April 25, 2026
Worldwide
Let’s test the power of trans joy
For years, the right has claimed that trans people are an evil blight destroying society. Meanwhile, us trans people just want to exist without living in fear. Could it be true that our trans joy is actually powerful enough to destroy everything? Do ice caps melt every time we take HRT? Does lightning strike every time skirt go spinny?
It’s time for science to settle this.
On April 25th, harnessing the power of DNA Day, we’re calling on all trans folk and allies to express their trans joy, however they feel fit (and safe) to do so. By working together to concentrate the amount of transness expressed on earth to a single day, we can finally test the right’s hypothesis that trans joy is too powerful.
Will an earthquake open up a chasm under Mar-a-Lago? Will God strike down Dr. Jey with a bolt of lightning? Who knows!
Hold up… Are you serious?
Dr. Jey’s communication career unexpectedly started on April 26th, 2010, when they accidentally created the viral meme “Boobquake.” An Iranian cleric claimed immodestly dressed women caused earthquakes. Ever the science geek, Jey thought, “That’s a testable hypothesis!” They joked on their blog that they’d show some cleavage — for a change, since unknown gender dysphoria usually kept the girls under wraps — and that other women were welcome to join.
The joke took off because, of course, there was a large earthquake that day.
Not only did Jey receive a crash course in marketing that jumpstarted their science communication career… But it was the first time they ever spoke to a trans person.
A trans woman asked if she could participate. At this point in their life, Jey hadn’t even thought about the existence of trans people. To be honest, they didn’t get it — who would want to be a girl, when they so desperately wanted to be a boy? But they still said of course, participate. The point was having fun and laughing at bigotry, not perpetuating more bigotry.
After this last year, watching the No Kings protests and being inspired by people like Stephen Colbert and Zohran Mamdani, it’s become more and more apparent that the way to fight fascism is through community, joy, and laughter. Jey will still keep spreading educational information about the biology and sex and gender… but they also know that storytelling and humor changes minds more than facts.
So let’s shake things up.
Let’s show the world what trans joy looks like — and that we’re human beings, not monsters.
How to participate
WHEREVER YOU ARE
If you live in a progressive place where you feel safe and supported, go all out! Wear the colors of the trans flag, express yourself in drag, or let your gender euphoria fly however you feel best. Maybe throw a last minute party at your favorite park, library, bar, or even your own home. Sing, dance, create art, play games, volunteer for a local trans org — do whatever you want to creatively express either your transness, or your love and support of trans people.
VIRTUALLY
Spread the word about #transquake on social media and encourage others to get ready to participate on April 25th. RSVP on Partiful and invite your friends. Tag @beyondxandy on the big day, and we’ll share our favorite moments of trans joy. You do you - post a selfie, draw art, record a dance or drag performance, make a comedy video… the point is to have fun with it!
On the 4/25, watch the livestream of our official event in Chicago!
STAY SAFE
Unfortunately, we understand the current reality that many people cannot even wear a trans flag or be perceived as trans in public without risking their personal safety. Many aren’t even safe sharing things online. More than anything else, we want trans people to stay safe. Make choices that make sense for your area and personal situation. Surround yourself with allies and friends, or choose to participate privately at home. Maybe you feel comfortable sharing photos or stories or art on social media. Maybe you just hang out with your close friends or journal. Or maybe this is simply a chance to privately try on clothes or makeup that allowing yourself to explore gender in a safe space.
Allies? This is you chance to step up and be LOUD.
IN CHICAGO?
Join us from 5 - 6:30pm CT at the official Transquake event at the Lincoln Lodge!
This science-themed variety hour highlights amazing local trans, non-binary, and queer performers, including:
Comedians Talia Clay & LT
Drag performances by eRiS, Luxury D. Temptation, Athena Red, and Supermarket
Talk & “experiment” with the founder of Beyond X&Y, Dr. Jey the Science They
Limited amount of tickets, expected to sell out fast!