The TAKE-Away: July 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.

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

Last week, TAKE’s Civic Engagement Team launched a social media Day of Action to get people thinking and talking about this year’s Midterm Election.

In even-numbered years like 2026, even though there is no Presidential race on the ballot, SO many other races that shape our lives day-to-day are being decided by voters like you for seats like U.S. Senator, U.S. House Member, and on down the chain to many state and local representatives. These elections are what truly set the tone for what laws get passed, whether they support-or more frequently lately-attack our rights.

Check your registration status now and register to vote if you haven’t already (or if you’ve recently moved or legally changed your name) so you can be sure your voice will be heard this year, and keep an eye out for future action items, election information, and educational tools coming soon from our Civic Engagement team.

At TAKE Resource Center, our daily groups, held at the center each weekday evening, are a place to connect, learn, heal, and grow together. Whether led by our dedicated peer leaders or our amazing staff, every group offers a welcoming, affirming space where every voice matters.

We invite you to join us for one of our daily groups in Birmingham, AL if you’re in the area, and experience the power of community firsthand. There is something for everyone, and we’d love to see you here!

This spring, we launched the Thrive Circle-TAKE’s new community of monthly supporters who are helping sustain our work all year long. Whether we’re meeting immediate needs at our drop in center, fostering the next generation of Black trans leaders, advocating for trans rights and policy change, or expanding access to housing, it is monthly giving that provides the steady foundation which makes this work possible.

Right now, we’re hard at work renovating Gloria’s Safe Haven, our permanent emergency shelter in Birmingham. This long-awaited space will soon open its doors, providing safety, dignity, and care for Black trans people in our community for years to come. (Stay tuned—we’re excited to share more about our grand opening soon!)

By joining the Thrive Circle, you’ll help power every aspect of TAKE’s work—from housing and direct services to leadership development and civic engagement. Every gift, at every level, helps our community THRIVE.

Join the Thrive Circle today and become part of the future we’re building together.

You can join the Thrive Circle 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

A huge THANK YOU to all of you who are already members of the THRIVE Circle-we couldn’t do it without you and we are so grateful.

“It’s summertime! While it’s a season for fun, making memories, and staying cool, it’s also a time for us to continue organizing, building our base, and strengthening our movement.

As anti-trans legislation continues to impact our communities, we must remain committed to creating spaces where trans people can experience joy, healing, safety, and belonging. Joy is not a distraction from the work; it’s a vital part of our resistance and our resilience. Let’s continue building strong foundations, developing leaders, and mobilizing communities across the country. Together, we can create opportunities that empower our people, strengthen our voices, and move our cause forward. Organize. Our future depends on what we build together.”

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