Let’s be real—things are rough right now for us trans folks. The constant attacks on trans rights can make it feel like we’re stuck, frozen in place, with no power or clear way forward. It’s exhausting. And when things feel this overwhelming, it’s easy to start believing that nothing we do will actually make a difference.
This month’s Trans Journal Series is all about finding your power in hard times. These prompts are here to help you work through that frozen, helpless feeling and reconnect with the strength you already have (yes, even when it doesn’t feel like it’s there).
Table of Contents
When Have You Been Strong Before?
It’s easy to forget our power and just how much we’ve already survived. Think back to when you faced something really hard—maybe it was coming out, navigating a tough situation at work or school, or just getting through a period where everything felt impossible. What got you through? What did you learn about yourself from that experience?
Example: “When I came out at work, I was terrified I’d lose my job. It wasn’t easy, and some people definitely made things harder than they needed to be. But I kept showing up, and I found support in unexpected places. Looking back, I can see how much courage that took.”
What’s One Thing You Can Control Right Now?
When everything feels like it’s spiraling, focusing on even one thing that’s in your control can make a huge difference. Maybe that’s taking care of yourself, reaching out to a friend, or learning more about what’s happening so you feel informed. What’s one small action you can take this week that reminds you that you still have agency?
Example: “I can’t single-handedly change anti-trans laws, but I can join a local trans support group and stay connected with my community. That makes me feel less alone.”
What’s Something You Love About Being Trans?
Despite all the challenges, transness is beautiful. What’s something about being trans that brings you joy or makes you feel powerful?
Example: “I love the creativity of transness—the way we redefine ourselves and make our own rules. It’s like being part of an ancient, unstoppable tradition.”
Who Makes You Feel Stronger?
No one gets through tough times alone. Think about the people in your life (online or offline) who remind you of your worth—those friends, mentors, or even mutuals on social media who make you feel seen and supported. What is it about them that helps you feel stronger? How can you lean into those connections more?
Example: “There’s a friend I text every time I feel like I’m falling apart. They don’t always have answers, but they remind me that I don’t have to figure everything out alone. Maybe I should let them know how much that means to me.”
What Does Resistance Look Like for You?
Resistance doesn’t always have to be loud or public. Sometimes, it looks like taking care of yourself, making art, holding space for others, or simply refusing to let the world make you feel small. What does resistance mean to you? What’s one way you can embody that in your life right now?
Example: “For me, resistance is showing up exactly as I am, even when people want me to shrink. It’s wearing the clothes that make me feel good, using my real name even in spaces where it’s not easy, and reminding other trans folks that they’re not alone.”
What Helps You Feel Most Like Yourself?
When was the last time you felt like you—even for a second? What were you doing? What were you wearing? Who were you with? How can you bring a little bit of that feeling into today?
Example: “I feel most like myself when I wear my binder and listen to music alone in my room. I think I’ll do that tonight.”
What’s a Fear That’s Holding You Back?
Fear is valid, but it can also distort how we view our reality. What’s one fear that’s been weighing on you lately? What would you do if fear wasn’t in the way?
Example: “I’m afraid no one will ever see me the way I see myself. But what if I stopped waiting for their approval and just existed for me?”
What Would It Look Like to Be Gentle With Yourself Today?
Not productive, not strong, just gentle. What does that actually look like for you? Less self-judgment? A break from the news? Letting yourself rest without guilt?
Example: “I think being gentle means not beating myself up for feeling this way. I’m allowed to be scared.”
When Was the Last Time You Felt Powerful?
Think back—when was the last time you felt truly in control of your life, even for a moment? What were you doing? How can you bring more of that into your life now?
Example: “I felt powerful when I emailed my senator about trans healthcare. Even if they didn’t listen, I spoke up. I think I need to do more of that.”
If You Had Unlimited Resources, What Would You Do to Help Trans People Right Now?
Dream big for a second. If money, time, and safety weren’t an issue, what would you love to do to fight for trans rights? Then, scale it down—what’s a smaller version of that that you can do?
Example: “If I had unlimited resources, I’d open a trans shelter. I can’t do that, but I can donate $5 to a fund or share a fundraiser.”
How Do You Want to Show Up for Yourself and Your Community?
Forget what anyone else expects—how do you want to show up? What kind of role do you want to play at this moment?
Example: “I want to be the kind of person who speaks up, even when it’s scary. That means practicing it in smaller ways first.”
What’s One Thing You Can Do Today to Shift From Fear to Action?
Fear is valid, but action is what creates change. What’s one thing—just one—that you can do right now to push past the fear and reclaim some control?
Example: “I’m going to research upcoming elections in my state and make a plan to vote.”
What Are Three Things That Help You Feel Grounded?
Before we can act, we have to find our footing. What helps you feel more solid? It could be a song, a person, or a small routine.
Example: “Drinking tea at night, listening to a playlist I made in 2018, and rewatching my favorite comfort show.”
What’s One Skill or Strength You Have That Could Be Useful Right Now?
We all bring something to the table. Are you good at writing? Organizing? Talking to people? Making others feel seen? Identify one strength and brainstorm ways to apply it.
Example: “I’m good at writing, so I could help draft letters to lawmakers or social media posts about what’s happening.”
What’s One Thing That Used to Scare You But Doesn’t Anymore?
Fear changes. Sometimes, things that once felt impossible become second nature. What used to scare you but you eventually learned how to handle?
Example: “Calling strangers on the phone used to terrify me. Now, I do it without thinking. Maybe other things will feel like that one day.”
Finding your power doesn’t mean never feeling afraid or struggling—it means recognizing that even in the hardest moments, you are still here, still trying, still pushing forward in whatever way you can. It means finding the small choices that remind you that you have agency, that your voice matters, and that you are not alone in this.
These prompts are here to help you tap into that strength, to remind you that even when things feel impossible, you still have power. And most importantly, you don’t have to do this alone. Your community is out here, finding their power too—one moment, one choice, and one act of resistance at a time.
