In light of the growing transphobic oppression, state violence, and a political climate that jeopardizes the lives, rights, and movements of beloved trans individuals, it is crucial that we continue to uplift and honor the work, advocacy, and community solutions led by Trans Black, Indigenous, and People of Color and intersectional, racial justice advocates, particularly those focused on improving the lives of trans people most affected by carceral harm.
Miss Major Alexander L. Lee TGIJP Black Trans Cultural Center Justice Project (TGIJP) is a vital force in the fight for justice, working directly with Black trans people who are navigating the criminal justice system. We are honored to support the decades of work and powerful legacy of our beloved community leaders, Miss Major and Miss Janetta, who continue to move our beloved Trans community toward healing with dignity, accessibility, housing stability, and restorative economic power for generations to come.
Recently (TGIJP) hosted a powerful Open House Gathering and Award Ceremony that centered on the resilience, power, and leadership of Black trans communities, particularly those who have been impacted by incarceration. The event highlighted the ongoing efforts of TGIJP to advocate for formerly and currently incarcerated trans, gender-variant, and intersex individuals, with a focus on racial justice and transformative power building. TGIJP offers essential services to incarcerated individuals, providing resources, advocacy, and a community of support to help ensure their safety, dignity, and well-being within jails and prisons. TGIJP also works to dismantle the systems that disproportionately target and harm trans, gender-variant, and intersex individuals, especially those who are Black, by pushing for policy changes and offering transformative alternatives to incarceration.
In addition to supporting incarcerated individuals, TGIJP provides vital re-entry programs for formerly incarcerated trans folks, focusing on building pathways to safety, stability, and self-determination. Their work goes beyond direct services, focusing on power building and advocacy that empowers Black trans communities to create the change they wish to see in the world. Programs include advocacy for fair treatment in prisons, support for economic justice, and leadership development that strengthens the voices of Black trans individuals in their communities.
The Open House and Award Ceremony celebrated the leadership and contributions of Black trans individuals, with a particular emphasis on those who have navigated incarceration. The event offered a space for attendees to reflect on the barriers faced by Black trans people, especially in relation to the criminal justice system, and to celebrate the ongoing work of TGIJP to break these barriers down. TGIJP’s leadership development programs aim to cultivate strong, resilient leaders who will shape the future of trans and racial justice through collective action.
A key moment of the evening was the presentation of an award to the San Francisco Foundation, recognizing our commitment to advancing economic justice and opportunity for marginalized communities, including Black trans individuals impacted by incarceration. As a long-standing People Pathway grantee, SFF’s support of TGIJP’s mission has been instrumental in helping formerly incarcerated Black trans folks build economic security, access housing, and find employment opportunities—critical components of rebuilding their lives after incarceration.
This partnership is a testament to the power of collaboration in creating pathways to justice and economic independence for Black trans communities. By working together, TGIJP and People Pathway are helping to dismantle the cycles of poverty and disenfranchisement that often result from mass incarceration while uplifting the voices and leadership of Black trans individuals.
The Open House and Award Ceremony served as a powerful reminder of the collective strength of Black trans communities and the ongoing need for power building efforts. The event was not only a celebration of what’s been accomplished, but also a call to action for everyone to join in the work of dismantling oppressive systems. There’s still much work to be done to ensure that Black trans individuals, particularly those formerly or currently incarcerated, have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.
TGIJP’s programming continues to serve as a beacon of hope and empowerment, offering support for those navigating the prison system, advocating for policy change, and building community-based solutions to the challenges faced by Black trans people. By centering Black trans leadership, TGIJP is building a future where justice, safety, and dignity are accessible to all.
We are deeply honored to have received this award and recognition from TGIJP. This award symbolizes the strong, ongoing partnership between our organizations and the shared vision for Black trans people power! It is an honor to stand alongside TGIJP staff in the fight to support Black trans incarcerated individuals, advance re-entry programs for formerly incarcerated trans folks, and build pathways to safety, housing stability, and economic self-determination. Black trans communities have and will continue to lead us all toward a better future for all! Join us in celebrating the phenomenal work of our grant partner, TGIJP! The work we do together is more than just providing services; it’s about building a movement where Black trans individuals, especially those impacted by incarceration, can live with dignity, justice, and opportunity. We look forward to continuing our work with TGIJP to uplift Black trans communities and create lasting change.
Join us in solidarity with TGIJP to continue building a world where Black trans people, especially those most impacted by carceral punishment and policing, are able to live freely and thrive.
