Meet Adam Kaylor | Co-Founder of Trans Joy

We had the good fortune of connecting with Adam Kaylor and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Adam, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
What was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The idea for Trans Joy emerged from a deep-seated need for community and positive representation of trans people. Kieran Helbing and I recognized the severe lack of supportive spaces and uplifting content about the trans experience. This realization drove us to create a nonprofit that could address these gaps and foster a sense of belonging and joy within the trans community.
Our initial approach was straightforward: we launched a crowdfunding campaign and directly asked our community what they needed most. This grassroots effort allowed us to understand the specific challenges faced by trans individuals, particularly in the southeastern region. With the funds raised, we were able to provide essential medical care and secure housing for four individuals, helping them live safely and authentically.
As we progressed, our vision expanded. We wanted to create intergenerational community events to showcase the beauty and resilience of our trans and nonbinary siblings. Recognizing the isolation many in our community face, we aimed to bring people together in person and virtually, fostering connections and support networks.
The launch of Trans Joycast, our podcast, was a natural extension of our mission. Initially focused on spreading trans joy, we soon realized the importance of including trans news coverage and live reporting on local protests and events. This pivot was crucial in ensuring our community stayed informed and connected, especially in times of social and political upheaval.
To make our giving more sustainable, we have begun partnering with trans businesses and artists for our Trans Care grants. This initiative not only supports individuals in need but also uplifts trans entrepreneurs and creators, further enriching our community.
In essence, the thought process behind starting Trans Joy was driven by a desire to create a supportive, joyful, and connected community for trans individuals, addressing both immediate needs and long-term sustainability.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Trans Joy is a nonprofit dedicated to creating a supportive and joyful community for trans individuals. What sets us apart is our commitment to doing even the simplest actions with the utmost care. Every step we’ve taken with Trans Joy has been a first for us, and we’ve leaned heavily on friends and community to make it all possible.
Every achievement for Trans Joy is a first for Kieran and I. One of our proudest achievements is becoming a full 501c3 organization in under a year. This milestone wouldn’t have been possible without the invaluable assistance of Gail Podolsky at Podolsky Law, who patiently guided us through the process. We’ve also created a website and an Etsy shop, learned how to produce a podcast and livestream remote coverage, and are currently learning to write grants and network effectively.
Our journey has been filled with challenges. We often joke, “How hard could it be?” The answer is: hard. It takes time, money, and dedication. But every bit of effort is worth it when we see the joy on the faces of our siblings at our events. Trans Joy embodies resilience, and we are just getting started.
The lessons we’ve learned along the way are numerous. We’ve discovered the importance of community support, the value of patience and perseverance, and the power of creativity and ingenuity. We want the world to know that Trans Joy is more than just a nonprofit; it’s a movement dedicated to uplifting and celebrating the trans community.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Best Friend’s Visit to Atlanta: A Week-Long Adventure
Atlanta is a fantastic place to live and visit, offering a rich variety of experiences. If my best friend were visiting for a week, here’s how we’d make the most of it:
Saturday Play Day:
• Breakfast: We’d start the day with a homemade breakfast featuring fresh eggs from my chickens and veggies from the garden.
• Morning Activity: Head to Silverback’s Park to watch Kieran play flag football with the NFFLA, Atlanta’s LGBTQIA flag football league.
• Lunch: Enjoy a meal at my new favorite restaurant, Calaveritas Vegan Cuisine. As a Chicano and lifelong vegetarian, I flip for good, authentic Mexican food that’s vegan.
Sunday:
• Brunch: Visit a local brunch spot like Highland Bakery for delicious pastries and coffee.
• Afternoon: Explore the Atlanta Botanical Garden, taking in the beautiful plant displays and seasonal exhibits.
• Dinner: Dine at Katmandu Kitchen in Clarkston, GA. Nepali food at its finest—try the veggie momos.
Monday:
• Morning: Take a stroll through Piedmont Park, enjoying the green spaces and scenic views. Maybe bring the hammocks.
• Lunch: Grab a bite at Krog Street Market, where there’s a variety of food options to choose from.
• Evening: Sit by the fire and catch up. Nothing better than backyard friends.
Tuesday:
• Day Trip: There are so many great day hikes around Atlanta. I’d probably head out to Red Top Mountain for the day.
• Dinner: Hit up Snack Box Bistro in Duluth for the best Loa food in town.
Wednesday:
• Morning: Take a walk on the BeltLine, enjoying the art installations and vibrant atmosphere.
• Lunch: Have lunch at Ponce City Market, with its diverse food hall and rooftop amusement park.
• Afternoon: Spend some time downtown. Maybe hit the Georgia Aquarium or hang out at Centennial Park.
Thursday:
• Morning: Explore the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, a significant site for civil rights history. A must-see. Take a stroll through the neighborhood while you’re there—it’s a beautiful piece of Atlanta.
• Lunch: Have lunch at Buford Highway Farmer’s Market cafeteria. Authentic variety at its finest.
• Evening: Catch a concert by Atlanta Freedom Bands, your local LGBTQIA community band. Concert band, jazz, marching—they’ve got you covered. If you haven’t seen the color guard spin, you’re missing out.
Friday:
• Morning: Enjoy morning coffee in the garden.
• Afternoon: Hit Your DeKalb Farmer’s Market for the best fresh produce in town.
• Dinner: Finish the week with a family-style home-cooked meal. I make some killer enchiladas—rice and beans and fresh tortillas. Nothing better.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate this shoutout to Kieran Helbing, my co-founder and dear friend. Kieran and I have known each other for over a decade, and our bond grew even stronger when Kieran transitioned. Celebrating his transition and witnessing our personal growth through this friendship has been the foundation of what Trans Joy has become and will continue to be.
Kieran’s unwavering support, vision, and dedication have been instrumental in shaping Trans Joy. His journey and our shared experiences have deeply influenced our mission to create a supportive and joyful community for trans individuals. Kieran’s passion and commitment to uplifting our community inspire me every day, and I am incredibly grateful for his partnership and friendship.

Website: https://www.trans-joy.com/

Instagram: @transjoyusa

Facebook: @transjoyusa

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TransJoycast/streams

Other: https://www.trans-joy.com/beacon-fund
https://www.tiktok.com/@transjoyusa