As we pause to rejuvenate and plan, we’re also celebrating a major milestone — 15 years of service and the upcoming 13th National Black Trans Advocacy Conference & Awards Gala, taking place April 21–26, 2026!

Be Part of Building the Foundation

This week, our team will be finalizing the 2026 conference theme — and we want you to be part of laying the foundation for what’s to come.

Our next conference will center on the energy of freedom — what it feels like, what it means to each of us, and how we express it through community, advocacy, and joy.

What does it mean to you to “Be Free” right now?
Share your vision to capture the spirit of freedom in our conference theme for #BTAC2026.

Your Voice Shapes the Future

Submit your #BTAC2026 theme idea for a chance to receive early access to BTAC 2026 registration and exclusive conference updates before the public announcement!

Be the first to know, the first to celebrate, and the first to say —
“I helped ground the theme that will shape #BTAC2026.”

Stay Tuned!

We’ll announce the conference venue location and reveal the finalized theme in our next update.
Thank you for being part of the BTAC family — together, we continue redefining resilience and celebrating our shared freedom.

#BTAC2026

The post Help Shape the 13th National Black Trans Advocacy Conference & Awards Gala #BTAC2026 Theme appeared first on Black Trans Advocacy Coalition.

Donald Trump, Trumpism, and their Project 2025 agenda pose significant harm. From anti-trans rhetoric and millions of dollars spent on harmful political ads to bills targeting our community, these challenges hit us hard both locally and nationally.

One of the most crucial rights we have as citizens is the right to vote. Now, more than ever, we need your voice to help protect trans equality!

Elected officials shape the future of our services, support, and funding. It makes a difference when we, as a community, vote together. We encourage you to Get To The Voting Boooth to cast your ballot today!

Find all the information on where, when, and how to vote at Vote.gov.

If you have any questions about Voting While Trans, please use the Advocates for Trans Equality checklist. Our staff is also available to assist if you need help navigating the guide.

Voting Early? Black Trans Advocacy Coalition is providing trans families a ride to the voting booth!  If you need a ride to get to/from your voting location, reach out to us for a Free Lyft ride.   Sign up here: https://b24-yyrby7.bitrix24.site/Lyft

Should you encounter any issues while voting, call the National Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE (1-866-687-8683) for assistance.

Thank you for advancing Black trans equality by being a voter before November 5th!

The post Get To The Voting Boooth – Free Lyft Ride for Trans Families to VOTE NOW! appeared first on Black Trans Advocacy Coalition.

Dallas, Texas July 31 – In response to recent inquiries, we would like to address the current status of our pageant Mx selection process. It has come to our attention that there may be some confusion regarding the identity of the individual crowned as our pageant’s non-binary representative.

While we proudly crowned a person who identifies as non-binary, it has been clarified that this individual does not identify as transgender. We want to emphasize that our pageant is specifically intended for individuals who proudly identify as transgender.

We are committed to ensuring that our pageant remains a platform that accurately represents and celebrates transgender individuals. At this time, we do not have a transgender-identified non-binary person among our titleholders. We apologize for any confusion this may have caused.

We appreciate the understanding and support of our community as we continue to uphold our organization’s values of inclusivity and respect.

For further inquiries or information, please contact the BTIPS Coordinators, Trenton Johnson or Taliyah Smith.

Black Trans Advocacy Pageantry System

855.624.7715

[email protected]

The post Black Trans International Pageantry System: Clarification on Pageant Mx Selection Process appeared first on Black Trans Advocacy Coalition.

As we approach the Thanksgiving Holiday we want to reach out to you in advance to send peace and blessings your way and to let you know that we support you during this time.  We know that many black transgender people have been estranged from family &/or finances become tight arount the holidays and we want to help make that a bit easier.  First, it is important that you know that you are loved and needed in this world and then we also want to remind you that BTAC provides a food pantry if you should be in need.  Check out the details below.

Black Trans Food Pantry

We provide Free Food across the US, many of our folks who live in food deserts or dealing with poverty with Zero healthy meal options to help overcome hunger, having to choose between paying rent or paying for food.

Our food pantry also provides emergency response meals and helps to make certain that black trans families are able to enjoy a Free Family Meal during Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year.

Non-perishable food items and/or Instacart gift card to purchase a meal at a grocery store will be provided with your donation based on client need. Our cost to help meet this basic necessity is $35pp or up to $125 per family visit.

Thanksgiving 2023: Free Family Holiday Meal for the Black Transgender Community

Our Black Trans Food Pantry is working to bring joy to hungry families this holiday season by providing a Free Holiday Meal for Black trans households in need.

