Welcome to the TransLash Podcast, a show where we tell trans stories to save trans lives. At a time when anti-trans attacks are being used to undermine democracy and human rights, award-winning journalist Imara Jones brings you the most important conversations for and about the trans community. From celebrations of trans joy to crystal-clear analysis of the latest political developments to discussions about love and sex, the TransLash Podcast keeps listeners informed and reminds us to never ...
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In the first 100 days of his second term, Donald Trump has launched an extreme and focused attack on trans people and our rights. This week, Imara speaks with journalists Christopher Wiggins and Katelyn Burns to unpack the real-time consequences of this escalating agenda. Christopher shares what he’s witnessing on Capitol Hill, from bathroom bans a…
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In celebration of Autism Acceptance Month, we’re replaying this Webby Award-honored episode from last year. Joined by social psychologist and author of “Unmasking Autism,” Devon Price, Imara dives into the politics and lived experiences of being autistic and trans. During their wide-ranging conversation, the two explore the complexity around defini…
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Families: A Guide to Trans Pregnancy and Birth
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36:12For many trans people, the path to building a biological family is filled with questions and misinformation. As part of our ongoing “Families” series, Imara sits down with midwife Marea Goodman, who offers an affirming and inclusive guide to conception, pregnancy, and birth. Marea shares insights from their work with queer and trans parents, breaks…
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As far-right tech billionaires continue to seize power, the United States is facing a new and dangerous threat: techno-fascism. This week, Imara unpacks this dangerous new force in American politics with journalist Gil Duran. First, Gil traces the influence of Curtis Yarvin’s extreme beliefs on Peter Thiel, Elon Musk and JD Vance. He explains how t…
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In a world that often denies trans people access to safety and resources, DIY skills can be a path to empowerment and survival. This week, Imara explores the many ways we can all become more self-sufficient. First, she chats with Mercury Stardust about her journey to becoming the “Trans Handy Ma’am.” She explains why patience is the most important …
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Astrology has long been a tool of resistance, self-discovery, and connection. This week, Imara explores the power of astrology for queer and trans community and liberation. First, world-famous astrologer Chani Nicholas reads Imara’s birth chart, offering insight into how we can find understanding through astrological practices during turbulent time…
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As anti-trans policies continue to escalate at the national and state level, local organizing has become a bastion of hope. This week, Imara talks with two leaders working to protect their communities in increasingly hostile environments. First, she’s joined by Iowa-based advocate Max Mowitz who unpacks the surprising removal of gender identity pro…
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Authoritarian forces around the world are reshaping digital technologies into tools of control. This week, Imara dives into the growing threat of digital authoritarianism in the United States with writer and scholar Katherine Alejandra Cross. Katherine unpacks why social media has become such a radicalizing force in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemi…
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From indie gems to mainstream titles, trans developers and gamers are reshaping the industry, making room for stories that reflect our lives and experiences. This week, Imara looks into the power of trans expression and representation in video games. First, she sits down with Charlotte A. McGrath to explore the intersection of gaming and comedy, di…
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The film Emilia Pérez has been making waves this awards season—but not without controversy. While the musical thriller has received critical acclaim, its casting choices and portrayal of trans identity have sparked heated debate about representation, authenticity, and Hollywood’s track record with trans stories. This week, Imara breaks down the dis…
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In honor of Black History Month, Imara digs into the archives to unearth the incredible stories of two 19th century Black trans women. Archivist and scholar Riah Kinsey discusses what he’s discovered about Mary Jones, a sex worker and pick-pocket who made her way into New York City tabloids throughout the 1830’s. Imara and Riah piece together what …
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This Valentine’s Day, we’re celebrating what it means to be gay, trans, and in love. Imara talks with couple Arthur Rockwell and Harry Weissman about their relationship and how they navigate this specific intersection of gender and sexuality. Hear from Arthur about how transitioning changed how he dates and challenged his assumptions about who occu…
