T-LISH—Transgendered Ladies Initiating Sisterhood—is a youth program of Trans: Thrive (a non-profit drop in center for and operated by the trans community). T-LISH is an empowerment group for trans women of color between the ages of 14 and 24, but most of their events are open to all trans and genderqueer youth.
Walking into the T-LISH meeting room is similar to walking into your best friend’s apartment. Seeing the bright pinks, purples and reds of the walls and over-stuffed furniture automatically made me smile. I felt completely at home in the space. The walls are covered with butcher paper posters. One of which defined the “Trans Umbrella,” the words transsexual, FTM, MTF, transvestite, drag king, gender variant, stud, genderqueer, intersex, two-spirit, drag queen, and gender non-conforming are written neatly under a perfectly drawn umbrella. Another wall has the “Sister Agreements” on it:
-Be on time/Stay
-Respect
-Active Listening
-Value opinions and differences
-Challenge ideas not people
-Confidentiality
-Be positive
-Use “I” Statements
-1 Diva 1 Mic
-There are no dumb questions
Akira has been the Trans Youth Program Specialist for over a year and is in charge of promoting and recruiting for the drop in. The group—consisting of Akira, Kourtni, *Michelle, and roughly 15 to 50 other girls meet twice a week. Saturdays evenings are the T-LISH Lounge from 5:30-8:30 where they have Faces411—a “how-to” on makeup application and products; movie and game nights; and Sex and the City Mocktails and Discussions. Drop-In is every Wednesday from 3:30 to 4:30 followed by the Core Group Meetings. This is considered the decision-making body of T-LISH and is open only to youth who identify as trans women of color.
The girls at T-LISH spend their time together doing informational outreach—such as promoting safer sex—and work towards building community by going on group outings throughout the city including Alcatraz, the Exploratorium, and the Aquarium by the Bay. Kourtni, who has been a part of T-LISH for over a year now and has become a member of Core Group says “T-LISH for me is like family.” She credits T-LISH and Akira for helping her move here to San Francisco from Palo Alto. “I think of Akira as my mother.” Kourtni is an artist and is currently in school to be a medical assistant. She also volunteers as an HIV counselor for Trans: Thrive. “I grew up here. They really try to make everyone feel welcome. I want more trans youth of color to come because it’s a really good group to be a part of.”
*Michelle (who wished to have her name changed) has been attending T-LISH since November 2008, and, according to Akira, Michelle is a veteran. “I started coming to T-LISH because there’s not a lot of trans people in my life, at least not outside of the club scene, and most resources in the city are often for older women. At T-LISH I get to connect with trans women my age and give back to the community.”
On Saturday, November 14 T-LISH and the House of Khan will be hosting Glitter Bay Area People’s Choice Awards Ball at Cell Space. According to Akira and Kourtni the Glitter Ball scene is more popular on the eastern side of the country, specifically in Philadelphia and Detroit where it’s simply more organized. But the girls of T-LISH are sure this will be a night to remember and are excited to introduce the Ballroom Scene to the Bay Area. The Glitter Ball will have everything from dancing, voguing and contests such as a best-dressed competition and drag contests including Femme and Butch Queens. Contestants will be eligible for the grand prize of $1000, as well as smaller prizes. For more information visit their website found below. Tickets are $25 if bought in advance and $30 at the door.
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