Chicago, IL — April 21, 2026

A new trans-led science communication and advocacy initiative, Beyond X&Y, is launching nationally this week. Founded by transmasculine genomics expert and science communicator Dr. Jey C. McCreight, PhD, Beyond X&Y brings together biomedical experts and allies to address a widening gap between scientific consensus and public discourse—particularly around unscientific claims that “biological sex” is strictly binary and immutable.

“The right keeps saying to ‘Trust the Science,’” said Dr. Jey C. McCreight. “But as a human genomics PhD who studied the evolution of sex, I know what the science actually says: That trans and intersex people are a natural part of human biodiversity. We’re not diseases to be cured, or demons to be removed from society. As one of the most senior trans people in the field of genomics, I felt a duty to completely devote my time to speaking the truth in order to combat the wave of relentless transphobia.”

Beyond X&Y positions itself as a media-first, science-driven advocacy platform, with plans to produce accessible, research-backed educational content—including videos, articles, and commentary—that will serve as a resource for journalists, educators, policymakers, and organizations seeking accurate scientific context. They also hope to mobilize scientists to engage more actively in public discourse and to platform trans and intersex voices in the field of biomedicine.

About Dr. Jey C. McCreight

Dr. Jey C. McCreight is a genomics expert, science communicator, and grassroots organizer with a PhD in human genetics and nearly two decades of experience translating complex science into accessible, engaging content for a wide range of audiences.

For the last decade, they have worked as a scientific communicator at leading precision health companies (including 23andMe, Verily, and Tempus AI). They have delivered more than 100 talks internationally across academic, industry, and public audiences, from the Savage Lovecast and MENSA, to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

Based in Chicago, McCreight is also an active community leader, co-founding the Transmasc Society of Chicago and volunteering as a fundraiser for Brave Space Alliance. Their work bridges scientific rigor, storytelling, and advocacy to expand public understanding of sex, gender, and human diversity.

From Viral “Boobquake” to “Transquake”

The launch of Beyond X&Y marks a full-circle moment in McCreight’s public career.

In 2010 as an undergraduate at Purdue University, they created the viral phenomenon “Boobquake”, a satirical response to religious claims that women’s clothing could cause earthquakes. The joke—framed as a mock scientific experiment—spread globally after an earthquake coincidentally occurred the same day, launching McCreight into a career of public science communication.

Now after sixteen years, McCreight returns with a new cultural experiment rooted in the same combination of humor, science, and public participation—this time shaped by their lived experience as a transgender man. As its first public action, Beyond X&Y is launching Transquake, a nationwide and virtual event on April 25, 2026, inviting trans people and allies across the country to participate in a coordinated expression of trans joy.

“For years, the right has claimed that trans people are an evil blight destroying society. I say it’s time to test if trans joy is truly that powerful. Will our gender-bending magic cause an earthquake under Mar-a-Lago? Are my powers gone after top surgery, or amplified? Will I be the one struck down with a bolt of lightning? I guess we’ll see!”

Participants are encouraged to take part in ways that are safe and meaningful to them—whether through local gatherings, performances, community events, or social media using the hashtag #Transquake.

Framed as a tongue-in-cheek “scientific experiment,” Transquake playfully reframes narratives around transness through visibility, humor, and collective expression. McCreight said they were inspired by other progressives who have leaned into absurdity and joy to fight fascism, from those donning inflatable frog costumes at No Kings protests, to drag artists still boldly performing in red states, and their personal role model, comedian Stephen Colbert.

Chicago Launch Event Anchors National Moment

A flagship Transquake event will take place in Chicago at The Lincoln Lodge with a science-themed variety show hosted by “Dr. Jey the Science They.” The show features local trans and queer performers, including comedians Talia Clay and LT, and drag by eRis, Luxury D. Temptation, Athena Red, and Supermarket.

Transquake — Chicago Launch Event
The Lincoln Lodge, Chicago
April 25, 2026
5:00–6:30 PM (Doors 4:45 PM)
Tickets: $15 (limited capacity)

The Chicago event reflects the city’s leadership in progressive organizing and commitment to serving as a sanctuary city for trans people.

“I’m a lifelong Chicagoan raised by union-member public school teachers who taught me the value of both education and collective organizing. A core part of my activism is about giving back to other trans people, whether that’s local artists and performers, or more junior trans folk entering the field of biomedicine,” McCreight said. “Ultimately, I’m doing this to be the older trans mentor I never had. I want younger trans folk to know that they can also grow up to be scientists or artists, and that they still have a future.”

Media & Booking

Dr. Jey C. McCreight is available for interviews, commentary, podcast appearances, consulting, and speaking engagements related to genomics, science communication, the biology of sex and gender, and transgender health.

Media inquiries and booking requests: info@beyondxandy.org

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