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forgeforwardtrans.bsky.social
FORGE
@forgeforwardtrans.bsky.social
250 followers 83 following 410 posts
Improving the lives of trans survivors since 1994 through empowering providers and connecting survivors to healing possibilities.

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forgeforwardtrans.bsky.social
“I approach DJing as an art form or craft. For me it’s like someone painting a picture, or writing music, or designing something," Honey Dijon says in an interview with SSENSE. Find new music to listen to this Black Trans History Month, at forge.tips/black-trans-artists!
[Image: A photo of Honey Dijon, overlaying a black background. Text: "Honey Dijon. The Nightlife by Honey Dijon (ft. Chlöe). 8 Black Trans Artists to listen to this month! forge.tips/black-trans-artists." FORGE logo.]
February 18, 2026 at 1:02 PM
forgeforwardtrans.bsky.social
Our newest Trans Survivors blog post features two poems from Zoë Zack Dunning: "Not Your Fucking Rehab" and "Protection." Read Zoë's work at forge.tips/trans-thriving. Connect with Zoë at allmylinks.com/mellifluouswriting!

#TransSurvivors #TransPoets #DVSurvivor #IPV
[Image: Text on a dark green background, below an image of a ripe plum. Text: "Poetry has been hugely healing for me as I've recovered from horrendous domestic and intimate partner violence. I drew metaphors in the sand and said, no more accepting abuse as love. I feel like I've mostly transformed from trauma surviving to trans thriving, despite all odds and obstacles, and these poems are evidence of just how far I've grown. From Trauma Surviving to Trans Thriving: "Not Your Fucking Rehab" and "Protection" by Zoë Zack Dunning. forge.tips/trans-thriving." FORGE logo.]
February 17, 2026 at 1:01 PM
forgeforwardtrans.bsky.social
Some recent shows and books (like Heartstopper and Sex Education) depict young trans people navigating love and relationships. Seeing what healthy (and unhealthy) dynamics look like help us to recognize potential harm in our own relationships.

#TDVAM2026 #RealLoveRespects #TransYouth
[Image: Light blue text overlaying a dark blue background, above a black and white graphic of as TV, record, and person holding a microphone. Text: "#RealLoveRespects. #TDVAM2026. trans and non-binary teens deserve to see healthy representations of relationships in the media." FORGE logo]
February 16, 2026 at 1:01 PM
forgeforwardtrans.bsky.social
Condoms are one tool we can use to protect ourselves and our partners from preventable illness! We can also protect ourselves and our communities by limiting the spread of airborne illnesses like COVID-19 and flu by wearing high quality masks (N95s, KN95s, or better!), especially in crowded spaces.
[Image: Blue text against a white background, alongside graphics of an N95 mask and two condoms inside wrappers. Text: "National Condom Awareness Day - Feb 14th, 2026. Wearing one helps to protect your community." FORGE logo.]
February 14, 2026 at 1:02 PM
forgeforwardtrans.bsky.social
Born in New Orleans, Big Freedia has helped to popularize the bounce genre of hip-hop. Her work has since gained popularity as she’s performed with artists like Beyoncé, Kesha, Lizzo, RuPaul, and others. Find new music to listen to this Black Trans History Month: forge.tips/black-trans-artists
[Image: A photo of Big Freedia, overlaying a black background. Text: "Big Freedia. Take My Hand by Big Freedia. 8 Black Trans Artists to listen to this month! forge.tips/black-trans-artists." FORGE logo.]
February 13, 2026 at 1:02 PM
forgeforwardtrans.bsky.social
“When I first got the news that we had reached #3 on the iTunes charts, I shed tears of joy. I cried not only out of joy and celebration for myself, but for what that moment meant for black music history." Listen to 2AM Ricky's "Love Ain't Rational": forge.tips/black-trans-artists
[Image: A photo of 2AM Ricky, overlaying a black background. Text: "2AM Ricky. Love Ain't Rational by 2AM Ricky. 8 Black Trans Artists to listen to this month! forge.tips/black-trans-artists." FORGE logo.]
