“You never completely have your rights, one person, until you all have your rights.”
—Marsha P. Johnson, LGBTQ+ rights activist
Trans
Community
Action
What is TRACTION?
TRACTION is short for TRANS COMMUNITY ACTION.
Founded in 2019, TRACTION is a trans-led 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in Washington state. Our mission is to cultivate connection, visibility, and belonging for transgender and gender-diverse people through service in support of underserved communities.
We are also here to bring folks together in celebration of our beautiful and authentic selves as trans and gender-diverse people, and to create a sense of belonging and joy. Through Project Open Arms, we help trans folks leave restrictive and oppressive areas and resettle in more supportive environments. Since 2020, our Community Campfire and Emerge! virtual series, and the Vibes music showcases, have featured the words, wisdom, and performance art of our diverse and talented community.
Why This Work
Our founders recognize that there needs to be a societal shift in how trans and gender-diverse people are seen and understood in the world. We believe the best way to create change is to not just be visible, but to show up: to demonstrate our humanity by working together with allies and friends of all genders on community service projects — building relationships and collaborative partnerships along the way that strive to lift up the most vulnerable among us.
To make the world a better place, we must do so ourselves. Our goal is to cultivate a body of volunteers eager to collaborate with other organizations and offer our volunteer power to assist underserved populations. In doing this, we foster trans visibility and affirmation within the broader community while helping those in need.
There is never a cost to become a member.
Recent Posts
Trans Heartbeat: A Full Circle Moment with Mya Byrne
On this episode of Trans Heartbeat Mya Byrne reflects on her “Trans State of the Union” one year later, shares what she’s been creating, and speaks truth to the shifting political climate for trans+ folks and artists.
Trans Heartbeat: Project Open Arms
On this episode of Trans Heartbeat TRACTION’s co-founder Michael Woodward talks about the beginnings of Project Open Arms, a grassroots effort helping trans+ people relocate from unsafe environments, and you’ll meet he first POA recipient, Elle Cree.
Transgender Day of Remembrance
Remembrance is not merely ritual; it is a living act that calls us deeper into connection with both the living and the lost.
Trans Heartbeat: SANTES Project
When you’re an ancestor, how do you want to be fed on an altar? What miracles would you offer? Who are you here for, even after you’re gone? SANTES brings a spiritual, playful, radical and joyful discussion about, autonomy, and ancestral power on this episode of Trans HeartBeat.
Project Open Arms
Supporting trans+ folks and families seeking safer, more welcoming places to live.
