The TAKE-Away: August 2026 Issue

Welcome to the TAKE-Away, TAKE’s monthly newsletter sharing updates about our life-saving work with those of you who make it possible. First up, in this issue, we’ve enclosed your exclusive invitation to some MAJOR upcoming events.

Ahead, check out 3 TAKE-Aways for August 2026:

August 21st 11am-3pm ET: School Daze in Philadelphia

TAKE will be tabling at School Daze, where you can also get rapid HIV/STI Testing, free backpacks for folks 25 and under, amazing entertainment, and food! What’s not to love?

August 28th, 29th and 30th: Platinum International Icon Pageant weekend in Birmingham

Platinum International Icon Pageantry System holds a rich legacy in Birmingham, Alabama, as the city's first national pageantry system. After a 10-year hiatus, The Revival is here, and we're bringing the legacy back bigger, bolder, and more ICONIC than ever.

For one extraordinary evening, two powerful subcultures will unite as the worlds of Ballroom and Pageantry come together under one roof. The night will feature exciting Ballroom categories with cash prizes alongside the main pageant competition, where contestants will take the stage to compete for the ultimate bragging rights and the honor of becoming the next Platinum International Icon. This is more than a competition; it's a celebration of history, artistry, community, and excellence. Join us in Platinumville and witness The Revival, where legacy meets the future and ICONS are made.

September 9th at 7pm ET: Safe and Celebrated: Advocating for Transgender Students’ Rights and Holding Pennsylvania Schools To Their Obligations (online educational webinar for families and advocates)

Join us on September 9, 2026 from 7-8pm ET for a webinar providing an overview of the legal rights of trans students and PA schools’ obligations under federal and state law to provide a safe and affirming environment, even in the context of recent US Supreme Court decisions. We’ll also hear advocacy tips from parents and school board experts, and share statewide opportunities to connect and support our trans and gender diverse students. Presented by TAKE’s PA Coalition for Trans Youth, Education Law Center PA, and Pennsylvanians for Welcoming & Inclusive Schools (PA-WINS).Register here to attend the webinar.

September 15th at 6:30pm ET: Dragging You to the Polls Drag Show in Philadelphia

We’re DRAGGING YOU TO THE POLLS!

Save the date and come Show Up. Show Out. VOTE. This FREE show is chock-full of family friendly drag entertainment and will include information about voter registration and what’s at stake this election season.

Help Our Community THRIVE

Four months ago, we launched the Thrive Circle, TAKE’s community of monthly supporters who are sustaining our work.

Monthly giving creates the steady foundation that allows us to keep showing up for our community: meeting immediate needs at our drop-in center, fostering the next generation of Black trans leaders, advocating for trans rights and policy change, and expanding access to housing and safety.

Want to be part of the Thrive Circle?

You can join at any level:

• TAKE-Root — $15/month
• TAKE-Forward — $25/month
• TAKE-Flight — $50/month
• TAKE-Power — $100/month
• TAKE Dreamkeepers — $200/month and above

Ready to TAKE it one step further?

We’re looking for a couple of dedicated volunteers to help us spread the word and grow the Thrive Circle. If you love TAKE’s work and want to help get more people excited about supporting this work, we’d love to hear from you.

You don’t have to be a fundraising expert. You just have to care about the work and be willing to help us tell the story.

Interested in volunteering? Reach out to india@takebhm.org.

Because supporting TAKE is great. Joining the Thrive Circle is even better. And helping the Thrive Circle THRIVE? That’s the next level.

“Being an Executive Director of a grassroots organization is never the easiest job. It requires you to wear many hats, meet countless obligations, and constantly stretch yourself for the betterment and sustainability of the organization. As I continue to grow TAKE, I’m becoming more creative and intentional about diversifying our funding pool and building sustainable resources for our community. Our survival and our future require us to continue mobilizing, organizing, investing, and being present for one another.

As we move into the fall season, I challenge everyone to think creatively about how you show up for the trans community. What does real investment look like? What resources, opportunities, partnerships, or support can you bring to the table? We may come from different spaces, but we can work toward the same common goal: freedom, sustainability, safety, and thriving TRANS FUTURES. Our future is worth investing in.

Speaking of investing in our future, don’t forget to purchase your tickets for our latest fundraising initiative and arts & culture programming; the Platinum International Icon Pageant on August 30th!

We hope to see you there as we celebrate pageantry, community, culture, and purpose, all while raising funds to continue supporting the work of TAKE Resource Center.

Purchase your tickets by

Once again, thank you for tuning into The TAKE-Away: TAKE’s FREE Monthly Newsletter.

TAKE Care of Yourself,

-The TAKE Team

TAKE

7128 Oporto Madrid Blvd

Birmingham, AL 35206