February 12, 2026 at 1:01 PM
forgeforwardtrans.bsky.social
We often have to learn for ourselves what strategies will be helpful (especially when it comes to chronic illness and disability). In this new blog post, Emil shares how they evaluate different advice they receive; how they figure out what works and what doesn't. forge.tips/is-this-thing-working
[Image: Overlaying a photo of mountains and a lake, a checklist of items on a notepad. Text: "Is this thing working? questions to ask... does this strategy make sense? are the claims “too good to be true?” does it reflect my values? what feels possible for me? is someone trying to make money off of this? what do others have to say? forge.tips/is-this-thing-working" FORGE logo.]
February 11, 2026 at 1:00 PM
forgeforwardtrans.bsky.social
Today is Wear Orange Day! Raise awareness for Teen Dating Violence and show your support for survivors by sharing a photo of yourself wearing orange (or wear it to work/school!) Supporting healthy relationships, respect, and care is for people of all ages and genders.
[Image: White text overlaying an image of a young person with long hair pulled back and a blue flower behind their ear, wearing an orange t-shirt that says "I am the voice of a generation." Text: "Wear Orange for Teen Dating Violence Awareness. Tomorrow - Feb 10th!" FORGE logo.]
February 10, 2026 at 1:01 PM
forgeforwardtrans.bsky.social
Tomorrow is Wear Orange Day! On Feb 10th during Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, wear orange, hang orange lights, and let others know why you support survivors.

#WearOrangeDay #TDVAM2026 #RealLoveRespects #TeenDatingViolence
[Image: White text overlaying an image of a person with long braided hair and sunglasses wearing an orange t-shirt. Text: "Wear Orange for Teen Dating Violence Awareness. Tomorrow - Feb 10th!" FORGE logo.]
February 9, 2026 at 1:01 PM
forgeforwardtrans.bsky.social
"Maybe that’s exactly how we find ourselves: real, vulnerable, human, and sincerely, hopelessly alive," says Tara, in "Hyperpop has always been about us" on TransActual.org (@transactualuk.bsky.social)! Find the article at forge.tips/hyperpop
[Image: Brown text overlaying a purple background, above a graphic of a flower. Text: "'Maybe that’s exactly how we find ourselves: real, vulnerable, human, and sincerely, hopelessly alive.' Tara. Hyperpop has always been about us (TransActual). forge.tips/hyperpop." FORGE logo.]
February 8, 2026 at 1:00 PM
forgeforwardtrans.bsky.social
Music can offer a powerful tool to shift emotions, connect with ourselves, and heal from trauma. This Black Trans History Month, we’re celebrating eight Black trans musicians, both past and present, who spread hope, resistence, and healing through their work. forge.tips/black-trans-artists
[Image: A photo of Shea Diamond, overlaying a black background. Text: "Shea Diamond. I Am Her by Shea Diamond. 8 Black Trans Artists to listen to this month! forge.tips/black-trans-artists." FORGE logo.]
February 7, 2026 at 1:00 PM
forgeforwardtrans.bsky.social
Each February, young people nationwide raise awareness about teen dating violence through Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM). This annual month-long push focuses on advocacy and education to stop dating abuse before it starts. Join us by using the hashtag #RealLoveRespects
[Image: White text overlaying a light blue background. Text: "February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. #RealLoveRespects. loveisrespect.org. #tdvam2026."]
February 5, 2026 at 1:02 PM
forgeforwardtrans.bsky.social
“Our bodies, which home and carry us, deserve the same love we give to our physical homes," writes Jamie, in 'One man’s trash is a trans masc’s treasure: How the local charity shops helped me find my identity' on @transactualuk.bsky.social! Find the article at forge.tips/charity-shops.
