Long-haul trucking is not an easy job. The schedule is grueling, and the burnout rate is high. But the profession does offer a certain sense of freedom — particularly for queer drivers looking for work where they can present authentically and face less scrutiny or harassment. Anita talks with former trucker and writer Anne Balay about why LGBTQ folks are drawn to trucking. She also meets 24-year-old Ashleigh Lewis, a trans woman and third-generation truck driver who is committed to the profession despite its reputation.
Meet the guests:
- Anne Balay is the author of “Semi Queer: Inside the World of Gay, Trans, and Black Truck Drivers”
- Ashleigh Lewis is a third-generation truck driver who is going to be featured in the upcoming documentary "The Trans Trucker Project" from filmmaker Hansen Bursic
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Special thanks to filmmaker Hansen Bursic and his team for connecting us with Ashleigh.
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