​TransVoices is a vital and transformative project within Garden of Peace, Inc. that provides a collective healing and supportive space for trans folx throughout the US. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the project has centered on Black trans masculine individuals from coast to coast.

Over the past 12 years, TransVoices has evolved from writing workshops and monologue performances honoring Trans Day of Remembrance to a comprehensive year-round support system. The project fosters community, empowerment, and healing through bi-weekly virtual sessions and daily group chats - creating a sanctuary for participants to explore their identities, relationships, and what healing can look like in a supportive and restorative community.

TransVoices ​Retreat

A four-day revival and celebration of black trans folks. We pray and have church. We sing. We laugh. We eat (and we eat good)! We meditate. We have communion and fellowship. We come together to celebrate the brilliance of our community. We speak our joys and our sorrows. Here we have courageous conversations. We choose to sit in our vulnerabilities as we act as witnesses.  We challenge ideas around resistance and art and who has access to create, claim, and reclaim spaces.

We declare this a holy and sacred space to fellowship, share, and celebrate the things that we have been told to hate about ourselves. We collectively celebrate our stories, our bodies, and our survival. We celebrate the fact that we are the survivors.. all of us.

What our participants have to say

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​“I’ve been on a journey of self-reflection and searching for, what is now, the majority of my life. I came home from this experience determined to make sure that those who have loved and supported me feel equally loved and supported. I also realized that I have become more open to the idea of sharing more of myself with new people -- something that has always been difficult for me. Brotherhood is required, sharing space with people of similar experience allowed me to process in a way I wouldn’t have done otherwise. I am so grateful for the experience, I look forward to more”

Anonymous

​“I’m so happy that this is a thing. We need more out there for black transmen.”

Anonymous

​“I learned that My reactions are mine alone. No one NEEDS to know how I feel on the inside. I get to CHOOSE how to RESPOND to situations. And I have a supportive group of brothers that will hold me accountable and remind me to stay focused on loving me.”

Anonymous

​“I came because I wanted to be surrounded by people that look like me, that ARE me-- to see a reflection and build confidence that I am not alone. That I am NEVER alone. I also wanted to exist in a space where I could focus on being a BLACK man (instead of a TRANS black man) and to build rapport with my fellow Brothers. can't remember who said this but I absolutely loved it and have been meditating on this: "...to understand the importance of having relationships and spaces for relaxation and liberation." Also I loved having a space to exist as a black man WITH other black men in such a welcoming and positive environment. I felt like I belonged despite being a rather flamboyant gay black man-- I never once felt out of place or unwelcomed. So I thank y'all for the affirmations that I too-- belong.”

Anonymous

​“I learned that I have brothers who have my back. I liked meeting the other men. Usually, I’m surrounded by the same group of men so to meet other guys and hear their life experiences is beautiful. I’ve learned that healing comes from within. I learned that my brothers are also my resources. To use my brothers and call on them in times of need. Not as a crutch but as a guide."

Anonymous

​“Being a part of #transvoices has brought me closer to my tribe! It’s been a while since some of us have connected and this group has given me more support and love than people I see every day in real life. To be able to pop in here and share what’s happening and to receive love and support for whatever is going on at that time is priceless. I love the connection we built through this group. It’s more than the exercises we work on. It’s the bond between brothers that’s what I’m so thankful for."

Anonymous

​“To have this organization increased support, resources, and community & reduced anxiety, isolation, and fear. This organization developed ways to help increase the agency of our cohort so that we could live happier healthier lives. I am so grateful."

Anonymous

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