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Trump’s executive order restricting gender-affirming care for minors is the latest blow in a years-long assault on trans kids. Despite these setbacks, parent advocates aren’t backing down. To kick off the TransLash Podcast's new "Families" mini-series, Imara talks with two mothers of trans kids about their efforts to protect their own families and …
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With the rise of anti-trans attacks on the federal level, state-level advocacy is becoming even more crucial. This week, Imara talks with leaders working to build safety and belonging for trans people in two very different states. First she’s joined by the Executive Director of One Colorado, Nadine Bridges, who unpacks what it means to be a “shield…
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Trans Kids and the Military: Trump's Policy Priorities
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54:03After a flurry of executive orders, Trump is making good on his promise to go after trans people on day one. This week, Imara takes a look at two of his biggest targets: trans students and military servicemembers. First, she digs into the strategy and impact of Trump’s new military ban with Army veteran Patricia King. The two discuss how this may b…
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With the second Trump administration about to take power, how can LGBTQ+ advocacy groups continue to advance their nationwide priorities? Imara is joined by Kelley Robinson, Executive of the Human Rights Campaign, who lays out her organization’s plans for the next four years. The two discuss how new coalition building strategies could help disrupt …
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Laughter is key to survival. This week, Imara talks to two of the funniest trans people out there about the power of comedy in good times and bad. First, she sits down with comedy writer Ally Beardsley about transitioning in the public eye, Dungeons and Dragons, and learning when to get serious. The two also laugh about the absurdity of Republican …
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As the TransLash Podcast takes a break for the holidays, we’re sharing some of our favorite episodes from the archive. In this replay from 2023, 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 right…
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As the TransLash Podcast takes a break for the holidays, we’re sharing some of our favorite episodes from the archive. In this replay from 2022, Imara has an eye opening conversation with the one and only Janelle Monaé, an 8-time Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, producer, actor, and one of the most celebrated voices of our time. In the intervie…
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Replay: A New Black Trans Civil Rights Agenda
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43:56As the TransLash Podcast takes a break for the holidays, we’re sharing some of our favorite episodes from the archive. In this replay from 2022, Imara discusses how the idea of Black civil rights has been reduced to the idea of changes in specific laws, but the civil rights movement also included the ideas of what we now call Black liberation: a sp…
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Hormones and IDs: Preparing for Trump 2.0
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48:14Trump has promised to target trans rights on his first day back in office. While it remains to be seen what exactly he’ll do, there are several ways trans individuals can start preparing. Imara welcomes Dr. Asa Radix back on the show to walk through the potential threats to gender-affirming care, including changes to federal funding and protections…
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Skrmetti: Trans Healthcare at SCOTUS
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1:25:17The Supreme Court heard arguments in the landmark case of U.S. v. Skrmetti, which takes up the question of gender affirming care access for youth. After attending the oral arguments herself, Imara dissects what she heard in the chambers. First, she sits down with lawyer and co-chair of the National Trans Bar Association D Dangaran to get their imme…
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Processing Kamala’s Loss with Jamilah King
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34:35What can Kamala Harris’ defeat tell us about American attitudes towards Black women and other marginalized genders? This week, Imara is joined by Jamilah King, an editorial director at Mother Jones, to answer this question from a political and personal perspective. The two discuss how the Covid-19 pandemic, rage, and misogyny might have contributed…
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The Supreme Court will soon hear oral arguments in U.S. v. Skrmetti, a case that will fundamentally reshape gender affirming care access across the United States. Imara breaks down the stakes of this legal battle with Chase Strangio, the ACLU attorney who will be arguing on behalf of trans youth and their families. The two discuss the Tennessee law…
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In the wake of Trump’s stunning victory, Imara grapples with the stakes of this outcome for trans people across the United States. She’s joined by award-winning journalist Katelyn Burns to unpack the Democratic Party failing to counter the GOP’s anti-trans messaging, the election of trans candidates like Sarah McBride, and why trans rights might be…
