FAQs

Questions? Check out this page for answers to some Frequently Asked Questions!
You can always reach us at: [email protected]

What is Trans* Lounge?
Trans* Lounge was founded in June of 2015 and is a program at the Los Angeles LGBT Center. As a first-of-its-kind social connection, support, and empowerment program, Trans* Lounge provides free support groups, classes, and community events for trans, gender nonconforming, intersex, non-binary, and gender-expansive folx.

Membership is free, registration takes only a few minutes, and all of our programming is offered at no cost. While our public Event Calendar highlights a sample of the diverse opportunities available, access to our full and current programming calendar is reserved for registered members.

At Trans* Lounge, our mission is to keep our community connected, empowered, and inspired. More than a collection of programs and events, Trans* Lounge is a thriving community of over 8,500 members and growing. What truly makes Trans* Lounge special is the people who bring it to life. Your presence, participation, and contributions help create a welcoming space where meaningful connections are formed and chosen family can flourish.

Who can be a Trans* Lounge member?
Membership and participation in Trans Lounge* groups, classes, and events are intended specifically for TGI/Enby+ individuals and all members of gender-expansive communities. Our programming is designed to provide a dedicated space where participants can connect, learn, and find support among peers who share lived experiences related to gender identity and expression.

While we deeply value and appreciate the support of allies, we ask for your understanding that Trans* Lounge is not intended as a space for ally participation. Maintaining a community-centered environment helps ensure that our members feel safe, affirmed, and comfortable engaging authentically with one another. Allies seeking educational materials, guidance, and ways to support the TGI/Enby+ community are encouraged to visit our Ally Resources page as a helpful starting point.

For those interested in giving back, we also invite allies to explore opportunities to support the Los Angeles LGBT Center through its Volunteer Resources Program. Volunteering is a meaningful way to contribute to the Center’s mission and help strengthen the broader LGBTQ+ community.

Who runs the Trans* Lounge?
Trans Lounge is built by community, for community. Led by Program Manager Gina Bigham (she/her), Program Supervisor Arkaz Vardanyan (he/she), and Program Specialist Avery Espinoza (he/they), our team is dedicated to creating a meaningful, welcoming, and empowering experience for each and every member. Whether you’re new to Trans* Lounge or a longtime participant, we’re here to support you and help you make the most of all that our community has to offer. We welcome your questions, feedback, and ideas, and can always be reached at [email protected].

How does membership work?
Once you register, you’ll gain access to the full Trans* Lounge member experience, including our complete website resources. Member-exclusive benefits include access to our Event Calendar, and Discord Server, which are not available to non-registered visitors.

We primarily communicate with members via email. Upon registration, you’ll automatically begin receiving our weekly programming newsletter, sent every Monday at 9:00 AM PT. These emails include everything you need to participate in upcoming programs, including event descriptions, registration information, and Zoom links. You can also find program details on our Events Calendar.

To make our programming as accessible as possible, the majority of Trans* Lounge offerings are held virtually. Many of our groups are drop-in, allowing you to participate whenever you’re available and inspired to join. Some classes, workshops, and presentations require advance registration and may have limited capacity. We do also schedule 1-2 in-person social events each month.

Most importantly, all Trans Lounge groups, classes, events, and community resources are completely free of charge.

Does Trans* Lounge serve youth?
Trans* Lounge brings together community members from a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and life experiences. While we welcome participants across generations, we do not offer programs specifically designed for youth, and our membership is primarily composed of adults ages 18 and older.

For younger individuals seeking affirming support, resources, and community, the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Youth Services Department offers a wide range of programs, services, and opportunities tailored to the needs of LGBTQ+ youth. We encourage youth and their families to explore these valuable resources and find the support that best meets their needs.

Are you accepting new Instructors, Classes and other proposals?
We are always looking for new classes, workshops, and opportunities to enrich the Trans* Lounge community. If you have a skill, area of expertise, or program idea you’d like to share with our members, we would love to hear from you!

Innovation and community input are at the heart of what we do, and we are continually exploring new ways to expand and strengthen our programming. Whether you have a fully developed class proposal or just the seed of an idea, we encourage you to reach out.

