Announcing the first-ever Trans Journalists Summit 🎉

The Trans Journalists Association is thrilled to announce we're hosting the Trans Journalists Summit, a first-of-its-kind professional development and training conference taking place March 24-27, 2027, in Chicago, Illinois. 

As trans rights and communities continue to be at the center of fierce political debate, legislative attacks, and rampant misinformation, this historic convening for and by trans and gender-expansive journalists will welcome more than 100 media-makers and storytellers from across the country, including freelance, independent, and staff journalists working in print, broadcast, digital, and emerging media. Over two days, attendees will formally gather to share expertise, build networks, and strengthen the vital work of telling stories that matter through workshops, keynotes, interactive discussions, and social events.  At least 75% of programming will be led by experienced trans and gender-expansive journalists.

"As trans rights continue to be dismantled and trust in media continues to wane, we're coming together to organize, fortify, and build." – TJA Executive Director Tre’vell Anderson

“The Trans Journalists Summit is an unprecedented gathering for these unprecedented times. As trans rights continue to be dismantled and trust in media continues to wane, we're coming together to organize, fortify, and build,” says TJA Executive Director Tre’vell Anderson (they/them). “As a veteran trans journalist, I know intimately how difficult it can be to access industry trainings and workshops, not to mention a professional development space that's welcoming and affirming. I'm excited about the opportunity we have with the Trans Journalists Summit to show up for ourselves and our communities, while also reimagining what a journalism conference should be in this moment.”

The Summit is an application-based experience; any journalist who qualifies for TJA membership may apply. TJA will cover lodging and meals for all selected attendees, and a limited number of travel scholarships will be available. Applications open later this summer, with decisions announced in the fall. 

"Now is the time to also build new spaces." - K Petrin

“In the last six years, we've popped up at other conferences, hosted meetups, and collaborated with other organizations to create space for trans journalists. But now is the time to also build new spaces,” says TJA President K Petrin (they/ze). “The Summit will be dedicated to the experiences and needs of trans journalists. We're investing in their careers, building the support networks that combat isolation and spark new ideas, and prioritizing accessibility for our communities.”

Full details on the application process and programming will be announced through TJA's community newsletter (subscribe here) and social channels soon. Visionary partners interested in supporting the Trans Journalists Summit can review our partner prospectus for sponsorship details.

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