2024 Trans Legislation Tracker

Documents legislation impacting the lives of trans people in the United States. The Trans Legislation Tracker makes tools to follow and engage with active bills, and their growing set of resources helps people understand the broader story of trans legal rights in the U.S.

Black Trans Femmes in the Arts

A community-based arts non-profit that builds community and mobilizes resources to support Black trans femme artists.

Black Trans Liberation

Aims to end homelessness within the trans population by providing access and resources from community partners that empower and celebrate the TGNC community.

Blacktress

A grassroots network and support group for self-defined Black/mixed race womxn actors of the African diaspora. Blacktress curates events, workshops, and projects.

QueerMusicals.com

An A-Z list of queer musicals, including segmented lists of Musicals with Trans and Nonbinary Characters, Musicals with Queer Black Characters, Musicals with Queer Asian Characters, Musicals with Queer Disabled Characters, and more.

REPRESENT! The QueerMusicals.com Podcast

A podcast series presented by Dr James Lovelock that focuses on representation in the musical theatre industry. The series highlights the importance of queer joy, queer spaces and queer community in creating new queer work for the theatre.

The Cultural Intifada Creative Toolbox

Creative and practical resources for standing up in solidarity for Palestinian rights and against artistic censorship, compiled by artists, activists, human rights groups and cultural organizations.

The Knew Guys

A podcast about gender and everything else by two trans guys.

The Parity Database

A database of women, trans, and gender-expansive New York theatre artists. The Parity Database commissions and develops original plays; produces and promotes the work of playwrights, directors, and designers; and provides opportunities for underrepresented voices to work in theatre.

The Trans Dance Project

Creating accessible learning/training spaces for trans* and gender nonconforming dancers of all levels.

The Wildcard Workbook: A Practical Guide for Jokering Forum Theatre

A resource for facilitators of all kinds looking for new ways to bring fun, creativity, and critical thinking into their work. Written by experienced Jokers from Theatre of the Oppressed NYC (TONYC), this workbook is a graphic, interactive, and accessible guide to inspire and support facilitation and difficultation in many contexts.

Theatre of the Oppressed NYC

Since 2012, Theatre of the Oppressed NYC has partnered with community members at local organizations to form theatre troupes. These troupes devise and perform plays based on their challenges confronting economic inequality, racism, and other social, health and human rights injustices. After each performance, actors and audiences engage in theatrical brainstorming — called Forum Theatre — with the aim of catalyzing creative change on the individual, community, and political levels.

Thesis on Joan

A podcast dedicated to amplifying voices from the LGBTQ+ community in the New York performing arts scene and examining the industry from a queer perspective!

Trans Masc Studies

Researching masculine-leaning gender variance.

Trans Voices Cabaret

Highlights transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming musical theatre singers and performers in New York City.

Equality Federation

Equality Federation is the movement builder and strategic partner to state-based organizations advocating for LGBTQ people. From Equality Florida to Freedom Oklahoma to Basic Rights Oregon, they amplify the power of the state-based LGBTQ movement. Equality Federation also offers numerous resources by state for LGBTQ indviduals to get involved in activist movements

Gender Pronouns Guide

A deep-dive guide created by the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee about pronoun use, gender inclusive pronouns, and a history of gender inclusive pronouns.

GLAAD - Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation

GLAAD rewrites the script for LGBTQ acceptance. As a dynamic media force, GLAAD tackles tough issues to shape the narrative and provoke dialogue that leads to cultural change. GLAAD protects all that has been accomplished and creates a world where everyone can live the life they love. GLAAD has numerous resources available for LGBTQ individuals, and their resources are delightfully intersectional!

GLSEN - Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network

GLSEN was founded in 1990 by a small, but dedicated group of teachers in Massachusetts who came together to improve an education system that too frequently allows its lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQ) students to be bullied, discriminated against, or fall through the cracks. Over 25 years later, that small group has grown into the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe and affirming schools for LGBTQ students.

