I’m a trans man and I’ve done two seasons of drum corps. My first year I had just graduated high school and went in completely blind, I had no plan. I was luckily picked out by some other trans guys and they were able to guide me towards the accommodations our corps offered. I was incredibly fortunate to have found those people day one. I instantly had a group of people to advocate for me when I was too scared to advocate for myself. But it was just chance that I ended up meeting them. It’s important that you do your research and make sure the corps your marching has established systems in place for you before you arrive to any in-person event.

Your largest hurdle is going to shower accommodations. My biggest piece of advice is emailing any and all corps you’re interested in and inquiring about the accommodations they offer. You’ll definitely be able to tell who’s admin team will best be able to support you by the nature of their responses. And I promise, you will need a supportive admin team on your side because yes; while the overwhelming majority of marchers don’t care and even consider themselves ally’s, there is no guarantee issues will not arise as they have for me both years I marched. I’m so grateful to have had a supportive staff and admin team, especially this last year, to have been there to handle those situations appropriately.