health
Safety, freedom and no misgendering: inside the Texas summer camp for trans kids
At Color Splash Out, LGBTQ+ kids can play, create and connect without judgment, especially in a state that passed seven anti-trans bills last year
TL;DR
- Color Splash Out is a four-day summer camp for queer and trans youth in Texas.
- The camp provides an inclusive space for LGBTQ+ kids to play, create, and connect without judgment or fear of misgendering.
- Many campers come from the Rio Grande Valley, a region with limited safe spaces for LGBTQ+ youth.
- The camp operates on a pay-what-you-can basis and changes its location annually due to safety and budget concerns.
- Activities include games, discussions on LGBTQ+ identities, and stress-coping skills.
- The camp relies on grassroots efforts, donations, and volunteers to operate.
- Former campers can become 'fellows' to help plan and mentor future camps.
- The camp operates as a mutual aid project, recycling supplies and accepting donations of banned books.