Fight to Play, Play to Win: Trans Joy in Sports Zine

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 any day now, 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.