Community solidarity is more important now than ever.
In a world where systemic discrimination against trans people is reaching fever pitch, grassroots mutual aid networks are emerging as unsung lifelines. These funds—often informal, always underfunded—are helping trans individuals weather crises that no one else seems willing to address. In an era of increasing political hostility and institutional indifference, they represent what might be our last vestige of humanity: people helping people.
It’s mutual aid that’s stepping up when politicians, corporations, and even LGBTQ+ advocacy organisations drop the ball—or worse, play along with anti-trans narratives. These funds are ensuring trans people can pay rent, access gender-affirming healthcare, and even afford groceries in a world that too often conspires against their very survival.
A DIY Solution to Systemic Abandonment
If you’ve spent any time on queer Twitter, BlueSky, or Instagram, you’ve likely seen posts boosting someone’s GoFundMe or CashApp for rent, hormone therapy, or surgery. These individual fundraisers have coalesced into broader mutual aid efforts, run by everyday trans people who are fed up waiting for governments to care.
Take, for example, The Okra Project, a black trans-led initiative which operates across the U.S. and Canada. While some funds focus on one-off payments for emergencies, others provide consistent support for long-term needs like food security, utility bills during the cold winter season, housing, or legal defence. Many cater specifically to Black and Indigenous trans people, acknowledging the compounding layers of systemic oppression these communities face.
“These mutual aid funds are what keep people alive. Literally,” says Alex, a 29-year-old non-binary organiser in Toronto. “We’ve seen so many governments rush to strip away rights, and while people are fighting back, mutual aid is what fills the gap in the meantime. It’s survival.”
The Political Context: Why Mutual Aid Matters More Than Ever
In 2024 alone, over 500 anti-trans bills have been introduced across North America. Many of these bills target access to gender-affirming care, leaving trans people to navigate treacherous systems just to survive. Even in Canada, often romanticised as a progressive haven, trans people face disproportionately high rates of homelessness, poverty, and unemployment.
With state and provincial governments actively undermining trans rights—or simply turning a blind eye—mutual aid has become the only reliable option. But let’s be clear: these networks shouldn’t have to exist. Mutual aid isn’t a long-term solution; it’s a Band-Aid for gaping wounds created by systemic failure.
What’s particularly galling is how little attention these efforts get, even within LGBTQ+ circles. Large organisations with glossy campaigns often attract millions in donations, yet grassroots mutual aid funds—where the money goes directly to people in need—struggle to stay afloat. The imbalance is as stark as it is maddening.
How You Can Help (And Why You Should)
The beauty of mutual aid is its accessibility. You don’t have to be a millionaire to make a difference; even a small donation can help someone stay housed or afford hormone therapy. Here are a few ways you can get involved:
- Donate directly: Funds like The Okra Project or local grassroots efforts in your city rely on small contributions.
- Spread the word: Share fundraisers on social media. Visibility is key to keeping these initiatives going.
- Start your own fund: If you see a gap in your community, step up! Many funds started with one or two people pooling resources and asking friends for help.
And, most importantly, hold your government accountable. Grassroots solutions are critical, but they’re no substitute for systemic change. Demand that your elected officials fund housing, healthcare, and protections for trans people—not just platitudes during Pride Month.
A Testament to Queer Resilience
In a perfect world, mutual aid wouldn’t be necessary. But until we get there, it’s a lifeline we can’t afford to lose. These funds embody the best of what our communities can offer: compassion, solidarity, and a willingness to fight like hell for one another.
To support trans mutual aid isn’t just to donate—it’s to push back against the systems that would rather see us erased. It’s a radical act of love in a world that needs it more than ever. And let’s face it: if we’re not here for each other, who will be?
Additional Links & Reading
Trans Lifeline Mutual Aid Funds Archives – active links to trans Mutual Aid Networks.
TransCare+ Mutual Aid – mostly links and steps towards creating your own Mutual Aid Network.
them: 7 Critical Mutual Aid Funds Helping Trans Americans Right Now