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forgeforwardtrans.bsky.social
FORGE
@forgeforwardtrans.bsky.social
240 followers 83 following 390 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
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
forgeforwardtrans.bsky.social
If you're wondering how your agency can become more welcoming to trans survivors, check out this webinar! There are free and easy steps that every agency can take to show trans and nonbinary survivors that they belong. Find out more at forge.tips/becoming-a-trans-welcoming-agency
[Image: Text on a blue background with several "sliders," each incluing an action item. Text: "Becoming a Trans-Welcoming Agency. Use trans-inclusive literature; Have all-gender bathrooms; Reflect a survivor's language for their gender/body parts/etc; Offer gender-integrated services; Keep learning! forge.tips/becoming-a-trans-welcoming-agency" FORGE logo.]
January 12, 2026 at 1:01 PM
forgeforwardtrans.bsky.social
"Community is the cure. They’re trying to divide and conquer, but we’re stronger together." - Bo

#TransSurvivors #Transgender #NonBinary #TransJoy
[Image: White text on a black background. Text: "'Community is the cure. They’re trying to divide and conquer, but we’re stronger together.' - Bo" FORGE logo.]
January 11, 2026 at 1:00 PM
forgeforwardtrans.bsky.social
How can you support LGBTQ+ stalking victims? FORGE and SPARC have collaborated to create an in-depth publication for victim advocates, service providers, survivors, and loved ones. forge.tips/stalking-guide
[Image: Green background with the link "forge.tips/stalking-guide" and a FORGE logo. Text: "How can service providers support trans and nonbinary stalking victims?" A photo of a smiling transfeminine person with long brown hair, sitting at a desk. Text: "1. Believe your clients." A photo of a transmasculine person with split red and brown hair smoking a cigarette. Text: "2. Listen to previous experiences of harm."] [Image: Green background with the link "forge.tips/stalking-guide" and a FORGE logo. A photo of two nonbinary people facing one another and looking into each others' eyes. Text: "3. Reflect their language." A photo of a young transmasculine person wearing a gray t-shirt, looking at their phone. Text: "4. Support autonomy."] [Image: Green background with the link "forge.tips/stalking-guide" and a FORGE logo. A photo of a transfeminine person riding a bike in a city. Text: "5. Be aware of your bias. Learn more: FORGE.TIPS/STALKING-GUIDE."]
January 9, 2026 at 1:00 PM
forgeforwardtrans.bsky.social
As we start the new year, we are reminded of all the strength, advocacy, and support shared within trans communities. "I wake up everyday with unending gratitude for being trans. Unending gratitude for my queer and trans communities." - Chase Strangio (@chasestrangio.bsky.social)
[Image: Text on a piece of notebook paper, overlaying a beach landscape. Text: "'I wake up everyday with unending gratitude for being trans. Unending gratitude for my queer and trans communities.' Chase Strangio." FORGE logo.]
January 8, 2026 at 6:53 PM
forgeforwardtrans.bsky.social
New relationships can reshape our understandings of our pasts. For our last contributor highlight from Issue #4 of the Trans Survivors Zine, we're excited to share Naina's "i walk back through your past to hold your hand in the dark and kiss your bruises." Read the full poem at forge.tips/zine!
[Image: Two slides with a light blue background. Slide 1 text: "Trans Survivors Zine: Relationships. i walk back through your past to hold your hand in the dark and kiss your bruises by Naina. 'right now, a butterfly flaps its wings somewhere, and you and i make a home in each other’s pasts. though we only just met, i know i’ve known you my whole life / we write ourselves into the margins of each other’s histories, making old memories feel a little sweeter, a little less alone / you hold me when i cry today, overwhelmed by feelings i can’t name, and somehow this moment writes itself into the past.' forge.tips/zine." FORGE logo.] [Image: Slide 2 text: "About the Writer. Naina. Naina is a Baltimore-based artist, studying physics and visual art. They enjoy experimenting with different media including zines, illustration, poetry, and printmaking. In their art, Naina explores intersections of queerness, disability, Black & brown culture, revolutionary work, and the natural world through storytelling. Their work is an entry point to hidden histories and worldviews; it is inspired by their love for South Asian poetry forms & textile motifs, space & physics metaphors, and creatures of all kinds. IG: @crosbygroggy and @cosmopoeticchaos. forge.tips/zine." FORGE logo.]
January 2, 2026 at 1:01 PM
forgeforwardtrans.bsky.social
For so many trans folks, it's important that we see the possibilities ahead of us for healthy and loving relationships. Samuel-Michael's "Prince on Ice" considers how and what we reveal about our histories, and the vulnerability of being seen and received. Read the full piece: forge.tips/zine
[Image: Two slides with a light blue background. Slide 1 text: "Trans Survivors Zine: Relationships. Prince on Ice by Samuel-Michael. 'He knew of my identity as a trans man, being one of the few Hinge meet-ups that never asked invasive questions and allowed me to share details at my own pace. When he said he’d watched my pre-transition skating videos, I waited for him to begin looking at me in That Way. The way that cis people look at trans people once they know of their past. But he didn’t. He raved about my talent, questioning why I had downplayed my achievements so much, and complimented my dresses and makeup.' forge.tips/zine." FORGE logo.] [Image: Slide 2 text: "About the Writer. Samuel-Michael. I am a gay trans man who loves being creative in all forms, including art, writing, and photography. Most of my stories focus on mental health issues and queer identities, as I aim to bring accurate representation of all sorts of LGBTQ+ people. forge.tips/zine." FORGE logo.]
January 1, 2026 at 2:01 PM
forgeforwardtrans.bsky.social
From all of us at FORGE, we're wishing you a restful start to the new year. Not all of us have choice in how we spend the holidays. Visiting family, or being in unsupportive environments, can take a toll on us. Wishing ease and healing for all of us who need it in the new year!
[Image: Graphics of flowers overlaying a black background. Text: "From the FORGE staff; Happy New Year." FORGE logo.]
January 1, 2026 at 1:01 PM
forgeforwardtrans.bsky.social
Sometimes the connections we form with our community are less visible to others - underground, carefully-held, and built through and in spite of traumatic experiences. Find Caz Shegogue's "communing" in the relationships issue of the Trans Survivors Zine, at forge.tips/zine!
[Image: Two slides with a light blue background. Slide 1 includes Caz Shegogue's 'communing.' A brightly-colored rainbow background of flowing paint is lined with simple white line drawings of people facing each other and mushrooms. FORGE logo.] [Image: Slide 2 text: "About the Artist. Caz Shegogue. I am a trans multimedia artist from DC, concentrating on tattooing and watercolor as well as any medium I can get my hands on. I have played my own unique part in the DC trans & queer DIY scene for at least 5 years. Now, I continue to support and create for my community every day through local pop-ups and art events. When I create, I am inspired by organic shapes and patterns found in nature and the ethereal worlds of my dreams. @ph0tosynthetic. forge.tips/zine." FORGE logo.]
December 31, 2025 at 1:01 PM
forgeforwardtrans.bsky.social
Trans Survivors Issue #4 explores relationships of all kinds, including ways that intimacy becomes complicated by identity and our experiences of our bodies. We love the way Dex's "Dick Under Duct Tape" captures the boundaries we create to protect ourselves. Read the full poem: forge.tips/zine
[Image: Two slides with a light blue background. Slide 1 text: "Trans Survivors Zine: Relationships. Dick Under Duct Tape by Dex Drury. 'You ask: / why won’t you let me go down on you? / I answer: / closeted, I still used to joke / that I had a dick under the duct tape / if only that were true / and I could peel off my crotch / rrrrriiiiipppp / to reveal a fully formed phallus / snug under mons pubis' forge.tips/zine." FORGE logo.] [Image: Slide 2 text: "About the Writer. Dex Drury. Dex Drury writes poetry to cultivate catharsis and engage in the pursuit of personal truth. Dex believes that while language often fails us as we strive to accurately communicate our vulnerable pains and desires, it's worth the attempt anyway. forge.tips/zine." FORGE logo.]
December 30, 2025 at 1:00 PM
forgeforwardtrans.bsky.social
"I love how our community finds ways to protect each other." Find Kipp at @sharks-treasures.bsky.social and the full zine at forge.tips/zine!

