71. Real support, care, and advocacy for the Trans community: Lessons from the Trans Equity Coalition
The shit we need to talk about this week: Trans issues.
Period.
And let’s be real: The issues are not new; Trans folks have been around since the dawn of time. But the issues Trans folks face need attention, support, and advocacy now more than ever.
In this episode, I’m joined by Nathan Rodriguez (he/him) to discuss the current state of Trans rights and the emotional toll it’s taking on the Trans community. As we begin, Nathan, Executive Director of the Trans Equity Coalition (TEC) in New Jersey, speaks candidly about the wave of trans individuals relocating from hostile red states to New Jersey in search of safety.
He also shares the wide-reaching work of TEC, including direct financial assistance, support groups for Trans youth, adults, and families, gender-affirming wellness services, and community education.
Nathan outlines the coalition’s intentionally Trans-led structure, how it continuously adapts its programs based on community feedback to improve accessibility and relevance, and the value of grassroots organizing and community-led solutions for effective and authentic advocacy.
He unpacks the reality of allyship—not as a passive label, but as a commitment to consistent, visible action—and calls on cis allies to do more than express support. Nathan invites allies to get involved with Trans Equity Coalition meaningfully—by donating, promoting, and showing up.
In addition to activism and support, we talk about:
Leveraging privilege in personal and professional spaces, how to show up without centering oneself, and why authentic allyship requires discomfort and risk.
The importance of joy, rest, and community as essential parts of resistance and survival for Trans people.
The mental health challenges and burnout experienced by many in the trans community, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable support systems.
The importance of intersectionality, ensuring that efforts consider disabilities, race, and socioeconomic factors to create truly inclusive spaces.
The critical role of intentional, decolonial language in activism
The conversation is a powerful reminder of the need for collective action, sustained advocacy, and the responsibility of those with privilege to stand shoulder to shoulder with the trans community and all marginalized communities to create collective liberation.
Jump in for all the goodness!
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Additional resources from this episode: Get the episode transcript here.
Nathan’s info:
Nathan Rodriguez is a Transgender man who has been transitioning since 2011. He has served as the Executive Director for Trans Equity Coalition since 2023 where he advocates for rights and resources for the Trans and gender diverse community. Currently, Nathan is combining his 2 great loves of horror/alt culture and modern cuisine to launch a mobile food business called Spooky Dooky. He's been married to his partner Franni since 2014 and together they raise one son Victor and 3 fur babies.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/transequitycoalition/
Website: www.transequitycoalition.org
Donate to TEC: https://www.transequitycoalition.org/support-us
Volunteer: https://www.transequitycoalition.org/interested-in-volunteering
