Start up for TAKE RESOURCE HOME

My name is Daroneshia Duncan, and I am a trans woman of color born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama. In the past three years, I’ve worked to bring attention to the transgender population here in Birmingham, especially the trans women of color community. In 2013, I created TAKE (Transgender Advocates Knowledgeable EMPOWERING), a peer support group which meets twice per month to help trans women of color identify barriers that they face here in Birmingham. TAKE is a space where trans people can meet to have a voice and be heard.

I know firsthand the oppression that most trans women face on a daily basis. I have personally experienced sex work, workplace and housing discrimination, and substance abuse. There are so many challenges when it comes to our identity as trans women, and crime and discrimination create more barriers. I’ve worked very hard to challenge systems that are in place and help set standards for local service providers and business here in Birmingham.

As the years have passed, I have seen that there is great need for a center where trans women can come for resources that will help them improve their basic daily living. My vision for the resource center is very big, but of course, I don’t receive any major funding for TAKE, which operates based on private donors, community partners, and a few small grants. The center will be able to help trans women navigate through the Greater Birmingham area and connect them with the following resources:
• Culturally competent service providers
• Job readiness training
• GED prep
• General & transition health information
• Re-entry programs for sex workers and trans people aging out DHR or the judicial system
• And much more

Please help support the work I am doing here and help improve the quality of life for transgender people by giving a donation from the heart. Small or big, it's the thought that counts. We can make a difference here in Birmingham, and it all starts with your contribution. All donations will go towards opening the trans-founded and trans-led TAKE Resource Center here in Birmingham.