TransLash Podcast with Imara Jones

Despite political attacks and threats to our safety, trans people are still living full, complex and beautiful lives in the United States.In this special episode, Imara introduces TransLash Wire, our new written platform dedicated to original journalism centering trans perspectives from corners of the country that are often overlooked. To celebrate the launch of this new initiative, Imara has a meaningful conversation with Morgan Peterson, a youth support worker in Sioux Falls, who shares how trans kids are surviving and thriving in South Dakota. Then, our host sits down with Wilson and Miss B Haven for a colorful and moving conversation about what life is like for this T4T couple in Durham, North Carolina. Read “Trans Voices in America” on TransLash Wire here: https://translash.org/wire/trans-voices-of-america/ Send your trans joy recommendations to translash_podcast @ translash [dot] org Follow TransLash Media @translashmedia on TikTok, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, and Facebook.Follow Imara Jones on Instagram (@Imara_jones_), Threads (@imara_jones_), Bluesky (@imarajones.bsky.social), X (@ImaraJones)Follow our guests on social media: Lewis Raven Wallace: Instagram (@lewispants) Bluesky (‪@lewispants.bsky.social‬)South Dakota Transformation Project: Instagram (@sdtransformproj) TransLash Podcast is produced by TransLash Media.Translash Team: Imara Jones, Oliver-Ash Kleine, Aubrey Calaway. Lucy Little did the sound editing and engineering for this episode.Morgan Astbury is our Social Media Coordinator. Hillary Esquina is our Director of Digital Media and Social. Theme music composed by Ben Draghi. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As attacks on our community continue to escalate, trans-led organizations are facing a double crisis: rising needs and shrinking resources. In this episode, Imara examines the state of funding for queer and trans issues with two insightful interviews. First, Alexander Lee from Funders for LGBTQ  breaks down who’s getting funded – and who’s not – in the current philanthropic landscape. After that, Marin Watts from the Trans Justice Funding Project gives insight into how grassroots trans organizers are continuing to do life-saving work with minimal support. He also makes the case for using community-led, charitable trust systems and explains how this model can help move more money faster than traditional institutional philanthropy. Subscribe to The Mess: Imara’s Guide to Our Political Hellscape on Apple Podcasts.Send your trans joy recommendations to translash_podcast @ translash [dot] org Follow TransLash Media @translashmedia on TikTok, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, and Facebook.Follow Imara Jones on Instagram (@Imara_jones_), Threads (@imara_jones_), Bluesky (@imarajones.bsky.social), X (@ImaraJones)Follow our guests on social media: Valentine Vandal: Instagram (@valentine.vandal)Alexander Lee: Bluesky (@lgbtfunders.bsky.social)Marin Watts: Instagram (@transjusticeFP) X (@transjusticeFP) TransLash Podcast is produced by TransLash Media.Translash Team: Imara Jones, Oliver-Ash Kleine, Aubrey Calaway. Lucy Little did the sound editing and engineering for this episode.Morgan Astbury is our Social Media Coordinator. Hillary Esquina is our Director of Digital Media and Social. Theme music composed by Ben Draghi. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Supreme Court has upheld a Tennessee law barring gender-affirming care for minors. This is a devastating blow to trans kids and adults across the country, especially in the 25 states that currently have bans on gender affirming care for young people. To unpack the Court’s decision, Imara spoke with award-winning journalist and “Law Dork” writer Chris Geidner in a conversation TransLash Media livestreamed on YouTube. Chris explains the conservative Justices’ reasoning around the question of sex-based discrimination and the implications of this landmark case. Watch the livestream of the conversation here. Follow TransLash Media @translashmedia on TikTok, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, and Facebook.Follow Imara Jones on Instagram (@Imara_jones_), Threads (@imara_jones_), Bluesky (@imarajones.bsky.social), X (@ImaraJones)Follow our guests on social media: Chris Geinder: Instagram (@chrisgeidner) Bluesky (‪@chrisgeidner.bsky.social‬) X (@chrisgeidner) TransLash Podcast is produced by TransLash Media.Translash Team: Imara Jones, Oliver-Ash Kleine, Aubrey Calaway. AJ Jaramz did the sound editing and engineering for this episode.Morgan Astbury is our Social Media Coordinator. Hillary Esquina is our Director of Digital Media and Social. Theme music composed by Ben Draghi. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the military ban takes effect, thousands of trans service members have been purged from the forces based solely on their identity. In this episode, Imara speaks with two former officers who have been at the frontlines of this fight. First, Bree Fram shares what it was like to come out and serve as one of the highest ranking, openly trans people in the military. She explains the state of the legal challenges to the ban and why the harm has already been done regardless of the final ruling. Then, Sam Rodriguez shares their journey to becoming a Lieutenant Junior Grade in the U.S. Navy Medical Service Corps as a non-binary person. Bree Fram and Sam Rodriguez were interviewed in their personal capacities. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the Department of Defense or the United States military. Send your trans joy recommendations to translash_podcast @ translash [dot] org Follow TransLash Media @translashmedia on TikTok, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, and Facebook.Follow Imara Jones on Instagram (@Imara_jones_), Threads (@imara_jones_), Bluesky (@imarajones.bsky.social), X (@ImaraJones)Follow our guests on social media: Early Brunner: Instagram (@recoverydemystified)Bree Fram: Instagram (@bree.fram) TransLash Podcast is produced by TransLash Media.Translash Team: Imara Jones, Oliver-Ash Kleine, Aubrey Calaway. Lucy Little did the sound editing and engineering for this episode.Morgan Astbury is our Social Media Coordinator. Hillary Esquina is our Director of Digital Media and Social. Theme music composed by Ben Draghi. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it mean to parent outside the boundaries of motherhood or fatherhood? As part of our ongoing Families series, Imara sits down with artist and educator Johnny Blazes to explore the joys and challenges of raising a child as a non-binary parent. Johnny shares their journey of losing their first-born child, being misgendered by other parents, and learning to pick their battles as a gender non-conforming caregiver. They also discuss the origin story of “Non-Binary Parents Day” and how the holiday has taken on a life of its own. Subscribe to The Mess: Imara’s Guide to Our Political Hellscape on Apple Podcasts.Send your trans joy recommendations to translash_podcast @ translash [dot] org Follow TransLash Media @translashmedia on TikTok, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, and Facebook.Follow Imara Jones on Instagram (@Imara_jones_), Threads (@imara_jones_), Bluesky (@imarajones.bsky.social), X (@ImaraJones)Follow our guests on social media: Kah Yangni: (@kahyangni)Johnny Blazes: Instagram (@johnny.blazes) TransLash Podcast is produced by TransLash Media.Translash Team: Imara Jones, Oliver-Ash Kleine, Aubrey Calaway. Lucy Little did the sound editing and engineering for this episode.Morgan Astbury is our Social Media Coordinator. Hillary Esquina is our Director of Digital Media and Social. Theme music composed by Ben Draghi. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With sweeping cuts to Medicaid under debate in Congress, access to lifesaving healthcare for millions is on the line. In this episode, Imara explores the potential consequences of Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” with Congresswoman Sarah McBride and labor organizer Ai-jen Poo. Rep. McBride explains how these proposed changes would put millions of people at risk of losing access to healthcare, including a disproportionate number of trans people. Then Ai-jen Poo, president of the National Domestic Workers Alliance, highlights the broader impact on low-income families, caregivers, and communities of color. Subscribe to The Mess: Imara’s Guide to Our Political Hellscape on Apple Podcasts.Send your trans joy recommendations to translash_podcast @ translash [dot] org Follow TransLash Media @translashmedia on TikTok, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, and Facebook.Follow Imara Jones on Instagram (@Imara_jones_), Threads (@imara_jones_), Bluesky (@imarajones.bsky.social), X (@ImaraJones)Follow our guests on social media: Rep. Sarah McBride: Instagram (@congresswomansarahmcbride) and Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/mcbride.house.gov)Ai-jen Poo: Instagram (@aijenp) and X (@aijenpoo) TransLash Podcast is produced by TransLash Media.Translash Team: Imara Jones, Oliver-Ash Kleine, Aubrey Calaway. Xander Adams is our Senior Sound Engineer and a contributing producer.Morgan Astbury is our Social Media Coordinator. Hillary Esquina is our Director of Digital Media and Social. Theme music composed by Ben Draghi. