Anthology for Trans Families Update
TransFriend is still accepting submissions, and you are encouraged to contribute
Welcome to TransFriend, a weekly publication and community centered around normalizing trans and queer stories. What’s this place all about? Read up on how Substack Is Queer, learn How I Started my Substack with Zero Subscribers, or find a place to feel Rooted.
Posting this week feels really hard, so I’m going to take it easy on myself and use this time to talk about my ongoing anthology, For Trans Families, With Love. We’ve already received some beautiful submissions, and I know there are more of you out there who might be considering adding your contributions.
Why an anthology?
Because bringing together a community of voices is meaningful in many ways. Our stories are unique. Our voices are unique, too. If you’re a trans and/or queer person, you might feel like your voice doesn’t carry the same weight as cis and/or straight voices do. Together we can fix that.
If you’re still feeling a little waffly on just how this whole community support thing works, I invite you to take a look at the beautiful collaboration I took part in with
last month. We brought the framework to you, and your words filled in the love, the tenderness, and the resilience that ultimately built a truly special manifesto of transness for all to share and enjoy.
The next generation needs us
Kids and young people around the globe are watching as new laws are passed to restrict their access to healthcare, to prevent them from playing sports with their teammates, and to erase our stories from their libraries. Children lack the agency to fight these laws without our help. Showing up for them with our words is one (relatively) simple way to provide support.
You can share a message or story of love, support, and solidarity with trans youth and their families by participating in this anthology. And, unlike other calls for submissions, there is no competition for space or requirement for perfection here. Your voice is welcome and wanted just as it is.
You are enough.
To catch up on the latest United States Anti-Trans Legislative Risk Assessment Map by
, click on the linked article below.
Want some specifics?
Works submitted to this project can be fiction, nonfiction, visual art, poetry, or prose. Written works are limited to 1500 words max. Visual art is limited to 3 separate pieces. Submitted written works may be edited for clarity, content, or length as needed. If an email is provided, I'll reach out to discuss this with you. If you prefer to remain anonymous, I promise to do my best to honor the fidelity and intent of your work.
There is currently no closing date as submissions are still slowly coming in. I have time to wait for you. If you’re interested in participating and worried that things may wrap up before you’re ready, you can always reach out to me in an email or DM.
Help spread the word about this project
Please help share this project widely. Trans families are often private in order to protect themselves from harm. By sharing a link to this project within your circle, you can show others that you are a friend, an ally, and a supporter of trans love.
You can also create a Note here on Substack to spread information about this project. Below is some text you’re welcome to use.
Trans Kids deserve love! If you are a family with a trans child, or if you’re a friend or educator of trans children, please consider participating in this anthology of stories. Participants are welcome to remain anonymous. A wide range of works will be accepted. Find out more at https://transfriend.substack.com, or head over to the submission form at https://tally.so/r/n0L6kA to participate.
If you are a member of a local PFLAG or other trans-affirming group, please let them know they are welcome to participate.
To everyone who has shared a story already, and to those of you still thinking about contributing, thank you!
Your trans friend,
Robin
Thank you, Robin, for creating such a heartfelt space and for your unwavering support of trans families through this anthology project. Your dedication to uplifting our community’s voices and stories—whether it’s through fiction, poetry, or personal experiences—shows the world how powerful and essential our narratives are. 🌈💫
Sharing your own vulnerability and compassion while inviting others to contribute reminds me just how important it is to keep building connections and advocating for those who are still finding their voice. This anthology isn’t just a collection of stories—it’s a beacon of love, resilience, and solidarity in times when such visibility matters more than ever.
To anyone reading this, if you’re looking for a place to feel seen, supported, and welcomed, I encourage you to check out Robin’s work and consider contributing. Let’s amplify trans voices together! 🗣️💖
#TransSupport #QueerStories #TransFamilies #CommunityMatters
This is beautiful, thank you for doing this for everyone ❤️❤️❤️