Beyond Awareness: Creating Space for Belonging

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Recognizing Transgender Awareness Week and honoring the importance of affirmation, community, and connection.

Written By: Brady Swanson, LAPC, MS | Licensed Associate Professional Counselor, They/He

Transgender Awareness Week (November 13-19) is a time to recognize, celebrate, and uplift members of the trans and nonbinary community.

It is an opportunity to increase awareness of the challenges trans individuals face while reflecting on how we can create more inclusive, affirming, and supportive spaces.

This week leads to Trans Day of Remembrance (TDOR) on November 20, an annual day honoring the lives of transgender individuals lost to anti-trans violence. Founded in 1999 by advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith, TDOR began as a vigil honoring Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was murdered in 1998.

At a time when trans and nonbinary individuals continue to face political discrimination, social exclusion, and threats to their safety and identity, it is important that we remain informed and intentional in how we support one another. Advocacy can take many forms! Affirmation goes beyond acceptance; it extends to allowing individuals to experience safety, belonging, authenticity, and joy in identity.

In Pittsburgh, several organizations and community spaces work to support trans and nonbinary individuals.

  • TransYOUniting is a local mutual aid nonprofit focused on providing resources, advocacy, and support for transgender and nonbinary individuals.

  • Central Outreach Wellness Center offers accessible, LGBTQ+-affirming healthcare and community services.

  • For those seeking social connection, The Soft Spot is a sapphic-centered café that hosts community events and provides opportunities to connect with others.

  • Visit Pittsburgh also offers a queer resource directory to help individuals find affirming local organizations and spaces.

Transgender Awareness Week is about more than awareness; it is about action, compassion, connection, and knowledge.

Being vocal is important, showing up is important, and being respectful and understanding is affirming. We can honor those we have lost while continuing to advocate for the safety and futures of those who are here. Everyone deserves the opportunity to live authentically and experience belonging without fear or discrimination.

Additional Resource: GLAAD offers educational information, advocacy resources, and ways to uplift the trans community.

Wishing all my fellow trans and nonbinary folks an affirming Transgender Awareness Week, and a connected, warm Trans Day of Remembrance.

Brady offers a warm, affirming space for clients exploring identity, relationships, healing, and growth. As a queer and nonbinary therapist, Brady brings both professional experience and lived understanding to their work with LGBTQ+ clients, with a focus on gender identity and expression, queer relationships, ethical non-monogamy, and the experiences of trans, asexual, and aromantic individuals.

Brady also supports clients navigating anxiety, depression, PTSD, and neurodivergence through a trauma-informed, person-centered approach rooted in compassion, mindfulness, and connection.

Brady is currently accepting new clients. To learn more, visit villagetherapy.org/brady or call 412-455-6890.