Overview–
Trans Northland is a community organization based in Duluth, Minnesota that aims to to build a thriving community where people who are transgender, non-binary, gender non-conforming, two spirit, genderqueer, gender diverse, and gender expansive are safe from violence, harassment, and discrimination; valued for all of who they are; and have an equitable place in the larger community. Spec
ifically, Trans Northland focuses on providing four primary services to the transgender community and its allies: support, advocacy, education, and connection. Organizational History–
Our story began with the Lake Superior Transgender Group, created by Nathalie Crowley, Shelby-Lyn James, and community members. It was this group that originally started offering support groups to our community. This group also helped to create and facilitate a Friends, Family & Allies group. Trans Plus evolved from there back in 2015, down in the basement of the Building For Women in downtown Duluth. Initially, we focused solely on providing support groups, twice a month. We continued to partner with the Trans+ Friends, Family & Allies group, facilitated by Kathy Hermes. As time passed and community needs became more apparent, we began to expand our reach and services. At the end of 2021, we received community feedback that a name change would help our organization become more inclusive. Together, with community input, we decided on a new name and Trans Northland was created in Duluth, Minnesota in June of 2022. Today, we offer:
-peer-to-peer support groups
-advocacy and resource navigation
-community events & social gatherings
We are still connected with the Friends, Family & Allies group, and are building a more supportive, caring collaboration between our groups.