Human Rights Campaign

The Human Rights Campaign represents a force of more than 3 million members and supporters nationwide. As the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer civil rights organization, HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people are ensured of their basic equal rights, and can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community. HRC also offers numerous resources for LGBTQ individuals as well as allies on their website.

MyPronouns.Org Resources

A list of videos, articles, and more regarding the importance of pronouns.

National Center for Transgender Equality

The National Center for Transgender Equality is the nation’s leading social justice advocacy organization, creating life-saving change for transgender people. The NCTE advocates to change policies and society to increase understanding and acceptance of transgender people. In the nation’s capital and throughout the country, NCTE works to replace disrespect, discrimination, and violence with empathy, opportunity, and justice. The NCTE also provides resources for transgender people and allies.

National LGBTQ Task Force

The National LGBTQ Task Force advances full freedom, justice and equality for LGBTQ people. Their goal is to build a future where everyone is free to be themselves in every aspect of their lives. The National LGBTQ Task Force allows individuals to take action and get involved directly with their Advocacy and Action Team.

National Organization for Women

As the grassroots arm of the women’s movement, the National Organization for Women is dedicated to its multi-issue and multi-strategy approach to women’s rights, and is the largest organization of feminist grassroots activists in the United States. NOW’s purpose is to take action through intersectional grassroots activism to promote feminist ideals, lead societal change, eliminate discrimination, and achieve and protect the equal rights of all women and girls in all aspects of social, political, and economic life.

Project Am I Right

Actors for ethical representation in casting for stage and screen. “For actors from underrepresented groups, simply showing up at an audition can be activism. For white, cisgender, non-disabled actors, choosing not to audition can be equally powerful.” Project Am I Right offers workshops, casting assistance, consultation, and other services.

The Sylvia Rivera Law Project

The Sylvia Rivera Law Project works to guarantee that all people are free to self-determine gender identity and expression, regardless of income or race, and without facing harassment, discrimination or violence. The SRLP offers legal assistance to those needing help with name changes, IDs, immigration, and more.

The Transgender Training Institute

The Transgender Training Institute (TTI) provides national training and consulting services that are informed/provided by transgender and non-binary people, for the benefit of transgender and non-binary communities. TTI provides personal growth and professional development trainings that engage, inspire, and empower our participants. This includes onsite trainings, Ally/Advocate Training Camp, and the publication of the Teaching Transgender Tool Kit.

Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund

Founded in 2003, Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is based upon gender identity and expression and to achieve equality for transgender people through public education, test-case litigation, direct legal services, and public policy efforts.

Trans Lab

A NYC-based fellowship for Trans & Gender Nonconforming theatre artists. Plays by trans and gender nonconforming (TGNC) writers are a rarity in American theater. As transgender stories are co-opted, commercialized, and misrepresented by cisgender writers, Trans Lab fellowship supports the creation of a critical mass of TGNC plays by TGNC writers. Run by Key member Kit Yan (They/She/He).

2024 Trans Legislation Tracker

Documents legislation impacting the lives of trans people in the United States. The Trans Legislation Tracker makes tools to follow and engage with active bills, and their growing set of resources helps people understand the broader story of trans legal rights in the U.S.

Black Trans Liberation

Aims to end homelessness within the trans population by providing access and resources from community partners that empower and celebrate the TGNC community.

Trans Voices Cabaret

Highlights transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming musical theatre singers and performers in New York City.

A Quick and Easy Guide to They/Them Pronouns by Archie Bongiovanni and Tristan Jimerson

Archie, a snarky genderqueer artist, is tired of people not understanding gender neutral pronouns. Tristan, a cisgender dude, is looking for an easy way to introduce gender neutral pronouns to his increasingly diverse workplace. The longtime best friends team up in this short and fun comic guide that explains what pronouns are, why they matter, and how to use them.

Are Lesbians The Black Sheep of Broadway?

by Trish Bendix

Believably Trans: Who Counts as Trans Onstage?

by MJ Kaufman, Howlround

Brown University’s Gender, Sexuality, and Feminist Studies Journals

Numerous peer-review specialized journals from Brown University, covering an extensive list of topics.

