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Chrysalis is a literary magazine by trans youth, for trans youth (created with a little help from trans adults). These days, it feels like we are always hearing about trans kids and teens. Chrysalis was created so that trans, non-binary, intersex, genderqueer, agender, two-spirit, and otherwise gender expansive youth can speak for themselves – and most importantly, speak to one another.
At Chrysalis, we believe that art, literature, and culture are a key part of trans resistance and resilience for people of all ages. And we know that the creativity, talent, and imagination of trans youth is unparalleled. Chrysalis exists to give that radiance a platform.
Trans youth (18 or younger) are invited to submit visual art, fiction, non-fiction, poetry, advice questions, and journalistic reporting for our very first issue! Grown-ups can support the magazine by donating, spreading the word, and joining our mailing list so that we can let you know as soon as you can pre-order a copy. Our first issue is expected to launch in fall of 2025.
A Note on Our Name:
A chrysalis is a vessel for transformation. It provides the structure and safety a creature needs to literally dissolve and reshape themselves into something new. The metamorphosis of a butterfly has long been a metaphor for gender transition, and for good reason: that natural process reminds us that radical change is a central part of all life. We are not the first publication to claim this image: our efforts are predated by the second-wave feminist journal Chrysalis: A Magazine of Women's Culture (1977-1980) and an important trans community publication, Chrysalis: the Journal of Transgressive Gender Identities, published by Dallas Denny from 1991-1998. In different and overlapping ways, these two projects exemplify the community-building and consciousness-raising power of print, and Chrysalis: a magazine by trans youth, for trans youth is proud to carry on that tradition.
