Cover of Queer Cincinnati: Beyond the Binary, a painting of three people seen from above on a bright pink, yellow and green background, by Emil Wiersma

Letter From the Co-Editor: Beyond the Binary

October 20, 2026/in Culture/by Nyla Davies

This story first appeared in Queer Cincinnati: Beyond the Binary, published Oct. 23, 2026.

Dear Reader,

As you flip through the pages of the very first issue of the Trans Cincinnati Magazine, I wish to inspire each and every one of you to find hope and community in the stories we have curated.

This magazine is an accumulation of authentic voices, anecdotes of trans joy, and critiques on current predatory legislation. Experiences ranging from liberation, to discrimination, to connection made within the community are depicted. I am more than eager to spotlight residents of the beautiful city of Cincinnati and their real, unembellished trans experiences. I also want to thank Queer Kentucky for the opportunity to expand their outreach to the state of Ohio, giving us the chance to spotlight important resources within our state. Additionally, I would like to mention TransOhio, Transform, Trans Masc Cincy, and Equitas Health. These organizations work to carve out a rightful place for trans youth. Whether that be through creating gathering spaces for the queer community, helping folks understand how to secure affirming care, or simply providing a safe space for those with intersecting identities, these organizations all show up for trans Cincinnatians.

In a world where trans youth are so often made to be silenced, a publication like this is extremely important. The statements within each article are testimonies about trans lives from actual trans individuals. From start to finish, this collection was brought to life by trans youth, for trans youth. Our writers and artists have poured talent, beauty, and truth into this project, and love can be felt throughout every page. When presented with the chance to work as co-editor of this project, I leaped at the opportunity. I am proud to be a part of this community, and to be completely surrounded by visionaries in my day to day life. I am consistently reminded of the radiance that exists in Cincinnati’s trans youth, along with the ambition to actively create a future in which all identities are honored and respected. What you are about to read is not only proof of that ambition, but documentation of firsthand interactions with the current cultural/social state of the world.

If you are not trans and reading this, take it as an opportunity for education and understanding. Question the ignorance you may possess surrounding trans identities. Allow this set of articles to dismantle harmful beliefs and behaviours. If you fall anywhere under the trans umbrella and are reading this, take it as an opportunity to see trans love, joy, and strength reflected back upon yourself. Allow the support of our community to uplift and empower you. So much beauty exists within your identity. Hold onto that love, beauty, and power. Despite those who misunderstand you, despite those with hate in their hearts, despite challenges you are bound to face throughout life. We fight together for your right to be your authentic self. Let these stories act as a vehicle of joy, as something to remind you that you are not alone, and you are worthy of care.

Nyla Davies, Co-Editor