Changed For Good: A Feminist History of the Broadway Musical

From the Cold War to today, Stacy Wolf highlights the women of the American musical theatre world in this book. Feminism. History. Theatre history - what more could we ask for in a book?

Deaf West Artistic Director David Kurs: Why Deaf Actors Should Be Cast to Play Deaf Characters

by Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times

Debunking “Trans Women Are Not Women” Arguments

by Julia Serano, Mediu

Don’t Call Me “Ma’am”: On the Politics of Trans Casting

by MJ Kaufman, Howlround

Explaining White Privilege - The Best of Everyday Feminism

Another wonderful article that acts as a reminder that feminism should be intersectional.

Gender Outlaw: On Men, Women, and the Rest of Us by Kate Bornstein

Gender Outlaw was decades ahead of its time when it was first published in 1994. Now, some twenty-odd years later, this book stands as both a classic and a still-revolutionary work—one that continues to push us gently but profoundly to the furthest borders of the gender frontier.

GLSEN’s Journals & Books List

GLSEN's research staff regularly contribute to peer-reviewed academic journals, practitioner publications and books. Their articles and book chapters take an in-depth look at a variety of LGBTQ topics in K-12 education. Journal articles are often accessible via university libraries or your local public library.

Stealing the Herd

by Ring of Keys Member Carolyn Gage, Howlround

Stone Butch Blues by Leslie Feinberg

Stone Butch Blues, Leslie Feinberg’s 1993 first novel, is widely considered in and outside the U.S. to be a groundbreaking work about the complexities of gender. The 20th Anniversary Author’s Edition of Stone Butch Blues is available as a free PDF copy here.

The ABCs of LGBT+ by Ash Mardell

The ABCs of LGBT+ is a #1 Bestselling LGBT book and is essential reading for questioning teens, teachers or parents looking for advice, or anyone who wants to learn how to talk about gender identity and sexual identity.

The Boys in the Band Get to Broadway. Why Not the Girls?

by Elisabeth Vincentcelli. “The discrepancy between the visibility of gay men and the invisibility of gay women is frustration, but sadly not all that surprising.”

Theatre Artists with Disabilities are Ready, Willing, and, Yes, Able

by Allison Considine, American Theatre Magazine

The Realities Of Being A Gay Woman Working In Theatre

by Hannah Hauer-King, Elle Magazine

Where Are All the Bisexuals?

by Emily White, Howlround

White People: This Is How To Check Your Privilege When Asking People of Color For Their Labor by Sophia Stephens

A wonderful article that acts as a reminder that feminism should be intersectional.

"Welcome to the Anti-Racism Movement - Here's What You've Missed" by Ijeoma Oluo.

How and Why to Use LGBTQ+ Inclusive Language in Psychology.

In this guidebook, we raise awareness and help inform readers and mental health professionals about inclusive language best practices, why inclusive language is crucial for people's mental health, and how the LGBTQ+ community can be affected by the language we choose to use in our practice and daily communication. We worked with David Alonzo, a GLSEN certified professional development facilitator, to create this in-depth resource and to provide our readers with the best tips for developing inclusive language skills.

The Butches and Studs Who’ve Defied the Male Gaze and Redefined Culture

“BUTCH” HAS LONG been the name we’ve given a certain kind — that kind — of lesbian. The old adage applies: You know her when you see her.

The Wildcard Workbook: A Practical Guide for Jokering Forum Theatre

A resource for facilitators of all kinds looking for new ways to bring fun, creativity, and critical thinking into their work. Written by experienced Jokers from Theatre of the Oppressed NYC (TONYC), this workbook is a graphic, interactive, and accessible guide to inspire and support facilitation and difficultation in many contexts.

LGBTQ&A

LGBTQ&A (recommended by The New York Times) documents modern queer and trans history.

