest cover star, poet, model and trans activist, Kai-Isaiah Jamal, their words, 'Hope is knowing that you’ve been through darkness and found the light once, so you can do it again,' remind us that supporting trans people is not just necessary, but also a beacon of resilience and solidarity amid adversity.
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Below, we've compiled a list of charities and causes in which you can directly support trans communities.
Gendered Intelligence
Gendered Intelligence provides crucial support for trans adults (18+) impacted by gender healthcare waiting lists through their dedicated support line. This service is designed to help individuals navigate the often long and stressful wait for gender-affirming healthcare, offering guidance, resources, and advocacy. The support line is also open to friends, family, and professionals, ensuring a holistic approach to supporting the trans community. In addition to this, Gendered Intelligence offers a range of other services, including youth groups, training, and creative projects that empower and amplify the voices of trans and gender-diverse people.
GIRES
GIRES is a UK-wide charity that aims to improve the well-being of trans, gender diverse, non-binary, and non-gender individuals. They provide training, e-learning, and resources to both public and private sector organisations, offering support to trans and gender diverse employees and students, as well as contributing policy development regarding equality and human rights for individuals, especially in healthcare.
Akt
Akt was founded in 1989 after the death of 16-year-old Albert Kennedy (whom the trust is named after), who had lived in care all his life. The voluntary organisation specialises in supporting trans, lesbian, gay and bisexual young people who are facing homelessness or are living hostile environments. The organisation now has offices in Manchester, Newcastle and London.
Stonewall
One of the most well-known LGBTQ+ charities in the UK, Stonewall has been championing equality and inclusivity since 1989. The charity fights against discrimination, advocates for policy change, and supports LGBTQ+ individuals through resources and campaigns, such fighting to ban conversion therapy, hate crime or eradicating bullying in schools, Stonewall are working towards a world where everyone can live authentically, without fear or prejudice.
AGE UK
Age UK is dedicated to supporting older trans individuals, including those who come out later in life. With a dedicated section on their website offering LGBTQIA+ resources, they provide vital advice on dealing with discrimination, maintaining physical and mental health, and staying connected. Age UK ensures that older trans people are supported, respected, and empowered to live confidently in their later years.
Connor Ives – Support the dolls t-shirt
When Connor Ives closed out his AW25 collection during London Fashion Week, the designer wore a slogan tee that read ‘Protect the Dolls’, a term that refers to transgender women, his moments was met with a groundswell of support. Now, that moment will live on as you can shop the t-shirt, and all proceeds will directly go Trans Lifeline, a US based organisations that prioritises trans individuals who are in need of life-saving services, financial and emotional support.
Switchboard
Switchboard is the UK’s national LGBTQIA+ support line, offering a safe, confidential space for anyone, anywhere, at any stage of their journey. Whether you're exploring sexuality, gender identity, sexual health, relationships, or just need someone to listen, Switchboard is there to help. Open daily from 10:00-22:00, you can reach them by calling 0800 0119 100, emailing hello@switchboard.lgbt (with replies within 5 days), or chatting online from 14:00.
Gender GP
GenderGP, from its roots as a small UK-based service, has grown into a global leader in transgender healthcare. Committed to providing accessible, evidence-based, and up-to-date care, GenderGP supports transgender individuals on their unique journeys. They advocate for clear, comprehensive healthcare guidelines and ensure gender-affirming care is available to all. Through their GenderGP Membership (£30 each month with a one-time £195 set-up fee), individuals can access private prescription referrals within weeks, unlimited updates to the Transition Pack with the latest information.
MindOut
Run by and for lesbians, gay, bisexual, trans and queer people with experience of mental health issues, MindOut is a mental health service devoted to creating supportive relationships and professional guidance, safe spaces for connection, advocating for LGBTQ rights and sparking global conversations.
Galop
As we know, LGBT+ individuals can face unique challenges when dealing with abuse or violence, whether it's hate crimes, domestic abuse, sexual violence, 'conversion therapy', or other forms of mistreatment. The Galop Helpline provides a vital service, offering emotional support, guidance, and helping those affected explore the options available to them. Available to anyone aged 18+, it’s a safe space for those experiencing or who have experienced abuse, ensuring they’re not alone in their journey.
TransActual
Founded to 2017 by a group of British trans people, TransActual was created as a response to as a response to increasing press hostility, transphobia and misinformation. From conducting research, surveys, consultancy in the healthcare space and raising awareness of trans people’s voices.
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