Traction

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Traction TRACTION is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Washington state.

TRACTION recognizes that there needs to be a societal shift in how trans and gender-diverse people are seen and understood in the world. We believe the best way to create change is to not just be visible, but to show up: to demonstrate our humanity by working together with allies and friends of all genders on community service projects that strive to lift up the most vulnerable among us — building relationships and collaborative partnerships along the way. Our goal is to cultivate a body of TRACTION members eager to collaborate with other organizations and offer our volunteer power and resources to assist underserved populations. In doing so, we increase trans visibility within the broader community while helping those in need.

10/14/2026

Gabriel from GSBA explains the likely harms that will come if WA ballot initiative I-001 is passed.

Learn more at No Hate in WA State

Early voting starts October 16 in WA.
Your vote is VITAL

10/14/2026

Parents in WA State are asking you to vote NO on I-001.

10/14/2026

There are some harmful anti-trans, harmful-to-all-youth initiatives on the WA State ballot this year.

Here is a quick 3-minute tutorial, recorded this summer at TransPride.

Thank you, of AND for helping explain the potential impact of these draconian initiatives. Thank you

Want more?
Join Harper Bizarre, TRACTION, and October 17 for Q***r the Vote in Seattle, 7 pm at the Lumberyard Bar

10/13/2026

Join us for Q***r the Vote: What’s on Your Ballot!

📅 Saturday, October 17
🕓 7:00–9:00 PM
📍 Lumber Yard Bar, Seattle

Bring your ballot and friends, and let's Q***r the Vote! 🪩✨🎶🗳️

For this general election, we're coming together to learn about rank choice voting, the initiatives and candidates on your ballot, and how each affects our lives.

Voting is an act of hope, solidarity, and investing in the future we deserve. And your ballot deserves a chance to be counted.

As our host Harper Bizarre so eloquently stated, “Cheers to one big Life, Liberty, & Lumberyard night!”

***rTheVote ***rLiberation

10/07/2026

Trans+ kids exist. Every trans+ adult was once a child navigating life at school and at home. So what happens when we make a child's safe(r) place less safe?

Peggy Haslach () shares her experience.

🗳 Peggy asks that you VOTE NO on I-001 to help all kids.

⏰ Read more No Hate in WA State

🗳 Early Voting starts October 16.
Register now - vote.org

This can be an overwhelming milestone in peoples' lives. Thanks Point of Pride for the excellent guide.
09/23/2026

This can be an overwhelming milestone in peoples' lives. Thanks Point of Pride for the excellent guide.

We've been chatting with journalists about the migration of trans+ people to sanctuary - especially since the fall of 20...
09/23/2026

We've been chatting with journalists about the migration of trans+ people to sanctuary - especially since the fall of 2025.

🎙 cascadepbs.org/show/the-newsfeed-2/

THURS-SEP 24 We'll be on Cascade PBS The Newsfeed in the morning, and again in the afternoon.

TRACTION's Project Open Arms has been supporting trans+ people relocating away from unsafe places since 2023. While we cannot offer people money, we DO help them
+ figure out a destination
+ coordinate their move
+ search for moving funds, if possible
+ update resumes
+ connect with temporary places to stay
+ identify local resources
+ connect with local social & professional networks
+ stay on track and not lose hope

Trans+ lives are precious.

While Washington families are struggling, a Republican mega-donor spent millions to get two anti-trans measures on our N...
09/23/2026

While Washington families are struggling, a Republican mega-donor spent millions to get two anti-trans measures on our November’s ballot. These measures are worded to sound like they’re “protecting girls” but they’re endangering both trans and cis kids alike.

I-638 would put our kids at greater risk of sexual and psychological abuse by requiring annual ge***al exams to play sports in elementary, middle, and high school.

Vote NO on I-638 and tell these creepy adults to f* off and leave ALL of our kids alone.

09/22/2026

"The world is worth fighting for."

In this Trans Heartbeat episode Michelle and guest Eisa Al-Shamma talk about the transformative optimism to be found in trans+ art and performance.

👀 Full episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/z6FWELGJ1JM, Spotify, & Apple

Eisa Al-Shamma () is a writer, performer and activist who challenges us to reframe our own vulnerabilities because being fully yourself is both a gift and a powerful form of resistance.

Access: Closed Captions available on YouTube
Full accessible transcript available at bit.ly/transheartbeat
++++++++++++
Hosted and produced by Michelle N. Matlock
Edited and produced by StormMiguel Florez
Produced by Traction
Trans Heartbeat theme song "Mutual Aid" by Mya Byrne
+++++++++++++++++++
Image Description: A trans masculine person with olive skin and brown hair, round rimmed glasses and a green sweater, and a radiant smile.
Text: Trans Heartbeat Episode 13 Guest: Eisa Al-Shamma bit.ly/TransHeartbeat Links in bio

***rJoy

09/22/2026

Our newest episode of Trans Heartbeat features the incredible Joie Lou Shakur, filmmaker, cultural organizer, founder of Comfrey Films, and creator of the Black Trans Short Film Festival.

>> https://tractionpnw.org/tln/trans-heartbeat/

We talk about preserving Black trans history, training the next generation of storytellers, building community, and why our stories deserve to be remembered not just today, but for generations to come.

Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.

Support TRACTION at tractionpnw.org

+++++++++++++
Hosted and produced by Michelle N. Matlock
Edited and produced by StormMiguel Florez
Produced by Traction
Trans Heartbeat theme song "Mutual Aid" by Mya Byrne
Featuring music by

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Seattle, WA

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