Reserve Your Free Meal Today while supplies last. https://blacktrans.org/family-holiday-meal

or Give $35 today to Help Remove Hunger by donating a free meal https://blacktrans.org/campaigns/food-pantry-donations/

Have Questions About Black Trans Advocacy Coaltion Programs and Services?
We’re here to help. Please call BTAC Client Service toll free at 855.624.7715 from 10AM – 2PM CST, Tuesday – Thursday[/vc_column_text][tm_charitable_campaigns display_type=”horizontal” total_items=”3″ category=”food” feature_thumb_image_size=”post-thumbnail” meta_options=”show-created-date” progress_type=”progressbar” view_details_button_text=”View Details” btn_design_style=”btn-success” button_size=”btn-sm” donate_view_details_button_text=”Donate Now” donate_btn_design_style=”btn-success” donate_button_size=”btn-sm” loadmore_view_details_button_text=”Load More” loadmore_button_loading_text=”Loading…” loadmore_btn_design_style=”btn-success” loadmore_button_size=”btn-sm” campaigns_id=”198859″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner disable_element=”yes”][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”194409″ img_size=”300X300″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

Until next time, know that you are loved and needed in this world and it is our absolute honor to serve you and serve with you.

Yours in service,
Carter & Esperanza Brown
Black Trans Advocacy Coalition Founders

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The post Thanksgiving Holiday Support for the Black Transgender Community appeared first on Black Trans Advocacy Coalition.

The National Black Trans Advocacy Coalition is excited to announce the opening of our annual recruitment and Fall Hiring Event to serve our next program year. We invite career-minded individuals who believe in our mission to join our team. You have the opportunity right now to help advance black trans equality with your skill set in one of our open positions.

Serve With Us! We’re prioritizing black trans needs, leadership and employment opportunites. Learn More & Apply 

OPEN POSITIONS INCLUDE

• Communications Coordinator
• Advocacy Program Coordinator
• Fundrasing Coordinator
• Empowerment Peer Mentor
• Media Specialist
• Client Service

We will begin accepting applications November 1, 2023.   Job listings will post online for you to apply by November 3 at https://blacktrans.org/jobs

Invitation to Community Partners Hiring Now

We’re invinging employers to join in our our Fall Hiring Event!  We want to see Black trans people employed both within our organization or with you our community partner.

BTAC is in search of companies and organizations that will offer safe and affirming work environments for black transgender people looking for employment opportunities. Our job seekers range from those looking for their first job to highly skilled professionals.

Are you Hiring now or within the next 6 months? We’re matching qualified job seekers with local employers all over the country! Recruit talent from our community by posting jobs in our network. Post jobs at blacktrans.org/post-a-job/[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The post Black Trans Advocacy Coalition Fall Hiring Event – Starts Now! appeared first on Black Trans Advocacy Coalition.

Can you believe it?  We are just six months away until we meet up again for the 11th Annual National Black Trans Advocacy Conference & Awards Gala. Save The Date & Spread The Word!  We’re back in person to see you and we invite you and your family to join us for 5 Days in the beautiful Dallas, Texas April 23-28 2024 to gather, educate, learn, celebrate, build and grow together in unity.

Let’s get going with a few things to help prepare you for the #BTAC24 event.

Want to Attend?  We cant wait to see you! All are welcome to attend. Early-bird registration & hotel reservations will be open in November.
Join Our Conference Facebook Event Page for social media event updates and to let us know that you will be attending! https://www.facebook.com/events/891218685760976

Need Help Paying for the Conference? Here’s A Way! You may start a conference fundraiser on our network to Raise Funds, up to $850 to cover the cost of your Empowerment Summit participation. EmpowerHER, EmpowerHIM, EmpowerTHEM and Parent & Kid Empowerment.  All funds due by Feb 29 Deadline. https://blacktrans.org/scholarship-fundraising/

Want to Help Lead The Conference? 
We invite you and all community members to play a bigger role in helping to make the conference a success. Join us by contributing your talents and skill set serving on the next #BTAC24 Conference Planning Committee.  Learn More & Sign Up Here: https://blacktrans.org/host-committee-invitation/

Want to Sponsor or Advertise At The Conference? We invite businesses and organizations to get involved as Conference General Support Sponsor, Vendor or advertise in Souvenir Journal Booklet. We are now accepting your partnership donation pledge. You may also create a BTAC Fundraiser on our platform to meet your business contribution level. https://blacktrans.org/conference-sponsorship

Have Questions About The Black Trans Advocacy Conference?
We’re here to help. Please call BTAC Client Service toll free at 855.624.7715 from 10AM – 2PM CST, Tuesday – Thursday[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”194409″ img_size=”300X300″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

Until next time, know that you are loved and needed in this world and it is our absolute honor to serve you and serve with you.

Yours in service,
Carter & Esperanza Brown
Black Trans Advocacy Coalition Founders

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The post 11th Black Trans Advocacy Conference & Gala – Is On The Way! #BTAC2024 appeared first on Black Trans Advocacy Coalition.

Book your room now!  Room Rates $119 a night for single or double bed rooms. You may reserve your room by phone at 1 (800) 774-1500 or online.  The conference group code is NBT. Deadline to book a room at host hotel is March 25.

Attendee Scholarship Fundraisers

Choose a cause below to Donate or Start a Fundraiser! 

