Volunteering at Trans Lifeline

As trans people, we believe we are the experts on our own lives. Trans Lifeline developed out of our community’s need—we will always be community operated.

Hundreds of dedicated volunteers make our work possible, bringing trans brilliance to our community every single day. Trans Lifeline Volunteers build nonprofit experience, log required clinical hours, learn the ins & outs of community economic redistribution—and meet incredible trans people across the country.

We would love to have you on our team! See our available positions below.

“I was born and raised in Pakistan. Growing up in a conservative Muslim, South-Asian country was terrifying and self-acceptance was an uphill journey. When I moved to Malaysia for university, I found love and support from friends and the local LGBTQI community that changed my life forever.

My summer internship at Trans Lifeline showed me the power that peer support and community can have in turning a trans person’s life around.“

Max (he/him), Communications Intern

“I’m a high school therapist, grad student, and volunteer researcher on the Microgrants team. When you apply for a grant, we’ll help you gather everything you’ll need, walk you through the legal process, and get you the money to pay for it.

In addition, our team collects and shares information on ID changes for every county in the U.S. I call court houses all over the country, but mostly I deep-dive internet research at 1 a.m. on a Tuesday—my favorite hour of free time!

If you like tracking down facts, we’d love to have you on board. “

Lo (they/them), Microgrants Volunteer

“I cannot speak for all of us, but I think the pandemic is definitely showing trans people that we have to lean on each other and protect each other no matter what. I’ve been a caller before, and the operator I spoke with was able to calm me down in one of my most vulnerable moments. They provided me with a resource that has definitely changed my life for the better. Now, I get to do that for someone else.”

Malakai (he/him), Volunteer Operator

100,000

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Calls Answered

$738k

$738k

Funds Dispersed

Volunteer Positions

Volunteer Hotline Operator

Provide crisis support for your community that’s divested from cops—in English or Spanish. All our operators identify as trans/nonbinary/gender non-conforming, as we firmly believe we are the experts on our lived experiences.

You’ll receive 36 hours of online training and join a community of trans peers across the country on our nationally accredited hotline.

Apply now!

Our Family & Friends Hotline’s trans-centered 32+ hour training program will teach you the skills needed to resource people who are supporting a trans loved one.

Staff and volunteers offer you peer support, mentoring, and guidance.

Friends & Family Hotline operators can be cis or trans. apply here!

Redistribute money directly to trans people at scale. Support other trans people navigating changing their names and ID documents, and financially support incarcerated trans people.

Support us with data entry, database management, video production, social media campaigns, and fundraising.

Contact us for more information!

Several times throughout the year, there are opportunities for animators, designers, video editors, and illustrators.

Contact us for more information!

At this time, board member applications are closed, though please check back for future opportunities.

Internships

Internships with Trans Lifeline offer a chance to connect with our work on a deeper level, gain valuable skills and educational credits. At this time, internships are unpaid and are open to enrolled undergraduate and graduate students.

Internships are not usually listed, but the following departments usually host 1-2 interns at a time:

Hotline
Microgrants
Communications

Contact us

Cis Supporters

Thank you for centering the wellbeing of trans people! The following opportunities are available to cis supporters:

  • Family & Friends Hotline operator
  • Help us produce live virtual events, streams, and fundraisers
  • Support video production, animation, or design
  • Help with database support & data entry

Contact us if you have any other ideas, or would like to get involved!

Volunteer FAQs

In order to apply for Hotline, Microgrants, and Communications positions, you must live in the US or Canada and be 18+. You’ll need a phone, computer, and internet connection you can use at the same time, and a quiet, private place to take calls (Hotline). Because we offer peer support, Hotline and Microgrants volunteer positions are only open to trans, nonbinary, and gender nonconfrorming identified people.

We ask volunteers to commit for at least 3 months as Hotline operators, Microgrants, or admin volunteers.

Hours are flexible with your schedule. Hotline operators sign up for specific shifts and must be available for at least one two-hour shift per week.

Volunteers can also commit to working on one project in design, data management, or technology.

You can apply to become a Family & Friends Hotline operator, help us produce live virtual events, video production, or help with database support & data entry, fundraising, and much more. Reach out to if you’d like to get involved in any of the above!

Once you submit an application for an opening, You can expect a follow up via email within 2-3 weeks. You may be asked to schedule a short interview. If we do not currently have capacity, we will notify you.

Note: We strive to ensure that BIPOC callers have peer support from BIPOC peers. This can mean increased waiting times for onboarding non-BIPOC hotline operators.

No matter what department you’re in, training materials will be made available to you. Volunteer Operators receive 36 hours of self-guided online training with staff support, role-plays, and hop-alongs before you take calls on your own.

Our Volunteer Manager’s main focus is your experience in our community. Contact your staff supervisor or our Volunteer Manager if you have any concerns.

Volunteers in our service departments remain anonymous and confidential to both Hotline callers and Microgrant recipients. Our dashboard sends calls to you directly without showing your number. Should you experience any online harassment or threats because of your affiliation with Trans Lifeline, please contact our Volunteer Manager immediately.

Depending on your program’s specific requirements, it may be possible. Please contact our Volunteer Manager to discuss your requirements.