Genderbands celebrates 10 years of empowering Trans communities
A decade of growth, support, and impact
by Ian Giles
In March 2015, what began as a small personal fundraiser to alleviate one person’s financial burden blossomed into a global force for good. Genderbands, a Provo, Utah-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting transgender people with transition-related costs, is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. Over the past decade, the organization has not only expanded its services but has also built a vibrant community that offers life-saving support to transgender individuals around the world.
Today, Genderbands has distributed over $165,000 in transition grants to 50 individuals, provided free chest binders to thousands of people, and created an inclusive, supportive environment with its free Trans Closet. It’s also become a beloved center of joy and visibility for the trans community through its annual Trans Pride-N-Joy Festival, held every August.
From a Personal Fundraiser to an International Nonprofit
The story of Genderbands started simply, with a personal need and a desire to help others. Its founder, Ian Giles, was navigating their own transition and found themselves struggling with the financial burden of necessary transition-related costs. Giles launched a modest fundraiser selling blue wristbands to try to cover their own expenses.
Giles quickly realized that they weren’t alone in facing these financial challenges. Many transgender people experience significant barriers when seeking gender-affirming care and transitioning, often due to high costs and limited access to insurance or support. Inspired to turn their challenge into an opportunity to help others, Giles expanded the fundraiser to provide transition grants to others in need, and from there, the concept of a nonprofit organization was born.
Genderbands officially became an IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2018, with a mission to help transgender individuals pay for transition-related costs. But rather than focusing solely on financial assistance, Genderbands grew into a multifaceted resource for trans people, offering grants, workshops, free chest binders, and a free Trans Closet filled with gender-affirming clothing and accessories.
A Decade of Impact: Grants, Resources, and More
Since 2015, Genderbands went from one individual selling blue wristbands to friends to a nonprofit organization that serves transgender people throughout North America. Today, Genderbands offers a diverse range of items that help fund its programs. Each item sold contributes directly to the nonprofit’s services, allowing supporters to make a tangible impact simply by purchasing something they love.
Over the past 10 years, Genderbands has made a tremendous impact on the lives of transgender people. One of the organization’s flagship programs is its Transition Grant initiative, which provides direct financial support to transgender individuals seeking to cover the costs of gender-affirming care. Since its inception, Genderbands has distributed over $165,000 in grants, assisting 50 individuals with transition-related expenses. These grants cover a wide range of needs, including hormone replacement therapy, gender-affirming surgeries, voice therapy, and other essential services that are often not covered by insurance.
While grants are a cornerstone of the organization, Genderbands also recognizes the critical importance of accessibility to everyday items that help transgender people feel comfortable in their bodies. One of the most popular programs is the free chest binder initiative. Genderbands provides free chest binders to trans men, nonbinary individuals, and others who need them but cannot afford the high cost. Chest binders are not just a material need; they are a tool of empowerment and a source of safety and comfort for many trans people. By providing them at no cost, Genderbands ensures that these essential items are within reach of those who need them most and prevents people from using unsafe binding methods.
In addition to binders, the nonprofit runs a free Trans Closet, where individuals can access free gender-affirming clothing to help them express themselves authentically, regardless of their financial means.
One of the most anticipated events organized by Genderbands each year is the Trans Pride-N-Joy Festival. The festival has grown into a beloved event, centering the experiences and voices of the trans community. It’s a celebration of gender diversity that features live performances, workshops, trans vendors, and, of course, opportunities to connect with trans people from all walks of life. The festival provides both a sense of belonging and a chance to amplify trans culture and creativity in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Facing New Challenges: The Need for Support
Despite the incredible success Genderbands has experienced over the past 10 years, the challenges facing the trans community are far from over. The political landscape has become increasingly hostile, with legislative efforts in many parts of the world seeking to restrict access to healthcare, education, and public accommodations for trans individuals. The rising cost of living, the economic fallout from the global pandemic, and the increasing prevalence of anti-trans legislation make it harder than ever for many people to afford the care and resources they need to live as their authentic selves.
In the face of these challenges, Genderbands remains steadfast in its commitment to providing financial support and community resources for trans individuals. However, to continue this vital work, the nonprofit needs the support of donors, volunteers, and allies. The 10th Anniversary Fundraiser is Genderbands’ most important fundraising campaign to date, with the goal of raising the funds needed to sustain and expand its operations.
How You Can Help: Join the 10th Anniversary Fundraiser
This year, Genderbands is launching its 10th Anniversary Fundraiser to ensure that it can continue to provide crucial support to the trans community throughout North America. Genderbands does not receive government money. They operate by using donations, sponsorships, and sales of their merchandise. Nothing has been the same since the Covid-19 pandemic started in 2020. As a small non-profit run by two people, your support is essential to keep the work moving forward.
The goal is to raise $100,000, which will go directly toward expanding grants, providing more chest binders, supporting the free trans closet, and hiring much-needed staff. Your donation will also allow Genderbands to continue hosting the Trans Pride-n-Joy Festival and ensure that the event remains a space where trans people can celebrate themselves in a world that so often marginalizes them. Every donation, whether large or small, will make a direct impact on the lives of trans people who rely on Genderbands’ resources to navigate their transitions.
There are many ways to support Genderbands during its 10th Anniversary Fundraiser. You can donate directly to the campaign, become a monthly donor, or host your own fundraiser to raise awareness and funds. Volunteers are also needed to help with everything from administrative support to event planning and community outreach. By supporting Genderbands, you are contributing to a future where every trans person has the resources, support, and freedom they need to live authentically.
In addition to financial contributions, we encourage those who can to spread the word about Genderbands and its mission. Many people don’t know that there are organizations out there providing real support for the transgender community. By sharing our work with your networks, together, we can reach even more people in need.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Genderbands
As Genderbands celebrates its 10th anniversary, the nonprofit reflects on its incredible achievements and looks forward to the work still ahead. In the years to come, Genderbands is committed to continuing its mission of empowering and supporting transgender individuals. With expanded grant programs, more accessible resources, more staff, and an ever-growing community of support, Genderbands will continue to be a lifeline for those navigating the financial challenges of gender transition. While much has been accomplished, the fight for equality, recognition, and access to gender-affirming care is far from over. Genderbands will stand as a beacon of support and love for the trans community for years to come.
Please join us as we embark on the next phase of this journey. Support our 10th Anniversary Fundraiser, and help us continue to provide the life-changing resources that so many trans people rely on. Together, we can ensure that Genderbands will be here for the next decade—and beyond—fighting for a world where gender diversity is truly celebrated.
To donate or learn more about how you can get involved, visit our website at www.genderbands.org.
Visit genderbands.org/10bday to learn more about the anniversary fundraiser.
