The TAKE-Away: February Issue 2026

Welcome to the TAKE-Away, TAKE’s monthly newsletter sharing updates about our life-saving work with those of you who make it possible.

Ahead, check out 4 TAKE-Aways for February 2026:

At the end of January, TAKE hosted the first-ever Back to Our Roots Black Southern Leadership Convening, gathering together 30+ Black trans leaders from across nearly a dozen Southern states to share, learn, and plan for collective liberation.

The space was filled with deep learning, shared wisdom, and the kind of honest, sometimes uncomfortable conversations that move our work forward. We leaned into accountability in our movement spaces, talked through what it means to organize with a trauma-informed approach, and lifted up the truth that Black land stewardship and self-defined leadership must be priorities.

“Back to Our Roots” reminded us that we already have the recipe; we just have to return to our roots and be intentional about how we show up in leadership and for each other. Deep gratitude to all of TAKE’s sponsors who believed in this vision.

Thank you to the WELL.YES Philadelphia Task Force for recognizing our work across Pennsylvania engaging in policy creation and advocacy, community outreach, public education, and nonpartisan voter engagement to fight for a Commonwealth where every young person has access to safe and equal schools, quality, competent healthcare, their fully-realized human and civil rights, and a supportive community. We cherish this award and we look forward to further work to support trans kids.

TAKE’s Healthy Educational Living Prevention (H.E.L.P.) program is always hard at work treating and preventing HIV/AIDS and supporting community members with their healthcare needs, whatever their status. H.E.L.P. recognized National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on February 7th, recommitting ourselves to the work of making sure Black trans people everywhere can live healthy, happy, long lives.

This week, the U.S. House of Representatives introduced a resolution calling for the development of a Transgender Bill of Rights, affirming that the federal government has a responsibility to protect transgender people. Let’s be clear; these are not “extra” rights. These are civil rights. These are human rights. These are the same rights everyone deserves: the right to safety, dignity, healthcare, housing, employment, and the freedom to live openly without fear.

TAKE is asking supporters to take action: Call your federal representative at (202) 224-3121 and ask if they’ve endorsed the Transgender Bill of Rights.

“As we celebrate Black History Month, let us be clear; Black history includes Black Trans history. Our stories, our leadership, our resilience, and our brilliance are woven into the fabric of this nation. History can never be erased, even when people try, but it can repeat itself if we are not intentional about protecting one another and standing in truth.

So how do we continue to show up in solidarity? By affirming that our existence matters. By dismantling systems rooted in harm and hate. By refusing to let anyone debate our humanity. And by understanding that Black Trans people have always had a place on this Earth; not just to survive, but to lead, to build, and to thrive. As a Black trans woman Executive Director here in the South (especially in Alabama) I can tell you it has not been easy. The barriers are real. The opposition is loud.

But the work has been worth the fight. Because lives are being changed. Families are being supported. Community is being built with intention and love. So this month and beyond, continue to invest in grassroots organizations doing life-changing work on the ground. Support those who are closest to the issues. Fund the vision. Protect the leaders. Stand in solidarity not just with words, but with action. #Ourhistorymatters #Ourpresencematters #Ourfuturematters”

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