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