Transgender History & Education

Attacks on gender-affirming care are nothing new. From anti-trans rhetoric and legislation, gender-affirming care has been subjected to a long history of attacks and disinformation despite being well-established, evidence-based care. Over the past two years, state-based bills have increasingly targeted transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) people in half the country. Recently, these attacks have escalated […]

This month’s Trans History Spotlight shines on a moment that should never be forgotten: the destruction of the Institute for Sexual Science (Institut für Sexualwissenschaft) in Berlin, Germany. Nearly a century ago, on May 6, 1933, Nazi stormtroopers ransacked one of the most groundbreaking institutions in the world, dragging books, research, and medical records into

We’re thrilled to continue our Trans Bookworm Series, a dedicated space on the Plume blog where we delve into stories, ideas, and experiences written by and about trans people. This series celebrates the richness of trans lives, exploring everything from memoirs to poetry to critical theories. Each featured book invites us to reflect on the

In recent years, the term “woke gender ideology” has become a political talking point weaponized by opponents of transgender and non-binary rights. This rhetoric reached new heights in January 2025 when President Donald Trump issued a presidential memo titled “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government.” This memo

If you’re a trans-femme person navigating the world of gender-affirming care, chances are you’ve heard about estrogen. For many of us, it’s more than a hormone—it’s a lifeline, a key to unlocking a deeper sense of authenticity. But have you ever wondered about its origins? Who discovered it? When and where did it first emerge

Welcome to Trans Fact or Fiction?, a new series where we tackle some of the most persistent myths about trans people and gender-affirming care. In each article, we’ll break down a common misconception, examine the facts, and provide the context often missing from these conversations. Our goal? To empower you with accurate information and a

We are excited to continue our Bookworm Series, a dedicated corner of the Plume blog where we explore stories, ideas, and experiences written by and about trans people. This series celebrates the voices that reflect our lives, our journeys, and the richness of trans experiences. From memoirs to poetry to critical theories, these works offer

“The hardest part has been learning how to take myself seriously when the entire world is constantly telling me that femininity is always inferior to masculinity.” ― Julia Serano This month, the Trans Bookworm Series dives into Julia Serano’s Whipping Girl: A Transsexual Woman on Sexism and the Scapegoating of Femininity. Whipping Girl explores trans

For many in the trans community, the current wave of anti-trans legislation and rhetoric feels like an overwhelming storm—but this isn’t an accident. This cultural and political backlash has deep roots, stretching across decades of ideological battles about gender, identity, and power.  For this month’s Trans History Spotlight, let’s break down this rise of anti-trans

As part of our Trans History Spotlight series, we’re focusing on the origins and growth of Trans Awareness Week. Every year, this powerful week in mid-November leads up to the Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20th. Rooted in the work of early activists and advocates, Trans Awareness Week started as a grassroots initiative aimed