Death, Sex & Money

The Voice of NYC's Subways Comes Out as Trans

Apr 26, 2023
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
INSIGHT

Voice as Identity and Disembodiment

  • Bernie's voice is known through New York transportation announcements, but it sounds disembodied due to computerized playback.
  • She distinguishes between herself and her 'disembodied voice' as an important part of how she recognizes her identity.
ANECDOTE

Childhood Expression and Repression

  • Bernie shared a childhood story of imagining herself as a girl and switching clothes with a friend, which led to her parents forbidding it without punishment.
  • Early attempts to express femininity publicly in junior high ended with bullying, causing her to hide her feelings further.
ANECDOTE

Teenphone Call That Changed Everything

  • Bernie found a transgender teacher named Paula Grossman when she was a teenager and confided in her by phone, which was life-changing.
  • Paula risked her job to support Bernie, providing crucial understanding in a difficult time.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app