TransLash Podcast with Imara Jones

In celebration of Autism Acceptance Month, Imara learns more about the politics and lived experiences of being autistic and trans. She’s joined by influential social psychologist and author of the books “Unmasking Autism” and “Unlearning Shame,” Devon Price. During their wide-ranging conversation, the two dive into the complexity around defining what autism is, how the far right exploits stigma around autism against trans people, a...

In the wake of Nex Benedict’s tragic death, Imara examines the escalating hostility and political attacks on trans kids in Oklahoma. First, she speaks with Oklahoma State Representative Jacob Rosecrants about keeping his trans son out of the spotlight, learning from non-binary state representative Mauree Turner, and what he’s hearing from his conservative colleagues behind closed doors. Next, Imara’s joined by Oklahoma State Univer...

As the 2024 awards season comes to a close, Imara reflects on the groundbreaking contributions of trans filmmakers and actors to cinema. First, she sits down with actress Trace Lysette to talk about her role in the critically acclaimed film Monica. Trace explains why self-doubt is a luxury in the entertainment business and how she’s struggled to find work after starring in Monica. Then, Imara is joined by D. Smith, who delves into ...

Today’s political landscape is an absolute dumpster fire, but that doesn’t mean we can’t learn and laugh through the mess. In this TransLash Media production, award-winning journalist Imara Jones brings you the political show that we need right now. With political attacks on trans communities and ever-creeping authoritarianism at an all-time high, staying informed and engaged are key. Imara’s razor sharp wit and critical analy...

The 2024 Presidential Primary season is underway, and Imara talks with two political journalists about the state of U.S. politics. First she’s joined by POLITICO’s Playbook writer and White House Correspondent, Eugene Daniels. He discusses why he refuses to sacrifice his personal style while working in D.C, what he saw in his reporting in South Carolina, and how President Joe Biden’s campaign is thinking about the reelection strate...

In celebration of Black History Month, Imara talks with two religious leaders about their faith, ministeries, and dedication to justice. First, she’s joined by Reverend Louis J. Mitchell, who shares how he found his way back to the church, creates space for the pain caused by Christianity, and continues to grapple with toxic masculinity. Next, Imara chats with Reverend Valerie Spencer about repairing her relationship with God, disc...

With New York Fashion Week just around the corner, Imara takes a look at the power of photography as a tool for creative expression and representation. First, she’s joined by visual narrator and photographer Texas Isaiah who discusses building a Black trans visual legacy and his revolutionary understanding of glamor. Next, Imara chats with fashion photographer Lia Clay Miller about learning how cameras worked as a child, becoming t...

As the 2024 Sundance Film Festival kicks off, Imara is joined by the creators of last year’s award-winning documentary, The Stroll. The film explores the history of New York’s Meatpacking District from the perspective of the trans sex workers who lived and worked there. First, Imara talks with co-director Zackary Drucker about partnering with HBO to produce the film, being a messenger for trans stories, and always saying yes when c...

Imara celebrates the holidays with trans hope and cheer in this episode replay from 2022. First, she talks with designer and entrepreneur Mars Wright about his streetwear brand Life on Mars. He reflects on the journey to starting his own business, the importance of making trans joy visible through clothing, and the beauty of trans spirituality. Next, Imara is joined by tech journalist and #letters4transkids creator, Ina Fried. She ...

As the war in Gaza continues, Imara talks to trans people with valuable perspectives and knowledge from lived experience. First, she’s joined by Palestinian American chef and advocate Marcelle Afram, who shares memories of his family in Palestine, the emotional fallout of October 7, and his advocacy work through Hospitality for Humanity. Then, Imara talks with former New York Times contributing writer Jamie Lauren Keiles about why ...

As theatergoers flock to Broadway during the holiday season, Imara talks with two talented performers about their experiences on and off the stage. First, she chats with actor and singer Justin David Sullivan about their role in the Broadway musical & Juliet as well as their decision to pull out of consideration for the Tony Awards due to its binary gender categories. Next, Imara is joined by artist and advocate Lady Dane Figue...

Holiday shopping is the perfect opportunity to support trans makers and business owners. This year, Imara sits down with two entrepreneurs making products by and for our community. First, she’s joined by drag artist and founder of Mintty Makeup, Junior Mintt, who shares how she went from googling “how to start a makeup brand” to selling her products in over 650 JCPenny locations. Next, Imara chats with the founder of Oak & Moon...

Imara honors Native American Heritage Month by joining in conversation with two indigenous changemakers about their identities, cultures, and advocacy. First, she’s joined by scholar and educator charlie amáyá scott, who discusses Diné conceptions of the self, Barbie and indigenous representation, and her complex relationship with her grandmother. Next, Imara chats with activist and educator Cleopatra Tatabele about how they found ...

Imara chats with award-winning activist, author, and media strategist Raquel Willis about her new memoir The Risk It Takes to Bloom: On Life and Liberation. It tells the story of Raquel’s remarkable life, from her childhood in Georgia to her groundbreaking work as a national trans rights organizer, thought leader, and co-founder of Transgender Week of Visibility and Action.

In this expansive conversation, Raquel shares what it w...

As we continue to celebrate LGBT History Month, Imara is joined by two leading trans scholars to discuss our community’s history and future. First, she talks with historian Dr. Susan Stryker about the last century of trans life and activism in the United States. They discuss why Compton’s Cafeteria Riot has been overlooked in the story of trans history, how to make sense of today’s reactionary politics, and what we can learn from p...

To celebrate the beginning of LGBT History Month, Imara is joined by legendary trans activist and Stonewall veteran Miss Major. She shares her experience becoming a mother, gives advice to young trans people today, and explains why the fight for our rights will always be stronger than anti-trans policies and political parties. 

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Like transness, fatness is politicized and stigmatized in nearly every part of our culture. So how do fat trans people navigate the challenges and joys at the intersection of these identities? To get more insight, Imara first chats with theorist and storyteller Da’Shaun L. Harrison about the history and politics of anti-Fatness, anti-Blackness, and transphobia. They discuss the colonial roots of fatphobia, the policing of children’...

As models and designers flock to New York Fashion Week, Imara takes a look at the world of trans fashion. First, she speaks with model and activist, Ady Del Valle, about how he went from posting on Instagram to walking in New York Fashion Week. Ady also opens up about her coming out experience and how she wants to open the door for more plus sized models in the industry. Next, Imara is joined by Sky Cubacub, the designer of the rad...

From the work of Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera to the Covid-19 pandemic, mutual aid has long been key to trans survival. To find out what trans mutual aid looks like today, Imara speaks with organizers Asanni Armon and Tuck Woodstock in this episode replay from 2022. First, Asanni explains how party-based organization For the Gworls is disrupting conventional approaches to fundraising and aid distribution for Black trans peop...