We often hear about the struggles and oppression of trans and gender nonconforming people, but have you heard of “trans joy”? There are many ways trans people experience joy related to their gender, their transition, and their experiences, and their community. Let’s talk about what it is to experience trans joy.
About Unlearning Barriers to Trans Joy
In the Spring of 2023, there was a stir in the transgender community of Kansas City. A rise in anti-trans legislation coincided with Transgender Day of Visibility, leading trans people to take to the streets and raise their voices in defiance of what felt like an unstoppable wave of oppression. The power was palpable. However, it left some of us wondering - when do we get to rest? When every day feels like a battle, it can be hard to enjoy the simple things - like a warm spring day in the park. In this spirit, the first Trans Joy in the Park event was formed. It was a place for us to come together and just be in all our gender-bending glory. Over a hundred people of transgender experience showed up to this first event, and Trans Joy KC was born. Since then, we have expanded our mission to improving the quality of life for trans & gender-nonconforming folks of all ages living in the Kansas City area through community connection.
A nurse by trade, Kipp got involved in transgender activism while working as the Gender-Affirming Care Coordinator & LGBT+ Educator for a local clinic. They now work as a pediatrics nurse and public speaker on topics of queerness and healthcare. Proud autistic, Kipp is working to create Trans Joy into an organization that connects & supports transgender people from all walks of life. On the rare occasion that they aren't working, you can find Kipp at home watching Steven Universe with their nesting partner, building miniatures, or snuggling with their dog Lola.
Kipp Ellis, Trans Joy KC Founder & CEO (they/them)
Panelist
Adrienne Marcellus, LCSW had been a therapist for the last 10 years and also specializes in the treatment, education, and diagnosis of ADHD, Autism, and OCD.
As a queer & non-binary identifying person, they value adding in the educational lens of the LGBTQIA2S+ experience.
They love sharing education and information, you can check them out on their instagram page if you’re curious to learn more about them as well as learn some fun information :) @ALLFORTHEDOPAMINE
Adrienne Marcellus, (they/them
Panelist
Riley Long is a public speaker and a trans inclusive educator. He aims to raise awareness and foster inclusion of the LGBT community in various settings, such as libraries, banks, schools, and churches. He has worked with over thirty organizations since 2019, providing basic and advanced training on trans allyship, as well as consulting on policies and procedures related to LGBT issues. Riley is also a special education teacher in the Blue Valley School District, where he supports students with diverse learning needs and abilities. Riley lives in Overland Park, KS with his fiance and his two dogs, Winnie and Wesley.
Riley Long (he/him)
Panelist
Panelists.
Cait Kealey-Swensdottir, queer artist & creator, combines her life filled with art and creativity with a career and passion for media content. She has worked in front of the camera and behind the scenes for 10 years as a creator starting on YouTube, and working in live events as a multi-tasking jack of all trades technician for cameras, lights, audio, and video, with an often role of directing on the fly. With producing on TikTok and Instagram, Cait discusses topics ranging from her experience as a nonbinary trans woman, to her journey with mental health, to just the joy and humor that is living one’s authentic life.
Cait Kealey-Swensdottier (she/her)
Panelist
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Every first Wednesday of the month, Lindsey is joined by a roster of inspiring panelists who generously impart their wisdom and insights on a diverse array of topics.