Making Gay History

Bringing the voices of queer history to life through intimate conversations with LGBTQ champions, heroes, and witnesses to history.

Nancy

Stories and conversations about the queer experience today. Prepare to laugh and cry and laugh again.

Offscript by American Theatre Magazine

Offscript is the official podcast of American Theatre, containing conversations with critics, playwrights and the editors of American Theatre Magazine. Released every other week, Offscript is a free-ranging discussion about the lively arts.

One From the Vaults

A delightfully wild trans history podcast.

The Ensemblist

The Ensemblist is the online advocate for the talented artists who work in Broadway ensembles. Each of our miniseries highlights a conversation that affects performers in Broadway ensembles, with experts on the topic sharing their insights in candid interviews. In addition, our monthly episodes feature readings of the most popular posts from our blog as well as show reviews.

Theatrical Mustang

Interviews with unbridled talent, hosted by Key K. Woodzick.

Topics Include

Topics Include is an unapologetically trans podcast that seeks to create a space for trans people to gather through pro-Black, sex positive, and healing-informed conversations that are educational by accident and liberational by choice.

Thesis on Joan

A podcast dedicated to amplifying voices from the LGBTQ+ community in the New York performing arts scene and examining the industry from a queer perspective!

The Knew Guys

A podcast about gender and everything else by two trans guys.

REPRESENT! The QueerMusicals.com Podcast

A podcast series presented by Dr James Lovelock that focuses on representation in the musical theatre industry. The series highlights the importance of queer joy, queer spaces and queer community in creating new queer work for the theatre.

3 Simple Steps to Recognizing the Existence of Non-Binary People

by Riley J. Dennis.

A Brief History of Forgotten Queer Political Action with Billy Porter

by Them.

A Short History of Trans People’s Long Fight for Equality, a TED Talk

by Samy Nour Younes.

“Dear Straight People”

a poem written and performed by Denice Frohman.

“The Academy Wishes to Nominate Kevin Kantor”

a poem written and performed by Key Kevin Kantor.

Trans Literacy Videos

by Honest Accomplice Theatre, helmed by Key Maggie Keenan-Bolger

Trans Masc Studies

Researching masculine-leaning gender variance.

​Asian American Stage Directors

A Google Sheet created by Peter J. Kuo. Self-populated.

Black Female Theatre Directors

A Google Sheet created by Jocelyn Bioh. Self-populated, national directory.

Black Women Directors

List and profiles of Black women and non-binary filmmakers. Created by Danielle A. Scruggs. Website.

Deaf Talent Directory

A Google Sheet created by Tyrone Giordano. View-only, contact Tyrone for additions & questions.

Deaf Theatre Artists and ASL Interpreters (Access Issues and Solutions)

A Google doc; Self-populated.

Disabled Actors

Largest database of disabled actors in the United States, privately managed by Disability Inclusion Consultant Christine Bruno. Contact her at BrunoDisabilityInclusion@gmail.com or visit BrunoDisabilityInclusion.com for casting inquiries and her full range of services.

Diverse Dramaturgs - Racially, Ethnically, Culturally

Created/administered by Martine Kei Green-Rogers and LMDA. Google Sheet; View-only.

Indigenous Artist Network

Native American, Alaskan Native, First Nations, Indigenous, and Aboriginal individuals in theatre. Google Sheet; View-only.

Indigenous Direction

For companies and artists who want to create accurate work about, for, and with Indigenous Peoples. Created/run by Larissa FastHorse and Ty Defoe.

Latinx Designers

Working, self-identified Latinx Designers compiled by Latinx Theatre Commons. Also available at https://howlround.com/latinx-theatre-commons.

Latinx Stage Artistic Personnel

A Google Sheet from Form responses; View-only.

Latinx Stage Managers

A Google Sheet from Form responses; View-only.

Latinx Theater Directors

Lists only active directors with at least 2 fully-realized productions in the past five years, or recent experience in new or devised work. Google Sheet; View-only.

Latinx Theatre Scholars

Google Sheet from Form responses; View-only.

