Being Trans in Trump's America with Dylan McKeever, River Butcher, and Sammy Mowrey
Mar 26, 2025
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This week, Adam Conover chats with River Butcher, a stand-up comedian and actor, Sammy Mowrey, a comedic talent opening for River, and Dylan McKeever, a creator at Cartoon Network. They share their experiences navigating life as trans individuals during turbulent political times. The discussion covers personal safety, the commercialization of Pride, and the challenges faced in sports. Their humorous anecdotes challenge societal norms while advocating for understanding and acceptance, making for an enlightening and engaging conversation.
The Trump administration's policies seek to erase transgender identities, creating an environment of fear and uncertainty for 1.6 million trans Americans.
Personal narratives from trans comedians reveal the pervasive anxiety and societal rejection they face while navigating public spaces and asserting their identities.
Access to gender-affirming healthcare is critical for trans individuals' well-being, yet policies increasingly restrict these essential medical interventions.
Deep dives
The Impact of Political Rhetoric on Trans Lives
Recent political discourse has deeply affected the lives of trans individuals in America. Notably, harmful rhetoric has been used to demonize trans people, often labeling them as 'others' who threaten societal norms. This has manifested in significant policy changes, including an executive order that seeks to erase non-binary identities by only recognizing male and female genders. Such actions contribute to an environment where trans individuals live in uncertainty and fear, particularly regarding their citizenship and access to healthcare.
The Experiences of Trans Individuals
Trans individuals often face dangerous situations when navigating public spaces and may feel unsafe using restrooms or traveling alone. This heightened sense of unpredictability stems from societal attitudes, which can lead to discrimination and violence against them. Comedians shared their personal experiences, revealing the constant anxiety that accompanies being trans in a society that often mischaracterizes them. Despite these challenges, there's a collective resolve among trans people to assert their identities and refuse to live in fear.
Stories of Resilience and Identity
Trans individuals often share powerful narratives of resilience and the journey of self-discovery. Many recount experiences of realizing their identity at a young age, facing societal rejection, yet ultimately embracing their true self. Discussions highlighted how supportive friends and communities significantly impact the lives of trans individuals, allowing them to embrace their identities confidently. These personal stories serve as a reminder of the importance of acceptance and the celebration of diversity in identity.
Healthcare Accessibility for Trans Individuals
Access to gender-affirming healthcare has become a contentious issue in the U.S., with some policies actively seeking to restrict this critical support. The discussion elaborated on the challenges trans individuals face regarding medical needs, especially for youth seeking puberty blockers or hormone therapy. These medical interventions have been shown to reduce mental health issues and promote overall well-being. The importance of accessible healthcare is underscored as it plays a crucial role in the safety and happiness of trans individuals.
The Cultural Backlash Against LGBTQ+ Rights
There has been a notable cultural backlash against LGBTQ+ rights, particularly concerning transgender issues. This has led to increased scrutiny and discrimination, particularly against trans kids and athletes. The conversation examined how these attacks are framed as matters of fairness while often disregarding the actual experiences and rights of trans individuals. This narrative manipulation is utilized by opponents to rally support against trans rights under the pretext of protecting cisgender identities.
The Power of Community and Representation
Community support and representation are vital in empowering trans individuals and facilitating understanding among the broader public. Engaging with trans individuals and hearing their stories fosters empathy and combats misinformation. Highlighting diverse experiences—especially through platforms like stand-up comedy—enables trans voices to be heard, dismantling stereotypes. As more individuals come out and share their truth, societal perceptions shift, paving the way for greater acceptance and understanding.
The Trump administration is actively working to erase the existence of trans people through policy and legislation. But no law can erase the 1.6 million trans people living in America, nor the reality of their lives and experiences. These are real people facing real consequences—impacting their rights, safety, and livelihoods. This week, Adam sits down with his friends and fellow comedians Dylan McKeever, River Butcher, and Sammy Mowrey, who all happen to be trans, to talk about what it’s like to navigate this moment in America as a trans person.
About Headgum: Headgum is an LA & NY-based podcast network creating premium podcasts with the funniest, most engaging voices in comedy to achieve one goal: Making our audience and ourselves laugh. Listen to our shows at https://www.headgum.com.
