As we celebrate Trans Awareness Week, it’s a powerful time to reflect on the challenges faced by trans communities and the transformative work of organisations that uplift and empower trans, non-binary and gender-diverse people across the UK. Incredible groups like Sparkle, Not A Phase, Trans Pride MCR, Trans Creative, Mermaids and more are leading the way in advocating for equality, visibility, and support.
Whether you’re an ally eager to make a difference or someone seeking resources, these organisations offer vital lifelines to trans communities through their services. Here’s why their work matters—and how you can get involved.
1. Sparkle
Sparkle - The National Transgender Charity is a 19 year old, voluntary-led registered UK charity. Known for hosting Sparkle Weekend. the world’s largest free transgender celebration every July in Manchester, Sparkle brings trans communities together in celebration of trans joy and visibility.
Beyond Sparkle Weekend, the charity runs several initiatives to combat stigma. Sparkle offers trans-led training and expert advice to bring real trans inclusion and allyship to workplaces, schools, and healthcare settings. The charity also hosts Sparkle Sanctuary events, where gender diverse folks can socialise, find support, and learn new skills.
How you can help: Volunteer at their events, spread the word, or donate to help Sparkle continue their groundbreaking work.2. Not A Phase
Not A Phase is a trans-led, grassroots charity committed to uplifting and improving the lives of trans+ adults, through awareness campaigning, social projects and funding trans+ lead initiatives. The charity aims to give the trans+ and gender non-conforming community space to thrive, whilst working with organisations on D&I strategies to promote positive change.
Misfits is a fitness, wellbeing and self defence programme created by Not A Phase, powered by Nike. The project focusses on confidence building whilst breaking down the barriers between the Trans+ community and traditional gym spaces.
Not A Phase also offer peer support groups, socials and more to support the joy and wellbeing of trans people across the country.
How you can help: Support their campaigns and donate to fund programs that help trans adults thrive.3. Trans Pride MCR
Trans Pride Manchester is dedicated to supporting, advocating for, and celebrating the transgender and non-binary community in the Greater Manchester area. The organisation aims to create safe spaces, empower individuals, and promote education and awareness about the diverse experiences of gender identity.
In addition to protest marches, Trans Pride MCR offer an invaluable Trans & Non-binary Resources guide featuring trans-inclusive venues, support spaces, social groups, fitness classes and more.
How you can help: Attend Trans Pride MCR protests, donate, share their message, and advocate for trans inclusion in your own circles.4. Trans Creative
Founded by artist Kate O’Donnell, Trans Creative is a pioneering trans arts company, centring trans stories and the trans community. Based in the North with a national and international outlook, Trans Creative support, develop and champion trans artists, professionals and audiences.
Trans Creative harnesses the power of storytelling and performance to raise awareness and celebrate trans identities. The organisation curate the UK’s only annual live and digital trans arts festival, Trans Vegas, which attracts annual audiences in their thousands. Alongside this, their Trans Social Club has over 400 members.
Projects like the annual Trans Vegas Festival and Trans Social Club highlight the richness of trans voices in the arts, and the organisation also produces Trans Filth & Joy, an opening event at the Gay Village Party attracting thousands of people.
How you can help: Attend Trans Vegas and support their creative projects that amplify trans narratives.5. Mermaids
Mermaids is one of the UK’s leading trans-focused charities. They provide services directly to trans children and young people, to families, and work to educate and inform professionals and organisations who want to be part of a society where trans children and young people are safe, included and empowered to be their best selves. Mermaids also campaign for the things that matter most to trans children and young people.
Mermaids' services include a helpline, CPD accredited gender diversity training, local support groups and events that aim to embrace, educate and empower trans, non-binary and gender-diverse young people and their families.
How you can help: Volunteer for Mermaids, support and share their campaigns, or donate to help support trans communities across the country.
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