#TransSurvivors #TransArtists #TransPoets #T4T
[Image: Two slides with a light blue background. Slide 1 includes Kipp LL Wheeler's 'We Protect Each Other.' A chrocheted rainbow flail is embroiered with the phrase "we protect each other." FORGE logo.] [Image: Slide 2 text: "About the Artist. Kipp LL Wheeler. Kipp LL Wheeler is a transmale queer artist, residing in Kentucky. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Art concentration in Painting and Printmaking from Eastern Kentucky University, currently working towards a Master of Instructional Design. He frequents art festivals/fairs under the business name Shark’s Treasures. IG: @sharks_treasures; Bluesky: @sharks-treasures; Facebook: @Shark’s Treasures. forge.tips/zine." FORGE logo.]
December 29, 2025 at 7:06 PM
forgeforwardtrans.bsky.social
Imagining is a powerful tool for creating the spaces and communities we want to live in. niko's poem "i want" makes desires for interpersonal and larger-scale change simple. Read the full poem in Issue #4 of the Trans Survivors Zine at forge.tips/zine!
[Image: Two slides with a light blue background. Slide 1 text: "Trans Survivors Zine: Relationships. i want by niko swanson-brownell. 'i want you in my hands / my fingers tracing stories into your soft skin / i want to see palestine free / israeli and us politicians rebuilding homes from the rubble as reparations / i want to kiss you without fucking you / i want to see the rematriation of the land / i want to trust my body / like i trust the trees here / which is to say i want to know which path to take / and to whisper truth into your ear / for you to hear it, to listen' forge.tips/zine." FORGE logo.] [Image: Slide 2 text: "About the Writer. niko swanson-brownell. niko swanson-brownell (he/they) is a queer+trans poet, aspiring dairy farmer and jack of many other trades. his first poem was written at age 5, titled "no more binning." since then he has contributed a number of poems to anthologies and journals. their work follows organic styles, mirroring his main subjects, the natural world. @poetrybyniko. forge.tips/zine." FORGE logo.]
December 28, 2025 at 2:01 PM
forgeforwardtrans.bsky.social
Lambda Legal (@lambdalegal.org) collected and shared messages of hope for trans youth. Margaret from California says, "Trans existence is a beautiful thing." Find the other messages at www.instagram.com/p/DRKrpIPikU...
December 28, 2025 at 1:01 PM
forgeforwardtrans.bsky.social
We love the way Blue Midnight Canis's poem, "Skinner Box," makes the trajectory of a relationship into something tangible, the way that seeking connection and care slowly returns abuse. Read the full poem at forge.tips/zine and connect with Blue Midnight Canis at @azurebitch.bsky.social!
[Image: Two slides with a light blue background. Slide 1 text: "Trans Survivors Zine: Relationships. Skinner Box by Blue Midnight Canis. 'The rewards come so easy at first / Press the lever, treats come out / Little pellets of love / Press: A compliment / Press: A held hand / Press: A kiss / Press: Flowers / But over time it feels like the lever / stops working as well / Press: / Press: / Press: You are loved' forge.tips/zine." FORGE logo.] [Image: Slide 2 text: "About the Writer. Blue Midnight Canis. Blue Midnight Canis is a queer wolf of a trans woman living in southern Ontario. Under a previous name, she was a 2022 Hugo finalist for her short story "Unknown Number." In addition to being an author, she is a statistician, film geek, cat parent, poet, and increasingly indefinable creature hovering somewhere between "monster" and "MILF." @azurebitch.bsky.social. forge.tips/zine." FORGE logo.]
December 27, 2025 at 1:00 PM
forgeforwardtrans.bsky.social
About his piece, "Mementos From Our Last Night," Noah shares: "This painting is an expression of pain, created shortly after Noah got out of xyr abusive relationship. Despite the reminders of trauma there is light coming through the storm clouds." forge.tips/zine