[Image: Brown text overlaying a tan background, with an outline drawing out two people embracing. Text: "'Our bodies, which home and carry us, deserve the same love we give to our physical homes.' Jamie. One man’s trash is a trans masc’s treasure. forge.tips/charity-shops." FORGE logo.]
February 2, 2026 at 8:06 PM
forgeforwardtrans.bsky.social
DEADLINE EXTENDED! We're looking for submissions from trans/nonbinary youth for the Trans Survivors Zine. We welcome your grief and rage at the state of our current world; we welcome your stories of healing, hope, and resilience; we welcome a range of expressions and experiences. forge.tips/submit
[Image: Against a purple background, a photo of a young trans person wearing a black hoodie with a serious expression on their face. Text: "Call for submissions. Trans Survivors: Issue #5: Teens and Youth. Deadline extended: Feb 7th! Open to contributors age 24 and under! Poetry, art, and short fiction/nonfiction; $25 contributor payment. forge.tips/submit." FORGE logo.]
January 30, 2026 at 1:00 PM
forgeforwardtrans.bsky.social
Get the facts! LGBTQ+ people are more likely to experience stalking compared to cisgender, heterosexual people. This quick fact sheet from SPARC covers some stats on trans and LGB peoples’ experiences with stalking, along with resources for getting help. Read more: forge.tips/stalking-facts
January 29, 2026 at 1:00 PM
forgeforwardtrans.bsky.social
There's still time to submit to Trans Survivors! We welcome submissions of art and writing on unique experiences in the current world as a young trans person; around a range of topics on growth, imagining the future, healing, trauma, and resilience. forge.tips/submit
[Slide 1: Red text overlaying a photo of a young person sitting in a windowsill and looking out thoughtfully. Text: "Trans youth: make your voice heard. forge.tips/submit." FORGE logo.] [Slide 2: a photo of a young person sitting in a windowsill and looking out thoughtfully. Text: "Submit to trans survivors! forge.tips/submit. Open to contributors age 24 and under! Poetry, art, and short fiction/non-fiction. $25 contributor payment. Deadline: Feb 1st." FORGE logo.]
January 28, 2026 at 10:23 PM
forgeforwardtrans.bsky.social
We have a new guest post up on the Trans Survivors blog! "Love Letters" by Dean Robert Holmes explores ways that we communicate and experience connection and desire. Read the full blog post at forge.tips/love-letters-blog!
[Image: Text on a notebook page, with polaroid photos of a person standing up on tiptoe, and photos and letters hanging from a piece of twine. Text: "Love Letters by Dean Robert Holmes. 'I come from a house of notes. Not structured sentences with eloquent endings, but monosyllabic requests and replies. Need ride to work. Okay. Do dishes. Yes. Grunts on paper and averted eyes in the halls. We lived as strangers, ignoring the blood that deemed us united. I can recall the singular time my father said, “I love you.” Drowned by discomfort in the backseat and scurrying away lest his feeble attempt at paternal affection seep into our spirit.' forge.tips/love-letters-blog." FORGE logo.]
January 22, 2026 at 1:03 PM
forgeforwardtrans.bsky.social
Today is the first day of Creating Change! Come find FORGE in the exhibit area and presenting on IPV and Authoritarianism on Thursday, January 22nd. Find out more at forge.tips/cc26!
[Image: A black and white photo of Caleb, michael, and Emil from FORGE against a green background, surrounded by rainbows. Text: "Find us at Creating Change 2026! Jan 21-25, Washington, DC." Creating Change logo.]
January 21, 2026 at 1:02 PM
forgeforwardtrans.bsky.social
Trans Survivors issue #5 is open for submissions! We welcome submissions of art and writing from trans and nonbinary youth under 25. Submissions might focus on experiences as a young trans person, growth, imagining the future, healing, or resilience. forge.tips/submit
[Image: The cover of a Trans Survivors Zine against a white background. The cover depicts a young trans person posing outdoors with arms raised above their head. Text on the cover reads: "Trans Survivors: Digital Zine" in cutout lettering." Background text: "Call for Submissions: Trans Survivors Zine. Trans and nonbinary youth: we want to hear from you! Issue #5: Teens and Youth (under 25). Submit art, poetry, and fiction/non-fiction (under 1k words). Get paid for your work! $25 contributor payment. Have your work shared with a broader audience. Deadline: February 1st. Full guidelines: forge.tips/submit." FORGE logo.]
