The episode features a conversation between the host NV Gay and Mardi Pieronek, a 63-year-old trans woman who has been living authentically since age 15. Mardi shares her experiences as a trans woman who has survived decades of discrimination, the AIDS epidemic, and societal challenges. She discusses how she started her social media presence in 2014 at the encouragement of prominent trans figures like Laverne Cox to share her story and provide representation for younger trans people. The conversation covers the evolution of trans rights, the importance of visibility and community, and how both NV and Mardi navigate current anti-trans political climates. Mardi shares personal stories about her transition journey, her experiences with hormone therapy, and her advocacy work. Both NV and Mardi emphasize the importance of humanizing trans people through everyday interactions rather than just online activism. The episode concludes with advice for allies on how to support the trans community and for trans individuals to remember that being transgender is just one aspect of their multifaceted identities.
• Source materials for this episode cannot be listed here due to character limitations. For a full list of sources, please visit www.bornthiswaypodcast.com
Born this Way is hosted by Vincent-Natasha "NV" Gay
• Instagram: @nv.gay
• TikTok: @nv.gay
• Facebook: Mx. NV Gay
Born this Way is an Inquisitor Media Original Produce by The Mx. Gay Creative Direction
• Instagram: @InquisitorMedia
• Twitter: @Inquisitor_med
• Facebook: The Inquisitor Media
The episode features Ryan Cassata, an award-winning transgender singer-songwriter, actor, writer, and LGBTQ+ activist. The host introduces Ryan's impressive accomplishments, including eight critically acclaimed albums, over 650 performances nationwide and internationally, and recognition from publications like Billboard and The Advocate. Ryan discusses his latest album "Greetings from Echo Park," released in June at the beginning of Pride month, which explores his experiences with Lyme disease and chronic illness, his transgender journey, and themes of isolation, disability, addiction, mental health, and queer love. Throughout the conversation, Ryan emphasizes the importance of authenticity, community, and being true to oneself despite societal pressures. He explains his decision not to take testosterone to preserve his singing voice, discusses the meaning behind his protest songs, and shares insights about the intersection of his music with activism. Ryan also talks about his punk ethos, which he defines as being authentic, supporting community, and standing against oppression. The interview concludes with Ryan encouraging listeners to be themselves, surround themselves with supportive people, and for allies to actively support trans people through listening to diverse trans experiences, attending protests, and supporting trans artists.
• Source materials for this episode cannot be listed here due to character limitations. For a full list of sources, please visit www.bornthiswaypodcast.com
Born this Way is hosted by Vincent-Natasha "NV" Gay
• Instagram: @nv.gay
• TikTok: @nv.gay
• Facebook: Mx. NV Gay
Born this Way is an Inquisitor Media Original Produce by The Mx. Gay Creative Direction
• Instagram: @InquisitorMedia
• Twitter: @Inquisitor_med
• Facebook: The Inquisitor Media
The episode features a conversation between host NV Gay and best selling author Tourmaline. The main focus is on Tourmaline's national bestselling book "Marsha," which chronicles the life of LGBTQ+ activist Marsha P. Johnson. Tourmaline shares insights from her nearly 20 years of research on Marsha's life, highlighting Marsha's artistic pursuits, spirituality, and activism. The conversation reveals how Marsha maintained her Christian faith despite adversity and used it to fuel her community work. They discuss how Marsha's example of daily acts of care and community support remains relevant today. The latter part of the conversation shifts to discussing affirmations and self-care practices for the trans community during difficult times. Tourmaline emphasizes the importance of acknowledging problems while also freedom dreaming and taking both large and small actions to create change. The conversation concludes with advice for allies on how to support trans organizers and community members through care packages and affirming words.
