“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: Inside Lavender Rights Project with Jaelynn Scott
Trans Heartbeat sits down with Jaelynn Scott, Executive Director of Lavender Rights Project, a Black trans feminist organization rooted in community organizing, housing justice, and liberation work in Washington state and beyond. We explore what it means to lead with care, move systems, and center those most impacted, while remembering that trans+ people are not a debate, but human beings living full, complex lives.
TDOV Moving Stories
Join TRACTION for live storytelling March 31, 2026 in Seattle. Moving Stories: Trans+ Tales of Hope & Homecoming is a night community-building, connection, and celebration.
Trans Heartbeat: Creating Change 2026 – We Are Unstoppable
Trans Heartbeat hits the road! Join Michelle and the TRACTION team on location in Washington, D.C. at the Creating Change Conference, one of the largest annual gatherings of LGBTQ+ changemakers in the world.
Our Annual Report for FY 2024-25 is here
The past year was one of unprecedented growth for TRACTION- fueled by both joy and trepidation. Our FY 2024-25 is here.
Project Open Arms
Supporting trans+ folks and families seeking safer, more welcoming places to live.
