TransLash About

ABOUT US

We are story architects and cultural stewards; building experiences to advance trans narratives, histories, healing, and –– most importantly -– the human rights of trans people. TransLash Media is a nonprofit organization and digital community made up of conversation starters, documentarians, artists, technologists, activists, and allies who are committed to supporting trans/non-binary/intersex/two-spirit people through trans stories to save trans lives. We do so without censorship and erasure from mainstream media.

Despite historic levels of violence, trans people are moving forward and becoming more of ourselves with each passing day. Since our launch in 2018, TransLash Media has partnered with organizations such as WNYC, Samsung, Futuro Media, the National Education Association, Transgender Law Center, The New York Women’s Foundation, Pride Live, and more to create and share trans stories of creativity, courage, resilience, and bravery.

9 out of 10 people say they don’t know a trans person. We believe that ignorance fuels fear, hate, and violence; within individuals and by institutions. That’s why TransLash Media—a trans-led platform—uses the power of personal narratives to address the ignorance at the heart of trans erasure. Our goal is to shift the cultural understanding of what it means to be transgender, and help end anti-trans hate.

This is why TransLash is committed to creating a healthy society for trans, two-spirit, non-binary and gender non-conforming people. Through our collaborations, we will help manifest a world in which all forms of gender expression have equal rights, protections, opportunities, and safety to live openly. We value unapologetic self-expression through media art, music, dance, the written word, and technology, because we know that sharing our stories saves lives.

In 2018, award-winning journalist and thought leader Imara Jones released two short films in a three-part docuseries called “TransLash,” documenting her own transition as a Black transgender woman in New York City, and featuring interviews with transgender leaders and allies nationwide. In Spring 2019, TransLash Media launched online in the form of the website translash.org and companion social media channels, with the purpose of sharing part three of the series, “Family Matters,” and to further expand TransLash’s community offerings.

Team TransLash led a year-long partnership with WNYC to produce the monthly live and virtual discussion series “Lives At Stake” –– taking on critical issues facing TGNC communities across the United States. TransLash Media has also partnered with Samsung for a Trans Day of Remembrance event, collaborated with the National Education Association to develop curriculum for schools grounded in TransLash content, and more.

In February 2020, The “TransLash” docuseries was nominated by Queerty for Best 2020 Docuseries, and TransLash released “The Future of Trans” documentary –– which imagines the road ahead for trans people through intimate interviews with leading voices in the United States. “The Future of Trans” was featured in Teen Vogue and lauded by LGBTQIA and ally organizations.

In August 2020, Team TransLash launched TransLash Podcast with Imara Jones, a bi-monthly podcast series that examines news and culture from a trans perspective. Guests have included Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, the first Native American to serve in a Cabinet position; Sarah McBride, the first trans person elected to a state Senate in US history; Ian Alexander, the first trans character in the history of the Star Trek franchise; TS Madison, the first trans person to star in and Executive Produce her own reality series, Tourmaline, the first trans person to have their art added to the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art, Leyna Bloom, the first trans woman of color to appear in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition, and legendary journalist Maria Hinojosa. TransLash Podcast made Spotify’s #2020Wrapped List and was nominated for a Webby Award.

From 2020-2021, TransLash Media produced “Lives At Stake” in partnership with WNYC’s The Green Space. “Lives At Stake” was a series of monthly virtual discussions about critical issues facing transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) communities across the United States. The series was launched as part of Imara’s time as the first Journalist -in-Residence at The Greene Space. Important topics covered during the hour-long programs included the impact of COVID-19 on trans communities, the explosion of trans people running for office across the United States, an exploration in why trans communities support sex decriminalization, and importance of trans entrepreneurship for the economic of vitality of TGNC people. Among guests of the program were actor Indya Moore; artist ALOK; Aimee Allison, Founder and President of She The People; and Aria Said, Founder and Executive Director of the Transgender District.

In 2021, TransLash Media officially gained nonprofit status, and began accepting tax-deductible donations. The third issue of TransLash Zine — our Pride Month edition — dropped June 6, in collaboration with POC Zine Project and Transgender Law Center. Additional issues will roll out in 2021 and beyond, building off of the success of this LGBTQIA Gen Z-focused vertical. For Pride Live’s Stonewall Day 2021, TransLash Media was named as beneficiary of fundraising efforts, and pop icon Christina Aguilera raised funds for TransLash Media through her online store for the month of June.

Alongside our legacy docuseries and existing content, Team TransLash produces The Webby nominated TransLash Podcast, regular video content including our weekly TalkBack video series, and a weekly newsletter. TransLash Media is a trusted source for people and organizations worldwide who wish to remain informed and engaged on trans topics around the globe. Team TransLash also manages active social media channels on all major platforms, including a robust Instagram community through @translashmedia. TransLash Media is a rapidly-growing platform centering and celebrating the lives of trans and gender non-conforming people. We are just getting started, with so much more to come.