The Trans Narrative Podcast

On this episode host Salamander Brandy is joined by guest cohosts Deacon Grayson and Whitney Carter, as they meet Calling up Justice’s Claudia Alick. Today the trans narrative co-hosts celebrate Claudia Alick exploring supremacy culture, calling up justice, and how authentic communication leads to liberation. " Claudia Alick (she/they) is a performer, producer, designer, writer, and inclusion expert. She is currently a curator and access doula with The CripTech Incubator and CripTech GrayArea Metaverse. She is founding producer of the transmedia social justice company CALLING UP whose projects include Producing in Pandemic, The Every 28 Hours Plays, We Charge Genocide TV, Justice Producers, Co-artistic direction of The BUILD Convening with FoolsFURY, Directing a digital productions of Electra with Access Classics, Digital Design of The Festival of Masks with LA Commons, F the Gala, Gaming4Justice on Twitch, partnering with Trek Table as producer and on camera talent, in addition to building and facilitating the Mosiac Network (an alternative to facebook for BIPOC theaters and funders). Claudia acts as a consultant to funders and companies around the country. She served as co-president of the board of NET for 7 years, an advisor for the National Theater project for 6 years and co-produced Unsettling Dramaturgy (crip and indigenous international digital colloquium), and is an advisor to Howlround Digital Theater Commons. She has performed with NY Neofuturists, and on many podcasts and livestreams. Public speaking highlights include On Pleasure Activism with Disability Visibility Project + Integrated Community Services, AI for the People Black in 2042, and The Smithsonian Afrofuturism Series: Claiming Space, A Symposium on Black Futures. Her online racial justice practice is reaching thousands weekly.  She is producing performances of justice on stage, online, and in real life."Music by Athena Promachus Make it real to me written by Athena PromachusThe Trans Narrative was created by Caroline Essence and is powered by Spotify for podcasters , aka Anchor, the easiest way to upload a podcast. Todays episode was produced and edited by Caroline Essence The Trans Narrative PodcastSupport can be made to cash app tag $gottabesomthinmoreThe Trans Narrative is brought to you by listeners like you, who tune in and subscribeThank you for your support. The Trans Narrative Podcast is dedicated to fostering a safe and inclusive space for gender diversity. It provides a platform for connection, sharing stories, and finding support within queer spaces. Follow, like, and subscribe TikTok @thetransnarrativepodcastYouTube.com/thetransnarrativepodcast Facebook.com/thetransnarrativepodcast Anchor.fm/transnarrativeFull interviews will be made available via YouTube, clips via TikTok Subscribe on anchor.fm for exclusive behind the scenes and bonus content If you’d like to reach out, or be apart of the show contact us at “[email protected]” Suicide Hotline 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)S.A.F.E. (Self Abuse Finally Ends) 1-800-DONT-CUTAmerican Foundation for low vision 212-502-7633.Trevor Hotline (Suicide) 1-866-4-U-TREVORFamily Violence Prevention Center 1-800-313-1310National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFEDrug Abuse National Helpline 1-800-662-4357National Human Service Call Center 2-1-1

On this episode, AC Debonèe joins Athena and Mar.

Together, they celebrate the transgender experience, exploring gender-affirming care, AC’s personal transition journey, and the profound power of centering trans joy. The conversation highlights the beauty of self-discovery, navigating care, and creating uplifting, affirmative space within the queer community.

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About the Guest

AC Debonèe joins the show to share personal insights, reflections on gender transition, and the importance of celebrating identity and joy within trans spaces.

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About the Podcast

The Trans Narrative Podcast is an international storytelling and archival platform dedicated to preserving trans and gender-diverse lives through long-form narrative. With over 150 episodes across five seasons and listeners in more than 80 countries, each episode captures lived experience from beginning to end, treating every story as historical record rather than soundbite.

