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
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Born this Way is an Inquisitor Media Original Produce by The Mx. Gay Creative Direction
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