My Bag

Hello

My name is Jameela Jamil. Welcome To I Weigh Community.

Two years ago we started an Instagram account to try to create a safe and radically inclusive space on social media. A lot of us want to help others and change the world for the better, but don’t know where to start.

Activism can seem daunting. Sometimes it’s just hard and lonely. At I Weigh Community, we don’t believe it has to be that way. We believe in brick-by-brick activism, and making a difference in large numbers. We’re going to have to come together and do this as one to really shift the narrative of our society.

I Weigh Community will introduce you to new voices, artists, activists and movements. These are the people we believe we need to listen to. We are still learning, and we’re inviting you to come and learn alongside us so we can all grow together. It’s never too late to want to help and understand each other better.

This movement is so important to me, and I look forward to getting to know you all.

Love,
Jam x

Non-profit spotlight: Mermaids UK

Mermaids UK is a charity that supports young transgender, non binary and gender-diverse children and their families. Starting out as a group of parents who were concerned about how to keep their children safe and happy, they now work passionately to raise awareness about gender non-conformity in young people and empower thousands of individuals through their online communities. They also help to educate professionals and the general public by campaigning for the recognition of gender dysphoria and improvements to professional services. 

As well as providing a 24/7 crisis line for young people and their families, they provide resources for professional supporting transgender and gender non-conforming youths, trans-inclusive training to schools, organisations and companies, and run inclusive residential weekends for children and their families. 

We’re so grateful for the work they do and the love, passion and care they put into supporting these young communities and those around them. We hope that you find them helpful too. 

Mermaids UK goals center around:

  • Reducing isolation and loneliness for gender variant and transgender children, young people and their families.
  • Empowering families and young people with the tools they need to negotiate the education and health services.
  • Reducing suicide and self-harm in the young people who contact Mermaids, and equip their parents to support their children to the same end.
  • Improving self-esteem and social functioning in gender variant and transgender children young people.

For free 24/7 crisis support, text 85258 to talk to trained volunteers with support from experienced clinical supervisors. 

More information & to donate or get more involved: https://mermaidsuk.org.uk/