Happy International Transgender Day of Visibility! Today we share the story of one of our beloved hashers. We thank them for their courage in sharing this story with us and the world. ![]()
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I’m Balls in the Hole (I go by Balls, though) and I’m trans masculine and non-binary. Here’s my hash story:![]()
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I was going through some difficult times when I started hashing with Twin Titties and Minneapolis H3. The fun, friendship, and acceptance I found in the hash gave me a space to be myself, allowing me to dig deeper into understanding who I was and what I needed.![]()
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In the year of our lord 2020, I dressed up in male drag for the first time for a video call “trail” during the peak of the pandemic isolation era. I had so much fun with it that it became a recurring bit: the “Hank Balls” era. I noticed pretty quickly that it felt like a lot more than just a costume, leading to some realizations that have changed my life drastically for the better. ![]()
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My transformation over the years since then has been directly reflected in my mental health and wellbeing. I am so grateful to the multiple midwest kennels I’ve called home during my time as a hasher. ![]()
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I finally had top surgery (bye bye, boobies) at the beginning of this month after years of wishing for it and I’m the happiest I’ve ever been- gender affirming care is truly life-saving healthcare. ![]()
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My hashing story is a testament to what we can accomplish when we create safe and celebratory communities where being weird or different is a virtue, not a basis for exclusion. I feel very lucky to know as well as anybody just how much good can come from a beautiful group like ours.![]()
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It is more vital than ever to advocate for the trans community and create safe places for us, considering we are currently in the early to mid stages of an anti-trans genocide (Lemkin Institute alert.) Blue Dress Run and Midwest H3 are a shining light in the dark. The care, intentionality, and hard work that go into these events is a true credit to hashing. Let’s continue to prove that when the world around us is in crisis, hashers don’t capitulate- we raise a glass to our shared humanity and do the best we can to make it a better place.
We want to take a moment to highlight another resource for our community: PFLAG![]()
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PFLAG has been supporting LGBTQ+ individuals, families, and allies for decades by creating safe spaces, offering education, and providing support when it’s needed most. Whether someone is navigating their own identity, supporting a loved one, or just looking for connection, PFLAG is there.![]()
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They offer local chapters, peer support meetings, and resources that help people feel seen, understood, and not alone.![]()
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If you or someone you know could use support, we encourage you to check them out. Sometimes just knowing there’s a community ready to listen can make all the difference.![]()
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We’re grateful for organizations like PFLAG that continue to show up, advocate, and care for our community every day. 🩵![]()
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#PFLAG ![]()
#LGBTQSupport![]()
#CommunityCare ![]()
#YouAreNotAlone ![]()
#StrongerTogether ![]()
#midwesth3
It was the best of trails, it was the worst of trails… and somehow you survived to tell the story.![]()
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So go on. Regale us with your most unforgettable adventures 👀![]()
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(Keep it PG-13, friends. We want the stories, not the Facebook/Insta jail.)![]()
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#HashHouseHarriers![]()
#TrailStories![]()
#onon![]()
#hashlife![]()
#bestworsttrail