Hey there. Before we get to today's show, I have some exciting news. We've been nominated for two Anthem Awards for our two short films, American Problems, Transolutions, and Artistic Legacies, Black Transfims and the Arts. Both are up for awards this year, and we need your help. Today, October 31st is the last day to vote.

So make sure you follow the link in the episode description to learn how you can cast your vote.

And make sure, of course, that you have a plan to get to the actual polls before or on election day.

To find out more information for transvoters, check out transform the vote.org.

Hey fam, it's me, Amara. Welcome to the Translash podcast, a show where we tell trans

stories to save trans lives. Well, today is Halloween. We're in the middle of spooky season.

And for so many people out there, the election itself is spooky.

So today I wanted to have a conversation with someone who's been reporting on all the ways that trans people have been at the forefront of this campaign in a relaxed way with the hope of perhaps speaking directly to what your fears are and perhaps even putting

them at ease. So today I'm excited to be joined by a freelance journalist and contributing

writer for them, Samantha Ridle, who shares what she's keeping her eye on in these final days.

Nothing has animated the base that they're going for quite like hating on trans people.

And with that, let's start out as always with some trans joy.

Thank you. As we count down the days until November 5th, we want to celebrate the trans people who are working every day to

strengthen our democracy and help make trans voices heard in politics.

Ari Faber is a non-profit leader running to represent Ohio Senate District 30.

As the outreach director for United Campus Ministry in Athens, Ohio, R.A. works to provide free meals and help

people apply for housing assistance and Medicaid. And as a candidate, he's built his progressive

platform on addressing systemic issues around food access, housing, and the opioid epidemic

in the state. Here's Ari to tell us more.

I was raised to experience a lot of transphobia and things,

but for the most part, like, people have been great.

They've been really warm and welcoming.

...