In this episode of A Life Lived Trans, Mardi P. and Lenny Z. sit down with activist Shannon Axe for a candid, heartfelt, and often funny conversation about growing up as a transgender child long before most people had even heard the term. Shannon shares stories from her childhood in Colorado, coming out at age seven, and finding herself at the center of a national media storm simply for wanting to attend school as herself. Through it all, her unwavering sense of self—and the support of her family—helped her navigate challenges that would have overwhelmed most adults.

The trio reflects on how much has changed for transgender people over the years, while also acknowledging how much work remains to be done. Shannon talks about being one of the first trans kids to receive gender-affirming care through a pediatric program, and the hosts compare her experience to their own generations, when resources and visibility were far more limited. Along the way, they discuss activism, community, healthcare, and the importance of continuing to fight for trans youth in an increasingly complicated political climate.

– This is a Life Lived Trans.

*

Shownotes

Shannon Axe, Los Angeles City Council Speeches

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0b1GVNOm-k

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gq_kIODVi_0

In this episode of "A Life Lived Trans," hosts MahD and Lenny Z celebrate a historic moment as Qween Jean becomes the first trans woman to win a Tony Award for costume design. The episode is filled with discussions on Pride Month, the importance of trans visibility, and the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights. The hosts share personal stories, including Mardi's last Pride Parade experience and the impact of trans activists like Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P. Johnson. They also address current challenges faced by the trans community, such as political threats and societal pressures, while emphasizing the importance of solidarity and support.

Experience the emotional depth and advocacy and resilience and unity within the trans community.

– This is a Life Lived Trans.

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Show Notes:

Daniel Mattingly Graduation Speech: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/yXHtxFqIXmY

Erin Reed 's article " "Fascism"—New Federal Rule Would Require Federal Funding Recipients To Deny Trans People Exist": https://www.erininthemorning.com/p/fascismnew-federal-rule-would-require

S.T.A.R.R alliance: https://strategictransalliance.org/

R.I.P Persia Amarra Conway 🙏: https://www.pghlesbian.com/2026/06/persia-amarra-conway-was-loved-is-the-message-of-the-family-on-the-death-of-the-black-trans-woman/

Rainbow Rainroad: https://www.rainbowrailroad.org/

Most people believe Pride is just a celebration, but for many, and Today more than ever, it’s a Protest! A powerful act of resistance and affirmation—especially in places where being queer or trans still faces fierce opposition. 

In this heartfelt episode our hosts Mardi and Lenny share raw, inspiring stories from their journeys—navigating love, politics, and community acceptance in a world still fighting for equality. 

From a small-town Pride celebration in Mardi’s home town that defied expectations, to the surprising progress in Hungary’s fight for Pride after years of bans, shows how community acceptance is transforming places like Vancouver Island, New Orleans and countries around the Globe. 

We break down the persistent disinformation campaigns, and how sharing our lived truths/ stories serves as a vital act of defiance.

With candid reflections on the progress made and the battles still ahead, you’ll get a clear perspective on why Pride remains a revolutionary act. Perfect for allies, trans and queer folks, or anyone who wants to understand why our stories matter more than ever. It’s a call to keep amplifying voices that need to be heard and to stand together against the hate. 

The future is ours to shape—listen in, get inspired, and remember: your voice is part of the movement.

- This is A Life Lived Trans.

Mardi and Lenny, two trans elders carrying over a century of lived experience, open their hearts about the realities facing the trans community today.

The episode centers on the devastating violence claiming trans lives. Trans women of color face the most brutal violence, often from intimate partners. They honor Erica Caldwell, Aliana Royal Bechdel, Devonta Curtis, and Shael Diamond Sanchez McCrae—women whose stories deserve to be told. The hosts raise awareness about systemic violence rooted in intersecting racism and transphobia.

Some A Life Lived Trans social media drama happened when a viral clip posted from our last episode sparked heated conversations online when Alexandra Billings discussed how trans men often experience different passing dynamics. Further down the algorithm, Mardi responded with a video critiquing rapid transitions and punching down at others in the community. The exchange generated thousands of comments, teaching Martdi that viral moments create conversations far beyond her original intention.