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In the last few days of the 2024 presidential campaign, Imara breaks down the ways that trans issues have taken center stage this election season. She’s joined by journalist and Them.us contributing writer Samantha Riedel to dissect Trump’s escalating rhetoric, from his “Kamala for they/them” ad to the fusion of anti-immigrant and anti-trans messag…
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TransLash Presents: No Such Thing As A Lone Wolf
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53:26In Episode 3 of the Anti-Trans Hate Machine, Imara Jones explores how paramilitary groups like Patriot Front are modernizing and intensifying their anti-LGBTQ tactics. Working in tandem with local politicians, right-wing think tanks, and influential online actors like Libs of Tik-Tok, these groups are radicalizing American politics from the ground …
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TransLash Presents: Patriot Front and the Rise of Localized Anti-LGBTQ Violence
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47:27In Episode 2 of the Anti-Trans Hate Machine, Imara Jones explores how paramilitary groups like Patriot Front are modernizing and intensifying their anti-LGBTQ tactics. Working in tandem with local politicians, right-wing think tanks, and influential online actors like Libs of Tik-Tok, these groups are radicalizing American politics from the ground …
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TransLash Presents: The Proud Boys’ Anti-Trans Playbook to End Democracy
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50:03In Episode 1 of a new season of the Anti-Trans Hate Machine, discover how far-right militias have shifted their focus from assaulting the U.S. Capitol to targeting drag shows and LGBTQ events. As host Imara Jones examines this troubling pivot, find out how right-wing paramilitary groups like the Proud Boys are intertwined with Republican politician…
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The State of the Race with Eugene Daniels
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44:16With less than two weeks until Election Day, Imara breaks down the latest election news with White House Correspondent and POLITICO reporter Eugene Daniels. They explore how the Trump team is already sowing doubt about the election outcome, why they’re investing millions in anti-trans ads, and the Harris’ campaign’s concerns about the Arab American…
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Sarah McBride broke barriers when she became the first openly trans state senator in the country in 2021. Now, she’s looking to make history again as the first out trans person elected to Congress. On today’s episode, Imara welcomes Sarah back on the show to talk about her expected win in November. The two discuss her time serving Delaware's First …
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Project 2025 has become a surprising focal point of the U.S. presidential race. But who exactly is behind it, and why are they targeting trans rights? To help break down this radical plan for reshaping American life, Imara talks with two experts who have been tracking the policy and politics of Project 2025. First, she’s joined by ProPublica invest…
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As we near the one year anniversary of October 7th, Imara reflects on how the war in Gaza has impacted election politics in the United States. First, she’s joined by a spokesperson for the Uncommitted National Movement, June Rose, who shares their experience as an uncommitted DNC delegate, how their Jewish identity shapes their commitment to Palest…
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Introducing The Anti-Trans Hate Machine: Paramilitary Groups Stoke Political Violence
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3:29In this gripping season of the Anti-Trans Hate Machine, host Imara Jones examines the disturbing links between the rise of political violence in America, far-right paramilitary groups, and anti-trans hate. Join us as we show how far-right militias, by redirecting their focus after the January 6 insurrection to attacking drag shows and LGBTQ events,…
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As the countdown to Election Day continues, the stress and uncertainty of U.S. politics can impact our wellbeing in some major ways. So how do we manage our own mental health and support others until November 5 and beyond? Imara asks two mental health professionals about their favorite strategies and frameworks for building emotional resilience and…
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As attacks on trans people continue to escalate across the country, standing up for our rights is more important than ever. This week, Imara talks with two people who are fighting back in two states with some of the harshest anti-trans laws. First, she’s joined by Executive Director of the Transgender Education Network of Texas (TENT), Emmett Schel…
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Over the past couple of years, Republicans in Texas and Florida have pursued a devastating new line of attack against trans youth: separating them from their supportive parents. In this episode replay from last spring, Imara discusses the politics and consequences of these family separation efforts with two people working on the frontlines. First, …
