2027 Trans Journalists Summit

• Describe how your work aligns with TJA’s mission and vision. How would participating in the Trans Journalists Summit impact you, personally and professionally? 
• Tell us about a journalistic project, article, or story you loved working on. What pulled you in, and what did it take for you to get your reporting and storytelling right?
• What does trans and gender-expansive joy mean to you, and where have you found it in your work or life?
• What's something you had to unlearn to become the journalist or storyteller you are now?
• When's the last time someone changed your mind about a story? Describe what they said, how you responded, and the lessons you carry forward.

The Trans Journalists Summit is a first-of-its-kind professional development and training conference for and by trans and gender-expansive journalists. The application-based experience will welcome approximately 100 journalists and media-makers from across the country for 2 days of vital discussions, skills-based workshops, and network-building.

Any journalist or storyteller who qualifies for TJA membership is eligible to apply to attend. The convening is designed for trans and gender-expansive journalists, whether freelance or staff and across print, broadcast, digital, and emerging media formats.

The application window will open mid-September and will close at 11:59 p.m. PST on Monday, Nov. 9, 2026. Late applications will not be considered.

We will send out decisions to all who applied before the end of December. TJA is closed the last week of December.

Any journalist who qualifies for TJA membership is eligible to apply to attend the Summit, regardless of where they are based. However, international applicants should be aware of a few important considerations before applying.

TJA will cover lodging and meals for all selected participants, and a limited number of travel scholarships are available. That said, our capacity to support international travel costs is limited, and we cannot guarantee that travel scholarships will be sufficient to cover international airfare. Beyond finances, TJA is unable to assist with visa applications, sponsorship letters, or any other requirements related to entering the United States. Navigating those processes will be the responsibility of the applicant.

We don't want logistical barriers to discourage eligible journalists from applying — and we encourage anyone who meets the membership criteria to do so. But we also want international applicants to go in with a clear picture of what TJA can and cannot provide, so they can make an informed decision about whether applying makes sense for their situation.

TJA is committed to removing financial barriers to participation. Lodging and food costs will be covered for all participants. A limited number of travel scholarships are also available. Our goal is to ensure that financial circumstances do not prevent talented journalists from attending.

The Summit will take place March 24-27, 2027, in Chicago (arrival on March 24 and departure on March 27). Due to security concerns, we will limit how much information is shared publicly about the location.

The Summit will feature a robust 2-day schedule including an opening keynote, a host of workshop breakouts, multiple mainstage panels, presentations from featured speakers, and a closing fireside chat.

Topics will range from investigative journalism techniques and multimedia storytelling to navigating newsroom politics, freelancing, ethical reporting on trans issues, and building worker-owned newsrooms. At least 75% of programming will be led by experienced trans and gender-expansive journalists.

This Summit represents six years of advocacy and a pivotal moment for the profession. As trans rights and communities face intense political debate, legislative attacks, and misinformation, bringing trans journalists together to share expertise, build networks, and strengthen their craft is more essential than ever. Press freedom and accurate representation depend on it.

TJA plans to select ~100 participants for this inaugural Summit. Space is limited, so we encourage eligible journalists to apply promptly when applications open. TJA will also share selection criteria at that time.

We will release the criteria that will guide our decisions when the application window opens. No one aspect of the application is more important than another. We will be looking to bring in as diverse an audience as possible, with considerations for financial need, professional development opportunity, and other aspects to create an engaging and meaningful conference experience.

We will publish an agenda much closer to the event. Attendees can expect to arrive midday Wednesday, March 24. Programming will continue through to the evening of Friday, March 26.

TJA offers five primary partnership tiers as well as additional opportunities for support. Benefits vary by level and include options such as logo placement on event materials; speaking opportunities at opening or closing receptions; sponsored workshops or mainstage panels; branded items in attendee welcome bags; digital program booklet ads; social media recognition on Instagram, Bluesky, and LinkedIn; newsletter highlights; website recognition; and a post-event impact report. Courage and Pride partners receive the broadest suite of benefits. Our full prospectus has additional information.

Partnership commitments are requested as soon as possible. Opportunities are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so we encourage you to reach out early to secure your preferred level or specific sponsorship opportunity.

No. As a nonprofit professional and educational organization, TJA greatly appreciates the support of corporate and foundation partners. However, acceptance of a financial or in-kind contribution does not constitute an endorsement of any partner's policies, products, or services. Partners also should not expect any preferred treatment in news or media coverage from either TJA or our members; this would conflict with journalism's ethical standards. Read more about our fundraising policy.

TJA welcomes input from partners. However, TJA retains final approval of all programming topics, panelist and speaker selection, and all other aspects of editorial and creative control. At least 75% of programming will be led by experienced trans and gender-expansive journalists. Partners with sponsored sessions will work collaboratively within these parameters.

Please reach out to TJA Executive Director Tre'vell Anderson directly at anderson@transjournalists.org.

If you don't see a partnership option that fits your needs, TJA welcomes the opportunity to customize a mutually beneficial arrangement.