Daya always knew that coming out as trans might force her to reexamine and restructure several parts of her life. As a classically trained vocalist and a music minister in a Protestant church, the communities in which she was involved did not always create space for trans and gender non-conforming people to thrive.

When she began to transition, she realized that maintaining her connection with God would mean converting religions— and that maintaining employment would mean pivoting careers. Daya handled this rapid change with immense resilience and grace, and she is now using her experience to help other trans folx find fulfillment in their own lives.

This episode mentions passing, gender dysphoria, cissexism, transphobia, and homophobia.

This is Daya Deuskar, on feeling God again at an all trans Kabbalat Shabbat.

MORE ON DAYA

IG: @mirabai.me

Website: www.mirabai.me (for transgender vocal training, poetry, and more!)

CREDITS

Closing Music: Helena Dryjanski (she/they). You can follow them on Instagram and Bandcamp.

Sound editor + Intro Music: Joey DiPeri (she/her). You can follow her on Twitter @NoraQRosa. You can also follow her band Fempathy on Facebook, Twitter, and Bandcamp.