By Jeff Main (he/him)
Executive Director, Point of Pride
As we embrace marathon season this Fall, it has been wonderful to see more trans and gender-expansive runners than ever before. Whether newcomers to running or seasoned athletes, these individuals are using sport as a means to build community, foster a positive sense of self, and showcase their resilience and strength. Many runners also support impactful causes, such as Nikki Hiltz' Pride 5K in October (which raised an incredible $50,000!) and Point of Pride's own upcoming 5K in November, which is all the more inspiring.
But this season is not just about races and running; it’s about taking that momentum to address important issues facing the trans community. On November 20, we will commemorate Trans Day of Remembrance (TDOR), a day to honor those who have faced discrimination and violence simply for being their authentic selves. It serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that many of us still endure.
At Point of Pride, our mission is to help trans youth and adults access the life-saving health and wellness services they need: access to surgery, medical care, permanent hair removal services, and more. Our vision is a world where trans and gender-diverse individuals of all ages can envision a bright and safe future, living authentically. To date, we've awarded $1,020,500 in financial aid and provided support to 19,200 people in all 50 states and around the world. But our work is far from over, as the number of applications we receive grows exponentially.
We believe that everyone can play a role in making the world a more inclusive place by practicing allyship. You may consider making a donation to Point of Pride or any other trans-centered organization to support life-changing, and often life-saving, work. But beyond that, allyship is a powerful tool: it’s small acts with far-reaching impact. As we look ahead to 2024, we expect to see record numbers of anti-trans and anti-LGBTQ bill proposals. Many of these laws will aim to restrict or ban trans participation in sport and access to necessary, gender-affirming healthcare. We urge you to reach out to your local representatives and policymakers, demanding inclusion for all. Your voice will help shape policies that make access to essential services—sport, healthcare, employment, housing, education—more inclusive for everyone.