About Us
Gender Justice League is a Washington State gender and sexuality civil and human rights organization based in Seattle, Washington.
In 2012, GJL was started by a group of long-time trans, queer, and allied activists who were looking to increase the community’s capacity to address cissexism, transphobia, transmisogyny, and the homo, bi, and queer phobias that trans and gender diverse people face.
Gender Justice League has focused on elevating civil and human rights for trans and gender diverse people by creating community through advocacy efforts and shared leadership development. Recognizing that only 4% of employees in the major LGBTQ+ organizations are trans, and that trans people face nearly double the unemployment rate of cis people, GJL’s gender justice model seeks to empower trans people to combat the structural oppression, discrimination, and violence that we face in our daily lives.
What We Do
Trans Pride Seattle
SafeHouse: Temporary shelter & Financial Assistance
ADVOCACY
GENDER JUSTICE AWARDS
SPECIAL EVENTS
EVERY DOLLAR SUPPORTS TRANS PEOPLE
Gender Justice League works through education, advocacy, mutual aid, and grassroots community building to shift both culture and policies about gender and sexuality. Every dollar amplifies the work of our dedicated staff and volunteers.
Follow Us On Social Media
Celebrate #TransDayOfVisibility with an action to support trans people: send us your unused gift cards and we’ll use them to help a trans survivor with basic needs like food, housing & shelter, transportation, and more!
Slide 1 text:
Gift Card Give-A-Thon: Supporting trans & gender diverse survivors of gender-based violence and crime. Request for gift cards:
- Food & Groceries (e.g. QFC, Kroger, Fred Meyer, Walmart, DoorDash, Instacart, Uber Eats)
- Pharmacies & Toiletries (e.g. CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid)
- Transportation (e.g. Uber, Lyft, Airline tickets/points, Greyhound Bus)
- Gas (e.g. Shell, Chevron, Exxon)
- Amazon for other essential needs
- Hotels or Airbnbs (for fleeing unsafe situations & accessing shelter)
Now through April 15th.
Slide 2 text:
Gift Card Give-A-Thon: Supporting trans & gender diverse survivors of gender-based violence and crime. Please sent gift cards to our national office:
Gender Justice League, Attn: Danni Askini
3033 Wilson Blvd Suite E102, Arlington, VA 22201
Please also include your contact info for a donation acknowledgement / thank you letter.
Now through April 15th.
#TransRightsAreHumanRights #ProtectTransKids #TDOV #TDOV2023
Want to help put on the trans event of the year? We`re looking for volunteers to help with Trans Pride Seattle `23!
To sign up to join the planning committee: tiny.cc/PLN23
To sign up to volunteer: tiny.cc/VLNTR23
For more information on Trans Pride Seattle, visit TransPrideSeattle.org
#TransRightsAreHumanRights #ProtectTransKids #Seattle #TransPride
Organized by friends of Eucy, we`re re-sharing (with permission) this vigil & call to action in her name, happening this Friday, March 31st, at 7 PM in Gilman Park (923 NW 54th, Seattle WA).
Image text:
"Vigil for Eucy & call to action on Trans Day of Visibility
Friday, March 31st, 7:00 PM
Gilman Park, 923 NW 54th St. (one block from Eucy`s apartment)
We will continue the struggle for housing justice, trans rights, and against all systems of oppression. Organized by friends of Eucy."
Interested in performing on stage at Trans Pride Seattle? Whether you`re a musical artist, DJ, drag performer, poet, comedian, or something that defies categorization, we invite you to fill out our performer interest form at tiny.cc/PRFRM23!
We plan to reach out to folks at the end of April.
For more info on Trans Pride Seattle, visit TransPrideSeattle.org
#transpride #seattle #transrightsarehumanrights
Trans Pride Seattle’s tabling fair is an opportunity for local organizations, small businesses, community groups, artists, and others to share their work with the trans and gender diverse communities of the Puget Sound!
If you`re interested in tabling, fill out our form at tiny.cc/TBL23
For more information about Trans Pride Seattle, visit TransPrideSeattle.org
#transrightsarehumanrights #seattle #washington #transpride
We deeply regret the loss of local trans community member Eucy. The continuous housing crisis and severe budget cuts to social services following the supposed "end of the pandemic" has made it increasingly difficult for trans & gender diverse community members to access safe shelter and rent relief, often leading to deadly outcomes such as hers. Gender Justice League has seen a 200% increase in calls for assistance to our SafeHouse program between 2021-2022 while experiencing a 50% reduction in funding.
We call on the City of Seattle, King County, and the State of Washington to adopt comprehensive plans to address the horrific housing and shelter crisis faced by two-spirit, trans, and gender diverse people who are excluded from and harmed by the gender-segregated, often religiously-affiliated, and congregate shelter system that denies and erases our existence.
Note: We are not the organizers of the vigil for Eucy, we are just re-sharing this autonomously organized event.
