Gender Spiral
Trans Hirstory (w/ Chris Vargas and David Frantz)
Oct 31, 2023
Chris Vargas, artist, and David Frantz, curator, discuss LGBTQ archives, their new book 'Trans Hirstory in 99 Objects,' and the challenges of reclaiming trans and queer history. They explore the increasing visibility of trans artists, the impact of the actors strike, and the process of creating a cohesive narrative for the book. They also discuss finding writers, contextualizing objects, accessing culture through video stores, and Chris's ability to imagine and create things that don't yet exist.
58:05
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The book 'Trans Hirstory in 99 Objects' showcases a curated selection of art and archival objects, providing a multi-dimensional exploration of trans history and experience.
- The book challenges traditional binary narratives by presenting a range of gender transgressions and queer histories, celebrating the resilience and struggles of trans individuals throughout history.
Deep dives
The origins of Martha
Martha, the Museum of Trans History and Art, began in 2013 as a poster promoting a fictional museum. The project aimed to spark imagination and speculation about what a trans museum could showcase. It explored the tension between the increasing visibility of trans individuals in mainstream institutions and the loss of nuance and complexity in trans narratives. The project evolved into a series of six exhibitions and eventually led to the creation of the book 'Trans Here Street in 99 Objects.'
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