Throughout the episode, Mardi and Lenny explore how survival alone leaves people miserable – thriving requires joy, community, and growth. They acknowledge their own privilege while calling for collective liberation across all marginalized communities.

Their core message: stay authentic, support one another, engage respectfully to educate, and remember that trans elders continue learning too.

– This is A Life Lived Trans.

*

Shownotes:

Trans Women of Color Collective: https://twocc.org/

RIP Davonta Curtis: https://www.them.us/story/black-trans-woman-davonta-curtis-killed-in-her-chicago-apartment

RIP Aleanna Royal Bechdel: https://www.pghlesbian.com/2026/04/black-trans-woman-aleanna-royal-bechdel-fatally-stabbed-in-new-york-state/

RIP Eryka Caldwell: https://www.them.us/story/trans-woman-eryka-caldwell-fatally-stabbed-in-bushwick-brooklyn

RIP Danielle Spillman: https://www.them.us/story/dannielle-spillman-san-francisco-trans-woman-run-over-killed

RIP Luca RedBeard: https://www.them.us/story/lucas-redbeard-knapp-killing-new-mexico

Join trans elders Mardi P. and Lenny Z. as they bring nearly 100 years of collective lived experience to the table in this deeply personal episode. Recording from their favourite spot – the elder folx house.

This week, they're getting real about aging parents, health challenges, and the importance of self-care and boundaries. They dive into Canadian citizenship fast-tracking options for trans Americans seeking safety, celebrate the resilience of trans activism, and call out the privilege of older trans folks who've forgotten where they came from.

The hosts honour Marsha P. Johnson through composer Omar Thomas's beautiful instrumental piece "Mother of a Revolution", which was banned from a high school but found a home in a local church — a true testament to community resilience. They read heartfelt listener messages about transition fears, breast augmentation, and the courage it takes to start your journey later in life.

Most importantly, they shine a light on the devastating reality of trans violence, paying tribute to Juniper Blessing, a 19-year-old trans musician tragically murdered, while emphasising why healthcare access and community support for trans youth is literally a matter of life and death.

– This is a life lived trans

–

Shownotes:

Trans Kids Suicide Increase: https://goodlawproject.org/new-data-shows-surge-in-trans-kids-suicides-following-healthcare-rollbacks/

Juniper Blessing: https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2026/05/new-details-in-juniper-blessing-he-stabbed-her-over-40-times-after-prowling-the-residence/

Eryka Caldwell: https://www.them.us/story/trans-woman-eryka-caldwell-fatally-stabbed-in-bushwick-brooklyn

Music by Omar Thomas, UGA Wind Ensemble, A Mother of A Revolution! : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6ieR-YZ4eY&list=RDR6ieR-YZ4eY&start_radio=1

Performance of Wildflowers by Juniper Blessing and the NMMEA all state mixed chorus 2024: https://www.tiktok.com/@fire4452/video/7642131046204476703

On this episode of A Life Lived Trans, Alexandra Billings drops by in all her hilarious glory and discusses together with Mardi P. and Lenny Z., the need for connection and understanding between trans generations and the significance of sharing experiences of acceptance and resilience. 

Show notes:

Russo, Why We Fight (1988): https://youtu.be/C0Q8p0HCQEs?si=s4jJCAQbHyXcXYSO

The AIDS Monument: https://aidsmonument.org/

We have had some family and personal health issues and were't able to record last week.

Pls enjoy this free video episode. Its one of our favourites that with did last year.

We will be back next week with a new episode full of the fabulous banter you have come to expect from us!

Season three, episode 12 of A Life Lived Trans opens with hosts Mardi P. and Lenny Z. checking in personally before diving into a packed agenda. Lenny shares that he's navigating some difficult family struggles, which leads to a warm exchange about the complexity of family relationships for trans people — estrangement, boundaries, and the particular pain of having unsupportive family members, including conservative relatives. Both hosts reflect on their own histories with chosen family, stealth living, and the hard-won community they've built over decades.

