In this special episode of The TMI Project Story Hour, Jay Jackson, known to many as RuPaul’s Drag Race superstar Laganja Estranja, reveals a more intimate side of her true self. Tune in to hear how her drag career inspired a profound shift in embracing her femininity-- and how full self-acceptance helped her not only live authentically but become a fierce advocate for the trans community. The episode culminates with a powerful speech from Celeste Lecesne, co-founder of The Trevor Project, as they lovingly present Jay with TMI Project’s Voices in Action Award, honoring her important work as an artist and activist.
Writing Prompt: Write a true story about a memory or experience from your childhood that shaped your understanding of gender identity or expression.
Episode Links:
Audio Clip Sources:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dL1d7kG3xv4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sx0A_q1PMKY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErMkf-Pm9xU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IxUluSacnc
Featuring “Legs” by Laganja Estranja:
https://open.spotify.com/track/5vcqVfH15uWnASbwkrXmSw?si=642447779f2c4ba5
Statistic Source:
https://www.aclu.org/legislative-attacks-on-lgbtq-rights-2024
TMI Project Staff
- Eva Tenuto (she/her), Executive and Artistic Director / Co-founder
- Blake Pfeil (he/him), Operations and Programs Manager
- Laura Marie Ruocco (she/her), Marketing and Digital Coordinator
- Raine Grayson (he/him), Organizational Administrator
- Dara Lurie (she/her), Partnership Outreach Coordinator
- Riley Gibbons (they/them), Administrative Assistant
This episode was produced in partnership with Radio Kingston. It was written, edited, and produced by Eva Tenuto, Blake Pfeil, and Raine Grayson.
If you believe everyone deserves the right to safely share their truth, make a donation today!
Your gift powers our storytellers, who do more than entertain: they reclaim the power of the untold story. They divulge the “too much information” parts we usually keep to ourselves for personal liberation, human connection, and freedom, for both themselves and those who listen.
Links
Popular Podcasts
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Are You A Charlotte?
In 1997, actress Kristin Davis’ life was forever changed when she took on the role of Charlotte York in Sex and the City. As we watched Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte navigate relationships in NYC, the show helped push once unacceptable conversation topics out of the shadows and altered the narrative around women and sex. We all saw ourselves in them as they searched for fulfillment in life, sex and friendships. Now, Kristin Davis wants to connect with you, the fans, and share untold stories and all the behind the scenes. Together, with Kristin and special guests, what will begin with Sex and the City will evolve into talks about themes that are still so relevant today. "Are you a Charlotte?" is much more than just rewatching this beloved show, it brings the past and the present together as we talk with heart, humor and of course some optimism.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.