JOIN THE EXCLUSIVE COMMUNITY For more exclusive conversations, bonus content and behind-the-scenes moments, join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TRANSCRUSH What does it mean to take up space as a trans person? How do you find confidence, community and joy while navigating your gender identity? For Trans Visibility Week, Zelah sits down with Koi, a 24-year-old Jamaican trans man, to talk about his experience of being trans, growing into his masculinity, finding belonging in the ballroom scene and learning to exist unapologetically. In this episode, in collaboration with Not A Phase, Koi opens up about the importance of trans representation, the power of visibility and why simply living your life as your authentic self can make a difference to someone else. We explore what it means to navigate life as a Black trans man, the intersection of race, sexuality and gender identity, and why seeing more diverse trans experiences in mainstream media matters. Koi also shares how the ballroom community became a safe space for connection, how fitness and the gym helped him reconnect with himself, and how his confidence has evolved throughout his transition. We also get into trans dating, relationships, masculinity, trans joy and the importance of creating spaces where trans people can feel safe, celebrated and understood. IN THIS EPISODE: 🏳️⚧️ Trans visibility and the importance of representation 🏳️⚧️ What taking up space means as a trans person 🏳️⚧️ Growing up and navigating life as a Black trans man 🏳️⚧️ Race, sexuality, gender identity and intersectionality 🏳️⚧️ Finding belonging and chosen family in ballroom culture 🏳️⚧️ Trans joy and building supportive LGBTQ+ communities 🏳️⚧️ Fitness, gym culture and confidence during transition 🏳️⚧️ Dating as a trans masculine person 🏳️⚧️ Trans representation in mainstream media 🏳️⚧️ Learning to live authentically and unapologetically ABOUT NOT A PHASE Not A Phase is a trans-led charity supporting the trans community across the UK. Through community initiatives, resources and inclusive spaces, they work towards a world where trans people can live freely and authentically. Their Misfits program offers free fitness classes and activities for trans people across the UK, including yoga, Pilates, calisthenics and more. Find out more: https://notaphase.org/ If this conversation resonates with you, subscribe to Trans Crush, leave a comment and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode. JOIN THE EXCLUSIVE COMMUNITY For more exclusive conversations, bonus content and behind-the-scenes moments, join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TRANSCRUSH