Members of Trans United Charlotte.
While still a relatively new organization in Charlotte’s LGBTQ+ community, Trans United CLT (TUCLT) has hit the ground running with both inclusive events and well-needed initiatives.
According to the group’s website, TUCLT is “Charlotte’s only non-profit exclusively for the Transgender community, run only by members of the Transgender community.” The new organization was founded on July 13. Their membership has pushed to find effective ways to help and connect the trans community in the Queen City.
One of those ways was with the Name Change Clinic, hosted on October 27. In partnership with Tabbris, Charlotte Gaymers Network (CGN), the Pauli Murray LGBTQ BAR Association, Cadawaller Wickersham Taft LLP, along with a few individuals in each organization like Katie Jenifer, as well as Jonny and Candelario Saldana. The event came off as a success during its first run.
Morgan Callahan, Co-Executive Director & Founding Board Member of TUCLT, spoke with Qnotes about the many benefits the clinic brings to the city’s trans community.
“The Name Change Clinic is a community led service designed to help transgender, nonbinary, and gender non-conforming folx begin the legal process of changing their names,” Callahan described. “The clinic provides guidance with the required paperwork, including completion, printing and going over next steps so the process feels less confusing and bureaucratic, and like more of an affirming process that brings them one step closer to being who they really are.”
In connecting with CGN, TUCLT will also be curating the former’s tailor-made trans-inclusive event T4T for the foreseeable future. T4T is a community-centric event for the trans community, as well as anyone identifying as LGBTQ+ along with their allies, that combines entertainment, relaxation, and connection during each session. The goal for these events is to give a respite to unwind, especially in the current political and cultural climate.
Nora Morton, also a Co-Executive Director & Founding Board Member, was thrilled to be able to carry on the torch from CGN. “We feel that T4T events are a perfect addition to our offerings of support groups and community events,” Morton jovially exclaimed. “Together, we look forward to expanding these popular meetups, ensuring more opportunities for members and allies alike to come together, unwind, and celebrate in a welcoming environment dedicated to unity and support.”
The next T4T event will take place Friday, November 15, while the Name Change Clinic is set to make a return on January 4, 2025. Whether at these two events, or at a midway gathering dubbed “TRANSgiving” set for November 23 at the Hygge location on 1026 Jay Street in Charlotte, the Queen City’s transgender residents thankfully have another place to call home.