Join us for an inspiring journey through fashion history as we explore the groundbreaking story of Tracey "Africa" Norman, the first African-American trans model to achieve mainstream success in the 1970s. From her meteoric rise in the fashion industry to her historic Clairol campaigns, we delve into Norman's remarkable journey of resilience, authenticity, and triumph. In this 20-ish minute episode, we'll explore her breakthrough moments, the challenges she faced in a groundbreaking career, her influential role in the ballroom scene, and her inspiring comeback that continues to impact fashion industry inclusivity today. Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of discrimination and workplace prejudice.

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Works Cited:

Brennan Kilbane, Diego Bendezu. “At 71, the First Black Trans Model Looks Back.” Allure, Allure, 3 Oct. 2024, www.allure.com/story/tracey-norman-beauty-profile.

Masters, Jeffrey. “Tracey ‘Africa’ Norman Looks Back on Her Legendary Modeling Career.” Advocate.Com, Advocate.com, 31 May 2023, www.advocate.com/transgender/2021/1/27/transgender-tracey-africa-norman-clairol-model.

Masters, Jeffrey. “Tracey ‘Africa’ Norman Looks Back on Her Legendary Modeling Career.” Advocate.Com, Advocate.com, 31 May 2023, www.advocate.com/transgender/2021/1/27/transgender-tracey-africa-norman-clairol-model.

“Queer Newark - Tracey Africa Norman.” Queer Newark - Oral History Project, 31 Oct. 2016, queer.newark.rutgers.edu/interviews/tracey-africa-norman.

TodayShow. “Meet Tracey ‘africa’ Norman, the 1st Black Trans Model Who Was on a Clairol Box in 1975.” TODAY.Com, TODAY, 1 June 2021, www.today.com/style/tracey-africa-norman-1st-black-trans-model-was-born-her-t219674.

“Tracey Norman - Model.” MODELS.Com, models.com/models/tracey-norman. Accessed 7 Dec. 2024.

“Trans Visibility in Fashion: The Past, The Present and Future | InStyle.” InStyle, YouTube, www.youtube.com/watch?v=vj1Y7ZvPhrg. Accessed 7 Dec. 2024.

In this episode of the Trans* Lesson Plan Podcast, we will be honoring the lives lost to anti-trans violence in the year (2024). We'll also delve into the history and significance of Transgender Day of Remembrance. We discuss the current state of violence against transgender individuals, presenting sobering statistics from 2024 and explaining how these cases are tracked and reported. The episode also covers the impact of TDOR on transgender history and activism, and concludes with a call to action for listeners to become allies and advocates for the transgender community.

Link to TDOR Virtual Event:

https://www.civilandhumanrights.org/events/tdor2024/

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Citations:

HRC: https://www.hrc.org/resources/fatal-violence-against-the-transgender-and-gender-expansive-community-in-2024 & https://reports.hrc.org/an-epidemic-of-violence-2023

In this enlightening episode of the Trans* Lesson Plan Podcast, we delve into the extraordinary life of Michael Dillon, a pioneering figure in transgender history. Michael became the first known transgender man to undergo phalloplasty, setting the stage for modern gender-affirming surgeries. From his groundbreaking medical procedures to his spiritual journey as a Buddhist monk, Michael's story is one of courage, resilience, and relentless pursuit of authenticity. Join us as we explore how this remarkable individual challenged societal norms, advocated for transgender rights, and left an indelible mark on both medical science and LGBTQ+ history.

CNN Article: https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/14/us/transgender-awareness-week-reveals-a-community-in-crisis/index.html

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@translessonplan

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Citations:

Link to Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/shop/translessonplan

This special announcement unveils our carefully curated list of must-read books on transgender history. Discover why we've created our list with Bookshop.org to bring you this collection and learn how your literary journey can support both independent bookstores and the amplification of trans authors and allies. Whether you're a seasoned reader of trans literature or just beginning to explore the subject, this list offers valuable insights and recommendations for all! So, click on that affiliate link above and stock up on your collection now! Happy Reading!

***THIS IS NOT SPONSORED***

In this episode of the Trans Lesson Plan Podcast, we explore the fascinating history of Casa Susanna, a hidden sanctuary in the Catskill Mountains of New York during the 1950s and 60s. Discover how this cozy retreat became a pivotal safe haven for transgender women and cross-dressing men in an era of intense societal pressure and discrimination. Join us as we uncover the story of Susanna Valenti and the diverse community that found solace and self-expression at Casa Susanna.