January 20, 2026 at 1:01 PM
forgeforwardtrans.bsky.social
“No one is a burden; everyone deserves to love and be loved” - Eli Fitzgerald, Youth and LGBTQ+ Project Coordinator at Positively UK (@positivelyuk.bsky.social) #TransSurvivors #TransCommunity
[Image: Text in a handwritten font on a purple background with a graphic of purple and yellow flowers. Text: "'No one is a burden; everyone deserves to love and be loved' Eli Fitzgerald" FORGE logo.]
January 18, 2026 at 1:00 PM
forgeforwardtrans.bsky.social
From the WA Immigrant Solidarity Network: "Human trafficking risks are often heightened by poverty, unstable housing, language, cultural barriers, discrimination, and vulnerabilities tied to immigration status — conditions that traffickers exploit to manipulate, control, and coerce victims.
January 17, 2026 at 1:00 PM
forgeforwardtrans.bsky.social
Will you be at Creating Change this January 21st-25th? Join Caleb and Emil from FORGE for a presentation on Intimate Partner Violence and Authoritarianism in trans communities. Learn more about creating change at forge.tips/cc26!
[Image: Round photos of Caleb and Emil from FORGE against a green background, surrounded by rainbows. Text: "Creating Change 2026. Intimate Partner Violence and Authoritarianism. Jan 22nd, 3:30 pm. Jan 21-25, Washington, DC." Creating Change logo. FORGE logo.]
January 16, 2026 at 1:01 PM
forgeforwardtrans.bsky.social
Did you know that 9 out of 10 trans/nonbinary people have experienced technology-facilitated abuse? Often, technology-facilitated abuse is a part of stalking victimization. Learn more at forge.tips/cyber-abuse
[Image: Text on a dark background, next to a graphic of a person's hand holding a cell phone. Text: "National Stalking Awareness Month 2025. 9 in 10 trans/nonbinary people have experienced technology-facilitated abuse. forge.tips/cyber-abuse." FORGE logo.]
January 14, 2026 at 1:02 PM
forgeforwardtrans.bsky.social
Trans and nonbinary youth: we want to hear from you! For this issue of the Trans Survivors Zine, we invite submissions from trans and nonbinary youth age 24 and younger. Find full submission guidelines at forge.tips/submit! #TransSurvivors #TransWriters #TransArtists #TransYouth
[Image: White cutout text against a black background. Slide 1 includes two photos of young trans people hanging out in a group. Slide 1 text: "Call for Submissions: Trans Survivors. Issue #5: Teens & Youth. Share your writing and art! Open to contributors age 24 and under!; Poetry, art, and short fiction/nonfiction (under 1000 words); Submit through Feb. 1st; $25 contributor payment. forge.tips/submit." FORGE logo.] [Image: White cutout text against a black background. Text: "Trans Survivors Digital Zine. Upcoming submission windows: Teens & Youth: Jan 13 - Feb 1st; Race & Culture: April; Death & Grief: July; Disability & Health: October. forge.tips/submit." FORGE logo.]
January 13, 2026 at 1:01 PM
forgeforwardtrans.bsky.social
Come find FORGE at Creating Change this year, Jan 21st-25th! We'll be tabling in the exhibit area and presenting on IPV and Authoritarianism. Find out more at forge.tips/cc26!
[Image: A photo of Caleb and Emil from FORGE against a green background, surrounded by rainbows. Text: "Find us at Creating Change 2026! Jan 21-25, Washington, DC." Creating Change logo.]
January 12, 2026 at 7:59 PM