Programs

Black Trans
Empowerment
Week 2025

Black Trans Empowerment Week serves as a heartfelt tribute to the entire Black trans and gender-diverse community, along with its dedicated supporters, who are committed to forging a brighter future for Black transgender individuals. BTEW is a jubilant commemoration of life, legacy, and the tireless community leaders who shape the landscape of Houston.

Taking place over a span of seven days, from November 15th to 21st, The Mahogany Project and Save Our Sisters United join forces to orchestrate a series of community engagement events. These events aim to foster thriving communities that fully embrace transgender, gender-diverse, and intersex individuals.

In a world where the lives of Black Trans individuals are tragically still being taken against their will, the urgent call for support at both city and national levels to safeguard our Black Trans community cannot go unnoticed. Failure to address this issue perpetuates the erasure of the Black Trans experience and leaves Black Trans individuals exposed to the forefront of transphobic hate and violence.

Hosted every year, Black Trans Empowerment Week stands as an inspiration, inviting individuals to rally behind the inclusion of Black Trans communities in a manner that resonates deeply with them. This celebration offers Houston residents a unique opportunity to educate themselves about the pivotal role played by Black Trans Women in American and Houstonian history. It encourages introspection, challenging preconceived biases about the Trans community, and advocates for the rights, safety, and overall well-being of Black Trans individuals wherever possible.

The Mahogany Project's Hands Off Our Drag initiative represents a pioneering and community-oriented endeavor to preserve, enhance, and commemorate the legacy of Drag culture in Texas.

Through collaboration with local entertainers, this initiative transcends mere performances to encompass digital storytelling, content creation, educational seminars, historical archiving, and interactive social events. We structure these initiatives to highlight the talent and diversity in the Texas drag scene and guarantee its longevity and sustainability within an ever-evolving cultural milieu.

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The Mahogany Project is launching the Gender Justice & Joy Pop Up Tour over the next year to provide free Plan B, condoms, lube, dental dams, makeup, and personal care items to communities across Texas.

These pop up events aim to resource and empower individuals by addressing gaps in reproductive and gender-affirming care caused by restrictive policies.

  • The Soul Care Initiative is a comprehensive program that integrates mental, physical, holistic, and spiritual health practices to provide nourishment for the soul and healing for wounded hearts. It's designed for individuals seeking a holistic approach to wellness and well-being. It specifically caters to:

    • Individuals looking to establish meaningful connections within a supportive community.

    • Those who are actively pursuing mental and physical wellness.

    • Individuals interested in embracing holistic wellness practices that encompass mind, body, and spirit.

  • Our #PoundTown series, brought to you by The Mahogany Project, offers a comprehensive 6-week in-person course specifically designed for adults. Led by trained Planned Parenthood educators, this series creates a secure and informative space for participants to delve into a diverse range of essential topics in sexual education.

    Throughout the program, attendees will explore subjects such as gender identities and sexual orientation, the significance of consent, addressing the unique needs of trans and non-binary individuals, an exploration of kinks and fetishes, raising awareness about HIV, and fostering empowerment and autonomy in matters of sexual health. Our primary mission is to establish an inclusive environment that encourages individuals to deepen their understanding of sexual health and well-being, empowering them to make informed choices within a supportive community. Embark on an enlightening journey of sexual education and empowerment with The Mahogany Project's #PoundTown series.

    Every individual who successfully completes the #PoundTown Series will receive a certificate of completion jointly issued by The Mahogany Project and Planned Parenthood.

  • Our program offers comprehensive assistance for individuals seeking Name and Gender Marker Change applications, encompassing Superior Court gender marker changes, Texas DMV updates, and Birth Certificates. This support is peer-led and made possible through our valuable collaboration with the Transgender Legal Aid Clinic Texas. Additionally, we extend services such as document notarization and financial assistance specifically tailored to BIPOC TGNC individuals within our network who are in the process of recovering and updating their important documents.

    To further enhance our support, we conduct quarterly on-site sessions led by trained legal professionals. Please note that pre-registration is required for these sessions due to limited space availability. Furthermore, our dedicated staff ensure that all necessary documents required for name and gender marker changes are readily accessible on-site, streamlining the process for our participants.