

Gender Spiral with Ally Beardsley and Babette Thomas
Ally Beardsley & Babette Thomas
Hosted by Ally Beardsley and Babette Thomas, Gender Spiral is a quest to explore the modern experience of being a human in our gendered world. Each episode of the podcast explores important topics and questions about navigating expectations of gender and presentation in our society through conversations with the foremost experts on the topic: trans and queer people. You'll hear firsthand accounts of gender variant folks of all stripes and walks of life, to highlight the liberation of questioning and exploring one's own gender, no matter your identity. Support us at patreon.com/GenderSpiralPodcast
Gender Spiral with Ally Beardsley and Babette Thomas is an Audiation Original production.
Gender Spiral with Ally Beardsley and Babette Thomas is an Audiation Original production.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 31, 2023 • 58min
Trans Hirstory (w/ Chris Vargas and David Frantz)
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.

Oct 17, 2023 • 43min
Coveralls and Clicky Shoes (w/ JT Green)
Audio documentarian and artist JT Green discusses workwear, exploring gender through audio, and the significance of clothing in personal identity. They also explore gender beyond Western binary terms and delve into their sonic practice and labor. The concept of depersonalization and the connection to gender identity is explored, along with poetry, reflections, and the allure of nature. The podcast concludes by delving into the world of queer sounds and objects.

Oct 3, 2023 • 44min
Queer Friendship (w/ Chris Renfro)
Guest Chris Renfro, an actor and gender-fluid individual, discusses binary non-binary roles in Hollywood. They also explore personal experiences with gender identity, evolution of personal style, and navigating gender identity in the acting industry. The hosts discuss interactions with others and the importance of teaching and learning.

Sep 19, 2023 • 53min
F*ggot Renaissance (w/ James Tom)
Comedian Jes Tom discusses dating apps, the need for a black queer specific app, pronouns in the queer community, embracing femininity as a trans masc person, differences between lesbian sex and sex with men, using comedy to explore gender identity, and finding comfort in queer and trans spaces.

Sep 5, 2023 • 45min
The Masc is In Your Brain, B*tch (w/ Jordan Underwood)
Model and advocate for fat liberation within the transmasc community, Jordan Underwood, talks about confusing cat-callers, their alter ego Debbie, and the intersection of fat liberation and transmasculinity. They also discuss the power of representation, navigating disability and delays in healthcare, reflections on the pandemic and health condition, and the challenges of gender perception and expression.

Aug 22, 2023 • 48min
Dungeons ;) Dragons and Drag (w/ Vico Ortiz)
Vico Ortiz discusses polyamory, exploring gender through drag, and adapting during the pandemic. They delve into topics such as open relationships, communication, setting boundaries, gender norms and labels, personal growth, embracing femininity in drag, and the concept of dressing up as a heightened version of oneself.

Aug 15, 2023 • 45min
"My Kid Sees Me" (w/ Asher Pandjiris)
Asher Pandjiris, a psychotherapist, discusses growing up as a tomboy, parenting as a nonbinary person, and mental health hurdles that overlap with gender dysphoria. They explore adoption, gender assumptions in parenthood, gender failure, and the dangers of gender exploratory therapy.

Aug 8, 2023 • 47min
Pirates, Vikings and Skateboarders (w/ Liv Hewson)
Liv Hewson, actor on Yellowjackets and Santa Clarita Diet, discusses their journey to top surgery, recommends queer literature, and shares their love for Sam Reid in Interview with the Vampire. They explore the challenges of accessing surgery for trans individuals and reflect on the fluidity of masculinity and femininity. Additionally, they delve into personal style, the importance of queer archives, and the impact of increasing mainstream awareness on their life.

Aug 1, 2023 • 45min
Grief Barbie (w/ Amie Morrison)
Musician Amie Morrison discusses her experience of transitioning in her 30s, her queer relationship, and exploring gender variance with her late best friend. They also delve into the complexities of gender in Hebrew, misconceptions about drag and trans identities, and the pressure on trans individuals to conform to binary gender norms.

Jul 25, 2023 • 53min
Unmasking and re-MASCing (w/ Dr. Devon Price)
Dr. Devon Price, author of 'Unmasking Autism' and 'Laziness Does Not Exist,' shares their experiences coming out as trans and autistic, the unsettling feeling of gender success, and why autistic folks are more likely to be out as queer and trans. The podcast explores ADHD, autism, and neurodivergence, personal transformation through top surgery, unmasking autism, shedding myths and embracing neurodiversity, and the outdated knowledge connected to ableism.