• Source materials for this episode cannot be listed here due to character limitations. For a full list of sources, please visit www.bornthiswaypodcast.com
Born this Way is hosted by Vincent-Natasha "NV" Gay
• Instagram: @nv.gay
• TikTok: @nv.gay
• Facebook: Mx. NV Gay
Born this Way is an Inquisitor Media Original Produce by The Mx. Gay Creative Direction
• Instagram: @InquisitorMedia
• Twitter: @Inquisitor_med
• Facebook: The Inquisitor Media
The episode features Té D. DeMornay, a two-spirit non-binary individual from the White Mountain and San Carlos Apache tribes who has been doing drag in Phoenix since 2017. Té discusses their experience as Mix Trans California 2025 and their previous pageant titles. They share insights about their two-spirit identity, explaining how it has always been part of their tribal culture which recognized at least five genders. Té describes how their grandfather recognized their two-spirit nature from childhood and guided them into traditional roles. The conversation explores the historical importance of two-spirit people in Native American cultures as matchmakers, caregivers, and cultural preservers, and how colonization and Christianity disrupted these traditions. Té also discusses their drag career, how they've incorporated their indigenous heritage into their performances, and their powerful message: "We are the new ancestors, so act accordingly." They emphasize the importance of reconnecting with one's cultural heritage and encourage listeners to embrace their power to create change.
• Source materials for this episode cannot be listed here due to character limitations. For a full list of sources, please visit www.bornthiswaypodcast.com
Born this Way is hosted by Vincent-Natasha "NV" Gay
• Instagram: @nv.gay
• TikTok: @nv.gay
• Facebook: Mx. NV Gay
Born this Way is an Inquisitor Media Original Produce by The Mx. Gay Creative Direction
• Instagram: @InquisitorMedia
• Twitter: @Inquisitor_med
• Facebook: The Inquisitor Media
The episode features a conversation between NV Gay and Plastic Martyr, a transgender actress, recording artist, and activist. They discuss the challenges faced by transgender individuals in today's political climate, focusing on themes of safety, success, and community support. Plastic shares her experiences transitioning from a young age, facing discrimination in Hollywood, and her recent decision to prioritize safety by stepping back from public life. They explore how transgender people can achieve success by strategically engaging allies, avoiding internal community conflicts, and humanizing trans experiences. The conversation highlights the importance of educating allies compassionately rather than alienating them, the need to include trans men in transgender narratives, and the challenges of navigating increasing hostility toward trans people. Throughout the discussion, both speakers emphasize the value of unity within the trans community and the critical role allies play in advancing transgender rights and acceptance.
• Source materials for this episode cannot be listed here due to character limitations. For a full list of sources, please visit www.bornthiswaypodcast.com
Born this Way is hosted by Vincent-Natasha "NV" Gay
• Instagram: @nv.gay
• TikTok: @nv.gay
• Facebook: Mx. NV Gay
Born this Way is an Inquisitor Media Original Produce by The Mx. Gay Creative Direction
• Instagram: @InquisitorMedia
• Twitter: @Inquisitor_med
• Facebook: The Inquisitor Media
The episode features a conversation between host NV Gay and Damien Serrato, a 29-year-old BIPOC non-binary performer and the first Mx. Trans USA. Damien describes themselves as a nerd who loves sewing, crafting, watching movies, and cosplaying. Despite appearing confident on stage, they admit to being shy and awkward until comfortable. The discussion covers Damien's journey in theater and performance, their experience discovering their gender identity, and their path to becoming a drag performer under the name Bleu Eclipse. The conversation also delves into intersectionality, discussing how multiple aspects of identity (race, gender, sexuality) affect experiences of discrimination and privilege. Damien shares personal stories about facing discrimination based on both their gender identity and race, highlighting how they've had to work harder as a non-binary performer of color. They both emphasize the importance of representation in media and performance spaces, calling out the need for allies to recognize their privileges and use them to amplify marginalized voices. They discuss how the drag community often favors white performers and the importance of calling out this injustice. The conversation concludes with Damien sharing their social media handles and they both encourage listeners to share the podcast to help their stories reach a wider audience.
