In a landmark moment for trans rights and racial justice, a coalition of community organisations has opened the Ts Madison Starter House in Atlanta, Georgia, a re-entry home specifically created for formerly incarcerated Black trans women. The initiative was unveiled in honour of Trans Day of Visibility on March 31 and is already being hailed as a transformative investment in the future of Black trans lives.

Led by media icon and outspoken advocate Ts Madison, the project is the latest from the Sisterhood Alliance for Freedom and Equality (SAFE). But this is no ordinary shelter. The Ts Madison Starter House is a comprehensive, community-led model designed to provide more than just a roof; it offers safe, affirming housing alongside access to healthcare, economic opportunities, and holistic support.

 

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Its mission is bold: to build sustainable pathways out of systemic oppression and to empower Black trans women with the tools and community support they need not just to survive but to thrive. In a society where trans people, especially Black trans women, are disproportionately affected by incarceration, poverty, and violence, the Ts Madison Starter House aims to break the cycle.

It has a radical yet deeply human vision of a world where Black trans women are not defined by the systems that fail them. It is a vision of self-determination, dignity, and resilience. The Starter House is intended to serve as a blueprint for what’s possible when communities take the lead in creating inclusive, affirming spaces, regardless of the political climate or ongoing discrimination.

By centring care, economic empowerment, and community solidarity, the Ts Madison Starter House marks a vital shift in how re-entry and recovery are approached for trans people of colour. As Ts Madison herself continues to use her platform to advocate for those too often left behind, this new space stands as a sanctuary.