Trans Israel

TransIsrael is a national organization built by, with, and for transgender women in Israel. We aim to promote the economic, social, and legal rights of trans women, imagining a society that is safe and inclusive for all. TransIsrael’s power is in our community. Today, we actively support 300 trans women and continue to reach out to the over 1000 trans women in Israel. Our organization places a specific focus on trans women who come from disadvantaged backgrounds, reaching some of Israel’s most marginalized individuals. These include trans women from different labour, ethnic, racial, age, or migrant populations – such as Mizrahi, Arab, Ethiopian, older adult, or status-less. While all trans women deserve equality, our community strives to support and uplift minorities within minorities. Based out of our TransHouse drop-in and community center, our programs are accessible to those who often fall through the cracks of traditional services. We support our community directly by providing essential humanitarian aid and support services in addition to running cultural events and workshops. We also engage in advocacy and lobbying efforts, championing our cause, and working collectively with partner organizations and government to promote change within society. TransIsrael is on the frontlines with our community, supporting and advocating for those who need it most. We know firsthand that the experiences of trans women are interrelated to social and economic inequalities, which results in trans women in our community experiencing higher rates of poverty, unemployment (32%), unstable housing, mental illness (41%), criminalization, and violence. From these collective experiences TransIsrael established itself in 2020 as a mutual aid group of trans women with a shared goal: support, connection, and community. TransIsrael’s Founder and CEO, Linor Abergel, is symbolic of so many within this community. Born in Tirat Carmel, Linor was thrown out her parents’ house at a young age. From there, the road to the cycle of prostitution followed. Experiencing poverty, homelessness, and stigma, she turned to sex work to survive. After years in this industry, Linor started business to improve her quality of life and access to opportunities. Linor’s drive for civic organizing and community activism led her to community partnerships and solidarity work, activities that remain central to her work today with TransIsrael. Through Linor’s efforts, she has become a key figure in the transgender community in Israel, standing up for the voiceless and paving the way for change.