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 May 2026:
We held TAKE’s 13th Anniversary Gala on Saturday, April 25th in Birmingham, and what a memorable night it was!
There wasn’t a dry eye in the room when sponsor Yellowhammer Fund surprised Daroneshia Duncan-Boyd, TAKE’s Executive Director, with an unexpected $50,000 grant check in the middle of the award ceremony. This funding, which directly supports TAKE’s transformative housing program that saves the lives of Black trans folks in the South, caused Daroneshia to shed grateful tears and share with the crowd that the nonprofit funding landscape is becoming harder and harder lately, so it means even more that Yellowhammer Fund stepped up to be so impactful.
Thank you Yellowhammer Fund in particular, and to all of our sponsors for the Gala, including Third Wave Fund, Solidaire, Transgender Law Center, and Viiv Healthcare, and of course to all of our lovely individual attendees, for supporting this work when TAKE is needed more than ever.
One of the other major highlights of TAKE’s 13th Anniversary Gala on April 25th was the launch of the Thrive Circle, T.A.K.E.’s new monthly sustainer program. Together, we created the Thrive Tree — a living reflection of our community care and commitment. Gala attendees shared what they love about T.A.K.E. on leaves placed throughout the tree, while those who joined the Thrive Circle added flowers, symbolizing the ways sustained support helps our community to continue to flourish.
Now, we’re inviting you to help the tree continue to bloom. The Thrive Circle is how we sustain our work year-round and continue building toward long-term housing, healing, and liberation for Black trans people. Monthly giving allows us to plan ahead, respond quickly to community needs, and invest in a future where our people can truly thrive.
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
Every contribution directly supports Black trans leadership, housing justice, emergency support, wellness programming, our wraparound direct services and civic engagement work. As a special thank you, the first 50 people who join the Thrive Circle will be featured on a permanent mural inside Gloria’s Safe Haven — honoring the community members who helped lay the foundation for this historic new chapter.
If you believe in the future we are building together, we invite you to join the Thrive Circle today and help us continue growing community-rooted support that lasts for generations to come.
May 20: TAKE’s PA Coalition for Trans Youth program is hosting a virtual Info Session and we’re inviting advocates, parents, educators, students, organizers, and community members to learn how YOU can plug into the movement to safeguard trans young people across the Commonwealth in a time of unprecedented attacks. Register for the Zoom link here.
MAY 21: Black trans communities are navigating compounding crises every single day. Housing. Healthcare. Violence. Erasure. And through all of it they are still here. Still building. Still healing. On May 21st join a virtual event featuring Gabrielle Souza, Charlie L’Strange, Daroneshia Duncan-Boyd and Zami Lewis as they discuss Mental Health in Black Trans communities. Find more info here.
May 22: A new interactive queer art space, Strange Birds, is hosting a Queer Fashion Show on Friday, May 22nd at 6pm at their location (1141 Capouse Ave in Scranton, PA.) $10 at the door, featuring queer and trans models and vintage fashion designs.
“I would first like to thank everyone that had the opportunity to join us and support our 13th Anniversary Celebration. For those who were not able to make it, we are looking forward to seeing you next year.
TAKE has been up to some big things lately. We are excited to announce that the Gloria’s Safe Haven has officially been approved by the zoning board. We are hopeful that by mid-June we will begin moving people into the space. Thank you to everyone who played a vital role in helping us make this vision possible and for standing with us as we work to address the housing crisis impacting our community.
We understand that there are so many challenges right now, especially with anti-trans laws being put in place that continue to harm the trans community. Even with everything happening in the world, we cannot allow these attacks to stop the work. We must continue getting creative when it comes to fundraising and stay focused on the work ahead. Trans people have always been here, and we will continue to be here.
If you are wondering how to show your investment in a movement that fights for marginalized communities, we encourage you to donate and join our efforts to build our individual donor base. Joining our Thrive Circle by giving monthly, no matter the amount, helps us continue providing life-changing services and support to those who need it most. No amount is too small when you are becoming a part of the change and helping make this world a better place.”
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
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