Trans Joy in Sports Zine

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Overview

Every year, the Trans Joy Zine seeks to combat the negative rhetoric and harmful legislation by uplifting and centering the voices of trans, nonbinary, and Two Spirit youth.  In 2026, we are witnessing another attempt to erase transgender folks from public life, and deny them their right to self-determination. The ongoing BPJ/Hecox Supreme Court cases that will be decided on in June, are attempting to ban trans girls from participating in sports that align with their gender identity under a false notion of “fairness and safety”, by creating a rift between cis and trans girls. We know, however, that these bans hurt ALL girls.  

In response to this issue, this year’s Trans Joy Zine will uplift the role that sports play in shaping joy, social development, and belonging across trans youth athletes. Whether it is the thrill of competing with peers, the benefits of being part of a team, or the growth that is experienced during the season, this zine will illustrate the importance and necessity of trans youth being able to compete as their authentic selves. 

While previous editions collected art pieces from trans youth, this edition will collect written stories about the joys trans youth experience when participating in sports. These stories will then be brought to life by an artist in the final version.

Submission Guidelines

We are collecting written stories from former, current, and aspiring trans, nonbinary, and Two Spirit+ youth athletes between the ages of 14-24. 

Stories should reflect your personal experience as a trans athlete. We know that trans youth have a wide range of experiences when it comes to athletics, but ultimately, we hope to hear about what has brought you joy, even if it is also accompanied by hardships. For example, we’re looking for stories like:

  • The first time you scored a goal and found your new home on the field
  • Coming out to your team and finding joy in your authentic self, no matter the reception you received 
  • Putting on your uniform and feeling affirmed in your identity
  • Finding joy in being part of your team’s camaraderie
  • Making new friendships and finding community
  • The joy and triumph of overcoming challenges, on and off the field
  • The growth you experienced as a trans athlete and the joy in seeing how far you’ve come
  • Seeing your friends and family in the stands, supporting and cheering you on 

Stories should be at least one paragraph and not exceed 150 words. 

Submissions are due by Friday, April 3. If your submission is selected, you will be contacted shortly after. Selected submissions will be paid $150.

Questions? Reach out to our Storytelling & Narrative Strategist by emailing gplatek@gsanetwork.org.

Submission Form

(This is for internal purposes only for processing payment.)
(If different from legal name / how you'd like to be credited publicly in the zine if selected)
This is how we will contact you, so please be sure to include an email that you check regularly!
Gender(Required)
Sexuality(Required)
Race(Required)
Stories should be at least one paragraph and not exceed 150 words.
Max. file size: 2 MB.
A professional artist will be illustrating each selected story! If you would like, please upload a picture of yourself that the artist can reference when drawing your character. This is not required. You may also include descriptions of what you’d like your illustration to look like (hair type, facial features, piercings, etc.) in the box below.