Join our Conference Facebook Event Page 

Spread The Word – Our Conference Facebook Event Page is Up  so please stop by the page for all event updates and to let us know that you will be attending!  
facebook.com/events/1021258205172497

Up Next 

Coming Up Next – More information about Registration, Workshop Proposals, Sponsorship, Vendors, Conference Committees and Volunteering. Stay tuned.

Need Help?

If you have questions about the conference, Click Here to Contact Us

The post 10th Black Trans Advocacy Conference & Gala – Is On The Way! #BTAC2023 appeared first on Black Trans Advocacy Coalition.

Racism is also a social determinant of health that operates on varying levels which includes institutional and structural. Ultimately racism limits access to various resources that then physiologically affects people within marginalized communities.

Individuals within the LGBTQ community who identify as queer with a range of expressions often face discrimination of many kinds. People who are within marginalized groups experience minority stress more often than their peers. These individuals are sometimes more vulnerable and face disparities while receiving healthcare services. So, not only does discrimination and stigmas cause health disparities associated with limited healthcare access, but it is also closely linked to economic and environmental disadvantages that create even more barriers.

We need more individuals within healthcare systems to complete culture sensitive and inclusive care competency trainings to learn more about how to provide quality care to all individuals seeking their services. According to the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey, people are facing discrimination within housing, employment, and healthcare related facilities. As individuals have gone through these experiences it in turn has led to a greater need that continues to grow within the mental health realm. People are facing more stressors and some of life’s woes at an alarming rate due to a global pandemic. Stress levels of many individuals are increasing daily, and the proper resources must be made available to help those in greatest need.

The AAIC, recently shared that many black people are dealing with systemic disparities related to less access to health protecting resources. There tends to be a consistent and pervasive lack of resources which effects health outcomes related to cardiovascular disease and diabetes. These two diseases alone affect far more black people than any other race. Black individuals are enduring chronic exposure to racism which affects their mind and body. Some studies have even shown where these behaviors sometimes contribute to the development of cognitive decline in later years.

In conclusion, as individuals begin to age despite the inequalities, they have dealt with increased longevity can still be on the horizon. If you know someone who may be going through some of these things consider ways in which you may be able to help like starting a nutrition cooking group, a cycling group, and the list goes on. Try to keep holding onto the things that you value the most and bring you the most joy. Then, be willing to reach back and share some that joy with others.

AAIC. 2022. Experiences of racism associated with poor memory increased cognitive decline. Retrieved from www.tntribune.com.

USTS. 2015. 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey. Retrieved from https://blacktrans.org/us-trans-survey/

The post Facing Racism and Discrimination in Healthcare Settings appeared first on Black Trans Advocacy Coalition.

According to the CDC, you can take steps to prevent from getting monkey pox and lowering your risk during sex by first talking to your healthcare provider if concerns come up for you due to exposure. There are currently vaccinations available if you have been exposed or if you are considered high risk to exposures.

If you start to experience flu like symptoms and or notice a rash consult your doctor for further evaluation. So, outside of getting vaccinated there are other methods you can also take for prevention. You can minimize your exposure by making sure to properly wash your hands before consuming foods and after using the restroom. Also, before or during sexual intercourse if you notice any type of rash on yourself or your partner immediately stop the activity and again consult with your doctor. It is important to make sure you consider cleaning and disinfecting your home if you feel you may have been exposed. Most people do not consider the importance of disinfecting their laundry to prevent and eliminate contact from spreading inside the home.

Also, keep in mind if you have any concerns at your workplace your employers must comply with OSHA standards and guidelines to ensure your safety. They are to provide you with the proper equipment to complete the task with the least risk. Lastly, you can help in reducing stigmas and marginalization within the LGBTQ community by speaking up. If you see someone who is not respecting someone’s boundaries for their health you can share some of this information with them Health Equity Guiding Principles for Inclusive Communication. Remember that no matter what you are your #1 health advocate!

Sources:

CDC. 2022. Reducing stigma in communication and community engagement. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/reducing-stigma.html.

CDC. June 3, 2022. 5 Things to Know about Monkeypox . Youtube. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/9GziSwQTo4A.

The post What is Monkeypox and how is it affecting the LGBTQ population? appeared first on Black Trans Advocacy Coalition.

June 24, 2022 DALLAS, TX – The National Black Trans Advocacy Coalition, the only social justice organization led by Black trans people to advocate for the inequities of this community released the following statement:

The Supreme Court of the United States has overturned the landmark decision of Roe v. Wade, 410 U.S. 113, which has protected pregnant people’s liberty to end a pregnancy via abortion care since 1973. Their decision to reverse the ruling was leaked in a draft opinion this May, and has rolled back abortion rights in almost half of the US, setting us back decades as a nation. 

Texas is one of 13 states that have something known as a “trigger ban” on pregnancy termination. This “trigger ban” indicates that, 30 days from this decision, Texas will experience a complete ban on termination procedures. 

Within Texas and throughout the nation, citizens are taking action to protect legal and safe access to abortion. Visit this website to find and join a decision day near you: https://map.wewontgoback.com/?source=ppfa

The post United States Supreme Court votes to overturn Roe v. Wade appeared first on Black Trans Advocacy Coalition.