The Share the Plate recipient for May is MaineTrans.Net.

MaineTransNet is a community based organization led by transgender people for transgender people. They provide peer-to-peer support groups, social and community events, advocacy for the transgender community across Maine, and training for medical, mental health, and social service providers. Community building and organizing across the state, their work is rooted in a deep desire to care for one another which informs how to build systems of mutual support centering accessibility, inclusivity, and hospitality.

As the sole organization in Maine specifically dedicated to supporting transgender people and allies, MaineTransNet plays a vital role in advocacy work on issues that directly affect gender diverse people in our state. They advocate at the Federal, State, and Municipal levels, but primarily concentrate on working with the Maine legislature and participating in administrative rule-making. This includes issue areas such as: 

• Laws and regulations about legal documentation, name changes, and gender markers 
• Laws and regulations concerning insurance coverage for gender affirming healthcare 
• Laws and regulations affecting transgender people’s experiences interacting with institutions such as schools, businesses, government agencies, jails and prisons, hospitals etc. 
• Nondiscrimination protections

The MaineTransNet community work is rooted in their peer-to-peer support groups. In these groups, trained transgender identified facilitators lead a group of trans people (and sometimes allies) though a casual yet structured meeting where people can ask questions, share their successes and challenges, get advice, and enjoy the feeling of being in a non-judgmental, trans led space.

They also maintain the Safe Combinations thrift shop, a safe, affirming, and affordable thrift store serving Portland’s trans and queer community and allies.

Nominated by Rev. Tara Humphries.

To make an offering online, you can give via Breeze and choose “Give to Plate”.