🎙️ Trans or gender-diverse? Share your story at [email protected] 🏳️‍⚧️

“Make it real to me” written by Athena Promachus

Featuring: Talk my Ear Off by Mateo Briscoe and Cameron Love, with the local Slothbois

Powered by Spotify for Creators

📧 [email protected]

💵 Support via PayPal: CarolineREssence

Find us on Facebook, TikTok, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you listen.

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Resources

Suicide Hotline: 1 800 784 2433

Trevor Project: 1 866 488 7386

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1 800 799 7233

Drug Abuse National Helpline: 1 800 662 4357

S A F E Self Abuse Finally Ends: 1 800 366 8288

Family Violence Prevention Center: 1 800 313 1310

On this episode host Caroline, Cynthia Grace, and Lusi Balzano are joined by friends Della Licious and Jessie Gender as they talk growing into their trans identities, settling down, finding strength in community and each other and find hope in tomorrow and the struggles we face. Today the trans narrative co-hosts celebrate the beginning of season THREE of Thr Trans Narrative Podcast, talk growing older, reclaiming youth, and finding community in each other!Music by Athena Promachus Make it real to me written by Athena PromachusThe Trans Narrative was created by Caroline Essence and is powered by Spotify for podcasters , aka Anchor, the easiest way to upload a podcast. Todays episode was produced and edited by Caroline Essence The Trans Narrative PodcastSupport can be made to cash app tag $gottabesomthinmoreThe Trans Narrative is brought to you by listeners like you, who tune in and subscribeThank you for your support. The Trans Narrative Podcast is dedicated to fostering a safe and inclusive space for gender diversity. It provides a platform for connection, sharing stories, and finding support within queer spaces. Follow, like, and subscribe TikTok @thetransnarrativepodcastYouTube.com/thetransnarrativepodcast Facebook.com/thetransnarrativepodcast Anchor.fm/transnarrativeFull interviews will be made available via YouTube, clips via TikTok Subscribe on anchor.fm for exclusive behind the scenes and bonus content If you’d like to reach out, or be apart of the show contact us at “[email protected]””Suicide Hotline 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)S.A.F.E. (Self Abuse Finally Ends) 1-800-DONT-CUTAmerican Foundation for low vision 212-502-7633.Trevor Hotline (Suicide) 1-866-4-U-TREVORFamily Violence Prevention Center 1-800-313-1310National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFEDrug Abuse National Helpline 1-800-662-4357National Human Service Call Center 2-1-1

On this episode host Caroline, Athena, Lusi and Ari celebrate TWO YEARS of The Trans Narrative Podcast! Today the trans narrative co-hosts join in a toast as they raise a glass (or a mug of your favorite beverage) to two incredible years of The Trans Narrative Podcast!This episode is also about saying goodbye. After two years of enriching the podcast with her unique perspective and infectious energy, Ari Jay is stepping down as co-host. We'll honor her contributions and send her off with the love and support she deserves. ** ** Music by Athena Promachus Make it real to me written by Athena PromachusThe Trans Narrative was created by Caroline Essence and is powered by Spotify for podcasters , aka Anchor, the easiest way to upload a podcast. Todays episode was produced and edited by Caroline Essence The Trans Narrative PodcastSupport can be made to cash app tag $gottabesomthinmoreThe Trans Narrative is brought to you by listeners like you, who tune in and subscribeThank you for your support. The Trans Narrative Podcast is dedicated to fostering a safe and inclusive space for gender diversity. It provides a platform for connection, sharing stories, and finding support within queer spaces. Follow, like, and subscribe TikTok @thetransnarrativepodcastYouTube.com/thetransnarrativepodcast Facebook.com/thetransnarrativepodcast Anchor.fm/transnarrativeFull interviews will be made available via YouTube, clips via TikTok Subscribe on anchor.fm for exclusive behind the scenes and bonus content If you’d like to reach out, or be apart of the show contact us at “[email protected]” Suicide Hotline 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)S.A.F.E. (Self Abuse Finally Ends) 1-800-DONT-CUTAmerican Foundation for low vision 212-502-7633.Trevor Hotline (Suicide) 1-866-4-U-TREVORFamily Violence Prevention Center 1-800-313-1310National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFEDrug Abuse National Helpline 1-800-662-4357National Human Service Call Center 2-1-1