• Source materials for this episode cannot be listed here due to character limitations. For a full list of sources, please visit www.bornthiswaypodcast.com
Born this Way is hosted by Vincent-Natasha "NV" Gay
• Instagram: @nv.gay
• TikTok: @nv.gay
• Facebook: Mx. NV Gay
Born this Way is an Inquisitor Media Original Produce by The Mx. Gay Creative Direction
• Instagram: @InquisitorMedia
• Twitter: @Inquisitor_med
• Facebook: The Inquisitor Media
The episode features a conversation discussing transgender identity, history, and advocacy. Rey Resendez, a transgender and two-spirit Quechua writer and advocate from Bolivia, shares insights about their personal journey and work through their platform "Rey and the Archive." The discussion covers the importance of documenting queer history, the erasure of transgender narratives throughout history, and the challenges faced by transgender individuals. Rey emphasizes how queer history predates the Stonewall riots, mentioning earlier uprisings like the Compton Cafeteria riot. They discuss how many cultures historically recognized gender diversity, including the Quechua concept of "Kariwami" (man-woman). The conversation explores intersectionality, highlighting how Rey's identity encompasses being transgender, an immigrant, Hispanic, and neurodivergent. Both Rey and NV stress the importance of visibility, community building across marginalized groups, and the need to document transgender experiences beyond social media platforms which can be censored or removed. They also discuss personal experiences with transition, including Rey's recent completion of gender-affirming surgeries and their journey toward mental health. Rey and NV conclude by encouraging allies to center transgender voices and experiences while remaining integral to the fight for liberation.
• Source materials for this episode cannot be listed here due to character limitations. For a full list of sources, please visit www.bornthiswaypodcast.com
Born this Way is hosted by Vincent-Natasha "NV" Gay
• Instagram: @nv.gay
• TikTok: @nv.gay
• Facebook: Mx. NV Gay
Born this Way is an Inquisitor Media Original Produce by The Mx. Gay Creative Direction
• Instagram: @InquisitorMedia
• Twitter: @Inquisitor_med
• Facebook: The Inquisitor Media
The episode features Abigail Beverly Hillz, a pageant title holder, costume designer, and self-described "America's intersexiest showgirl of drag." The conversation covers Abigail's experiences as an intersex and transgender woman, her journey into drag performance, and how she finds therapeutic outlets in her life. Abigail shares her coming out story, including giving a speech in front of her entire high school, and discusses the challenges faced by the intersex and transgender communities. The host and Abigail also discuss the current political climate surrounding transgender rights, the importance of representation in media, and how drag performance serves as therapy for Abigail. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the need for better understanding of intersex conditions, with Abigail explaining that approximately 2% of the population is intersex (comparable to the number of redheads). They also discuss negative experiences with therapists, including a particularly transphobic encounter the host had. The interview concludes with advice for listeners on finding therapeutic activities and practices for their own mental health.
• Source materials for this episode cannot be listed here due to character limitations. For a full list of sources, please visit www.bornthiswaypodcast.com
Born this Way is hosted by Vincent-Natasha "NV" Gay
• Instagram: @nv.gay
• TikTok: @nv.gay
• Facebook: Mx. NV Gay
Born this Way is an Inquisitor Media Original Produce by The Mx. Gay Creative Direction
• Instagram: @InquisitorMedia
• Twitter: @Inquisitor_med
• Facebook: The Inquisitor Media
The episode centers around the concept of "normalcy" and what it means to be transgender in today's society. Desi shares her personal experiences with transitioning, starting hormone therapy at age 16 after a three-year process involving numerous medical tests and approvals. She expresses gratitude for living in New York, a state with fewer restrictions on transgender healthcare compared to the 23-26 states that have implemented anti-trans legislation. Both NV and Desi discuss the challenges of gender dysphoria, the difficulty of looking at pre-transition photos, and the misconception that transitioning is an impulsive decision rather than a lengthy, carefully considered process. Desi emphasizes that being transgender isn't a choice but accepting oneself is. The conversation concludes with Desi encouraging listeners to love themselves despite societal and political challenges.