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It’s the final day of the Democratic National Convention, and Imara has been on the ground in Chicago reporting on this historic event. As Kamala Harris accepts the party’s nomination, Imara takes a close look at what we’ve learned about her campaign this week. She’s joined by Chief Correspondent for MSNBC, Ali Velshi, who breaks down Kamala Harris…
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After an unprecedented shake up in the presidential race, the Democratic National Convention begins today in Chicago. To kick off TransLash Media’s on-the-ground, daily coverage of this historic occasion, we’re sharing an episode of our premium, political show The Mess: Imara’s Guide to Our Political Hellscape. It features an insightful conversatio…
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Imara takes a look at the joys and complications of travel for the trans community in this fan favorite episode from last summer. First, she’s joined by Nala Touissant, founder of Reuniting of African Descendants (ROAD), who discusses her work facilitating healing and connection between trans and queer people across the African Diaspora, and the ma…
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The 2024 elections are only three months away, and turning up at the polls is critical. But the complex landscape of voter ID laws across the U.S. can make voting a challenge. This week, Imara takes a look at the proliferation of these laws, and the potential disenfranchisement of trans voters whose name, gender markers, and appearance may not matc…
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The Radical Politics of Christian Zionism
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50:58With the Republican National Convention underway, Imara takes a closer look at the rise of Christian Zionist ideas within the G.O.P. First, she’s joined by writer Aidan Orly who unpacks the biblical and political origins of Christian Zionism. They explain how and why Israeli politicians are allying with conservative Christian Zionists in the United…
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Cities are often seen as the epicenter of trans culture and activism. But there are trans people living in rural communities across the United States whose unique perspectives are overlooked. This week, Imara takes a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities of trans rural life. First, she’s joined by community educator and advocate, Ray Holl…
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TransLash Presents: American Problems, Trans Solutions
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38:41Black trans people are among the most marginalized of marginalized Americans. But those closest to the nation’s most pressing problems are often able to craft innovative solutions. The short film “American Problems, Trans Solutions” follows award-winning journalist Imara Jones as she travels across the country to tell the stories of three Black tra…
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What’s so funny about masculinity? This week, Imara talks with actor, writer, and stand up comedian River Butcher about the beauty and absurdity of being a man. They discuss being affirmed by butt slaps on the baseball field, the nonlinear nature of liberation, and just how far masculinity has expanded over the last few decades. River also gives an…
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Happy Pride Month! This week, Imara celebrates the process of gender exploration beyond rigid binaries and limitations. First, she’s joined by Eli Lawliet, also known as “The Gender Doula,” to talk about how he guides his clients through questioning and transitioning. He discusses the lessons he’s learned about gender presentation from his pet snak…
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To kickoff off Pride Month, Imara shares her recent conversations about everything love and relationships on the podcast Bad Queers. She returns to the show after four years to talk with hosts Shana and Kris about everything she’s been up to, including being named one of Time Mag’s 100 Most Influential People in 2023. Other topics include the curre…
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Trans people have been making and starring in films for decades. But transmasculine representation hasn’t always been given the attention it deserves. In this episode, Imara dives into the complicated history and exciting future of transmasc filmmaking. First, she’s joined by artist and filmmaker Angelo Madsen Minax to talk about his award-winning …
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As political attacks on trans athletes escalate, trans powerlifters are continuing to push their sport forward. In this episode, Imara talks with two competitive powerlifters who are breaking records and fighting for their right to compete. First, she’s joined by two-time national champion, JayCee Cooper, who outlines her years-long legal battle wi…
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Environmental Justice Through A Trans Lens
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1:02:25What do the struggles for environmental justice and trans liberation have in common? In this Earth Day episode, Imara examines the shared goals and strategies of these two movements. First, she talks with educator and storyteller Vanessa Raditz about the inherent queerness of nature and the philosophy underlying conservative attacks on trans rights…
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