For Immediate Release: November 6, 2024
Contact: Ciora Thomas, ciora.thomas@sisterspgh.org, (412) 297-0548
(Pittsburgh, PA) — As the United States faces renewed threats to the rights and dignity of transgender people under the Trump administration, Sisters PGH—a Black and trans-led organization—calls on the community, allies, and funders to take urgent action. Through the “Building Resilience: Protecting Trans Lives” campaign, Sisters PGH aims to ensure trans youth, adults, and seniors are safe, supported, and empowered, even in the most challenging times.
Trans communities have already endured harmful policies in past administrations, from bans on transgender individuals in the military to rollbacks on healthcare protections. Trump’s recent campaign rhetoric includes promises to strip LGBTQIA+ individuals of their rights, including banning transgender healthcare, further marginalizing an already vulnerable community. These policies, if enacted, will be devastating to trans lives across the country, particularly Black and Brown trans communities who face intersecting barriers of racism, transphobia, and systemic inequity.
“This is a pivotal moment for our communities,” says Ciora Thomas, Executive Director of Sisters PGH. “Black and Brown trans-led organizations like ours have always been on the frontlines, fighting for the basic rights and dignity of our people. But we cannot do it alone. We need the support of our allies and funders now more than ever to protect trans lives, provide safe housing, and advocate for a future where we can all thrive.”
Rooted in Service, Moving Forward with Compassion
For over a decade, Sisters PGH has been a beacon of hope for trans communities in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, and now Philadelphia County. The organization provides critical services, including:
Transitional housing for Black trans women through Project T.
Emergency rent and utility assistance to prevent evictions.
Safe spaces like our Trans Resource Center, Monica Roberts Place and the Stonewall Inn for trans youth, adults, and seniors to access resources, peer support, and community.
Advocacy and support for trans youth, ensuring the next generation grows up with greater opportunities and fewer barriers.
The “Building Resilience” campaign comes as the organization prepares to expand these efforts, ensuring trans communities across Pennsylvania and beyond have access to the care, housing, and support they need.
Call to Action: Supporting Sisters PGH and Trans-Led Organizations Nationwide
Trans-led organizations across the country, particularly those led by Black and Brown trans people, are the backbone of resistance and survival for trans communities. Despite limited resources, these organizations consistently address urgent needs—from housing and food security to healthcare access and community-building. Now, as hostile policies loom, their work is more critical than ever.
Through this campaign, Sisters PGH invites individuals, corporations, and philanthropic partners to:
Donate: Every dollar directly supports trans housing, emergency assistance, and community programs.
Advocate: Use your platforms to amplify the voices of Black and Brown trans-led organizations.
Collaborate: Funders are encouraged to step up, engage with their networks, and partner with Sisters PGH to secure the resources necessary to continue this work.
As we approach Giving Tuesday, there is no better time to show solidarity. Your support ensures Sisters PGH can continue to operate as an independent, trans-led organization, serving some of the most marginalized members of our society.
A Vision for the Future
”Our fight is rooted in compassion,” Thomas adds. “We are building a future where trans youth, adults, and seniors are not just surviving but thriving. We are investing in the resilience of our community because trans lives are valuable, beautiful, and worth protecting.
Join Us
Together, we can build resilience and protect trans lives.
Donate: sisterspgh.org/donate
Learn more: Visit sisterspgh.org to explore our work and the impact of your support.
Share: Spread the word about our campaign and encourage others to join the movement.
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Sisters PGH is a Black and trans-led organization providing housing, resources, and advocacy for trans communities in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, and Philadelphia County. For over a decade, Sisters PGH has empowered trans individuals to live with dignity and thrive. Learn more at www.sisterspgh.org.
About SisTers PGH:
SisTers PGH is a Black and trans-led nonprofit organization based in Pittsburgh, PA, founded by Ciora Thomas, that has been serving the community for 14 years. Dedicated to providing safe housing, resources, and support to the transgender and nonbinary communities, SisTers PGH is trusted, respected, and highly resourced by trans people in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. The organization operates several programs, including Project T, Monica Roberts Place, and the Trans Resource Center, with a mission to uplift and empower the most marginalized members of the LGBTQIA+ community.