Hey, trans-fam. It's me, Amara. Welcome to the trans-lash podcast, a show where we tell

trans stories to save trans lives. Well, it's Black History Month, you know, despite the fact that certain people are saying that it doesn't exist.

And it's a time when we look back at the accomplishment struggles and stories of African Americans in this country.

And today I'm so excited to take a deep dive into history that has been so often erased, uncovered, or ignored.

And we're not talking about the history that we normally think about,

you know, namely in the 20th century, starting in the 50s and 60s.

No, we are going back to the 19th and even the 18th century

in order to unpack all that has been overlooked.

To do so, we'll be joined by culture makers and scholars who are reclaiming our past to build

a more just future, because we know that where we come from isn't just about honoring those

who came before us, but it's actually about showing us the road ahead.

First I'm joined by scholar Ria Kinsey, who takes us into the archives to explore the experience

of 19th century pickpocket and tabloid figure Mary Jones.

We're getting a trans history that speaks to this person, freely expressing themselves,

freely expressing their gender identity in connection with other people who are supportive.

Then organizer and filmmaker Michaela Bradford stops by to share the truly remarkable story of

Francis Thompson.

I just want folks to know that a black trans woman was one of the principal people responsible

for the passage of the 14th Amendment.

But before we get to these fascinating and inspiring conversations, let's start out as always

with some trans joy.

Thank you. Let's start out as always with some trans joy. Let's start out as always with some trans joy. Black trans men have long been at the forefront of expanding and reshaping what masculinity can look like. But that effort can be a lonely one.

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