The Aguda The Association for LGBTQ Equality Annual Report 2024

The Trans Center A Year of Growth, Community Resilience, and New Leadership

In 2024, the Trans Center, in collaboration with the Gila Project for Trans Empowerment, continued to champion meaningful initiatives to support and empower Israel's trans community, emphasizing community building, personal empowerment, and promoting equality. Activities included professional workshops, support groups, social gatherings, and individual assistance in legal aid, medical support, and rights advocacy. A core focus this year was fostering community resilience through diverse social events like cultural evenings, film screenings, and tailored gatherings for various subgroups. These initiatives provided safe spaces for connection and dialogue and reduced isolation while strengthening a sense of belonging. This year also brought significant challenges, including leadership transitions, with the center undergoing two managerial changes. Despite the adjustments, the dedicated staff adapted quickly, ensuring continuity of services and projects. In July, Alona Nir, with a background in informal education, community development, and leadership as a Reform rabbi, assumed the role of director. Alona aims to solidify existing services and extend the center’s model to underserved peripheral regions, where trans individuals often face limited access to critical resources. Despite challenges, the center achieved notable milestones, including a threefold increase in assistance requests compared to its inaugural year, highlighting the growing demand for its services. Registration for center activities grew by 70%, with a 30% rise in actual attendance compared to last year. These figures underscore the community's trust and value in the center, highlighting the need for expanded empowerment and support programs. Looking ahead, the Trans Center aims to enhance its services, advance equality, and promote visibility and acceptance for all members of Israel’s trans community.

"When you enter the Trans Center, it’s liberating!" Noam "We need a home, and that's what the Trans Center represents." Moran "The center saved my relationship with my family. It helped my mom and me go through a process, gradually showing her that we are good people and that we are human beings." Luka

Reason for contacting the center

60%

40%

20%

0%

Business expansion 6%

Lack of family support 9%

Volunt eering 11%

Other 17%

Strengthe ning identity 32%

Knowl- edge 33%

Therapy 42%

Social 59%

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