I arrived at the weekend workshop in Krakow tired after a long week and with vague expectations. As is often the case in such situations, despite my initial uncertainty, the meeting turned out to be exceptional in many ways. First of all, I remembered how good it is to be among people who think alike, see each other, and feel safe enough with each other to just be themselves. Even in my privileged cisgender female world, this is not a given. 

In a small group, in a small room, accompanied by a dog napping on the couch, we worked on a new campaign about transgender issues. For the participants, this was not their first time; most of them have experience living as transgender or non-binary people. We talked about how gender diversity is most often discussed in the media, in politics, and online. This included openly anti-trans narratives and more favorable materials, which, however, usually focus on systemic oppression and the stories of parents and guardians of transgender people, rather than on the transgender people themselves. 

The conclusion was reached almost unanimously. After years of reading and hearing about discrimination, transgender people want trans joy. Trans joy, which is a legitimate part of the experience of gender-diverse people, but is so often overlooked. Meanwhile, there are millions of reasons for trans joy. It brings peace, strength, freedom of expression, personal revolution, relief, and courage. As part of the “Millions of Reasons for Trans Joy” campaign, members of the community shared what trans joy means to them. 

All the definitions were unique, but some stayed with me longer. These included words about universal human experience. About theoretically ordinary situations from everyday life, feelings, problems. Anyway, Angela herself described this aspect of trans joy better: “For me, trans joy is appreciating that I exist and am who I am, I live among people, I enjoy myself, I have fun, I go shopping, I have neighbors, I meet friends, I participate in social life, I have many feelings, I experience things, I am afraid, I sometimes cry, I love, I have sex, and I have many problems that people around me have”.

There were also words about the power that comes from authenticity. About the energy of life that is released even after years of stagnation. For me, these are also words of exceptional courage: “At the age of 30, I had a good job, an apartment, a wife, and nothing else to achieve in life. It’s true that I didn’t feel bad, but I didn’t feel good either” – commented Sara. “Now I just want to do things. I want to learn languages, take care of myself, travel, meet people. Plus, I can look at myself in the mirror. Being in a photo is not painful for me, and the number of selfies I have on my phone is sometimes overwhelming” – she added.

Arlo also described changes in the body as a source of trans joy. It is a heartening counterbalance to media reports about the difficulties of transition: “Trans joy is seeing the first dark hair on your face or stomach, hearing from friends you haven’t seen in a long time that your voice is already changing. A few years ago, I would never have thought that I would ever dare to be myself, I didn’t even think that starting hormone therapy would make me so happy”.

Daniel emphasized the freedom of expression through clothing: “It’s the courage to go out in original, distinctive clothing that doesn’t match my assigned gender, and not to worry about – or even notice – the strange looks”.

These and other stories of transgender people about moments of pride, happiness, and satisfaction are at the heart of a campaign that is currently underway on social media, including Queer May, and on the streets of Krakow. You can also add your own stories at queerowymaj.org/zdumienie

I am grateful that I was able to learn at least some of these stories, and I promise to cherish them <3. Working on this project also made me think about how I can support the feeling of joy in my own life and in the lives of my loved ones, also as an ally.

I have particularly warm feelings for Mara, who describes her experience in a poetic and vivid way. And with these words, I will leave you today: “Feeling trans joy is like being covered with a soft blanket on a cold day. I am ready for the cold and discomfort and do not expect relief. However, when it comes, I am struck by a brief moment of surprise, after which every muscle in my body calms down. A smile remains on my face, and hope appears in my heart that maybe one day I will find my place in the world”.

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There are millions of reasons for trans joy! Tell us about yours at: queerowymaj.org/zdumienie. On the project website, you will also find our latest report, information about international cooperation, and useful tools for journalists.

The project “Visible Amazement: Towards Acceptance of Gender Diversity,” implemented by Queer May, is financed by Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway from the EEA Funds and Norwegian Funds under the Active Citizens Program – Regional Fund.

Author: Kasia, working group participant, communications specialist