Black Trans Futures

Black Trans Futures is an organizing and storytelling collaboration between the ACLU of Alabama and The Knights and Orchids Society. In its inaugural year, BTF hosted a paid 4-week intensive training program for Black and trans Alabamians interested in developing community organizing and storytelling skills that could combat the anti-trans rhetoric and legislation gaining ground in Alabama’s legislature. In addition to the training intensive, BTF developed a storytelling campaign highlighting the everyday lived experiences of Black and trans youth living in Alabama.   

VISIT THE BLACK TRANS FUTURES STORYTELLING PROJECT

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Applications for the 2nd year of Black Trans Futures are now open!

Applications for BTF will open on Monday, August 14th and close on Thursday, August 31st.  
We encourage Black, trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming folks in Alabama to apply. 

APPLY FOR THE 2023 ORGANIZING SCHOOL

With year two of Black Trans Futures on the horizon, the ACLU of AL and TKO will once again be partnering to host an extended version of the training program launching during October’s Queer History Month and closing with February’s Black History Month. This 5-month paid training program will continue to help develop the community organizing and storytelling skills of Black and trans Alabamians. Additionally, all BTF participants will have the opportunity to build relationships with other Black and trans Alabamians and further expand their network of cultural organizers. 

In this program, you will:

  • Connect with fellow trans, non-binary, and GNC Alabamians 

  • Develop relationships with Alabama organizers 

  • Learn about and highlight the history of Black queer & trans individuals 

  • Practice self-care techniques to promote your mental, emotional, and physical well-being 

  • Become informed and educated about legislation and issues relevant to the trans community 

  • Develop a personal narrative and create a final zine highlighting your experiences both inside and outside of the program 


Celebration and Project Showcase

The program will conclude on February 24, 2024. Each fellow will have the opportunity to showcase a unique storytelling project encompassing the “Black Trans Futures” theme and their personal story. Media, community members and ACLU AL staff will be in attendance to celebrate the fellows as well. More details to come! 

Check out last year's celebration
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Black Trans Futures

Check out snippets of our Black trans Futures storytelling project. See the full project here.

Ro sitting in front of a pink backdrop
Meet Ro

“I love my journey. I’m not a man, I’m a trans man and that holds so much power. I can still nurse life and nurture life and at the same time, be masculine. Like, you couldn’t mix that together and duplicate that if you tried. There’s only one Ro and that Ro is special.” 

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