Optimistic About NCTE
As part of our ongoing DEI initiatives (diversity, equity, and inclusion), Online Optimism strives to support our communities by working with non-profits whose goals and values align with ours. This year, we’re partnering with several non-profits that advocate for transgender healthcare and policies by donating, highlighting their initiatives on our social media, and educating our staff on the work they do for our communities.
As part of this, we invited the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) to speak to our team about what their organization does for transgender rights. It was enlightening for our team to learn how their work benefits the transgender community, how they advocate for their rights, and how they educate the public about the importance of pro-trans legislation.
The Speaker – Olivia Hunt
Our presentation from NCTE was led by Olivia Hunt, who helps members of the transgender community in Washington, D.C., through the processes involved in legally changing their gender and name. She works hard to dispel barriers and advocate against transgender discrimination in her community.
She also actively speaks out against anti-LGBTQ+ violence along with her team at NCTE and is passionate about educating the public about the importance of creating pro-trans policies.
What We Learned
Olivia shared more information about NCTE. We were surprised to learn that this non-profit has about 21 employees, and many other non-profits operate at about that size. Even so, they do an impressive variety of work, mainly in policy advocacy, organizing, educating the public, and conducting research.
There’s power in numbers, and NCTE works with other non-profits with aligned values, such as reproductive rights groups, disability rights groups, and faith groups, to advocate for policies that grant equitable rights to marginalized identity groups in the United States of America.
An essential facet of their work is research, which includes surveying the transgender community to get a better idea of their needs. You can see past survey results from the U.S. Trans Survey, which last surveyed 92,329 trans people about their experiences.
You can find more information about NCTE’s resources and guides in this previous blog post or by visiting their website directly.
Also, NCTE is merging with Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund into Advocates for Trans Equality. Check out their new logo!
How to be an Ally
Whether you are transgender, love a transgender person, or just want to be a good ally for the community, there are plenty of actions you can take to help further the cause for transgender equality.
An easy way to show your support is to sign up for NCTE’s action centers. After signing up, you’ll receive email alerts about urgent trans issues relevant to your state and those on a national scale.
Another way to help is to donate money to NCTE or another transgender rights advocate non-profit. Your money will fund those working full-time to fight anti-trans policies and create ones that will protect the community from discrimination, barriers, and violence.
Allies should also educate themselves on the barriers currently working against the transgender community. There are many issues that the transgender community faces, from accessing housing to safely traveling through airport security to immigration reform. You can read more about these here.
We look forward to continuing to advocate for the transgender community and hope for a more equitable future for all.