VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: When Arianne applied for a Transcend Australia Grant, she simply wanted a safe, welcoming space for families to connect without pressure or expectations.
“When I was early in my journey with my trans daughter, the world felt overwhelming and uncertain. Knowing this, I wanted to create something low-key and non-threatening that gives people an excuse to be near each other and connect, without having to dive straight into conversation.”
The Power of Side-by-Side Connection
That vision became Craft and Connect—a relaxed event for trans kids and their families, centred around creativity, community, and gentle conversation. The idea is simple: set up crafting stations—painting, colouring, slime-making, friendship bracelet-weaving—and let people interact at their own pace.
“It’s not about the crafts themselves,” Arianne explained. “It’s about sitting next to someone, talking about what you’re working on, or not talking at all. Just being. It’s a side-by-side activity, which is often less intimidating than face-to-face conversation, especially for people who are anxious, neurodivergent, or just starting on this journey.”
The event also had a morning tea space, where parents could grab a coffee and chat. “I noticed some dads naturally gathered around the coffee table,” she laughed. “It gave them a reason to connect—an excuse to stand near someone and maybe open up.”
A Safe, Gentle Environment
What made Craft and Connect so powerful was the atmosphere: warm, safe, and non-judgmental. Arianne intentionally created an environment where people could come and go as needed, where kids could try every activity (and many did!), and where no one had to explain themselves.
“There was no awkwardness. No one felt like the odd one out,” she said. “Teenagers naturally gravitated towards each other. Parents shared resources—who’s a good GP, what websites to check out, that kind of thing. People even started organising their own coffee catch-ups afterwards.”
At one event, an older trans woman in her early 30s came with her supportive parent. She spent time with the teenagers, showing them a glimpse of what life further down the road could look like—thriving, confident, and full of possibility. “That moment really stayed with me,” Arianne said. “It made the journey feel bigger—like we’re all part of something.”
Building Community, One Craft at a Time
Arianne’s motivation came from her own experience. “When my daughter came out, the 15-minute phone call I had with Transcend changed my life,” she said. “I was struggling, and that one call gave me hope. This event is my way of paying it forward.”
The Transcend Community Grant Program gave her the support she needed, both technical and emotional. “They helped me think through logistics, risk management, how to make the idea work. But they also gave me the confidence to do it. I kept thinking, ‘Who am I to run an event?’ But really—it’s just like hosting a barbecue. But with paint!”
With a modest budget and around 15 hours of prep, Arianne pulled off a heartfelt event already making waves in her local community. “After the first one, people asked, ‘When’s the next one?’ That told me everything I needed to know.”
Advice for First-Time Organisers
Arianne encourages others to give it a go—even if it feels scary at first. “You don’t have to be a professional event planner. Community is healing, and events don’t have to be fancy to be effective. The biggest thing is creating a space where people feel held, understood, and not alone.”
“And they experience hope. Hope can be the hardest thing to come by when you’re struggling,” she said. “But it’s the greatest gift you can give. You’ll be amazed where your allies come from.”
About Arianne
Arianne (she/her) lives in South Australia and is a proud mum of six kids. She is a passionate reader (currently juggling Lessons in Chemistry, ‘The Bones Beneath Our Skin’ by TJ Klunes, ‘I Can Fix this’ by Kristine Kuzmic, Long Yarn Short by Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts and The Black Bird Oracle by Deborah Harkness. “I read while walking, exercising, putting the kids to bed—thanks to the Libby app on my mobile phone! If I’ve got 10 minutes, anywhere, you’ll find me reading,” she added with a laugh.
A fierce advocate and warm host, Arianne shows how simple acts of connection can have a lasting impact.
If you have an idea for a community event, get in touch with Transcend Australia by emailing [email protected].