Maestra Directory

Search here to find women of the theater who are hireable as composers, music directors, orchestrators, conductors, arrangers, rehearsal pianists, songwriters, music assistants, lyricists, transcribers, music producers, pit musicians, music educators, and more. Created/run by MAESTRA, a membership group of female-identifying, non-binary, and gender non-conforming composers, music directors, orchestrators, arrangers, copyists, rehearsal pianists and other musicians who are in an underrepresented minority in musical theater. Website.

Maestra Resource Page

A huge list of resources for women of the theater who are hireable as composers, music directors, orchestrators, conductors, arrangers, rehearsal pianists, songwriters, music assistants, lyricists, transcribers, music producers, pit musicians, music educators, and more - many resources for women specifically, LGBTQ artists specifically, and diverse artists specifically.

Maia Directors

For organizations and artists engaging with stories from the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia (MENASA). Includes a performer database. Created/run by Kareem Fahmy, Evren Odcikin, Key Member Megan Sandberg-Zakian, and Pirronne Yousefzadeh.

Non-Binary Monologues

A collection of monologues written for non-binary actors (actors whose identities lie outside the gender binary of male/female.) Created by Key K. Woodzick.

POC Theatre Designers and Technicians

Created and curated by Megan Sandberg-Zakian. Google Sheet; Self-populated. Includes "Other Lists and Links" tab curated by Key Member Megan Sandberg-Zakian.

South Asian Theater Artists

Theatre artists from the South Asian diaspora. Google Sheet; self-populated. Curated by Natasha Sinha. Includes "Other resources!" tab curated by Roger Tang.

StateraArts

UPLIFT. AMPLIFY. ADVANCE. Statera takes positive action to bring women* into full and equal participation in the arts. Extensive resources on their website (many of which have also been shared here), mentorship and leadership opportunities, and intersectional feminism at its core.

The Kilroys

The Kilroys is a gang of playwrights, directors and producers in LA and NYC who are done talking about gender parity and are taking action. They mobilize others in their field and leverage their own power to support one another.

The Lilly Awards

Celebrating, supporting, and advocating for women theater artists by promoting gender parity at all levels of theatrical production. The Lilly Awards were started in the Spring of 2010 as an outlet to honor the work of women in the American theater. In partnership with the Dramatists Guild, The Lilly Awards have gathered resources and conducted a national survey simply called The Count that accurately showcases which theaters are producing the work of women, and which are not. The Lilly Awards Foundation is dedicated to honoring the work of women in the American theater.

The Mix - Steppenwolf Theatre

The Mix is a new play resource highlighting plays that feature casts of intersectional and intersecting social identities. The goal of this project is to assist in the collective effort to move towards a holistic, nuanced, and equitable approach to diversity in the theatre.

The No Excuses List

Women/Non-Binary/Two Spirit Dramaturgs of Color. Google Sheet; View-only.

The T List

Transgender Professionals in Theatre, Film, Television, Music, and New Media. Created by Shakina Nayfack. Google Sheet; Self-populated.

The Women and TGNC Artists Database - Parity Productions

​Parity Productions is the only organization to host a free database of women and trans and gender nonconforming (TGNC) playwrights, directors, and designers working in professional theatre in New York City.

Trans* Theater Makers List

Trans, gender non-conforming, and gender variant theater professionals. Created by Calvin Anderson. Google Sheet; Self-populated.

WE EXIST

Female and/or trans playwrights. Google Sheet; Self-populated.

The Parity Database

A database of women, trans, and gender-expansive New York theatre artists. The Parity Database commissions and develops original plays; produces and promotes the work of playwrights, directors, and designers; and provides opportunities for underrepresented voices to work in theatre.

The Cultural Intifada Creative Toolbox

Creative and practical resources for standing up in solidarity for Palestinian rights and against artistic censorship, compiled by artists, activists, human rights groups and cultural organizations.

