Aspen (she/her), Southampton

I’m currently living in Southampton and doing an apprenticeship in transport planning. I’m also a sailor and have competed in national competitions (and usually don’t end up swimming during the races…).

I wanted to apply to YAP because I don’t want anyone else to have to go through the struggles I did during my time at an all boy’s secondary school. I think our education system just doesn’t work for trans young people in so many ways, and I would love to try and make a difference to that.

I’m super excited about all the amazing opportunities I’ve heard about, and I’d love to go to one of the international conferences someday. ‘Trans joy’, to me, means supporting and helping others and sharing in the experiences that come with that.

Eli (he/him), Swansea, Wales

I applied for YAP because I had already been involved with Mermaids through the Miles for Mermaids fundraiser, and I wanted to continue my involvement with the charity because the work they do is so important to me.

I participated originally as part of my Queen’s Guide Award, where one requirement was to proactively take part in my community, and Mermaids embodies the soul of my community.

I’m really excited to become more involved in the discussions around trans and queer rights, especially for young people, and I know that Mermaids will open up a lot of opportunities to do this. Outside of Mermaids, I’m currently studying mechanical engineering at Swansea University.

Millie (she/her), Doncaster

I applied for the Mermaids’ Youth Advisory Panel to be involved with a community that is focused on positively uplifting transgender youths at a time where their rights are oppressed by the public eye.

My goals consist of collaborating with other inspiring transgender people to help further develop a charity in its journey to de-stigmatising the harmful narrative.

To me, transgender joy is about a community supporting each other and daring to be their true authentic self in a time where exploring gender identity is being shunned.

Alongside being a part of Mermaids’ Youth Advisory Panel, I’m a keen writer interested in contemporary gothic and historical dramas. I’m a film fanatic with admiration for anything Francis Ford Coppola.

Newton (they/he), East Midlands

I wanted to apply for the Youth Advisory Panel after being a part of MANGO previously, I heard so many great things that came from YAP and I knew I wanted to be a part of that!
I can’t wait to get to travel more to talk about vital parts of our community and our challenges, there’s so many opportunities and I wish I could take part in them all!

Trans Joy to me means getting to look around, at the friends and community you have in your corner and getting to breathe in the fresh air without a negative thought in mind – only “I am me, and that’s enough.”.

Outside of YAP, after growing up surrounded by huge blue skies and wildlife, rehabbing pigeons and being outside everyday I’ve come to love nature conservation. I spend a lot of my time researching animals and plants from around the world and how to get involved with protecting them!

Hawkeye (he/him), age 19, Ceredigion, Wales

I applied to be a member of YAP because I wanted to make a change. I’ve already been advocating for the LGBTQIA+ community by volunteering for the Welsh government, but I wanted to take that further and really push for equity and equality for the trans community. I thought joining YAP would be an excellent opportunity for that.

I’m excited about getting to meet more trans young people and working together to make change.

To me ‘Trans joy’ means having the freedom to express yourself in your true identity, surrounded by a community who understands and loves you.

Hawkeye illustrated the YAP member portraits you see on this page.

Loki (he/him), Isle of Man

I applied to YAP because I feel I have a unique perspective as a youth worker, especially with trans youth on the Isle of Man. I am excited to learn how to better advocate for them (and in turn, myself) and also to make friends!

I’m currently doing an Art Foundation course in college, with the goal of going to art school. To me, trans joy is about the pride of becoming who you are and being seen as that person by the people you care about. I’m very excited for the experience of being part of Mermaids’ YAP!

Nick (he/him), age 16, Yorkshire

Howdy, I’m Nikolai or Nick. I’m usually haunting record shops or watching horror films with my cat. I’m also a proud member of Mermaids’ Youth Advisory Panel, after applying on a whim early this year. I’d never heard of it before, but the chance to learn and make real change was too good to miss.

My dream is to make it easier for working-class trans people in varied creative media, and campaign for easier medical transitions. Trans joy, for myself, isn’t even about joy necessarily; I believe it’s about feeling both “good” and “bad” emotions, with security in my identity.

I want to be able to work through all kinds of experiences as a regular man, without worrying about my legally recognised gender or having to justify my existence on a fundamental level. Protect your local dolls!

Oakley (they/he/it), Kent

I have been a part of Mermaids for a year now, starting off as a member of MANGO which developed my advocacy skills and made me want to evoke real change, which I thought I could do best as a part of YAP. I am most excited to be part of Mermaids’ functioning and to advocate for trans youth within the charity at a professional level.

To me, trans joy means being able to truly express yourself without the confines of what others perceive you as or the confines society places on you.

I am currently studying Chemistry, with the hope of specialising in Theoretical and Computational Chemistry. In my spare time, I love to crochet and read about anthropology/sociology (my passion away from chemistry), and spoil by black cat, named KitKit.

Eli (they/them), Pembrokeshire, Wales

I’m currently a student, but when I’m not studying, I’m either writing or doing activism work. I’m passionate about ending mental health stigma and breaking stereotypes regarding neurodiversity.

I applied to YAP after being a part of MANGO for a year, where I was able to meet so many likeminded young people, some who have become my closest friends. Before MANGO, Mermaids had supported both myself and my family in difficult times, and I’m so grateful to be able to give back and help with their vital work. I’m excited to see the next steps of YAP and Mermaids in the coming year, including many positive changes and important projects. But even without these, just being in a community of people who all accept you for you would be enough!

For me, this is trans joy. Being able to walk into a room, or join a call, and not hesitate about introducing yourself, knowing that all these people will love you wholly. MANGO, YAP, communities like these, are the physical representation of trans joy.