Image text:
"Vigil for Eucy
Friday, 3/24, 7 PM
Autonomous
Apartment complex on the 800 block of NW 54th street in Ballard
Please bring candles, flowers, and antifasci heart for those who might not feel safe coming out for Eucy. Eucy was a trans woman who is dead after three sheriffs fired guns while trying to evict her."
Next up in our series celebrating GJL`s 10th birthday, we got to talk to Sophia Lee about how she`s used her voice, tenacity, and tech knowledge to fight for trans rights across Washington State. During her time in GJL leadership as Board Chair, Sophia helped defeat anti-trans bathroom and sex-segregation bills as part of WA Won’t Discriminate, and helped to shape reproductive access for trans people across the state.
Full story at tiny.cc/10SL
Image description:
Over a pink and yellow gradient background, text reads: "New blog: 10 Years of Gender Justice: A Conversation with Sophia Lee." Quote on the bottom left reads "I want people to know the importance of trans people having a voice at the table." Bottom right includes a special 10 year anniversary GJL logo: a gold star with a red ribbon which reads "Gender Justice League / 10 Year Anniversary!". Link to the blog is included at the top: tiny.cc/10SL.
#GenderJustice #Washington #TransRightsAreHumanRights #Seattle #Olympia
#ProtectTransYouth #ProtectTransKids
Trans Pride Seattle is back in June this year! Mark your calendars for 6/23 and we`ll see you at Volunteer Park for a (much-needed) evening of talent, community, and good vibes 🏳️⚧️
For more info on TPS, visit TransPrideSeattle.org
Photo by Alex Garland at Trans Pride Seattle 2022.
Image description: photo of a person in a cool outfit (which includes a pink suit, striped shirt, rainbow tinsel boa, white hat, sunglasses, and mask) using a walking aid at Trans Pride Seattle 2022 in Volunteer Park. Text to the left says: "Save the date: Trans Pride Seattle. Friday, June 23, 2023 @ Volunteer Park, 5:30 - 9:30 PM."
#TransRightsAreHumanRights #ProtectTransKids #BlackTransLivesMatter #Seattle #Olympia #Tacoma #Washington #WashingtonState
GJL has also experienced a 50% reduction in funding for our survivor services in the last year, which has meant a significant decrease in our ability to provide support. Please consider giving to support trans survivors today at GenderJusticeLeague.org/Give or via paypal: Info@GenderJusticeLeague.org
Find the @seattletimes article at tiny.cc/ST031423
Image description:
Screenshot of an article by The Seattle Times from March 14, 2023 at 6:00 am, updated March 14, 2023 at 4:13 pm. Title reads: Help for crime victims drops to ‘crisis level’ in WA. Photo of a person looking to the right. Photo caption reads: "Heaven Strothers became a client of the King County Sexual Assault Resource Center after a couple of her children disclosed they had been sexually abused. Strothers calls the center, which faces increased demand for its services as federal funding decreases and state funding is stagnant, `a safe home away from home.` (Ken Lambert / The Seattle Times)." Story by Lauren Girgis, Seattle Times staff reporter.
Our SafeHouse program is taking a one-month pause on new intakes in order to improve services for trans & gender diverse survivors. We will resume intakes again on April 16th. Thank you for understanding!
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SAFEHOUSE IS TAKING A SHORT BREAK
The SafeHouse program is taking a one-month pause on new intakes in order to address important administrative needs. We will resume intakes on April 16th with better, more streamlined service for trans & gender diverse survivors. For more information on SafeHouse, visit GenderJusticeLeague.org/SafeHouse
GJL spends over $10,000 per year on gift cards to support trans & gender diverse survivors of gender-based violence & crime. Gift cards help survivors with things like groceries; toiletries; shelter; transportation to get to safety, work, and/or appointments; and other survival needs. Offering gift cards allows survivors agency and dignity over how and what they purchase, rather than having a provider make choices for them.
This month, we’re hosting a Gift Card Give-A-Thon! From now through April 15th, we`re calling on you to send us gift cards that we can give to trans & gender diverse survivors through our SafeHouse program, ensuring their basic needs stay met.
The types of gift cards we get asked for the most include:
- Food & Groceries (e.g. QFC, Kroger, Fred Meyer, Walmart, DoorDash, Instacart, Uber Eats)
- Pharmacies & Toiletries (e.g. CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid)
- Transportation (e.g. Uber, Lyft, Airline tickets/points, Greyhound Bus)
- Gas (e.g. Shell, Chevron, Exxon)
- Amazon for other essential needs
- Hotels or Airbnbs (for fleeing unsafe situations & accessing shelter)
Please send gift cards to our national office at:
Gender Justice League, Attn: Danni Askini
3033 Wilson Blvd Suite E102, Arlington, VA 22201
Please also include your contact info for a donation acknowledgement / thank you letter.
If you have other things that may be helpful for survivors, please contact Danni@GenderJusticeLeague.org
#TransRightsAreHumanRights #BlackTransLivesMatter #DirectAction #MutualAid
In celebration of GJL turning 10 years old, we`re sharing stories from a few of the key organizers who have worked within and alongside us this past decade, ultimately helping to advance gender justice in the state and beyond.
We`re kicking off this series with a conversation with David Ward, who, between 2013-2019, successfully leveraged his knowledge and power as a lawyer with @legal_voice to back up GJL’s trans-led advocacy efforts—ultimately helping to secure several major policy wins for trans communities statewide, including insurance coverage of gender-affirming care. David now serves as an attorney at the Washington State Attorney General’s office, and continues to work to advance civil rights in Washington State.
Find the full story at tiny.cc/10DW
Image description:
Over a pink and yellow gradient background, text reads: "New blog: 10 Years of Gender Justice: A Conversation with David Ward." Quote on the bottom left reads "every other year we had to organize and fight—and we never lost." Bottom right includes a special 10 year anniversary GJL logo: a gold star with a red ribbon which reads "Gender Justice League / 10 Year Anniversary!". Link to the blog is included at the top: tiny.cc/10DW.
#GenderJustice #Washington #TransRightsAreHumanRights #Seattle #Olympia #ProtectTransYouth #ProtectTransKids
Organizers at the Protect Trans Kids rally in Tacoma last weekend opened with stating that "there has been an onslaught against transgender kids and people that exceeds previous levels of extremism, dehumanization, and outright cruelty around the nation." Across the U.S., over 270 bills have been introduced "targeting all aspects of trans lives, many with felony charges against parents, caregivers, and medical providers. Four states have already banned healthcare access and at least ten more states are expected to follow in the coming weeks."
With many of these same bills in our legislature now, we must stand up for trans youth and adults—in Washington and beyond.
Image descriptions:
Slide 1: Speaker of the House Laurie Jinkins speaks to a large crowd of people at the Protect Trans Kids rally in Tacoma on Feb. 26, 2023. Photo by Rowan Duran.
Slide 2: GJL Board Member Oliver Webb speaks to the crowd at the Protect Trans Kids rally. Photo by Rowan Duran.
#ProtectTransKids #TransRightsAreHumanRights #Washington
GJL and Planned Parenthood advocates gathered for a rally outside the capitol building in Olympia on our advocacy day (Feb. 20th). Photo by Oliver Webb.
Second slide: GJL ED Danni Askini speaks at the rally alongside GJL Board Member Oliver Webb. Photo by Rowan Duran.
A few more sweet photos from our advocacy day!
Slide 1: GJL Board Member Oliver Webb, trans advocate Stella Keating, former GJL ED Elayne Wylie, and current GJL ED Danni Askini in front of the legislative building in Olympia. Photo by Lisa Keating.
Slide 2: GJL Board Member Oliver Webb pictured with Speaker of the House Laurie Jenkins, filmmaker and advocate Vlada Knowlton, and two Planned Parenthood volunteers. Photo by the official photographer of the House.
Slide 3: GJL Board Member Oliver Webb pictured with Senator Kuderer. Photo by Vlada Knowlton.
GJL advocacy team members and Planned Parenthood volunteers meeting with Sen. Dhingra`s staff to discuss our priority bills to defend gender-affirming care, reproductive care, data privacy, and more on our advocacy day in Olympia on Feb. 20th. Photo by Laza Hart.
Last week we brought 60 PEOPLE to the capitol to defend gender-affirming and reproductive care, and had 57 visits with lawmakers! Our hugest gratitude to everyone who organizes with and alongside us: whether you`re center-stage or working quietly behind the scenes, you are helping create a state where all people can be free to make our own choices about our bodies and our lives.
Image descriptions:
Slide 1: Danni Askini talks with advocacy members and constituents from WA`s 41st and 5th districts to plan meetings with lawmakers. Photo by Laza Hart.
Slide 2: Elsie Elling from Planned Parenthood & Danni Askini give an update to the volunteers and advocacy members on our legislative progress and what bills we are focusing on. Photo by Laza Hart.
Slide 3: Former GJL Board Chair Sophia Lee, current GJL Board Chair Sarah Moran, former GJL ED Elayne Wylie, and an advocacy teammate in conversation. Photo by Laza Hart.
Slide 4: Over 60 advocacy members and Planned Parenthood volunteers attend a brief training on the morning of advocacy day, in preparation. Photo by Danni Askini.
This blog is part of a series on what #BlackHistoryMonth means to us, where GJL staff reflect on some of the Black trans lives, stories, and legacies which have shaped us, our movements, and the world. In this post, Kai reflects on two tenants of Black trans feminism: community care and resisting disposability.
Tiny.cc/BHM323
#BlackTransLivesMatter #BlackTransHistory
This blog is part of a series on what #BlackHistoryMonth means to us, where GJL staff reflect on some of the Black trans lives and stories which hold untold power—shaping and influencing us, our movements, and the world. To Laza Magdalene, Black History Month evokes their ancestry, organizing, and Black trans excellence.
Tiny.cc/BHM223
#BlackTransLivesMatter #BlackTransHistory
GJL in partnership with Planned Parenthood at the 2023 Lobby Day in Olympia Washington on February 20th 2023.