On this episode host Caroline is joined by Kevin, and guest cohost ash Zvonham as they meet Dr. Abie H. Mendelsohn, M.D., F.A.C.S. as they explore inclusive healthcare, laryngology, and discuss empowering our voices for solidarity and advocacy for marginalized communities Today the trans narrative co-hosts sit with meet Dr. Abie H. Mendelsohn, M.D., F.A.C.S. as they discuss inclusive healthcare, laryngology, and discuss empowering our voices through solidarity and advocacy for marginalized communities Dr. Mendelsohn, a pioneering fellowship-trained laryngologist, redefines accessible healthcare. He champions minimally invasive head & neck surgery techniques like TORS, sialendoscopy, and Inspire implantation, pushing surgical boundaries for all.His dedication extends to gender-affirming care, where he spearheads advanced voice feminization and Adam's apple reduction techniques. Driven by an unwavering commitment to patient-centered care, he honed his skills through academic medicine, serving at veterans hospitals and internationally renowned centers. Now at LA CENTA, Dr. Mendelsohn's vision thrives: bridging the gap between cutting-edge university-level surgical care and the communities who need it most⭐️ Links to socials https://www.laent.com/about/meet-the-doctors/dr-abie-mendelsohn/Todays episode was produced and edited by Caroline Essence The Trans Narrative was created by Caroline Essence Music by Athena Promachus Make it real to me written by Athena PromachusContent for today provided byGuest: Dr. Abie H. Mendelsohn, M.D., F.A.C.S.This episode of The Trans Narrative Podcast is sponsored and powered by Spotify for podcasters , aka Anchor, the easiest way to upload a podcast. The Trans Narrative PodcastSupport can be made to cash app tag $gottabesomthinmoreThe Trans Narrative is brought to you by listeners like you, who tune in and subscribeThank you for your support. The Trans Narrative Podcast is dedicated to fostering a safe and inclusive space for the trans community. It provides a platform for trans individuals to connect, share their stories, and find support within their own community. Follow, like, and subscribe TikTok @thetransnarrativepodcastYouTube.com/thetransnarrativepodcast Facebook.com/thetransnarrativepodcast Anchor.fm/transnarrativeFull interviews will be made available via YouTube, clips via TikTok Subscribe on anchor.fm for exclusive behind the scenes and bonus content If you’d like to reach out, or be apart of the show contact us at “[email protected]” Suicide Hotline 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)S.A.F.E. (Self Abuse Finally Ends) 1-800-DONT-CUTAmerican Foundation for low vision 212-502-7633.Trevor Hotline (Suicide) 1-866-4-U-TREVORFamily Violence Prevention Center 1-800-313-1310National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFEDrug Abuse National Helpline 1-800-662-4357National Human Service Call Center 2-1-1

On this episode, Foxx Cant joins host Athena Promachus and guest co-host Freja Ki Gray.

Together, they explore deconstructing traditional narratives, diving deep into queer punk literature, and navigating tales of personal and artistic transformation. The conversation highlights the intersection of independent publishing, DIY media creation, and how trans creators use storytelling to reshape culture and politics.

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About the Guest

Foxx Cant is a non-binary trans femme storyteller and filmmaker residing on the traditional, unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh nations (Vancouver, Canada). She is the co-founder and editor-in-chief of Anomalous Transmissions Media, publishing collections of queer, punk genre fiction. She also creates content for her YouTube channel, FoxxTales, exploring the technical, cultural, and political dimensions of storytelling. Off camera, she works as a freelance editor, photographer, and writer.

