But the vibe of the gym is surprisingly open.
I started boxing for exercise because I was looking for community, Hanson, 33, says.
It felt good to have a place where my masculinity and my natural aggressiveness were encouraged.
Photographed by Stephanie Mei-Ling
Thats when Trans Boxing was born, eventually finding a home at Dumbos Gleasons Gym.
Its been much more meaningful in terms of building solidarity amongst fighters.
A handful of Hansons students linger post-class to talk about how his coaching has changed their lives.
Coach Nolan Hanson.
God forbid I ever get into an altercation, but I have the skills to actually defend myself.
Trans Boxing has now expanded to Los Angeles and continues to grow as Hansons clientele expands.
For me, the name Trans Boxing isnt meant to just represent transgender boxing, he says.
Photographed by Stephanie Mei-Ling
Its more like learning about yourself through boxingthe prefix trans symbolizes many things.
Photographed by Stephanie Mei-Ling
Photographed by Stephanie Mei-Ling
Photographed by Stephanie Mei-Ling
Photographed by Stephanie Mei-Ling
From left, Teo Nalani, Kory Pippen, Ben, Freeman, Urs Scott, Sammy L., Nolan Hanson and Zac E.
