TRANS YOGA PROJECT – Daniel Sannito Interview

During the pandemic, I was able to connect with a large network of trans, queer, nonbinary, and gender-expansive yoga teachers and educators all over the world. Through the connections we made and conversations we had, it became really clear that we were all experiencing harm in the very environments that were telling us we could find healing there. In this connection to community, a group of us came together to facilitate a workshop that would support folks learning to create affirming spaces for trans, nonbinary, gender-expansive people. We all enjoyed working together so much and shared similar visions, so we decided to continue our work together, and the Trans Yoga Project was born.

What is your hope/vision for the future of the Trans Yoga Project and community?

My hope is that we will continue to hold space for our community. Our mission has always been in alignment with serving our community first and creating the space we have all been seeking out for so long. I would love to see the Trans Yoga Project community continue to grow. Eventually, I’m hoping to host some in-person events and connect even deeper to those we have had the joy of connecting with virtually.

Who (or what) inspires your personal yoga practice?

I’m inspired deeply by nature and the world around me. I draw a lot of inspiration from traveling and spending time alone in nature. There’s something about the vastness of the world and the natural flow of life that keeps my heart full. I can’t say that one thing in particular has inspired my practice, I find that tuning in to find connection in each moment keeps me aligned and inspired.

If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, knowing everything you know now, what would it be?

I would tell my younger self to stay gentle, stay kind, stay courageous. That is your superpower. This world will tell you a lot of different things about yourself, remember that you know you better than anyone else ever can. Your existence is not wrong, and you are perfect exactly as you are. 

Can you share with us the resources you would recommend for anyone that wants to support the transgender community?

The Trans Yoga Project, of course! Each of us has individual offerings as well as the collective ones, so definitely check those out! A few other resources to check out:

Marsha P. Johnson Institute
Black Trans Advocacy 
Brave Space Alliance
TransLash

I invite you to seek out local organizations to donate to and support. Buy and read books written by BIPOC trans folks. There is a lot of information out there that is easily accessible. Your commitment to learning and independently seeking that information is the support needed.