🔗 Connect with Foxx: Socials: @foxxphyre | Facebook: FoxxTales

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About the Podcast

The Trans Narrative Podcast is an international storytelling and archival platform dedicated to preserving trans and gender-diverse lives through long-form narrative. With over 150 episodes across five seasons and listeners in more than 80 countries, each episode captures lived experience from beginning to end, treating every story as historical record rather than soundbite.

🎙️ Trans or gender-diverse? Share your story at [email protected] 🏳️‍⚧️

“Make it real to me” written by Athena Promachus

Featuring: Talk my Ear Off by Mateo Briscoe and Cameron Love, with the local Slothbois

Powered by Spotify for Creators

📧 [email protected]

💵 Support via PayPal: CarolineREssence

Find us on Facebook, TikTok, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you listen.

⸻

Resources

Suicide Hotline: 1 800 784 2433

Trevor Project: 1 866 488 7386

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1 800 799 7233

Drug Abuse National Helpline: 1 800 662 4357

S A F E Self Abuse Finally Ends: 1 800 366 8288

Family Violence Prevention Center: 1 800 313 1310

On this episode hosts Salamander Brandy and Athena Promachus meet Dr, Michelle Stauffer explore gender affirming surgeries, physical therapy and why access to treatment improves overall wellbeing.Today the trans narrative co-hosts sit with Dr. Michelle Stauffer as we explore gender affirming surgeries, physical therapy and why access to treatment improves overall wellbeing Education: Dr. Stauffer holds a Doctorate of Physical Therapy Degree from The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. Dr. Stauffer then went on to become a National Board Certified Health Wellness Coach, and obtained prerequisite credentialing from Catalyst Coaching Institute, an accredited program. Dr. Stauffer is a Level 2 Trigger Point Dry Needling Certified Clinician (only 2 levels) and an American Physical Therapy Association Level 1 Clinical Instructor Certified. Dr. Stauffer received her bachelors of science in Exercise Science, with additional concentrations in Chemistry and Health Wellness Coaching from Northern Arizona University.Personal: Michelle grew up in Phoenix, AZ, then moved to Flagstaff, AZ, and is currently residing in Denver, CO. Michelle enjoys the Colorado lifestyle through and through. No matter the season the best place to find Michelle is out in nature. Skiing, hiking, camping, mountain biking, off-roading, or simply a day trip out of the city; chances are Michelle is out and about exploring. The off chance Michelle remains in the city, it is to watch one of the local sports teams play, and odds are it’s the Denver Nuggets. Michelle enjoys spending time at home working on her garden and finding restorative projects (such as the 1972 John Deere Road Bike she refurbished).⭐️ Links to socials https://coast2coastwellness.com/about/Todays episode was developed, directed, produced and edited by Caroline Essence The Trans Narrative was created by Caroline Essence Music by Athena Promachus Make it real to me written by Athena PromachusContent for today provided byGuest: Michelle StaufferThis episode of The Trans Narrative Podcast is sponsored and powered by Spotify for podcasters , aka Anchor, the easiest way to upload a podcast. The Trans Narrative PodcastSupport can be made to cash app tag $transnarrativeThe Trans Narrative is brought to you by listeners like you, who tune in and subscribeThank you for your support. The Trans Narrative Podcast is dedicated to fostering a safe and inclusive space for the trans community. It provides a platform for trans individuals to connect, share their stories, and find support within their own community. Follow, like, and subscribe TikTok @thetransnarrativepodcastYouTube.com/thetransnarrativepodcast Facebook.com/thetransnarrativepodcast Anchor.fm/transnarrativeFull interviews will be made available via YouTube, clips via TikTok Subscribe on anchor.fm for exclusive behind the scenes and bonus content If you’d like to reach out, or be apart of the show contact us at “[email protected]” Suicide Hotline 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)S.A.F.E. (Self Abuse Finally Ends) 1-800-DONT-CUTAmerican Foundation for low vision 212-502-7633.Trevor Hotline (Suicide) 1-866-4-U-TREVORFamily Violence Prevention Center 1-800-313-1310National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFEDrug Abuse National Helpline 1-800-662-4357National Human Service Call Center 2-1-1