You do not need to be TGI/Enby+ or gender expansive to become a Trans* Lounge instructor or presenter. However, as a community-centered program, we are especially excited to connect with TGI/Enby+ and gender-expansive individuals who are interested in sharing their knowledge, talents, and lived experiences with our members.

What can I expect when I attend a Trans* Lounge group, class or event?
At Trans* Lounge, you can expect every group, workshop, and social event to provide a welcoming, affirming, and supportive environment for growth, connection, and exploration throughout your gender journey. Our goal is to foster a space where community members feel respected, valued, and empowered to show up authentically.

To help ensure the safety and comfort of all participants, Trans* Lounge follows a comprehensive set of Participation Guidelines designed to create a respectful and inclusive experience for everyone. These community standards help cultivate an environment where members can connect with confidence and engage at their own pace.

Trans* Lounge currently offers more than 20 groups, classes, and events each month. Programs are typically held on weekday evenings beginning around 7:30 PM PT and on weekends around 12:00 PM PT, though schedules may vary. Most offerings run between 90 minutes and two hours in length.

Because much of our programming is virtual, members have the flexibility to participate in ways that feel most comfortable to them. You are welcome to keep your camera on or off, contribute through voice, use the chat feature, or simply listen and observe. While participants are invited to introduce themselves at the beginning of a session, there is never pressure to share beyond your comfort level. Your presence alone is valued, and we are honored to have you with us in whatever capacity feels right for you.

Group sizes vary depending on the program. Some of our larger support groups may welcome up to 40 participants, while certain classes, workshops, and specialty offerings maintain smaller attendance limits based on instructional needs and facilitator preferences. Regardless of size, we strive to create meaningful opportunities for connection, learning, and community-building in every Trans* Lounge gathering.

Do you assist with access to resources, like medical, housing, food?
Trans* Lounge is designed to foster support, connection, and empowerment for TGI/Enby+ and gender-expansive communities. While our programming focuses on community-building and peer support, Trans* Lounge is proud to be part of the Los Angeles LGBT Center, giving members access to a wide network of affirming services, resources, and referrals.

For medical and mental health services, including gender-affirming care, members may access support through the Trans Wellness Center, and the LA LGBT Center’s Health Services. Individuals aged 50 and older can explore specialized programs through Senior Services while youth and young adults ages 12–24 can connect with our Youth Services. These programs also offer a variety of supports, including case management, housing navigation, and other essential resources.

We know that finding trusted, affirming resources can often be challenging. To help make that process easier, we encourage community members to explore our TGI/Enby+ Resource Index, a searchable resource directory featuring services and supports available throughout Los Angeles County, as well as a selection of virtual and national resources. The index can be searched online and downloaded or printed for future reference.

As a community-informed resource, we are always looking for ways to improve and expand this directory. If you notice gaps in our listings or have suggestions for additional resources, we would love to hear from you. You can reach out to us at: [email protected] with your feedback and recommendations.

What is your Binder and Tucking Garment Exchange Program?
Our Binder Exchange and Tucking Exchange programs are available to any community member in need of a chest binder or tucking garment. To request one, simply complete the brief application available on our Binder or Tucking pages.

If we have your requested binder or gaff size and style in stock, and with your permission, we will ship it directly to you via the United States Postal Service. If your preferred binder size or style is not currently available, we may be able to provide a $45 Underworks gift card, allowing you to order the binder that best meets your needs directly from Underworks.

Do you accept donations?
Trans* Lounge is not able to accept financial donations directly. Donations can be made to the Los Angeles LGBT Center here.

Do you accept clothing donations?
Unfortunately, we do not have the capacity to accept clothing donations at this time.

The Trans Wellness Center does accept limited clothing donations, based on capacity, and for items that are clean and in good condition. TWC is in need of the following items: *New Items* Underwear (men’s & women’s), Socks / *New and Gently Used* Chest binders, Jackets, Jeans, Belts, Ties. If you’d like to make a clothing donation to TWC, you can all them at: (323) 993-2900.