QueerMusicals.com

An A-Z list of queer musicals, including segmented lists of Musicals with Trans and Nonbinary Characters, Musicals with Queer Black Characters, Musicals with Queer Asian Characters, Musicals with Queer Disabled Characters, and more.

Barbara Kahn Coaching

Acting and playwriting coaching, led by Key Barbara Kahn (she/her).

Broad Views on Broadway

An LGBTQIA and POC theatre company determined to create a healthier community and enriched artistry in theatre, led by Key Janelle Lawrence (They/Them/She/Her).

FEAST: A Performance Series

FEAST is a monthly series featuring artists from different performance-based disciplines who are developing new work. FEAST is a space for artists to test out raw material, for different artistic practices to inspire each other, and for the audience to be a part of the artists’ developmental process. Every FEAST is also an act of community-building, with snacks on stage during the show and an after party called Nightcap at a nearby bar. FEAST with us! Led by Key Alex Randrup (she/her).

Honest Accomplice Theatre

Honest Accomplice produces theatre and media for social change from the perspective of cis women and trans people. Led by Key Maggie Keenan-Bolger (she/her/hers).

Kat Griffin Photography

Lifestyle/Portrait/Production Photography with discounted prices for LGB/TGNC humans Led by Key Kat Griffin (they/she/he).

Leeway Foundation

The Leeway Foundation supports women and trans* artists and cultural producers working in communities at the intersection of art, culture, and social change. Through our grantmaking and other programs we promote artistic expression that amplifies the voices of those on the margins, promotes sustainable and healthy communities, and works in the service of movements for economic and social justice.

MeetCute

MeetCute: Matchmaking for theater people! We pair playwrights and directors together to make a short play. Every other month, we put up an evening of plays and hang out at the bar afterwards. Join us to build your theater community in Los Angeles, and who knows? Maybe you'll have your very own MeetCute. Led by Key Katie Lindsay (she/her).

Moves Philly

A creative collective for queer and trans people of color in Philly.

PrincexDesign

Creating equitable solutions through design. Led by Key Mykayla Fernandes (she/her/they/them/he/him).

SORORITY

SORORITY is a hub for queer and feminist performance in Los Angeles. Founded and curated by Gina Young as the #SORORITYseries-- a late night k-hole for new short works by women, trans, nonbinary and queer creators-- SORORITY has grown to present new experimental plays and musicals written by queer women. Led by Key Gina Young (she/her).

The Art Garage

Non-Profit Theatre Company dedicated to the Transgender+ experience. Led by Key Kevin Paley (they/them/theirs).

The Starfruit Project

The Starfruit Project supports radical healing and brilliant growth through creative writing and performance programs that center queer and trans people of color. Led by Key Briyana D. Clarel (they/them).

Translab

Trans Lab fellowship supports the creation of a critical mass of TGNC plays by TGNC writers. Led by Key Kit Yan (They/She/He).

Trans Voices Cabaret - NYC, Chicago, London

A NYC cabaret featuring transgender and nonbinary singers and performers. Led by Key Donnie Cianciotto (he/him).

Black Visions Collective

“a Black-led, Queer and Trans centering organization whose mission is to organize powerful, connected Black communities and dismantle systems of violence…through building strategic campaigns, investing in Black leadership, and engaging in cultural and narrative organizing.”

The Trans Dance Project

Creating accessible learning/training spaces for trans* and gender nonconforming dancers of all levels.

Blacktress

A grassroots network and support group for self-defined Black/mixed race womxn actors of the African diaspora. Blacktress curates events, workshops, and projects.

Black Trans Femmes in the Arts

A community-based arts non-profit that builds community and mobilizes resources to support Black trans femme artists.

Theatre of the Oppressed NYC

Since 2012, Theatre of the Oppressed NYC has partnered with community members at local organizations to form theatre troupes. These troupes devise and perform plays based on their challenges confronting economic inequality, racism, and other social, health and human rights injustices. After each performance, actors and audiences engage in theatrical brainstorming — called Forum Theatre — with the aim of catalyzing creative change on the individual, community, and political levels.