Why You Should Support Trans Workforce Nonprofits This Giving Tuesday

Giving Tuesday is an opportunity to support organizations that are building a more just and prosperous world. This year, consider directing your generosity toward workforce development nonprofits, especially social justice nonprofit organizations focused on offering help for job seekers in marginalized groups. These organizations create lasting change by connecting individuals with economic opportunity, strengthening our communities, and building a more inclusive future for everyone. 

This is particularly critical for transgender, gender-diverse, and intersex (TGI) individuals, who face systemic barriers to employment and economic stability. A donation to a workforce services nonprofit specifically for historically marginalized job seekers is an investment in a more equitable workforce — and a more robust economy, which benefits everyone.

Overcoming Systemic Barriers to Employment

For many TGI individuals, the path to a stable career is fraught with significant challenges. Beyond the pervasive issue of gender discrimination, the trans community often grapples with low income, underemployment, and outright unemployment. Research indicates that trans people are nearly twice as likely to be unemployed as cisgender people and are four times more likely to have a household income of less than $10,000. 

Worse, these economic hardships are often compounded by other forms of bias, including racial discrimination against TGI people of color.

These barriers don’t just exist in hiring; they extend to the workplace itself. TGI workers may face a lack of inclusive policies, inadequate access to healthcare and other benefits, and a higher risk of harassment and discrimination. This hostile environment can hinder career progression, lead to higher turnover, and perpetuate cycles of poverty. The result is a significant talent pool that remains largely untapped, hurting not only individuals but the broader economy as well.

Empowering TGI Job Seekers for Career Success

This is where equity-driven workforce services nonprofits become essential. Organizations like TransCanWork (TCW) — a workforce center in Los Angeles — are on the front lines, providing the critical support needed to help TGI individuals navigate these challenges and build meaningful careers. TransCanWork operates with a dual mission: to empower job seekers while simultaneously partnering with employers to create more inclusive workplaces.

TCW’s programs and services are designed to address the specific needs of the TGI community. They provide essential resources for trans people such as career counseling, job placement assistance, and workshops on resume building and interviewing. 

For example, their State of CA Career Services Program is designed to help TGI individuals enter or re-enter the job market. They also partner with organizations to support specific groups, such as formerly incarcerated or justice-impacted TGI individuals, to ensure they have the resources needed to secure full employment.

Beyond individual support, these nonprofits act as a bridge, connecting TGI talent with employers committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This helps job seekers access high-quality jobs that offer competitive pay and critical benefits like health coverage, which can be life-saving for a community that often faces significant healthcare disparities. By focusing on both the individual and the system, these organizations create a powerful feedback loop that leads to long-term career success and financial stability.

Building a Stronger Labor Force and Economy for All

The impact of workforce development nonprofits extends far beyond the individuals they serve, creating a ripple effect that benefits all of society. By improving workforce participation, they help employers fill vacancies, strengthen the economy, and foster a more vibrant and diverse labor market. When individuals are employed in stable, well-paying jobs, they contribute more to the tax base, increase consumer spending, and reduce the need for government assistance. This alleviates taxpayer burdens and frees up public funds for other essential services.

These organizations additionally help employers create more inclusive and productive workplaces. By training companies on best practices for recruiting, retaining, and supporting TGI employees, nonprofits like TransCanWork are helping to build a more equitable business landscape. As a result, companies benefit from a more diverse talent pool, increased innovation, and enhanced employee morale and retention. When workplaces are truly inclusive, everyone benefits, regardless of gender identity.

This Giving Tuesday, consider a donation to TransCanWork. Your contribution will directly support their mission to empower TGI job seekers, transform workplaces, and build a more prosperous future for everyone. By investing in their work, you are not just giving a gift; you are making a strategic investment in the economic empowerment of a community that has long been overlooked, and in the collective well-being of our society as a whole.

Empower the TGI Workforce This Giving Tuesday With TCW

At TransCanWork, we envision a world where the barriers to employment for transgender individuals are dismantled and where they can pursue fulfilling careers free from discrimination and prejudice. This vision encompasses several key elements that enable empowerment, equality, and dignity for transgender workers everywhere. We promote the implementation of policies that protect the rights of transgender workers, including nondiscrimination policies, health care coverage for gender-affirming treatments, and appropriate restroom and dress code accommodations.
However, we can’t do this without you. Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed on our key issues and projects, and please consider donating today!