TransLash Podcast with Imara Jones

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 networks of care. First, she’s joined by clinicia...

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 Schelling, who discusses the importance of solidarity w...

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, she’s joined by former Texas Child Protective Serv...

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’ political journey, Donald Trump’s failing attack...

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 conversation between Imara and senior national reporter for t...

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 magic of cross-border cultural exchange. Then Imara...

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 match voter registration records. First, she talks wit...

With 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 States despite the movement’s deep antisemitism....

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 Holloman, who shares why he decided to move to rural T...

Black 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 trans leaders on the frontlines of change: housing ad...

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 inside peek into his complicated relationship wit...

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 snakes and why he thinks identity labels can hinder ex...

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 current dating scene in New York, where Imara meets pe...

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 documentary “North by Current” and the challenges...

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 with USA Powerlifting over her experience of discrim...

What 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 and climate action. Next, she’s joined by organiz...

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 ar...

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, Imar...

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...

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...

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 t...

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 repair...

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 ca...

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 s...

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 #letters...