Our Story
Origins
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.
Joy Through Community
"[Trans Joy Camp was] the first time I have felt truly at ease in years."
Too often, trans folks are forced to isolate themselves due to experiences of discrimination and violence. Simply being able to exist in your own body is a privilege often denied to trans folks. Something magical happens when you are a trans person surrounded by other trans folks - a sense of normalcy and ease that allows you to simply enjoy the moment. When you are able to connect with other members of your community, you are able to discuss, learn, trade, heal, and grow.
Our events aim to go beyond entertainment to nurture meaningful relationships that allow us to
support each other in more sustainable ways than what is provided by mainstream culture.
Meet Our Team
Trans Joy is proudly owned and operated by trans folks, for trans folks
