Preliminaries
Trans USA 2026
Impact and Importance
Despite the universally recognized and pivotal role of transgender people—particularly transgender women of color—in spurring the queer liberation movement, members of our community organizations expressed that they felt like even more of an afterthought in the planning and execution of large-scale conferences and events. Many concurred that most broadly focused, major national LGBTQ+ organizations and the conferences they present are fully inaccessible, along with the connections and resources whose access would be critical and transformative.
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At a time when anti-trans violence and legislation have reached critical levels, it is now more important than ever to provide a safe, affirming space for leadership development; opportunities to gain valuable professional skills; and a community-driven platform for practical sharing of knowledge and resources.
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Trans USA 2026 and the National Trans Access Conference aim to dismantle the silos that too often isolate us and instead cultivate a bold coalition of grassroots leaders, culture workers, healers, and advocates. Together, we aim to confront the root causes of systemic exclusion, uplift underrepresented voices, and build concrete strategies for lasting change.
It is undeniable that those within our movement who have the fewest resources are often the most resourceful and innovative.
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Without large-scale sponsorships or the resources of mega-nonprofit organizations, Trans USA has achieved national and international recognition, and each year we make an even bigger impact on individual lives and community resilience.
The stage is set, and our team is more than ready to meet this moment. But it’s going to take all of us, including our allies and partners across the region, to realize this vision.
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Your partnership will help create a landmark event that honors the past, celebrates the present, and cultivates a better, more connected future.
Accessibility As a Core Value
Too often, conferences and national gatherings remain inaccessible due to cost barriers, travel limitations, and institutional gatekeeping. Trans USA 2026 is committed to disrupting that pattern.
Our goal is to make this gathering financially and physically accessible to as many community members as possible, especially those who are typically excluded from national spaces. Through sponsorships and donor support, we aim to offer a free/low-cost experience to as community members as possible, to ensure the highest standards of ADA accessibility and inclusive event design, and to compensate speakers and presenters equitably.
Funding Goals for Trans USA 2026 and the National Trans Access Conference
To realize the full vision of Trans USA 2026 and the inaugural Trans Access Conference, we are working toward a fundraising goal of $100,000, with a critical minimum operating threshold of $25,000 required to move forward responsibly. These funds directly support venue access, security, ADA accommodations, speaker compensation, and free community admission—elements that are non-negotiable for creating a safe, affirming, and truly accessible national gathering.
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This moment is especially urgent. Across the country, LGBTQ+ and trans-centered events are being scaled back or canceled altogether due to safety concerns, funding withdrawals, and institutional retreat. As these spaces disappear, our community is losing access to professional development, organizing opportunities, healing spaces, and the chance to connect with one another in meaningful, life-affirming ways. These losses are felt most acutely by trans people of color, disabled community members, and those already facing systemic exclusion due to economic barriers.
The need to fight for our ability to remain connected has never been greater. Trans USA 2026 is a national intervention that aims to fight back against the fragmentation, invisibility, and disconnection that can obscure what really matters: our shared humanity.
Meeting our fundraising goal ensures that this gathering can exist as a space of empowerment, resilience, and community healing.