Trans* Lesson Plan

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...

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...

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...

Join us for a delightful episode as we explore the inspiring life of Reed Erickson, a pioneer in transgender history. Discover how Erickson's journey from personal transformation to philanthropic leadership paved the way for significant advancements in transgender healthcare and rights. Through the Erickson Educational Foundation, he supported initiatives that transformed the medical landscape...

In this episode, we explore the incredible history and impact of FTM International, Inc. Founded in 1986 by pioneering transgender activist Lou Sullivan, FTM International, Inc. has been a cornerstone of support and advocacy for transgender men. We'll delve into the organization's founding, its early years of providing essential resources, and its ongoing efforts in advocacy, education, an...

Big announcement! 🎉 Your favorite podcast, the Trans* Lesson Plan, is making its way to Patreon! This presents an amazing opportunity for our dedicated listeners to engage with us on a deeper level and access a host of exclusive content. As our Patreon member, you will not only have early access to episodes, but also private episodes that won’t be released on any other platform. But that's no...

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new Discord server for the Trans Lesson Plan Podcast! Join us as we dive into the exciting features and opportunities our Discord community offers. Whether you're a long-time listener or new to the podcast, our Discord community is the perfect place to connect with like-minded individuals, share your thoughts, and deepen your understanding of...

In this episode of the Trans Lesson Plan Podcast, host Mari dives into the life and legacy of Billy Tipton, a talented jazz musician whose story has profoundly impacted transgender history. Born Dorothy Lucille Tipton, Billy navigated the challenges of a male-dominated industry and lived most of his life as a man, keeping his assigned gender at birth a secret until after his death. Join us as we e...

In this episode, we delve into the inspiring history of the High Risk Project Society (HRPS), a transformative organization that advocated for transgender rights and provided essential resources for the marginalized transgender community in Vancouver. We discuss the challenges HRPS faced, their remarkable contributions, and the enduring legacy they left behind. This episode illuminates the importa...

Dive into the intriguing life of Emperor Elagabalus, a figure that redefined gender norms in ancient Rome. In this episode, we explore the complexities of her reign, her unconventional gender behavior, and her profound impact on our understanding of Roman history and the fluidity of gender identities. ---------------------------------------------------- @translessonplan @mariiiwrld

In this episode, we transport you back to mid-20th century Chicago to explore the vibrant and resilient community of Queer Bronzeville. From lively nightclubs to influential drag balls, discover how this unique haven thrived amidst systemic racism and homophobia. Hear the untold story of Lucy Hicks Anderson, a celebrated Black trans woman, and delve into the incredible impact Queer Bronzeville had...

Welcome to this enlightening episode where we're journeying back to the late 19th century! We're going to explore the captivating story of Cercle Hermaphroditos, which is arguably the first known organization for the advocacy of transgender rights in the United States. Together, we'll dig into the society's mission, tackle the hurdles they faced, and celebrate their lasting impact...

In this enlightening episode, we pay tribute to the trailblazing life and significant contributions of Monica Helms, a true icon in the transgender community who is widely recognized for creating the universally symbolic Transgender Pride flag. We journey through her inspiring life story, charting her path from her time in the U.S. Navy to her transition and subsequent dive into advocacy. The epis...

In this enlightening episode, we dive deep into the intriguing topic of transgenderism in Ancient Rome. Explore the rich history of gender nonconformity in a society that surprisingly recognized and revered a spectrum of gender identities. Through these figures and narratives we'll discuss today, we challenge the misconception that gender nonconformity is a modern phenomenon, and highlight the...

In this episode of Trans Lesson Plan, we delve deep into the remarkable history of the Institute for Sexual Research, a pioneering organization founded by Magnus Hirschfeld in 1919 in Berlin. We explore the Institute's groundbreaking work in medical assistance, legal advocacy, and public education, which fundamentally changed the landscape for transgender individuals and had a profound impact...

In this episode, we delve into the inspiring life of Frances Thompson, a pivotal figure in transgender history. We trace her journey from her early life in the chains of slavery to her decision to live authentically as a woman in 19th century Memphis, Tennessee. Despite facing unimaginable hardships and prejudice, Thompson became a beacon of resilience, courage, and defiance. Her testimony in fron...

In this enlightening episode, we delve into the origins and significance of the Transgender Day of Visibility. We explore the inception of this important day, its impact on the transgender community, and why it holds such a crucial place in the global calendar. We discuss the challenges and triumphs of the transgender community and the role this day plays in promoting understanding, acceptance, an...

In this compelling episode, we explore the intricate intersection of gender diversity, colonization, and its lasting impact on the transgender community. We journey back to the roots of human civilization, highlighting the historical recognition of gender diversity in Indigenous societies and the roles these individuals played. We then delve into the disruptive influence of colonization, and how i...

In this episode, we delve into the influential world of 'Transgender Tapestry,' a groundbreaking magazine that has profoundly impacted transgender history. From its inception in the late 1970s, the magazine served as a beacon of hope and a vital resource for the transgender community. We explore the unique composition of the magazine content, its impact in amplifying transgender voices and...

WE’RE MOVING!! Unfortunately due to the move, we have to pause recording for about two-three weeks but no worries! Season 4 is just around the corner! We have some exciting new episodes to share with you all and can’t wait for them to release! So, stayed tuned, you don’t wanna miss this!

In this episode, we explore the fascinating history of the Female Berdache, now referred to as "Two-Spirit" individuals, among the Kutenai Indians. These individuals, revered for their unique spiritual powers, served integral roles within the tribe as artisans, mediators, and spiritual figures. Their existence challenges conventional gender norms and serves as a testament to the diverse...

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the intriguing story of the Florida Hermaphrodites in the 16th century. We explore the historical evidence of gender diversity, and how these narratives have shaped modern discussions about gender identity. With insights into the complexities of gender, the fluidity of identity, and the resilience of communities, we reflect on the ongoing journey towards i...

In this episode, we embark on a journey through time to explore a rarely discussed facet of American history: the experiences of transgender children in the Antebellum era, a period spanning from 1776 to 1861. This was a time of significant social and political transformation, and within this backdrop, we discover the lives of children who dared to defy societal norms to live true to their identit...

In this engaging and informative episode, we will embark on a journey to explore the rich history and profound impact of the Student Homophile League at Columbia University, with a particular emphasis on its influential role within the transgender community. The League, which was one of the very first collegiate gay rights groups established in the United States, played a deeply transformative and...

In this episode, we dive into the inspirational life and remarkable contributions of Gene Pearson, a prominent advocate for transgender rights. From their early struggles to their tireless advocacy and educational initiatives, Pearson's story is a testament to the power of resilience, acceptance, and education. Join us as we explore their significant impact on the transgender community, and th...