Trans People Are Magic

By Joslynn Fish

Every day I see trans people come in and out of South Press in various stages of life and transition. I meet folks who are just embarking on their new gender expression journey, and folks who transitioned 40+ years ago. It is a spectrum of people who all share a common lived experience; people who at some point chose authenticity over personal safety. Our world does not treat trans people fairly. This year our state government waged a war against trans people, attacking at many angles. It was an effort to steal trans joy, and make trans people fearful of existing in public spaces. Next, came a call to action to fight against the slate of hate. Trans people lead the counter charge; organizing protests, letter writing campaigns, calling state legislators, and creating pathways to stabilization for trans people who were experiencing insecurity.

During this time we created the first all trans burlesque and drag review in the region called Trans People Are Magic and it served as a fundraiser to finance name changes for trans people who need financial assistance. It was a way that trans people could support & empower other trans people to live their fully authentic selves. Since the show started in 2021, Trans People Are Magic has helped over 40 trans people achieve name changes in Knox and surrounding counties. It was a way to reclaim trans joy, and to share it freely. Trans people are courageous in a world that is scary to simply exist. It makes me wonder what brilliant wonderful things we could achieve if we were empowered and seen for all of the gifts we bring to the table.

I am excited to see how this program will expand into providing other trans centered services. I am so proud to announce that Trans People Are Magic will become a non-profit organization in early November 2023 so that trans people can continue to support and empower each other. It has truly been a gift to see the lives changed by our community showing up and taking care of one another.

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

~Joslynn Fish Owner/Proprietress of South Press Coffee, Activist, and Founder of Trans People Are Magic

About Joslynn Fish

Joslynn Fish is an East Tennessee native growing up in the foothills of rural Southern Appalachia. She was always a spirited child, and performed regularly for the family, church, and school productions. Eventually she moved to Knoxville to be in the “Big City” Joslynn quickly found community at local coffee shops and outside of the gay bars; as she was not quite old enough to get in, legally.

In 2005 she entered the Wednesday night contest at the Carousel 2 and fell in love with the art of drag. More importantly through drag she began to see a more authentic version of herself emerging. Joslynn found safety to be authentic through the art of drag. In 2012 she was crowned Miss Gay Knoxville which is to this day her proudest moment in her drag career. Her step down from that title in 2013 also served as a farewell show to her drag persona, as she was shifting focus to her transition goals.

Years later she would come out of retirement in order to hostess shows at the sober venue she now owns and operates.

South Press is an eco friendly, locally sourced, coffee/tea house whose primary purpose is to provide safe community space. South Press thrives through community support, and is able to host several outreach programs which run parallel to the business. South Press just treats people the way we’d want to be treated, hospitality for all.

Joslynn is so grateful to be included in the KnoxPride line up. This is her 20th year of attending Knoxville Pridefest, and her first performance. Joslynn is so excited to celebrate Pride with the community she loves with all her heart. Happy Pride!

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