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amid relentless political attacks, rest is not a luxury for trans people—it’s a necessary act of survival. In this episode, Imara explores how our communities can cultivate wellness, restoration, and resilience in the face of burnout and grief. She’s joined by yoga instructor Avery Kalapa who shares their advice for reducing anxiety and finding peace within ourselves through movement. Then, organizer and spiritual worker Adaku Utah discusses the politics of rest, the relationship between somatics and liberation work, and the importance of staying rooted in your own needs during times of upheaval. Subscribe to The Mess: Imara’s Guide to Our Political Hellscape on Apple Podcasts.Send your trans joy recommendations to translash_podcast @ translash [dot] org Follow TransLash Media @translashmedia on TikTok, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, and Facebook.Follow Imara Jones on Instagram (@Imara_jones_), Threads (@imara_jones_), Bluesky (@imarajones.bsky.social), X (@ImaraJones)Follow our guests on social media:Avery Kalapa: Instagram (@yoga_with_avery) and Bluesky (@yogawithavery.bsky.social)Adaku Utah: Instagram (@soularbliss)TransLash Podcast is produced by TransLash Media.Translash Team: Imara Jones, Oliver-Ash Kleine, Aubrey Calaway. Xander Adams is our Senior Sound Engineer and a contributing producer.Morgan Astbury is our Social Media Coordinator. Hillary Esquina is our Director of Digital Media and Social. Theme music composed by Ben Draghi. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marsha P. Johnson helped change the world—and now, she’s getting the biography she deserves. This week, Imara sits down with author and artist Tourmaline to talk about her groundbreaking new book, Marsha: The Joy and Defiance of Marsha P. Johnson. Tourmaline shares what it took to piece together Marsha’s story, from her early life in Times Square to her radical visions of freedom, spirituality, and care. She also unpacks Marsha’s expansive political imagination, her collaborations with groups like the Black Panthers, and why telling the full truth about her legacy matters more than ever in the face of right-wing historical revisionism. Send your trans joy recommendations to translash_podcast @ translash [dot] org Follow TransLash Media @translashmedia on TikTok, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, X, and Facebook.Follow Imara Jones on Instagram (@Imara_jones_), Threads (@imara_jones_), Bluesky (@imarajones.bsky.social), X (@ImaraJones)Follow our guests on social media:Caro de Robertis: Instagram (@caro_derobertis)Tourmaline: Instagram (@tourmaliiine)TransLash Podcast is produced by TransLash Media.Translash Team: Imara Jones, Oliver-Ash Kleine, Aubrey Calaway. Xander Adams is our Senior Sound Engineer and a contributing producer.Morgan Astbury is our Social Media Coordinator. Hillary Esquina is our Director of Digital Media and Social. Theme music composed by Ben Draghi. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The word “mother” hits differently for trans folks. Traditional notions of motherhood are steeped in racialized and cisheterosexual norms. So what does mothering and being mothered look like when you’re trans? This Mother’s Day, we’re replaying this special conversation with the godmother of the Black Trans Lives Matter Movement, Ceyenne Doroshow. Hear about how and why she’s served as a maternal figure for so many trans people over the years, including through her award-winning work as the Founder and Executive Director of G.L.I.T.S.Follow TransLash Media @translashmedia on TikTok, Instagram, Threads,  X, and Facebook.Follow Imara Jones on X (@ImaraJones) and Instagram (@Imara_jones_)Follow our guest on social media!Ceyenne Doroshow: Instagram (@doroshow)TransLash Podcast is produced by Translash Media.Translash Team: Imara Jones, Oliver-Ash Kleine, Aubrey Calaway. Xander Adams is our senior sound engineer and a contributing producer.Alex Guerra is our social media producer.Digital strategy by Daniela Capistrano.Theme Music: Ben Draghi and ZZK records.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the first 100 days of his second term, Donald Trump has launched an extreme and focused attack on trans people and our rights. This week, Imara speaks with journalists Christopher Wiggins and Katelyn Burns to unpack the real-time consequences of this escalating agenda. Christopher shares what he’s witnessing on Capitol Hill, from bathroom bans and restrictions on the press, to the broader climate of fear and erasure now gripping Washington. Then, Katelyn reflects on the ways Democrats have succeeded and failed at standing up to Trump’s agenda. Both conversations expose how transphobia is being used as a test case for stripping rights from broader swaths of the population, and what the media and public still aren’t fully grasping about the danger. Follow TransLash Media @translashmedia on TikTok, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, X, and Facebook.Follow Imara Jones on Instagram (@Imara_jones_), Threads (@imara_jones_), Bluesky (@imarajones.bsky.social), X (@ImaraJones)Follow our guests on social media:Millie Ahearn: Instagram (@millie_trumpet)Christopher Wiggins: Bluesky (@cwnewser.bsky.social)Katelyn Burns: X (@transscribe)TransLash Podcast is produced by TransLash Media.Translash Team: Imara Jones, Oliver-Ash Kleine, Aubrey Calaway. Xander Adams is our Senior Sound Engineer and a contributing producer.Morgan Astbury is our Social Media Coordinator. Hillary Esquina is our Director of Digital Media and Social. Theme music composed by Ben Draghi. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.