TNB Connect (Trans and Non-Binary Connect) is a UK-based Community Interest Company (CIC), founded in 2020 by award-winning advocate Nate Ethan (National Diversity Awards 2022 – Positive LGBT+ Role Model).

TNB Connect began as a pilot project, following Nate’s own transition and over a decade of work in mental health, public health, and therapy. After completing a First-Class degree in Public Health and combining this with extensive lived and professional experience, Nate identified a serious gap in mental health support for transgender people specifically the impact that clothing, transition barriers, and identity expression have on gender dysphoria and wellbeing.

In 2020, TNB Connect became a Community Interest Company (CIC), redistributing thousands of pieces of free clothing and gender-affirming items across the UK during the height of COVID-19. Requests soon came directly from HMP Prisons, leading to ongoing partnerships, training delivery, and workshops for residents and staff.

From clothing support, the organisation expanded into mental health and wellbeing offering yoga, creative groups, community meetups, and visibility-focused events that empower people to be seen, heard, and celebrated. Programmes such as Chill & Chat and Serenity Sessions have since been delivered in community spaces, educational and care settings, and Prisons to support confidence, resilience, and social anxiety.

TNB Connect has travelled the UK engaging communities at Pride festivals, delivering training to schools and organisations, and connecting trans and non-binary people with opportunities, resources, and safe spaces.

TNB Connect is proudly trans-led, driven by a diverse team with a wealth of lived experience, professional expertise, and an unwavering commitment to change.

Our team reflects the vibrant communities we serve with backgrounds spanning public health, mental health, education, fashion, creativity, and the arts. We embrace intersectionality and inclusivity at every level, ensuring our support is holistic and accessible.

TNB Connect is proud to offer a range of community-driven services:

• Safe Social Spaces
  Online and in-person events, creative sessions, wellbeing meets, and casual hangouts where trans, non-binary, and gender-diverse people and their allies can connect, create, and thrive in an affirming environment.

• Clothing and Transition Support
  Free clothing packs and gender-affirming items, such as binders, sent directly to individuals in need helping hundreds of people to express themselves safely, comfortably, and confidently.

• Awareness and Education
  Delivering Trans Awareness Training to organisations, public services, and workplaces challenging stigma and increasing understanding through real stories and real expertise.

• Emergency and Crisis Support
  Providing practical assistance during critical times, including clothing aid and financial support for trans individuals facing homelessness, hardship, or incarceration recognised by partners such as HMP Oakwood and West Midlands Jobcentres.

   

  

TNB Connect – Aims & Goals 

Our Aims

TNB Connect exists to ensure that every Trans, Non-Binary, and Gender-Diverse person can live safely, authentically, and without isolation.
Our aim is to provide accessible, dignified and trauma-informed support that strengthens mental wellbeing, reduces dysphoria, and builds community connection across the UK.

We are committed to uplifting trans lives through lived experience, community leadership, and evidence-based practice.

Our Goals

1. Reduce Isolation & Strengthen Community Connection

• Create safe social spaces online, in-person, and on the road where trans and non-binary people can connect and express themselves.

• Expand our community events, creative sessions, and wellbeing meetups across rural, urban, and underserved areas.

2. Improve Mental Health & Emotional Wellbeing

• Deliver trauma-informed mental health support rooted in consent, care, and lived experience.

• Provide low-barrier access to peer support, grounding activities, micro-workshops, and wellbeing sessions.

• Develop the UK’s first trans-inclusive Wellbeing Bus, offering mobile mental health and crisis support nationwide.

3. Provide Practical Support that Affirms Identity

• Continue offering free clothing packs and gender-affirming items (such as binders), ensuring people can transition safely and confidently.

• Reduce gender dysphoria through safe, accessible support backed by research, community insight, and clinical guidance.

4. Champion Education, Inclusion & Awareness

• Deliver trans awareness training to schools, workplaces, public services, and community partners.

• Collaborate with organisations committed to safety, respect, and active inclusion.

• Challenge stigma by sharing real stories, lived experience, and practical tools for understanding.

5. Support Those Facing Hardship, Crisis & Discrimination

• Provide emergency clothing, financial assistance, and wellbeing support to those facing homelessness, hardship, or incarceration.

• Strengthen partnerships with prisons, job centres, and frontline agencies to ensure no one is left behind.

6. Build Inclusive Futures

• Develop a permanent inclusive wellbeing space centred on intersectionality, supporting those most marginalised in the community including people of colour, neurodivergent people, disabled people, and others facing layered barriers.

• Expand opportunities for creative expression, leadership, participation, and empowerment.

• Ensure all services are co-designed with, by, and for the trans and non-binary community.

Our Principles

Do No Harm – trauma-informed, consent-led, culturally competent practice
Safeguarding First – clear, robust risk and incident pathways
Confidentiality & Ethics – GDPR-compliant, minimal and respectful data use
Co-Production – shaped with and by the people we serve
Accessibility – inclusive for physical, sensory, neurodivergent and financial needs
Evidence & Accountability – community-led research, clear measurement, transparent impact


When diverse people connect, they weave a tapestry of perspectives that strengthens society, expands possibility, and nurtures collective well-being. Our differences aren’t barriers, they’re the bridges that elevate us all.

What Our Community Says

“TNB Connect is a lifeline. I wouldn’t have been able to afford suitable clothing without them.”

“The free safety kit they sent me changed my life. I feel confident leaving the house now.”

“I was made homeless and reached out. TNB Connect helped me when no one else did. I’ll never forget it.”

“Thank you for supporting LGBTQI+ residents at HMP Oakwood, your work makes a real difference.”

Get Involved

Email: info@tnbconnect.org
Socials: Instagram | Facebook | TikTok: @TNB_Connect_UK

                                   TNB Connect: PRIDE. POWER. CONNECTIN