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@translessonplan

@mariiiwrld

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Subscribe to our newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mailchi.mp/a914d2eca1cf/trans-lesson-plan

Link to trans* resources: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/diversity/sexual_orientation/resources/transgenderrights

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Works Cited:

• ​Bakker, Alex, et al. Others of My Kind: Transatlantic Transgender Histories. University of Calgary Press, 2020.
• ​Bonnet, Isabelle, et al. Casa Susanna: The Story of the First Trans Network in the United States, 1959-1968. Thames & Hudson ; Art Gallery of Ontario, 2023.
• ​Broverman, Neal. “Visit Casa Susanna, A Secret House of Trans Women in the 1960s.” Advocate.Com, Advocate.com, 1 Apr. 2024, www.advocate.com/transgender/casa-susanna#rebelltitem11.
• ​Casa Susanna. PBS, 2023.
• ​Davis, Bob. “Using archives to identify the Trans* women of Casa Susanna.” TSQ: Transgender Studies Quarterly, vol. 2, no. 4, 1 Nov. 2015, pp. 621–634, https://doi.org/10.1215/23289252-3151547.
• ​Haynes, Suyin. “In Upstate New York, Casa Susanna Was a Safe Haven for Trans Women in 1960s America.” CNN, Cable News Network, 26 June 2024, www.cnn.com/2024/06/26/style/casa-susanna-trans-photo-archive/index.html.
• ​Hurst, Michel, and Robert Swope. Casa Susanna. PowerHouse Books, 2014.

In this captivating episode of the Trans Lesson Plan Podcast, we delve into the extraordinary life of Roberta Cowell, a pioneering figure in transgender history. From her daring exploits as a World War II Spitfire pilot to becoming one of the first individuals in Britain to undergo gender-affirming surgery, Cowell's journey is a testament to courage, resilience, and authenticity.

Join us as we explore Cowell's early life, her wartime experiences, and the challenges she faced in her post-war transition. This episode offers a nuanced look at Cowell's complex legacy, acknowledging both her groundbreaking achievements and the controversies surrounding some of her later statements. It's a story of triumph over adversity, the power of living authentically, and the ongoing struggle for transgender rights and recognition.

@translessonplan

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Discover the extraordinary life of William Dorsey Swann, the first known self-proclaimed drag queen and a pioneering LGBTQ+ activist. In this captivating episode of the Trans Lesson Plan Podcast, we journey back to the late 19th century to explore Swann's remarkable story - from his birth into slavery to his role in shaping the foundations of modern drag culture and LGBTQ+ rights.

Learn about Swann's legendary drag balls in Washington D.C., which provided a sanctuary for gender expression in an era of intense oppression.

Join us for this inspiring tale of resilience, community, and the power of authentic self-expression in the face of adversity. William Dorsey Swann's legacy challenges us to rethink the history of the LGBTQ+ rights movement and reminds us of the enduring impact of those who dare to live authentically.

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In this eye-opening episode of the Trans Lesson Plan Podcast, we delve into the remarkable story of Vanguard, a groundbreaking organization that emerged in 1960s San Francisco. Discover how this group of homeless gay youth became pioneers in LGBTQ+ rights and laid crucial groundwork for transgender activism. From their innovative "street sweep" protests to their unapologetic celebration of non-normative identities, Vanguard challenged societal norms and fought for the most marginalized members of the queer community. Learn about their collaboration with Glide Memorial Methodist Church, their impact on local politics, and how their legacy continues to inspire queer youth today. Join us for this inspiring journey through a pivotal chapter in transgender history that reminds us of the power of community, activism, and embracing our differences.

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In this episode, we delve into the life and legacy of Dr. Harry Benjamin, a pioneering figure in transgender healthcare. Discover how his groundbreaking work in the mid-20th century transformed medical practice and laid the foundation for modern transgender care. From his early influences in Berlin to his impactful career in the United States, Dr. Benjamin's compassionate approach and advocacy for transgender rights have left an indelible mark on history. Join us as we explore his contributions, challenges, and enduring impact on the world, offering insights into a life dedicated to empathy, understanding, and inclusion.

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@translessonplan

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Subscribe to our newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://mailchi.mp/a914d2eca1cf/trans-lesson-plan

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@translessonplan

@mariiiwrld

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