The work of Transgender, Intersex, Gender Expansive Revolutionary Resources & Services is guided by a group of ten core principles: intersectionality, focus, integrity, intergenerationality, self-worth, education, community, solidarity, empowerment and accountability. We believe that centering these principles and applying them to our work makes us better activists, better people and better-equipped to serve our communities.
TIGERRS is a flat, consensus-based organization. Our committees direct and carry out specific aspects of our work, while the Core Crew oversees strategy and ensures focus on our mission.
To us, Intersectionality is
- Understanding and valuing the dynamics of systemic oppression and personal identity
- Honoring the experiences of individuals within systems
- Recognizing and addressing the unique oppression(s) individuals face as a result of their identities
To us, Focus is
- Delivering the most effective services we can to the people and groups with the highest need within our communities
- Managing our scope to avoid burnout and ensure the longevity and sustainability of our organization in the face of overwhelming need
- Acknowledging we are affected by oppressions we try to undo
To us, Integrity is
- Validating and living our individual truths
- Validating and honoring others’ truths
- Supporting ourselves and others in journeys of liberation
To us, Intergenerationality is
- Working towards the liberation of people across generations
- Intentionally including the voices of youth and elders, who are often ignored in movements like ours
- Remembering and honoring the work of those who came before us
To us, Self-worth is
- Honoring personal experiences
- Caring for the whole self
- Knowing that the intrinsic value of individuals is unrelated to how much profit they can generate under capitalism
To us, Education is
- Acknowledging that regardless of where we are in our lives, we all have knowledge to contribute
- Providing guidance to others in their own journeys of growth
- Being teachers and students simultaneously in our work
To us, Community is
- Knowing that we are not alone in our struggles, growth, oppression, joy or liberation
- Bringing people together and acknowledging both our similarities and our differences
- Understanding that being in space with people who share marginalized identities helps normalize our lived experiences and offers opportunities for healing and relief
To us, Solidarity is
- Acknowledging that while community is important, we need to organize and take action on the basis of shared goals just as much as shared identities
- Acting from a place of parity and refusing to hold a “charity” or “philanthropy” mindset—we are the people we serve
- Amplifying and working with groups who focus on other oppressions
To us, Empowerment is
- Encouraging independence from marginalizing forces
- Helping trans, intersex and gender-expansive people develop self-confidence and the skills to advocate for themselves and others
- Carefully managing power imbalances within our organization and not replicating abusive, oppressive hierarchies
To us, Accountability is
- Pursuing consequences for harmful behavior but always allowing for growth
- Seeking informed consent from all participants and making decisions collectively
- Being transparent with decisions, challenges and celebration
TIGERRS 