The initiative has touched the lives of nearly 900 people
BY HARRIET CURZON, IMAGE BY DAVE BIRD
Trans Secret Santa UK have smashed their previous record of gifts, spreading Christmas joy and hope to trans+ youth with 896 festive gift packages.
Run by Trans+ Solidarity Alliance, the initiative has seen record-breaking involvement in its third year running. The previous record, set in 2023, saw 700 gifts being given, turning a period which can be very isolating into one of community and connection.
Brands like Lush and Ben & Jerry’s have donated goods to support the gift packages, alongside contributions from independent queer and trans creators. Recipients will also receive a card filled with messages of hope and solidarity written by trans icons such as Ella Morgan, Abigail Thorn and Zelah Glasson.
This comes after a challenging year for the trans community following a series of restrictions and policy changes by organisations such as Girl Guiding.
Trans Secret Santa UK co-founder Octavian Starr said: “It’s a privilege to be able to bring joy and messages of hope to trans youth after what has been a horrible year for them and for all of us.”
“The winter period can be especially difficult for young trans people, a lot of whom can feel really isolated, and supporting almost 900 people with joyful festive gifts will hopefully bring some cheer to the end of the year for many.”
“To be a trans young person in the UK in 2025 has been, for so many, an experience of feeling fearful and alone. With increasingly extreme anti-trans politics and policies becoming mainstream in this country, it falls on all of us to support each other and bring community and love against the odds.”
Co-founder Jude Guaitamacchi also expressed the significance of this project at this time: “The message I really want to send to trans youth is that your authenticity is your superpower, a light that helps others find themselves in the dark. Remember that the most powerful thing you can do, in a world that tells you who to be, is to unapologetically be who you are.”
Find out more about Trans Secret Santa here.
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