The HiTOPS Trans Youth Forum is BACK on Saturday, March 28! This free, virtual event brings together trans, non-binary, and gender-expansive youth—along with LGBTQ+ community members and allies—for a powerful day of connection, learning, and celebration.
Created by and for trans youth, the forum is organized by the HiTOPS Trans Youth Advisory Board, a group of passionate young leaders working to uplift their community and create spaces where trans and gender-expansive voices are centered, heard, and celebrated.
Throughout the day, attendees will hear from inspiring speakers, connect with community, and experience powerful conversations about identity, advocacy, creativity, and belonging.
We’re especially excited to welcome an incredible lineup of special guests who are helping lead these conversations and share their stories.
Let’s get to know some of the folks joining us this year!
Justine Lindsay (She/Her/Hers) made history as the first openly transgender woman to cheer in the NFL with the Carolina Panthers TopCats, breaking barriers and expanding visibility for trans women in professional sports. She is continuing to grow her impact through media and storytelling, currently working on a documentary that shares her journey. She is also preparing to compete on the international stage as a contestant for Miss International Queen 2026.
Trystan Reese (He/Him/His) is a 2021 Lambda Literary Emerging LGBTQ Voices Fellow and the solo author of How We Do Family, a memoir described as “a refreshing new take on family life for the LGBTQ community and beyond.” He also co-wrote a children’s book with his partner, Biff. It’s called The Light Of You and was published by Flamingo Rampant Press. Trystan is an essayist whose work is currently being housed on Substack. His contributions to academic research can be found here.
George M. Johnson (They/Them) is an award-winning Black nonbinary writer, journalist, and executive producer. They are the New York Times bestselling author of the YA memoir All Boys Aren’t Blue, one of the most challenged books in the U.S., and a leading voice against censorship. Johnson has been honored on The Root 100, Out 100, and TIME100 Next. Their additional works include We Are Not Broken (2021), the award-winning history Flamboyants (2024), and the YA novel There’s Always Next Year (2025), co-written with Leah Johnson. They also executive produced a GLAAD-honored, Emmy-nominated dramatic reading of All Boys Aren’t Blue.
Teeny Chirichillo (He/They) is a freelance writer from Manahawkin, New Jersey. He is best known for competing on Season 47 of the hit reality TV show Survivor. On Survivor, Teeny demonstrated a balanced approach to competition. Their calm presence, clear communication style, and capacity to build trust across diverse personalities made them a respected ally and a perceptive player throughout the game.
Beyond television, Teeny is passionate about fostering connection, inclusion, and community. He continues to engage audiences as a thoughtful voice on resilience, collaboration, and the power of strong social connection. Teeny hosts a podcast called Good For Them with their partner and fellow Survivor contestant, Stephanie Berger.
Still haven’t signed up for TYF yet? Register now!
Registration is required to access the forum, and you can log out and pop back in throughout the day!