The Trans Advocacy Coalition of Oklahoma (TACO) recently announced it is partnering with The Gender Umbrella Assistance Collective (GUAC) to launch The Fern Galindo Trans Survival Program. The Fern Galindo Trans Survival Program is a LGBTQ initiative offering support to Two Spirit, Transgender, Gender Non-Conforming, and Intersex people in Oklahoma.
Programs such as this one are crucial for the gender diverse community to ensure their well being. According to Time Magazine there has been a “500% increase in the number of calls” a crisis line has received per week since the passing of Nex Benedict, a nonbinary youth. Additionally, gender nonconforming people have a higher chance of experiencing homelessness and financial hardship because of discrimination. Roughly 8% of transgender adults reported homelessness in the past 12 months compared to 1% of cisgender straight adults, reported by the Williams Institute.
The Fern Galindo Trans Survival Program seeks to address the worsening crisis for the Oklahoman gender diverse community. Board President of The Gender Umbrella Assistance Collective, Grace Fallon stated, “We are proud to provide a resource for trans people who are struggling to access housing, care, and community. It has never felt more necessary.”
Program Offerings:
- Assistance with updating identity documents
- Gender affirming clothing and/or undergarments
- Laser hair removal or surgery scar revision
- Microgrants of up to $200 for housing, utility bills, or medication
- Referrals to other support resources
The program is named in memory of Fern Galindo (they/him), a Chicano nonbinary community leader, advocate, and friend from Tulsa, Oklahoma. Fern was the founder of The Tulsa Intersectional Care Network, an organization that provided mutual aid, including meal trains to disabled, BIPOC, queer, and other Tulsans in need. Fern emphasized organizing “from the margins out” by giving space to those with intersectional identities in activism and mutual aid.
The two organizations that are partnering to launch this campaign are: The Trans Advocacy Coalition of Oklahoma (TACO), an independent grassroots organization that aims to empower and support people in Oklahoma whose gender identity, expression, or experience differs from the societal norm; and The Gender Umbrella Assistance Collective (GUAC) a non-profit organization that acts in reciprocal partnership with TACO to provide direct assistance to gender diverse Oklahomans.
With the proposal of harsher anti-LGBTQ legislation it is important that programs such as The Fern Galindo Trans Survival Program be highlighted. Not only does the initiative raise awareness of the challenges that LGBTQ people face due to discrimination, but it also works to combat that by providing lifesaving care and resources to predominantly marginalized communities.
Director of Operations of The Trans Advocacy Coalition of Oklahoma, Natalie Arthur stated, “This is an amazing opportunity for individuals and organizations to assist some of Oklahoma’s most vulnerable communities.”
If you live in Oklahoma and fall under the queer umbrella, have a family member or friend that is a part of the community, or want to help people in need you can support the Fern Galindo Trans Survival Program by becoming a member or volunteering with TACO. Moreover, you can donate to GUAC which helps maintain the funding needed to continue their work.
To learn more about the Trans Advocacy Coalition of Oklahoma click here.
To apply for the Fern Galindo Trans Survival Program click here.