Today we’d like to introduce you to Elih North.
Hi Elih, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Elih North (he/they), and I am the founder of Trans Voices. The seeds for Trans Voices were actually planted a few years ago. I originally started a podcast with two friends called Trans Brothers, as we were three transmasculine guys sharing our experiences. As we grew, I realized I wanted to include everyone in the trans and nonbinary community, so we rebranded to Trans Voices. Eventually, life happened, we drifted apart, and the project was put on pause.
Fast forward to the fall of 2024. I was going through a tough time—I had lost my insurance and my therapist, and I desperately needed community to keep going. My therapist had recommended looking into support groups, but I noticed a huge gap. The groups I found were either inaccessible due to scheduling and distance, or they were hyper-focused on specific identities—only transmasc, only transfem, or specific racial demographics. Those spaces are incredibly important, but I craved a unified space where we all came together, not just during Pride month or at holiday events. Around that time, I met my friend Theo. He was deeply involved in the community, and through him, my circle expanded. We were hanging out constantly, and that deep sense of connection sparked something in me: I wanted to bring Trans Voices back.
In the spring of 2025, the Trans Voices nonprofit was officially born. We started as a unified support group, but we quickly grew. We added a ‘Project Day’ hosted by Rene, our licensed therapist, where we work on creative community projects, and an ‘Activity Day’ to get us out and moving together.
As our community grew, we realized we still needed a way to amplify these incredible stories. That led to the rebirth of the Trans Voices Podcast. Now, with Robin Allen on board as our producer and editor, we invite folks from across the LGBTQIA+ spectrum—with a focus on trans and nonbinary topics—to share their voices and their truths with our listeners.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely been challenging. Trans Voices is completely volunteer-run, so simply finding and making the time to keep everything moving is a lot. One of our biggest hurdles right now is securing funding. We’ve been trying to navigate the world of grants, which has been unsuccessful so far, and we are actively looking for folks who might want to help us in that area.
But honestly, the struggles fade the second we host an event. When folks show up and tell us, ‘I really needed this,’ or share how our community has moved them—that moves me. It moves all of us on the team. We are so incredibly passionate about the events and resources we provide. Every hurdle is worth it because our ultimate goal is to secure the sponsorships and grants we need to grow into a bigger, better organization so we can give even more back to our community. Because at the end of the day, helping our community is what this is all about.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Trans Voices?
Trans Voices is a Houston-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse individuals through connection, support, education, advocacy, and joy. We believe that community should be accessible, welcoming, and centered on belonging—not just during times of crisis, but every day.
What sets us apart is our focus on creating consistent, low-barrier opportunities for people to build genuine relationships. In addition to our monthly peer support groups, we host project nights, social outings, educational workshops, volunteer opportunities, and community events that help people connect in meaningful ways. We also collaborate with LGBTQ+ organizations, businesses, and community leaders to strengthen resources and expand opportunities across Houston.
As we continue to grow, we’re developing programs that extend beyond in-person gatherings, including our Trans Voices Podcast, educational resources, advocacy initiatives, and long-term plans for financial assistance, mentorship, and leadership development within the transgender community.
What I’m most proud of isn’t a single event or milestone—it’s watching strangers walk into a room feeling isolated and leave with friends, support systems, and a renewed sense of belonging. Those moments remind us why this work matters.
At its core, Trans Voices exists to help ensure that no transgender person has to navigate life alone. We want people to know that whether they’re newly exploring their identity, well into their transition, or simply looking for community, there is a place where they are welcomed, respected, and celebrated.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success, to me, is measured by impact rather than achievement. It’s knowing that I helped create a space where someone felt safe, found community, or realized they weren’t alone. Whether that’s through my work, Trans Voices, or simply being there for another person, I want my efforts to leave people better than I found them.
Professionally, success also means continuing to learn, growing as a leader, and building organizations that are transparent, inclusive, and sustainable. I believe the best leaders empower others to succeed alongside them, not just themselves.
If years from now someone says that Trans Voices gave them a sense of belonging, helped them through a difficult time, or inspired them to become a leader in their own community, I’ll consider that one of my greatest successes. The legacy I hope to leave isn’t measured by numbers—it’s measured by the lives we’ve touched and the community we’ve built together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.transvoices.life/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/transvoiceshouston/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575424877025
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/transvoices
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TransVoicesHouston
- Other: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/transvoicespodcast