#TransSurvivors #TransArtists
[Image: Two slides with a light blue background. Slide 1 includes Noah Stang-Osborne's 'Mementos From Our Last Night.' A watercolor painting with a grey, cloudy background depicts a person's bandaged ankle above scissors and a broken white object. A phone with a cracked screen plays music on the right. A hotel key card peeks from the bottom of the frame. forge.tips/zine." FORGE logo.] [Image: Slide 2 text: "About the Artist. Noah Stang-Osborne. Noah is a multi media artist and big feeler. His bachelors in art therapy informs his expressive approach to art making. In xyr art xe explores themes of grief, survivorship, disability and community. @art._.by.noah. forge.tips/zine." FORGE logo.]
December 26, 2025 at 1:01 PM
forgeforwardtrans.bsky.social
Jackson Fortner Hill's "Damn The Roses" explores the complexity of remembering in the aftermath of a relationship. Find the full poem in Issue #4 of the Trans Survivors Zine, at forge.tips/zine

#TransSurvivors #TransPoets
[Image: Two slides with a light blue background. Slide 1 text: "Trans Survivors Zine: Relationships. Damn The Roses by Jackson Fortner Hill. 'There's some special place in my brain to remember all the things about you that I would rather not / I remember which rose pastry you love the most and how you held it to my lips for me to taste / I remember the stop sign, the scar, your elbow / And the way you slid a butterfly wing into my left-breast pocket along with the flowers and grass bits which I burned and smoked away next year left only with sparks by candlelight' forge.tips/zine." FORGE logo.] [Image: Slide 2 text: "About the Writer. Jackson Fortner Hill. Jackson Fortner Hill is a seasoned artist with two decades of experience in creating and selling thought-provoking artwork. As a queer artist, his dynamic approach to materials and techniques reflects a deep commitment to self-expression and an ongoing dialogue with both the body and the environment. With each piece, Jackson invites viewers to engage with the nuances of the human experience, offering a unique perspective that resonates on both a personal and universal level. @attack.of.the.flapjack. forge.tips/zine." FORGE logo.]
December 25, 2025 at 1:00 PM
forgeforwardtrans.bsky.social
Issue #4 of the Trans Survivors Zine explores relationships in all their forms. Oliver Chapman's "Wedding Bells" captures the depth of emotion when queer love and connection are expressed and honored. Read the zine: forge.tips/zine

#TransSurvivors #TransArtists
[Image: Two slides with a light blue background. Slide 1 includes Oliver Chapman's 'Wedding Bells.' On a blue background, drawn in black are two masculine figures in suits embrace in a tender kiss. Surrounding them are splatters of white, light blue, medium blue, and dark blue to imitate throwing rice or flowers on newlyweds. forge.tips/zine."] [Image: Slide 2 text: "About the Artist. Oliver Chapman. I am a gay trans man who loves being creative in all forms, including art, writing, and photography. Most of my stories focus on mental health issues and queer identities, as I aim to bring accurate representation of all sorts of LGBTQ+ people. forge.tips/zine." FORGE logo.]
December 24, 2025 at 1:01 PM