Under attack in Russia, trans support group still racks up successes
Centre T celebrates the many ways it helps trans and non-binary Russians
Under attack by the Russian government, LGBTQ rights activists have found ways to continue with the work — based outside Russia.
One example is Centre T, a trans and nonbinary support organization founded in 2020, where volunteers now must use a VPN and communicate through encrypted messaging apps. Cautiously, they have continued their most crucial programs, including helping trans Russians to leave the country and connecting them to medical specialists who, in secret, will enable them to continue their transitions.
Centre T also runs a shelter in Armenia for trans people leaving Russia. The shelter has lost crucial support from an international funder, but has remained open thanks to individual donations collected through Patreon and Buy Me a Coffee.
In April, Centre T was banned as an “extremist organization” by the Moscow City Court.
“We consider this decision unfounded and repressive, and we will file an appeal within the period stipulated by law,” Centre T said in a statement. “For us, the court’s decision means only one thing: our work is important and needed. We’ll continue so that transgender and non-binary people in Russia still have access to support and information.”
They recently published the following account of their accomplishments during June:
What We Achieved Together During Pride Month
June was a busy and meaningful month for Centre T. Together with you, we continued supporting trans and non-binary people, creating safer spaces, sharing reliable information, and helping community members navigate difficult situations.
Here is what we accomplished together during Pride Month:
- Murzik, our information consultant, answered 445 questions about transition, documents, safety, healthcare, and many other topics.
- We helped people find trans-friendly doctors and access trans healthcare support 127 times.
- Our shelter in Armenia welcomed eight residents. The shelter provides temporary safe housing and support for trans people in crisis, including those who have had to leave their country urgently. Applications can be submitted through the shelter form.
- We held three “Oasis” support group meetings, attended by 33 trans and non-binary people living in Russia. “Oasis” is a confidential online space where participants can talk, share experiences, and receive support.
- Our Discord [“welcoming … & safe” online] community continued to grow and now brings together more than 740 members.
- We provided 35 individual migration consultations and completed 17 detailed case reviews, helping trans people explore safer routes for relocation and adaptation.
- We published 52 posts, including educational materials, interviews, community stories, and event announcements.
Pride Month at Center T
Pride Month is a time when we speak especially loudly about visibility, solidarity, and the history of our community.
In June, we published “Why Pride Is Impossible Without Trans and Non-Binary People”, exploring the role trans people have played in the history of the LGBTQ+ rights movement and why their contributions must never be erased.
Throughout the month, we also shared stories from allies of the trans community — stories about love, acceptance, care, and the ways close relationships can help trans people feel safer and remain themselves.
Thank you for making this work possible
Every consultation, support group, shelter bed, and educational publication exists because people choose to stand with our community.
If you already support us here on Patreon — thank you. Your contribution helps us continue this work even under increasing pressure.
You can also support the shelter through [the online fundraising site] Buy Me a Coffee, share our work with friends, or increase your Patreon contribution if that feels comfortable for you.
For safety reasons, please donate only if you are outside Russia, do not plan to return, and use a non-Russian bank card.
