For Transgender, Gender Nonconfirming, and Nonbinary (TGNCNB) people, navigating critical city services like the shelter system or healthcare can be an overwhelming and often traumatic process. In addition to the many bureaucratic obstacles of accessing services, TGNCNB people often face unjust treatment and transphobia throughout the process. 

To support TGNCNB people, the city recently created the position of Gender Liaisons who work at different city agencies to help individuals access the services they need and ensure they’re treated justly. But few people know that Gender Liaisons exist and how to find them.

The New York City Anti-Violence Project (AVP) collaborated with CUP and designer Erik Freer to create TGNC-NYC, a pocket-sized, foldout guide, which helps TGNCNB people understand how to find and work with Gender Liaisons across the city. The guide includes sample language to use when talking to city employees, rights that TGNCNB people have in NYC, as well as steps to take if they face transphobia.  

AVP will distribute TGNC-NYC throughout their network of individuals and advocates.

Resources & Links

The New York City Anti-Violence Project (AVP) empowers lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and HIV-affected communities and allies to end all forms of violence through organizing and education, and supports survivors through counseling and advocacy. 

Erik Freer is a designer, artist and writer who lives and works in New York City. Currently, Erik works managing the graphic design at the Neue Galerie Museum in Manhattan. Erik also maintains an independent cross-disciplinary practice.

Public Access Design is a program of the Center for Urban Pedagogy (CUP). Public Access Design projects use design to make complex urban issues accessible to the New Yorkers most affected by them. 

Funding Support

Support for this project was provided by The Shelley & Donald Rubin Foundation and public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and Council Members Brad Lander and Antonio Reynoso. 

Special Thanks

Clair Beltran, Christine Gaspar, Ashe McGovern, Chanel J. Lopez, Elana Redfield, Andrew, Bravo, Cleo, Jazz, Lizzi, Maureen, Nick, Phoenix, Sasha, Sheshay, Steve, Synthia, Tanya, Chris, AVP community member, and to Sharp Type Co. for the Doyle font family. 

Participants

  • CUP
  • Siyona Ravi
    Yasmin Safdie 
  • Sucharitha Yelimeli
  • New York City Anti-Violence Project
  • Andrea Bowen
  • Audacia Ray 
    Briana Silberberg
  • Designer
  • Erik Freer