FORGE Inc

About FORGE

Transgender and non-binary individuals and loved ones all too often need help healing from violence and trauma. FORGE is the nation's leading transgender anti-violence organization. Since 1994 we have provided free and accessible self-help materials, connected survivors to resources in their area, and worked to empower individuals and communities. You can help us help others.

We Support Survivors

We provide direct support, referrals, information, and self-help materials for trans/non-binary survivors and loved ones. Here are just some of the highlights of our survivor resources:

• 2017 Supporting Trans/NB Survivors by the numbers          
• Blog and resources for survivors  
• National providers’ directory    
• Self-help guides for trans survivors and loved ones   
• Espavo Project 
• Trans Survivor Facebook page

We Train Service Providers

FORGE provides in-person trainings and nationwide webinars to thousands of service providers every year, teaching them not only about trans and non-binary individuals, but also how they can provide trans-competent outreach and services, thereby helping people heal.Here are just some of the highlights of our work with service providers:

• 2017 Training and Technical Assistance by the numbers
• 70+ hours free, on demand, online trainings
• Guides, tip sheets, and other publications

We Shift Systems

FORGE is invited to some of the highest-level policy-making tables to help ensure that trans/non-binary survivors receive the respect, safety, and services we deserve. Some of the work we’ve done in 2017 include: 

• We are a lead partner representing eight underserved populations on a groundbreaking project through the Office for Victims of Crime 
• We are engaged with the State of Hawaii’s Sexual Assault Coalition and Department of Health in a multi-year effort to improve that state’s ability to reach and serve trans/LGBTQ survivors of sexual assault
• We work with many national sexual assault and domestic violence coalitions to share resources and advance pro-trans policies and practices
• We are co-lead of the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Program’s Policy Committee
• We partner and work closely with other progressive agencies, including: 
  • 1in6.org, CenterLink, CU Denver Center on Domestic Violence, DeafPhoenix, Futures Without Violence, International Association of Forensic Nurses, Jewish Women International, Just Detention International, National Center for Transgender Equality, National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, National Resource Center on LGBT Aging, National Sexual Violence Resource Center, NO MORE Campaign, NOVA (National Organization for Victim Assistance), PCAR (Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape), Raliance, SAFEta, SAGE USA, VAWnet, Vera Institute of Justice

We Empower and Inspire

FORGE does all of its work – with survivors and with service providers – guided by two foundational principles: 1. being trauma informed, and 2. being empowering. While we think you can see these values in just about every corner of our work, here are two more links:

• Espavo portrait project
• What people are saying 

We Help at Home in Wisconsin

Although FORGE is a national organization, we are headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and we play an active role here. Check out some of our local work:

• 2017 Wisconsin by the numbers
• Wisconsin-specific webpage  
• Wisconsin-specific Facebook page

How You Can Support Us

Until this Fall (2017), FORGE has been extremely fortunate to be fully funded through federal grants and contracts. Unfortunately, a critical piece of this support has not be refunded and we face a 2018 budget deficit as a result. It’s not just money we need: we are asking our supporters to help spread the word about FORGE’s work.  You can find out more here: 

• Join the Trans Resistance
• Donate and earn us a Facebook match
• Donate through Razoo