Yes, our joy does matter, actually.
And so, we scrawl our joy. We uplift how much there is to live for despite the pain. We take back the headlines that only want to acknowledge we exist when our lives are erased. We center how meaningful trans lives can be, and how integral transness is to the wholeness of our world.
the reality of being trans is joy
I hope that, no matter where you are and what you're going through, this issue will help you remember that your reality is never just one thing. I hope you lean into the multifaceted nature of your life like the gem you are.
talk about your joy so others know it's possible
We need your trans joy. We need to know it's possible. This issue is an absolute explosion of spring trans joy, trans publishing gems, and many first-of-their-kind features!
reminders of the world we want (also, it's been 1 year!)
Happy birthday to ATJ! Your support means that trans joy continues to be visible, loud, and proud, in a time when those in power would love for it to be snuffed out or forced underground. We document our thriving. We amplify our voices. We lift us up.
survival magic in hard times
Every bit of joy marginalized folks experience in times of oppression is a reclaiming. It's saying no to narratives that would paint us as a pestilence or as pitiful victims. It's taking back our power over our hard-pressed nervous systems. And it's imagination work.
a year of joy with many more to come
December can be a challenging time for many, and a delightful time for others. Quite possibly, it's been a mix of both. I know it has been for me, and the submissions this month offer us a glimpse into the wide, beautiful, nuanced spectrum of trans experiences during this time of year.
when is trans day of joy?
Our joys are inexplicably intertwined with infusions of care, hope, memory, belonging, rest. And to refuse to succumb to a lifetime of grinding or numbing out, to continue to believe life is worth living, is resistance.
perfectly imperfect in every way
With each issue of ATJ, I learn that trans joy is continuously evolving, where the f*ckery of the world is but wood to a flame, as we alchemize our unbroken experiences into new insights, connections, and creative explosions.
I hold you & nature holds us
Why this newsletter exists in the first place: to remind all of us that we've got each other's backs. When one of us feels low, another of us is there to rise up with wisdom, humor, or care in the form of words, art, and invitations into community.
more trans possibilities
Trans possibilities are worth celebrating, now and forever. From badass authors and crafters to a whole bouquet of transition-related joy, this month's issue is a magical way to close out the summer.
