Every Wednesday evening at TransPonder's Gender Diverse Yoga class, participants are invited to stretch, breathe, and share space with others in a welcoming environment. TransPonder is a Eugene-based nonprofit that provides resources, education, events, and affirming programming for transgender and gender-diverse individuals. Their mission aligns with the Peace and Chai belief that meaningful impact and support are achieved when safe spaces are created where people can be themselves.
Peace and Chai Impact
Peace and Chai is our monthly giving initiative, where we highlight local organizations working to cultivate community, equity, and compassion.
- Funds donated will go directly towards supporting TransPonder's programming and resources
- Chai donations will be distributed through TransPonder's Free Food Program and upcoming Fall and Winter events.
Blue Lotus Chai team member, Sraddha Doramus enjoyed volunteering with TransPonder and nominated them for our August Peace and Chai recipient. We’re proud to support TransPonder with a $250 donation and 100 pouches of chai for their free food program. We’re grateful for the work they do, and we’re honored to uplift it.
The Gender Diverse Yoga class isn’t just about stretching or poses—it’s about building a safe space where participants can move, breathe, and reconnect with their bodies in an affirming environment. For many in the trans community, wellness spaces can feel exclusionary or unsafe. TransPonder’s class flips that script, offering calm, connection, and community—without expectation or pressure.
It's completely free, and all experience levels, body types, and abilities are welcome.
Led by Tara Rin Burke (they/them), a nonbinary instructor with over a decade of experience, the class is rooted in somatic healing and nervous system regulation. Tara shares that “to be at home in your body is a human right and an immense gift,” a sentiment that echoes the Peace and Chai mission: to nurture peace from the inside out. Open to trans and gender diverse folks ages 14 and up, the class offers both in-person sessions at the Sheldon Community Center and a virtual option via Google Meet.
Q&A With TransPonder
As part of this spotlight, we asked Arynne Graham, TransPonder's Development & Outreach Coordinator, to answer a few questions about their approach to community care, their current needs, and what keeps them grounded in their work.
Community care can mean a lot of different things—how does TransPonder approach that in your work?
"At TransPonder, we view community care as being there for one another in ways that traditional systems often fail to do. For us, that means building programs by and for trans people that provide affirmation, connection, and practical support. Our mental health program, for example, offers peer support, therapy, and resource navigation led by trans providers. We also host community events and share resources, enabling people to care for one another in everyday, sustainable ways."
Can you share a recent moment or story that really reflects what TransPonder is all about?
"A recent example that really reflects what TransPonder is all about came from listening to our community. A couple of years ago, we started hearing repeated requests for employment support; people were struggling to find jobs where they could thrive as their authentic selves. Because we’re participant-led, we took that feedback and developed our Job Skills Program, which now offers internships, workshops, and employment navigation services, including resume writing and interview preparation. Many participants have gone on to secure sustainable employment, and a few have even joined our team as staff members. For us, that’s what TransPonder is about: listening to our community and creating real, lasting opportunities based on what people say they need."
For someone new to your organization, what’s a program or offering you’d want them to know about first?
"One of the first programs I’d want someone new to know about is our free gender-affirming products program. Access to binders, packers, wigs, and other items can make a huge difference in how someone feels in their body, and we know it directly supports mental health and well-being. At our Maxwell location, we offer a wide range of these products at no cost, and we also run a voucher program in collaboration with As You Like It, a sex-positive retailer whose staff are trained to measure and fit individuals for gender-affirming items. It’s a tangible way for our community members to step into themselves with greater comfort and confidence."
What are some simple, meaningful ways people in our community can support or uplift your work?
- Donations of clothes for the Clothing Closet
- Donations of Paper Bags for the Food Program
- Financial or in-kind donations
"There are many ways to uplift TransPonder’s work, and each one makes a real difference. Sponsorship of our community events is among the most impactful because it allows us to create affirming, joyful spaces where people can come together and celebrate trans lives. We also rely on the generosity of our donors; every contribution, large or small, sustains our ability to provide essential programs and free resources to our community. We also welcome in-kind donations, which provide direct and practical support to our programs and community members.
Our clothing supply closet depends on donations to ensure that trans and gender-diverse people have access to clothing that fits and affirms them. In addition, donations of paper bags support our food program and help us distribute groceries in a sustainable way. Volunteering is another powerful way to support us. Our volunteers are the lifeblood of TransPonder. Whether they are helping at events, assisting with programs, or lending their skills behind the scenes, they expand what we are able to do and deepen our connections with the community. We are so thankful for our incredible community!"
Thank you! Every cup of chai you drink helps support organizations and artists making a positive difference in our community!
Want to support TransPonder?
Visit transponderoregon.org