Trans Joy, a grassroots organization providing free intergenerational spaces for trans, gender-expansive, and allied people, is partnering with Infinite Realities in Tucker for new monthly drop-in hours.
The organization’s drop-in at Infinite Realities is one of the two monthly events it hosts, along with a Happy Hour at Felix’s. Trans Joy launched the drop-in hours in February, partnering with the Afghan American Alliance at the Clarkston Community Center, but had to pivot after the Afghan Alliance lost funding and had to downsize.
Adam Kaylor, the co-founder of Trans Joy, approached Infinite Realities owner Chris Brennaman about moving the drop-in hours to the comic book store. The first of the new drop-in events was hosted on July 2 and was a “huge success,” Kaylor said, with around 25 attendees.
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Trans Joy’s drop-in hours act as a casual safe space for trans people and their allies to meet one another and find community.
“We like to make sure that it’s as accessible as possible, and with the comic book store that’s even easier,” Kaylor said. “You can literally just browse comics if you want and not talk to anybody. I bring all my crafts, so there’s coloring and you can make a bracelet… You can do whatever you want. The idea is that we’re creating a safe space for you to exist and be seen and get comfortable knowing other trans people. It really is powerful.”
The drop-in hours begin at 6 p.m. after the store closes, ensuring safety for transgender attendees – especially young people – who may feel scared of being in a public space. Everyone is invited, regardless of age or identity.
“We want to make sure that it’s a safe space for our siblings and their families and other people to observe,” Kaylor said, “because they need to see us the same way that the 12-year-old trans boy needs to see that you can make it to 46.”
During the next three drop-in events – August 6, September 3, and October 1 – attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a community art project. “Showcasing Our Superpowers” invites visitors to design superheroes from cutouts of comic books donated by Infinite Realities, hand-drawing, or a combination of the two.
The final project will be digitally mapped and projected on the Church at Ponce and Highland on November 21 for the Transgender Day of Remembrance. Those unable to attend will also be able to participate at Trans Joy’s booth at Fayette Pride on August 1.
Other forthcoming Trans Joy events include a get-together with TransParent, a field day, a pool party, and a board game bananza. All Trans Joy events are free to attend, but spots can be reserved on its website.