The bulk of the episode takes on the Met Gala, where Mardi and Lenny call out what they see as the tokenizing of trans women — namely Hunter Schaefer and Alex Consani — at an event now bankrolled by Jeff Bezos. Mardi draws a sharp parallel to her own experience in the 1980s being the "token tranny" at wealthy Vancouver parties, and the conversation expands into a broader critique of "pick-me gays" who distance themselves from the trans community for social acceptance, at a moment when trans youth suicide rates are climbing in both the US and UK. They also touch on passport gender policy rollbacks under the current US administration, and celebrate Trans History Week with a rundown of Canadian and American trans trailblazers.

The episode wraps with a joyful segment on Chris Paul Rainbows' upcoming children's book Guinea Pigs Don't Wear Pants — a gender-affirming picture book with charming self-illustrated pages, available for pre-order with a portion of sales going to the It Gets Better foundation. Mardi also gives a brief update on the memoir she's writing, describing the process as both cathartic and re-traumatizing, with a first chapter due the following week.

Mardi and Lenny open the episode with their signature irreverent energy, welcoming new Patreon supporters and giving a shoutout to their editor "Sparkly Fairy" for elevating the show's production quality. 

They reflect on why they started the podcast — to counter the false narrative that trans people are a recent phenomenon — sharing how both men and women transitioned in the 1970s and have watched representation slowly trickle into mainstream culture, from Christine Jorgensen to the award winning series Transparent. 

Mardi recalls the latest huge increase in Trans Visibility during the Pandemic and the early days of uncensored TikTok when she found a huge audience of young trans people hungry for elder representation, a pipeline that has since been algorithmically throttled.

The hosts dive into a lively, frank discussion about the distinction between gender identity and gender expression.

Drawing on Mardi's colorful past as a "professional gennytill operator," they discuss the world of bimbification and cross-dressing fetish culture — not to shame it, but to clearly separate it from the transgender experience. They frame both as products of a patriarchal society that punishes gender nonconformity, making compassionate space for the kink world while pushing back against conflation with trans identity.

The episode wraps into a segment on Caitlyn Jenner's passport woes, a broader conversation about trans rights, legal battles, and municipal representation through the lens of New York City's new LGBTQ appointee.

– This is a Life Lived Trans

In this deeply moving episode, hosts MahD and Lenny Z sit down with guest Justin A. for an intimate and wide-ranging conversation about life, identity, and resilience. Justin opens up about his personal journey of self-discovery and acceptance — a path marked by courage, reflection, and an unwavering sense of self.

The conversation takes an honest look at the realities many trans individuals face in today's political landscape, including Justin's decision to relocate to Mexico in search of safety and community.

Far from a story of defeat, it's one of agency and intentional living. Throughout the episode, all three voices weave together themes of community, solidarity, and hope — reminding listeners that shared stories have the power to shift perspectives and build bridges. The hosts and Justin also reflect on how far trans rights have come, while acknowledging the very real work that remains. Thoughtful, warm, and inspiring, this episode is an invitation to listen, learn, and celebrate the strength found in living authentically.

– This is a Life Lived Trans.

Honey, pull up a chair — this one has got everything: psychiatry, policy and community celebration.

Between them, Mardi and Lenny carry nearly a hundred years of a life lived trans – through the decades when there were no words for it and no roadmaps. Just persistence, instinct and an absolute refusal to disappear.

This episode opens with a listener message from a mother navigating her four-year-old's emerging gender identity. Drawing on decades of personal experience, they offer guidance rooted in one simple principle — when a child expresses who they are consistently, persistently and without wavering, that is not a phase. That is self-knowledge.

Dr. Terra Cody Weston ( @terra_forme on Threads & IG ) child and adolescent psychiatrist, joins from Capitol Hill where she is working on a psychiatric fellowship inside Congress. Quietly and magnificently, she is making noise in all the right places — sharing what remains very much alive in the fight for trans rights, from legal pathways and state-level protections to a psychiatric community finding its courage.

And because joy is its own kind of resistance, she tells us about the Final Boss of Trans People, a bracket-style community contest running on Threads @terra_forme , now in its second year. The contest spotlights activists, pioneers, artists and icons from across trans life — building visibility, community traditions and a sense of collective pride.

Honest, warm and politically engaged. This is A Life Lived Trans.