Amid a wave of anti-transgender legislation across the country, particularly in Republican-led states like Kentucky, trans people are finding joy, building community and providing emotional support for one another more than ever. In Louisville, one trans-led organization is redefining what it means to be a “support group” by creating connection not only through deep, healing conversation, but also through late night burger runs at the local dive diner.

Trans Haven, a social group created by and for trans adults in partnership with Louisville Trans Masc Alliance, meets on Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Louisville Pride Center. The center is located in the Old Louisville neighborhood at 1244 S. Third St.

Heather Stevens, the group’s founder and co-facilitator, said that the group began in March of 2025 with only a few active members, but now averages 15 to 20 participants each week. The group provides a welcoming and affirming space for transfeminine, transmasculine, and non-binary individuals 18 and over.

“We really get each other. Trans people understand other trans people,” she said. “We go through the same type of trauma and struggles. Walking in the door and realizing that the entire room gets you…it’s really nice to have that type of connection.”

Stevens was raised in Kentucky but moved to California for school where she lived for 30 years and transitioned at age 37. She returned to Kentucky four years ago to care for her ailing mother just as the state legislature began introducing bills aimed at excluding transgender youth from sports and limiting their access to bathrooms. Stevens said that witnessing familiar trauma affect a new generation of trans youth which planted the seed for the community building that she’s spearheading today.

“We’re stronger together in the face of the opposition,” she said of the group. “I get so much encouragement and strength from the group, as well. I go there and get grounded even as their leader. When you give to the community, you always get back more than you give.”

Each meeting includes facilitator-led discussions and activities on topics such as gender transition, coming out and traveling under increased scrutiny. Participants often split into smaller groups—some for serious conversations, others for lighthearted games like Uno which allows members to choose the setting that best fits their mood. After the 90 minute meetup ends, many group members continue hanging out, often having dinner at a nearby burger joint.

When Mason C. of Louisville first walked into the Louisville Pride Center for a Trans Haven meeting, he said that he felt nervous seeing how many people were there. However, that quickly faded, he said, because of how happy everyone was to see him.

“It’s really important for trans people to have community with one another,” he said. “We’re unique and particular and a lot of people don’t understand us. [At Trans Haven], everyone already understands you and you don’t have to explain anything to anyone. You get to skip that part and go right to making friends.”

Now more than ever, Stevens said, it is important to create space for transgender people to heal, unwind and connect. Some participants travel up to two hours each way to attend Trans Haven meetings.

This year, 953 anti-transgender bills were introduced across the United States. Of those, 120 were passed into law, including Kentucky’s House Bill 495, which bans the use of Medicaid for gender-affirming care, and Senate Bill 2, which prohibits public funding for gender-affirming care for transgender inmates.

“Any point of political strife requires the community to organize and at least have each other,” Mason said. “History will tell you that. Anyone should have a community they can rely on. Especially those who are marginalized.” 

The connection among Trans Haven members extends beyond the walls of the Louisville Pride Center and into their daily lives. Stevens has worked to incorporate social outings into the group’s activities to help foster friendships outside the traditional support group setting.

“We have outings at PLAY, hiking, and movie nights. There’s a more social aspect of it where we do things just not at the Pride Center,” she said. “We’re reversing COVID [lockdowns]. Everyone was so isolated and this is the opposite of that. People are coming to find community and create friend groups. I couldn’t think of a more healthy outcome than creating friend groups.” 

For more information on Trans Haven, reach out to [email protected].