TRACTION: trans | community | action

TRACTION cultivates connection and visibility for transgender and gender-nonbinary people through community service in support of underserved communities.

Advocacy • Collaboration • Service • Summit Gatherings • Civic Engagement

 

Aiding Trans+ People Fleeing Violence & Persecution

Project Open Arms is TRACTION's best known program, supporting trans+ Red State refugees seeking sanctuary. It started in 2023 in response to the alarming increase in anti-trans legislation across the country. Nearly half of the trans+ adults surveyed by the Williams Institute – want to move or have already moved to more affirming places. The Pacific Northwest has long been a destination for such folk, and we expect migrating people and families to increase over the next decade.

Our goal then and now is to support U.S. red state “transplants” – especially trans+ individuals and their families – seeking safer, more welcoming places to live.

To date, we've served over 532 individuals and their loved ones in relocating to safer locales.

Combating misinformation & isolation with projects featuring trans+ artists, musicians, storytellers, activists, and leaders

Trans Heartbeat Podcast Hosted by TRACTION President Michelle Matlock, Trans Heartbeat celebrates and affirms trans+ existence, empowers responses to the rising tide of transphobic rhetoric in our country, and showcases the power of trans+ artistic expression. Available on Apple, Spotify, YouTube,

Transplants + Friends Supper Table Monthly gathering for trans+ folk & their loved ones (aka "transplants") who resettled in Seattle with help via TRACTION's Project Open Arms, along with program volunteers and hosts.

Moving Stories: Tales of Trans+ Hope and Homecoming A live storytelling events centering the voices of Two-Spirit, transgender, transsexual, nonbinary, agender, and gender-nonconforming (trans+) people who moved to Washington to escape anti-trans persecution and violence, and the people who helped them land here with care.

Building community power through voter education and civic engagement

TRACTION uses social media campaigns to activate and engage trans+ and allied voters. Vote! Vote in every election, vote the entire ballot! [Find us @tractionpnw on FB, IG, TikTok, LinkedIn].

TRACTION also organizes and shows up at rallies and events.

Queer the Vote Candidate Forum TRACTION partnered with other queer and trans-led Seattle organizations providing a queer-focused space for candidates in several races to debate and answer questions from our community.

Leadership Labs with Gender Justice League A grassroots advocacy and community-building program training transgender, nonbinary, and two-spirit individuals to organize against discriminatory legislation, shape public narratives, and build supportive networks through deep canvassing and values-based conversations. These labs reach into more rural communities.

TRACTION leaders are out speaking at rallies, conferences & hearings such as: Trans Advocacy Day 2026 Creating Change City Council Meetings.

Every week, TRACTION is amplifying important opportunities, studies about the trans+ experience, and trans-focused events.

And we are doing so, so much more. 

The TRACTION team is small, but scrappy. Your support helps us change lives, as well as hearts and minds. Thank you!