Trans Voice & Visibility 365

 A TransMission

of the Metropolitan Community Church of Hartford

and putting LOVE into gear…

Our Leadership: Reverend Aaron Miller,

Regina Dyton and Aidan Whittel

Trans Voice and Visibility-365 (TV-365) is a ministry dedicated to uplifting and supporting the well being of transgender individuals in Connecticut by providing basic human needs, information and referral, service coordination and support to individuals.  This ministry also works to support and collaborate with relevant support groups and service providers.

Our emphasis is on those most underserved, neglected, victimized and oppressed.  This includes, but is not limited to, transgender women and men of color, those with disabilities, youth and elderly, immigrants (documented and undocumented), low income and victims of crime..

————————————————————————————-

Trans Voice and Visibility – 365 days a year

 VISION: to create a world in which those who identify as transgender or non-binary can reach their full God-given potential and live lives that flourish; authentically, safely, and loved.

MISSION: As a matter of faith provide, as needed, resources and referrals that will help meet basic and critical needs for those who identify as transgender or non-binary and offer help and support in reaching aspirational goals and dreams in the ways possible.  

PURPOSE: to help those who identify as transgender or non-binary in ways that will help reduce the high rate of suicide, risk of murder, and experiences of loneliness and despair that often result from social stigma, anti-transgender or anti-non-binary hate and violence, bigotry, and discrimination; especially at the intersections of ableism, racism, and other social biases—so that transgender and non-binary lives are seen and treated as precious, with dignity and respect.

SCOPE: TV365 is an outreach ministry serving the Greater Hartford area and more broadly (as necessary) within the State of Connecticut. Those served must be 18 years or older and minors will be referred to DCF, exceptions may be made provided there is written parental consent.

 ————————————————————————————-

Transgender support resources

The T-Party, facilitated by Dr. Richard Stillson in Hartford, runs groups for women, men and youth. Email Richard at “RichardStillson@outlook.com” for further information.

The Ruff-Tuff Cream Puffs is a youth support group facilitated by Jillian Centrano in New Haven. Email Jillian at “jillian5935@gmail.com” for further information.

Divinely You is a support group for women, men and youth in New Haven, facilitated by Nadine Ruff. Email Nadine at “nadineruff60@gmail.com” for further information.

————————————————————————————-

When It All Began

MCC Hartford was founded in 1973 with a unique calling—to share the unconditional love of God, provide a spiritual home, and to further social justice and equality for those in the LGBTQ community. Its newest outreach ministry TV365 (Transgender Voice and Visibility—every day) began November 2021 and has already had a life-saving and life-affirming impact. Love must be “put into gear” and, with hands and feet along with heart, we are called to reach those in the LGBTQ community who are most in need, working together with a strong community network and partners, doing this critically needed outreach and support…now, with a specific focus on those who identify as transgender and non-binary.

————————————————————————————-

Active Programs Include:

·       Meeting individual critical/basic needs: food, lodging, clothing, health-related, spiritual care, and providing referrals as necessary and appropriate

·       The TGE Youth Circus Project: A collective community collaboration for transgender and gender expansive (TGE) youth and their families, including a series of youth circus classes culminating in youth-led workshops and youth-created performance

Website: The TGE Youth Circus Project | Circus Moves

·       CT Transgender ID Project: hosting clinics that provide help (at no charge) with Connecticut legal documents changing name and/or gender and providing pro bono legal assistance, as necessary

·       Help sponsor 3 support groups for transgender and non-binary youth and adults

·       Hosting the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance

————————————————————————————

-NOTE: This is a new ministry whose programs are under development. Check back for new developments as our efforts continue to put programs and links to other organizations in place.