about us
Gender Unbound is a trans and intersex arts community organization that is proudly led by trans and intersex artists. Our mission is to uplift and support transgender and intersex people in Central Texas through building community spaces, spotlighting local talent and fostering connection, joy, relaxation, and creativity.
Our events range from art markets, to music and performance showcases, to film nights, to creative workshops, to art gallery exhibits, and more—all planned by and featuring trans and intersex artists.
We are a volunteer-powered organizing team that prioritizes sustainability, joy-centered work, and clear and compassionate communication.
What do we mean when we say trans and intersex?
We consider the intersex umbrella to include anyone born with differences in sex traits or reproductive anatomy, which may include chromosomes, body parts, hormones. or other variations that do not fall into typical binary gender expectations.
We consider the transgender umbrella to include anyone who does not identify with the gender they were assigned at birth, including nonbinary, agender, gender fluid, third gender, and two spirit people.
Connection
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Creativity
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Community
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Solidarity
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Connection * Creativity * Community * Solidarity *
Support Trans &
Intersex texans
MEANS
safety
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freedom
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power
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liberation
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healing
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safety * freedom * power * liberation * healing *
for texas queers
Gender Unbound honors and bolsters the vibrancy and resilience of trans and intersex communities, rooted in the strength of revolutionary movements in the South. Our work cultivating creative, artistic, imaginative events acts as an antidote to the isolation, disconnection, hostility, and hopelessness that our hostile political environment would have us feel. Trans and intersex Texans have always existed and have always belonged.
donate monthly to sustain our work
We’re building stronger, safer, more resilient communities filled with with relaxed, inspired, and connected trans and intersex people.
get involved
None of what we do would be possible without our volunteer-run organizing team and all the community support we’ve received over the years. We’re always looking for passionate volunteers, organizers, advisors, and supporters!
Day-of event support is always needed. Many hands make light work! One of the easiest entry points to getting to know the team and seeing what it’s like running Gender Unbound events!
Volunteer at an event
Typically around a 3-4 month commitment, our “event pods” are committed to planning out all the logistics of events, coordinating all the artists and performers, spreading the word online and in community, and everything in between! As a team, we value sustainability, avoiding perfectionism, asking for help early and often, and communicating with honesty and compassion.
organize & plan events
There’s also so much that we have to learn, and it takes a lot to keep this thing running! If you can offer your skills or guidance in graphic or web design, grant writing, financials, business acumen, fundraising, vending and tabling, or anything else, we could really use your help!
Advisory & Administrative
Meet the team
We have always been run by a team of passionate volunteer organizers and event planners. The combination of organizers changes from event to event, but we’ve included many of the organizers who have organized with us for at least two events below.
Jae Lin (they/them)
Executive Director since 2022
Organizer since 2016
Evan Mahony (they/them)
Organizer since 2016
Bis Thornton (she/her & he/him)
Organizer 2016 & since 2019
CH Powers (all pronouns)
Organizer since 2020
Maura Kinney (they/them)
Organizer since 2024
Drew Riley (she/her)
Board Member since 2024
Founder, Executive Director 2016-2022
past organizers
Gwen Holford (she/her)
Organizer 2017 - 2020
Lei Holford (he/him)
Organizer 2017 - 2020
Emma Ruth (she/her)
Organizer 2018 - 2019
Eli Gray (he/him)
Organizer 2019
Somalia Jamall (they/them)
Organizer 2019
Carson Powers (they/them)
Organizer 2019
Rocky Lane (he/him)
Organizer 2017 - 2018
Savannah Long (she/her)
Organizer 2017
Caelin Lee (they/them)
Organizer 2016
FAQs
What type of events do y’all do?
All kinds! We’re actively looking for different forms of art and community experiences to put on. Check out our events page here. Our goals are to
Cultivate creative, skills-building, and community-connecting spaces for trans and intersex artists.
Hold events that foster relaxation and connection amongst trans and intersex community.
Move money and other resources and opportunities into the hands of trans and intersex artists.
Center the joy, beauty, possibility, and vibrancy of our communities.
Develop, support, and follow the leadership of trans and intersex organizers, especially those with multiple intersectional identities.
Can allies attend your events?
Many of our events are open to the public, where allies, friends, and families of trans and intersex people are welcome to attend. Occasionally, we may have workshops, artist calls, or other events where we aim to create a trans and/or intersex only community space; we will specify in the event description when that is the case.
what if I’m questioning my identity?
Folks who are questioning or undetermined around their own trans or intersex identity are welcome to attend any of our events. For our artist features, we do look for artists who consider themselves to fall under the trans or intersex umbrella definitions we used above.
is the festival coming back?
Since 2023, our focus has shifted to hosting local events throughout the year in Central Texas. This allows us to try more and different things and pour our resources into our Texas communities, as well as offer a recurring way for trans and intersex people to stay connected throughout the year. It is also, importantly, more sustainable for our volunteer organizing team! We miss the festival all the time, and we’re also excited about what this new chapter holds!
If you’re interested in reading more of our history, the festival and how it started, and see pictures from past events, check out our Timeline (WIP).