On this episode hosts Kevin Werner, Mar Newell, Cynthia Grace, and guest cohost James Cass as they meet Deacon Grayson exploring self compassion, highlighting the importance of sharing our stories, and celebrating our trans elders. Today the trans narrative co-hosts sit with Deacon Grayson as they explore self compassion, highlighting the importance of sharing our stories, and celebrating our trans elders. Deacon Grayson is a 59 year old transgender man.  Although his journey to begin hid transition started at 58, he knew when he was 5 years old that he was supposed to be a boy. His life had been a journey through trauma, through many years identifying as a lesbian, to finally feeling safe enough to come out as who he truly is…a transgender man.“I basically came out to the world on tiktok.  After never having posted a single video, I decided to share my journey via video on tiktok and shared my first video after having my first shot of testosterone.  The next morning I woke up to over 2 million views!  The response has been simply astounding.  To date, I have over 9.9 million views on that first video and my followers have grown from 25 to over 200,000.  I am so completely blessed by the support and feel significantly empowered by not only my own journey but by the lives of those I am able to touch through my videos.  I share it with others in the hopes of positively impacting those that are on a similar path and need encouragement.  To tell those in the LGBTQIA+ community that are struggling to hold on…that there is hope.  It does get better!”⭐️ Links to socials https://instagram.com/djdott64?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==https://www.tiktok.com/@djdott64?_t=8i74PKYkQx8&_r=1Todays episode was developed, directed, produced and edited by Caroline Essence The Trans Narrative was created by Caroline Essence Music by Athena Promachus Make it real to me written by Athena PromachusContent for today provided byGuest: Deacon GraysonThis episode of The Trans Narrative Podcast is sponsored and powered by Spotify for podcasters , aka Anchor, the easiest way to upload a podcast. The Trans Narrative PodcastSupport can be made to cash app tag $transnarrativeThe Trans Narrative is brought to you by listeners like you, who tune in and subscribeThank you for your support. The Trans Narrative Podcast is dedicated to fostering a safe and inclusive space for the trans community. It provides a platform for trans individuals to connect, share their stories, and find support within their own community. Follow, like, and subscribe TikTok @thetransnarrativepodcastYouTube.com/thetransnarrativepodcast Facebook.com/thetransnarrativepodcast Anchor.fm/transnarrativeFull interviews will be made available via YouTube, clips via TikTok Subscribe on anchor.fm for exclusive behind the scenes and bonus content If you’d like to reach out, or be apart of the show contact us at “[email protected]” Suicide Hotline 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)S.A.F.E. (Self Abuse Finally Ends) 1-800-DONT-CUTAmerican Foundation for low vision 212-502-7633.Trevor Hotline (Suicide) 1-866-4-U-TREVORFamily Violence Prevention Center 1-800-313-1310National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFEDrug Abuse National Helpline 1-800-662-4357National Human Service Call Center 2-1-1

