TransLash Podcast with Imara Jones

In honor of what would have been Marsha P. Johnson’s 80th birthday, we’re replaying this conversation with Tourmaline about her book “ Marsha: The Joy and Defiance of Marsha P. Johnson .” In it, she shares what it took to piece together Marsha’s story, from her early life in Times Square to her radical visions of freedom, spirituality, and care. She also unpacks Marsha’s expansive political imagin...

In this episode replay, 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 l...

Online harassment against trans people has become increasingly violent and sophisticated over the last few years. In this episode replay, Imara traces the emergence of coordinated attacks against people like streamer Clara Santorini, aka Keffals. First, she discusses Kiwi Farms, “Libs of TikTok,” and the other malicious actors with Harvard Cyberlaw Clinic instructor Alejandra Caraballo. She then s...

In times like these, we’re all in need of a little extra joy. This week, Imara uncovers some never-before-heard gems from the trans joy archives. With a focus on the incredible artists we’ve highlighted over the years, this special episode is the first in an ongoing “Trans Joy” series. Hear from poets, filmmakers, photographers and more about where they find inspiration, what creativity means to t...

Blending queerness, technology, and magic, A.E. Osworth is reshaping what fiction can create. In this episode, Imara sits down with the award-winning novelist to talk about their unique approach to storytelling. They unpack the cultural fallout of GamerGate, how it inspired their debut novel We Are Watching Eliza Bright , and what it reveals about gender, power, and the internet. The conversation...

What does it mean to write yourself into the world when the world tries to write you out of it?  First, Imara honors the late Andrea Gibson with a special trans joy segment. Then in an intimate conversation, Imara sits down with poet and multidisciplinary artist Golden to explore the power of trans poetry as a vehicle for kinship building and identity formation. Together, they dig into how Go...

At a time when trans stories are under attack and disinformation is spreading fast, the role of trans journalists has never been more vital. In this episode, Imara speaks with Tre’vell Anderson about their new role as co-executive director of the Trans Journalists Association (TJA). Tre’vell reflects on the idea of “activist journalism,” the ways mainstream outlets are failing to accurately report...

Despite political attacks and threats to our safety, trans people are still living full, complex and beautiful lives in the United States. In this special episode, Imara introduces TransLash Wire, our new written platform dedicated to original journalism centering trans perspectives from corners of the country that are often overlooked. To celebrate the launch of this new initiative, Imara has a m...

As attacks on our community continue to escalate, trans-led organizations are facing a double crisis: rising needs and shrinking resources. In this episode, Imara examines the state of funding for queer and trans issues with two insightful interviews. First, Alexander Lee from Funders for LGBTQ  breaks down who’s getting funded – and who’s not – in the current philanthropic landscape. After t...

The Supreme Court has upheld a Tennessee law barring gender-affirming care for minors. This is a devastating blow to trans kids and adults across the country, especially in the 25 states that currently have bans on gender affirming care for young people. To unpack the Court’s decision, Imara spoke with award-winning journalist and “Law Dork” writer Chris Geidner in a conversation TransLash Media l...

As the military ban takes effect, thousands of trans service members have been purged from the forces based solely on their identity. In this episode, Imara speaks with two former officers who have been at the frontlines of this fight. First, Bree Fram shares what it was like to come out and serve as one of the highest ranking, openly trans people in the military. She explains the state of the leg...

What does it mean to parent outside the boundaries of motherhood or fatherhood? As part of our ongoing Families series, Imara sits down with artist and educator Johnny Blazes to explore the joys and challenges of raising a child as a non-binary parent. Johnny shares their journey of losing their first-born child, being misgendered by other parents, and learning to pick their battles as a gender no...

With sweeping cuts to Medicaid under debate in Congress, access to lifesaving healthcare for millions is on the line. In this episode, Imara explores the potential consequences of Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” with Congresswoman Sarah McBride and labor organizer Ai-jen Poo. Rep. McBride explains how these proposed changes would put millions of people at risk of losing access to healthcare, includi...

Amid relentless political attacks, rest is not a luxury for trans people—it’s a necessary act of survival. In this episode, Imara explores how our communities can cultivate wellness, restoration, and resilience in the face of burnout and grief. She’s joined by yoga instructor Avery Kalapa who shares their advice for reducing anxiety and finding peace within ourselves through movement. Then, organi...

Marsha P. Johnson helped change the world—and now, she’s getting the biography she deserves. This week, Imara sits down with author and artist Tourmaline to talk about her groundbreaking new book, Marsha: The Joy and Defiance of Marsha P. Johnson . Tourmaline shares what it took to piece together Marsha’s story, from her early life in Times Square to her radical visions of freedom, spirituality, a...

The word “mother” hits differently for trans folks. Traditional notions of motherhood are steeped in racialized and cisheterosexual norms. So what does mothering and being mothered look like when you’re trans? This Mother’s Day, we’re replaying this special conversation with the godmother of the Black Trans Lives Matter Movement, Ceyenne Doroshow. Hear about how and why she’s served as a maternal...

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 and restrictions on the press, to the broader clima...

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 defining what autism is, how the far right exploits stig...

For 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 down myths about fertility and hormones, and walk...

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 tech elites are working to dismantle democracy and...

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 skill and how her background helps her connect wit...

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 times. Then, Michael J. Morris stops by to share their...

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 protections from the state’s civil rights law. They d...

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 pandemic and development of individualizing algorithms. S...

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, digging into how they both create opportunity for co...