Trans Journalists Summit Application

Trans Journalists Summit Application
The Trans Journalists Association (TJA) is proud to announce the first-ever Trans Journalists Summit, a historic professional development and training conference for and by trans and gender-expansive journalists.

This 2-day convening, coming to Chicago March 25-26, 2027 (arrival on March 24 and departure on March 27) represents a pivotal moment in journalism. For the first time, trans journalists from across the country will formally gather to share expertise, build networks, advance our careers, and strengthen the vital work of telling stories that matter.

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

A five-member committee of TJA staff and contractors from our community will review every submission. Decisions will be made, via rubric-based ranking, in service of cultivating an inaugural Summit experience that:
- Champions the professional expertise and lived experiences of TJA members
- Celebrates the diversity of trans experiences
- Prioritizes skills-based workshops and meaningful professional development
- Encourages healthy discourse, rigorous reporting, and impactful storytelling
- Amplifies student and emerging journalists as well as mid-career and veteran professionals
- Embraces an expansive definition of journalism and storytelling across the trans news and media ecosystem that includes podcasters, photographers and videographers, content creators, academic and commentary writers, and others
- Prioritizes the physical safety and mental well-being of trans and gender-expansive journalists
- Fosters resilience among attendees, and the broader trans journalism community
Learn more about the application process here.
Applicant Information

This section of the application asks basic information, including name, pronouns, TJA member status, and basic professional information.
Name

First NameLast Name
What pronouns should we use to refer to you?
Choose at least one option. You can choose more than one.
If you selected "other" above, what pronouns should we use to refer to you?
Email
example@example.com
Are you a TJA member?
Where do you live?

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState/Province

Zip CodeCountry
If you live in the United States, which region are you in?
Affiliation (Company/Publication)
If you are not formally employed by or otherwise representing a company or publication, enter "N/A". If you are a student, enter the name of your college or university.
Job Title / Role
If you are a freelancer, contract worker, or otherwise independent, enter "Freelancer." If you are a student, enter "Student."
Which of the following options best describes your years of professional experiences as a journalist, reporter, or storyteller?
Select all that apply.
Provide a link to your LinkedIn profile.
While not required, answering this question will help the committee confirm identities. If your profile is not public, do not include it.
Provide a link to your Instagram.
While not required, answering this question will help the committee confirm identities. If your profile is not public, do not include it.
Provide a link to your TikTok.
While not required, answering this question will help the committee confirm identities. If your profile is not public, do not include it.
Provide a link to your website or portfolio.
While not required, answering this question will help the committee confirm identities and reflect on eligibility.
Submit up to 3 links to published work samples.
Links should be to works that are published publicly and not behind paywalls. If your published work is behind a paywall, enter "See uploads" above and submit PDF versions below.
Upload work samples

Only upload PDFs of work samples if they are behind paywalls or otherwise private.
Cancelof
Attach your resume/CV and/or transcript.

Cancelof
Demographic Information
We know it can be complicated to provide demographic information, especially right now. These questions are strictly optional, but they will help the committee make mission-aligned decisions regarding eligibility and Summit attendance. All answers are confidential. No applicant will be adversely judged for not answering these questions.

Why do we ask for this information?

It's important for us to know that we're building diverse and inclusive programs and supporting journalists from a wide variety of backgrounds. We may use this demographic data by summarizing it in a report, but we do not identify individual TJA members or release any personal information about them. Anyone who applies to our programs receives the same courtesy, even if they're not an active TJA member.
Race/Ethnicity

Other
What words best describe your gender?

Other (Self-Describe)
Short Answers
Answers to these short answer questions will help the committee make their decisions. Responses should be limited to 200 words. Don’t be concerned about format; if a bulleted list feels best to you, submit a list.
Describe how your work aligns with TJA’s mission and vision. How would participating in the Trans Journalists Summit impact you, personally and professionally?

0/200
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?

0/200
What does trans and gender-expansive joy mean to you, and where have you found it in your work or life?

0/200
What's something you had to unlearn to become the journalist or storyteller you are now?

0/200
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.

0/200
Accesibility Information
As part of our accessibility commitments, TJA will provide Summit registration, lodging (private room), and meals at no cost to all approved participants. Limited travel support for flights and other forms of transportation will also be available.

We will do our best to accommodate additional accessibility needs.
Will you require travel assistance to attend?
Dietary Restrictions

Other
Describe your language accessibility needs.
For example, if you require non-English language translation, let us know. If you don't have language accessibility needs, enter "N/A."
Will you require lodging to attend?
Describe your lodging accessibility needs.
For example, if you require an ADA-compliant hotel room, let us know. If you don't have lodging accessibility needs, enter "N/A."
Artificial Intelligence Disclosure
Have you used AI to support your application submission?
If you marked "Yes" to the above question, please describe how you've used AI to support your application submission.
Please verify that you are human
Should be Empty:

Trans Journalists Summit Application

Applicant Information

Demographic Information

Short Answers

Accesibility Information

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure