Voda launches the world’s largest free mental health resource for trans people

In a powerful response to the mental health crisis facing the trans community, LGBTQ+ mental health app Voda has launched the Trans Library – the largest free digital resource designed specifically for trans mental health. Featuring 52 self-led wellness programs, this pioneering collection aims to provide vital support to trans individuals navigating the unique challenges they face, such as gender dysphoria, medical stigma, and long waitlists for gender-affirming care.

Launched today (on September 18) the Trans Library was developed by a panel of four trans therapists, all of whom bring lived experience across diverse identities, including gender, sexuality, ethnicity, and neurodivergence. The collection offers evidence-based therapy modalities tailored to the specific needs of the trans community, making it a critical lifeline during a time of increasing mental health challenges.

The library's launch could not be more timely. Trans individuals in the UK and around the world are facing significant mental health struggles, compounded by long NHS wait times –which can stretch up to five years for gender-affirming care – along with a rise in political hostility and discriminatory rhetoric. According to a study from the University of Manchester, trans people are up to five times more likely to develop long-term mental health conditions than their cisgender counterparts.

Despite the growing visibility of trans issues, resources specifically designed to meet their mental health needs remain scarce. Voda's Trans Library seeks to close that gap by offering accessible, comprehensive support on a range of topics, from coping with gender dysphoria to dealing with misgendering, trolling, and medical stigma.

“Our community has long faced mental health challenges that are often overlooked or inadequately addressed. When support is available, it is often expensive and comes with long waiting lists. We created the Trans Library to provide timely access to inclusive programmes to help individuals navigate their mental health journeys in the context of systemic oppression,” stated Voda’s Lead Psychotherapist, Chris Sheridan, emphasizing the importance of timely support for the trans community.

“It should not be the sole responsibility of trans people to self-regulate and heal from the systemic trauma they are put through. We should be changing society to rid it of stigma,” added co-founder and CEO of Voda, Jaron Soh. “But until that day comes, we hope that the library provides a much-needed safe space for trans people to find mental health support created by those who have lived through the same stigma they have.”

Voda's approach to creating the Trans Library was deeply collaborative. Over 2,400 trans individuals participated in surveys, ensuring that the programmes reflect real-world experiences and challenges. Additionally, Voda worked closely with thought leaders from the trans community to make sure the content is relevant, affirming, and effective.

Each of the 52 programs is designed to be self-led, allowing users to access mental health tools on their own terms. Topics range from managing the frustration of long medical waitlists to dealing with social media trolling and misgendering – issues that trans individuals face regularly. The goal is to offer tangible support in an environment where professional care is often delayed or inaccessible.

Available for free on the Voda app, which has already served over 20,000 LGBTQ+ users, the Trans Library is positioned to make a global impact. While it cannot replace professional crisis care, it offers an essential resource for trans people facing mental health challenges. With the impending UK government ban on puberty blockers and the ongoing debate around trans rights, this accessible resource arrives at a critical moment for trans youth and adults alike.

The Voda Trans Library is available for download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, offering a safe, supportive space for trans individuals to address their mental health needs. For those in immediate distress, Voda reminds users that the programmes are intended to supplement, not replace, professional mental health care.

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