Dear John,

In a matter of weeks, trans people in this country will confront an openly hostile federal government, with anti-trans opposition controlling the presidency and both houses of Congress. At a time when record numbers of anti-trans bills continue to be introduced across the country, the alignment of state-level actors with a hostile federal administration creates an urgent need for coordinated, robust resistance.

At Advocates for Trans Equality (A4TE), we’ve faced moments like this before—and emerged stronger, thanks to supporters like you. Together, we’ve built a movement that resists discrimination, protects trans lives, and lays the foundation for long-term justice. The year ahead will be a test of our collective resolve. With your support, A4TE will be the shield and the sword our community needs to confront these challenges head-on.

A4TE fights where the attacks are fiercest—on the front lines of federal and state policy battles. Our coordinated efforts ensure that every avenue of advocacy is used to protect trans people from harm and advance the fight for equity and justice. 

At the federal level, A4TE is a key defender of the protections that make equality possible for trans people nationwide. As a hostile administration takes power, we’re already working to fight back against attempts to erase our rights.

✔️ Defending 250+ Protections Under Threat. A4TE has identified 250+ federal policies that are at risk of being dismantled. During the last Trump administration, we executed a multifaceted strategy that slowed, mitigated, and countered anti-trans policies while laying the groundwork to rebuild lost protections. When HHS sought to roll back healthcare nondiscrimination protections, we mobilized more than 20,000 public comments, delaying the rule for over two years. 

✔️ Safeguarding Trans Health. Through our Protect Trans Health campaign, we’re mobilizing public support to prevent rollbacks to healthcare nondiscrimination protections, ensuring trans individuals retain access to the life-saving care they deserve.   

✔️ Access to Accurate ID Documents. Our revamped ID Documents Center will provide clear, up-to-date guidance for navigating increasingly restrictive state and federal ID laws, ensuring that trans people can access accurate identification—a critical tool for safety and civic participation.  A4TE’s efforts shield against attempts to erase trans identities. 

While federal attacks loom, state legislatures remain the epicenter of anti-trans activity. In 2024 alone, over 600 anti-trans bills were considered in over 40 states. A4TE’s State Policy Department is meeting this crisis head-on, focusing on the states where the stakes are highest and the resources are fewest. In partnership with local trans-led and focused organizations, A4TE supports advocates in states like Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Florida, equipping local advocates with the legal analysis, policy expertise, and the real-time support they need to resist oppressive measures and advance protective policies. Together, we are securing a line of defense that empowers trans communities to shape the policies that directly impact their lives, even in the face of state and federal opposition.  

This year, our movement faces existential threats from federal and state governments. But this moment also offers an opportunity to resist, organize, and push forward with resilience and hope. With your support, A4TE can continue to be the unyielding force that protects trans lives and advances trans equality when it’s needed most. 

Your gift powers the work that makes this resistance possible. It supports the advocates on the ground in statehouses across the country. It sustains our campaigns to hold the line at the federal level. It fuels the movement that will ensure trans futures are bright, safe, and free.   

Together, we can push back against discrimination, protect our communities, and build a future where every transgender person can thrive. Please make your contribution today to power A4TE’s vital work in 2025. 

In solidarity, 

Alana Jochum, Esq. 
She/Ella
State Policy Director

(formerly National Center for Transgender Equality and Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund)

228 Park Ave S, PMB 38268

New York, NY 10003-1502