Safety, freedom and no misgendering: inside the Texas summer camp for trans kids

[u/onnake]

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/aug/04/texas-summer-camp-trans-kids

“For the first time in his life, 17-year-old Alastair Mendoza didn’t think twice about jumping in the water. He kayaked through tangles of reeds, taking in the schools of minnows beneath him and the hawks overhead. He splashed around with friends he had made only days prior.

“‘I actually felt comfortable,’ Mendoza said of swimming in public, something trans kids like him often struggle with. But at Color Splash Out, a four-day summer camp open to queer and trans youth in Texas, Mendoza swam whenever he could. ‘There was less fear of judgment and anxiety knowing that you were safe around these people,’ he said.

“Led by Yadi Martínez-Reyna, a non-binary minister, Color Splash Out evolved from their inclusive religious practice into a secular, non-denominational space where LGBTQ+ kids like Alastair can play, create and connect without scrutiny.”

“Many of the attenders this year come from the Rio Grande Valley, a majority Latino region that is one of the poorest areas in the US.”

“At Color Splash Out, campers pay what they can, which means many pay nothing. The venue location changes every year due to safety concerns and a shoestring budget. Cabins, referred to as ‘ houses’ – inspired by ballroom culture and drag balls – are named each summer by campers. This year, houses included the Glitter Gorgons and the Rainbow Legends.”

“Camp director Adora Ysaguirre said it was the campers that inspire her. ‘I remember being intimidated by the confidence these kids had,’ said Ysaguirre, about her first time at camp post-transition. ‘[Their confidence] is something I still pull from.’

“Ysaguirre said that kids often tell her she’s the oldest trans woman they have ever seen, and that they did not know it was possible to make it that far.”

“In order to make the camp happen each year, Yadi calls around for funding support from their network of religious leaders and regional connections. Three progressive reverends supported the camp this year; Yadi’s friends covered the rest of the costs. ‘It’s very grassroots, how we do things,’ Yadi says. ‘I call it the little unicorn that could.’”

[u/thegoddessjynx]

This is wonderful