On this episode hosts Athena, Lusi, and guest cohost Alicia Teresa meet four Indiana drag legends Della Licious, Tilda Whirl, Ana Crusis, and Blake Chilton Monroe Today the trans narrative co-hosts sit with Della Licious, Tilda Whirl, Ana Crusis, and Blake Chilton Monroe Della Licious has been a fixture on the Fort Wayne nightclub scene for 20 years. She emcees and performs at After Dark every Saturday night. She’s a proud member of the city’s LGBTQ+ community and is an active participant in community events while working a full time job on top of her gigs. Tilda Whirl is a comedian drag entertainer and fort Wayne’s miss after dark Ana Crusis is an Indianapolis-based drag entertainer who has been performing throughout the Midwest for the past 13 years. She is a former Miss Muncie (2011), Miss Glamour (2019) and Miss Gay Indiana (2019 & 2020). Ana is known for her high glamour looks, celebrity illusions and character work.Blake Chilton Monroeresides in Indiana, where he lives with his partner of 26 years. He is the parent of 3 wonderful fur babies, is a proud parent of a beautiful daughter and even more beautiful granddaughter. Blake has been involved in the art of female impersonation for 25 years. In the past two years has thrown his hat in the ring. He’s a former Mr. R Bar 2020, former Mr. Gay Indiana, the current Mr. Indiana USA Unlimited and lastly, Mr Someplace Else 2023. In Blake’s free time, he enjoy camping, spending time with family, and sewing.⭐️ Links to socials Todays episode was developed, directed, produced and edited by Caroline Essence The Trans Narrative was created by Caroline Essence Music by Athena Promachus Make it real to me written by Athena PromachusContent for today provided byGuest: Della Licious, Ana Crusis, Tilda Whirl, and Blake Chilton MonroeThis episode of The Trans Narrative Podcast is sponsored and powered by Spotify for podcasters , aka Anchor, the easiest way to upload a podcast. The Trans Narrative PodcastSupport can be made to cash app tag $transnarrativeThe Trans Narrative is brought to you by listeners like you, who tune in and subscribeThank you for your support. The Trans Narrative Podcast is dedicated to fostering a safe and inclusive space for the trans community. It provides a platform for trans individuals to connect, share their stories, and find support within their own community. Follow, like, and subscribe TikTok @thetransnarrativepodcastYouTube.com/thetransnarrativepodcast Facebook.com/thetransnarrativepodcast Anchor.fm/transnarrativeFull interviews will be made available via YouTube, clips via TikTok Subscribe on anchor.fm for exclusive behind the scenes and bonus content If you’d like to reach out, or be apart of the show contact us at “[email protected]” Suicide Hotline 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)S.A.F.E. (Self Abuse Finally Ends) 1-800-DONT-CUTAmerican Foundation for low vision 212-502-7633.Trevor Hotline (Suicide) 1-866-4-U-TREVORFamily Violence Prevention Center 1-800-313-1310National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFEDrug Abuse National Helpline 1-800-662-4357National Human Service Call Center 2-1-1

On this episode, Stephanie Grace Haskins joins Ari, Caroline, and Lusi.

Together, they discuss gender exploration, navigating self-discovery, and the vital necessity of standing in solidarity with one another. The conversation touches on transitioning after retirement, reshaping career experiences, and using storytelling as a tool to cultivate empathy and understanding for the trans community.

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About the Guest

Stephanie Grace Haskins is a resilient author, speaker, and retired news director. After a successful career in television journalism, Stephanie embraced her authentic identity as a transgender woman in retirement. She now dedicates her time to sharing her journey through her writing and documentary work, striving to foster deeper empathy, education, and connection across communities.

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About the Podcast

The Trans Narrative Podcast is an international storytelling and archival platform dedicated to preserving trans and gender-diverse lives through long-form narrative. With over 150 episodes across five seasons and listeners in more than 80 countries, each episode captures lived experience from beginning to end, treating every story as historical record rather than soundbite

🎙️ Trans or gender-diverse? Share your story at [email protected] 🏳️‍⚧️

“Make it real to me” written by Athena Promachus

Featuring: Talk my Ear Off by Mateo Briscoe and Cameron Love, with the local Slothbois

Powered by Spotify for Creators

📧 [email protected]

💵 Support via PayPal: CarolineREssence

Find us on Facebook, TikTok, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you listen.

⸻

Resources

Suicide Hotline: 1 800 784 2433

Trevor Project: 1 866 488 7386

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1 800 799 7233

Drug Abuse National Helpline: 1 800 662 4357

S A F E Self Abuse Finally Ends: 1 800 366 8288

Family Violence Prevention Center: 1 800 313 1310