• Source materials for this episode cannot be listed here due to character limitations. For a full list of sources, please visit www.bornthiswaypod.com
Born this Way is hosted by Vincent-Natasha "NV" Gay
• Instagram: @nv.gay
• TikTok: @nv.gay
• Facebook: Mx. NV Gay
Born this Way is an Inquisitor Media Original Produce by The Mx. Gay Creative Direction
• Instagram: @InquisitorMedia
• Twitter: @Inquisitor_med
• Facebook: The Inquisitor Media
The episode features an interview with Airyn De Niro, a 29-year-old transgender woman who began hormone therapy in November 2024. The host introduces Airyn as a student, voice actor, and singer who has been open about her transition journey. The conversation primarily focuses on relationships during and after transition. Airyn discusses how transitioning impacts existing relationships, emphasizing the importance of approaching transition with compassion for those who need to adapt to the changes. She shares her fortunate experience with supportive parents, including her famous father who has publicly supported her transition. Airyn also talks about how her romantic relationships have improved since transitioning, noting that she feels more authentic being seen as a woman by potential partners. The interview concludes with Airyn offering advice to allies about treating transgender people with respect and as the individuals they are, rather than defining them solely by their transgender identity.
• Source materials for this episode cannot be listed here due to character limitations. For a full list of sources, please visit www.bornthiswaypod.com
Born this Way is hosted by Vincent-Natasha "NV" Gay
• Instagram: @nv.gay
• TikTok: @nv.gay
• Facebook: Mx. NV Gay
Born this Way is an Inquisitor Media Original Produce by The Mx. Gay Creative Direction
• Instagram: @InquisitorMedia
• Twitter: @Inquisitor_med
• Facebook: The Inquisitor Media
The episode features a conversation between NV Gay and Pineapple Honeydew; a transgender drag performer. Pineapple Honeydew introduces herself as a "transgender punk pop princess" who was voted Cleveland Scene's best drag performer of 2021. She discusses her career as a drag queen and social media content creator, explaining how she gained a following through comedy and satire, particularly by making fun of conservatives' views on transgender people. The conversation explores themes of optimism in the face of anti-transgender legislation and sentiment, with Pineapple sharing her perspective on maintaining positivity despite current challenges. She discusses her approach to drag as a character separate from her identity as a trans woman, noting that she performs without wigs or padding, embracing her natural appearance. Pineapple also talks about "Casting Call," an open stage competition she co-hosts in Cleveland that provides opportunities for new drag performers. The conversation touches on the diversity and uniqueness of Ohio's drag scene, which features various performance styles beyond traditional drag. Throughout the interview, Pineapple emphasizes her "I don't care disease" attitude toward others' opinions, her love for Pokémon (particularly water types like Swampert), and her optimism about the future of transgender rights despite current setbacks.
• Source materials for this episode cannot be listed heredue to character limitations. For a full list of sources, please visit www.bornthiswaypod.com
Born this Way is hosted by Vincent-Natasha "NV" Gay
• Instagram: @nv.gay
• TikTok: @nv.gay
• Facebook: Mx. NV Gay
Born this Way is an Inquisitor Media Original Produce by The Mx. Gay Creative Direction
• Instagram: @InquisitorMedia
• Twitter: @Inquisitor_med
• Facebook: The Inquisitor Media
The episode focuses on topics discussing transgender identity, activism, and bravery. Alice, a Montreal and NYC-based trans woman, shares her experiences growing up with dual US-Canadian citizenship, her journey of coming out, and her work as an activist, content creator, and theater actor. The conversation explores what it means to be brave as a transgender person in today's society, with Alice emphasizing that bravery comes from facing fear rather than its absence. They discuss the challenges trans people face, including transphobia and the rise of anti-trans sentiment. The speakers also address the role of allies in supporting the transgender community, emphasizing how cisgender people can use their privilege to amplify trans voices. Throughout the conversation, they touch on topics such as gender identity beyond biological determinism, the harmful impact of trans-exclusionary radical feminists (TERFs), and the importance of introspection in understanding one's gender identity.
• Source materials for this episode cannot be listed heredue to character limitations. For a full list of sources, please visit www.bornthiswaypod.com
Born this Way is hosted by Vincent-Natasha "NV" Gay
• Instagram: @nv.gay
• TikTok: @nv.gay
• Facebook: Mx. NV Gay
Born this Way is an Inquisitor Media Original Produce by The Mx. Gay Creative Direction
• Instagram: @InquisitorMedia
• Twitter: @Inquisitor_med
• Facebook: The Inquisitor Media