My name is Cal (he/they) and I am a queer transgender ultramarathoner and long-distance hiker. This spring I started my transcontinental run across America from California to Florida to fight for inclusion of transgender people in sports and access to gender affirming healthcare.

I started by touching the Pacific Ocean then ran east across the country, fulfilling a dream I had in middle school. Fifteen years later the passion to run across the country is stronger than ever. What I didn’t know when I dreamed of this as a kid struggling with understanding my gender identity was that this project would champion all young people and adults who are queer, transgender, or questioning during the most vehemently anti-trans period this country has ever known.

This year is ALREADY the worst year for anti-transgender legislation in America and we know that the majority of attacks on transgender people center around the issue of sports. With over 30 states introducing bills that ban trans athletes from sports consistent with their gender identities (and 41 states posing 300+ anti-LGBTQ bills so far) it’s time to show up for the trans and queer people most affected by these proposed policies.

One month before I started this transcontinental run I had gender-affirming top surgery. It was the most beautiful transformation and it saved my life. I am running so that every trans person has access to the life saving gender-affirming care I have access to.

I am running so that every young trans athlete can compete in the category consistent with their gender identity.

I am running to build community and uplift trans people fighting for equality during the most acute anti-trans period this country has ever experienced.

I am running for all LGBTQ people to have access to the rights and freedoms everyone else enjoys.

I am running for YOU and I am running for ME because none of us are free until all of us are. The systemic oppression perpetrated on trans people is a threat to our collective freedoms and bodily autonomy. We are all implicated in this fight for freedom and justice.

Fewer than 300 people in history have run across the U.S. A big component of this run will be educational outreach, advocacy, community building, and fundraising in each of the towns I pass through. Keep reading for details about the route and advocacy work along the way.

My current route will take me across California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida, including some of the most vehemently anti-trans places in America. Along the way, I plan to uplift the efforts by local community groups fighting for the LGBTQ community. Stay tuned for actions you can take to support these efforts along the run.

After I touch the Pacific Ocean and head east, I will run for four straight months across seven southern states.

I will run supported by one crew member and my two dogs, Truman and Cooper. They will meet me throughout they day with food, water and snacks. Learn more about the full crew members under the “Meet the Team” tab above.

My crew and I will primarily be car camping, tent camping and occasionally staying in hotels in the towns we pass through.

If you’d like to pay for a meal or hotel stay during their trip please contribute to my venmo @cal_dobbs_96 or click the link at the bottom of the page. Everything helps!

The most important part of this project is educational outreach, advocacy, community building, and fundraising along the way.

Stay tuned for live updates about events, fundraisers and action you can take and check out the “Support the Run” tab to support the important documentary we are making!

To donate directly to the run and support team or sponsor a hotel stay please venmo @cal_dobbs_96

Brand sponsors and partnerships please email calstransrun@gmail.com.

Stay tuned for live updates about events, fundraisers and action you can take and click “Support the Run” at the top of this page!

“First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.”

—Martin Niemöller