On this episode, Caroline, Moth Moth Moth, and returning guest co-host—singer of our theme song—Boy Bowser sit down with Aj Evergreen, original co-host of The Trans Narrative Podcast, making her first appearance as a guest. Together, they revisit Aj’s early years growing up as a Jehovah’s Witness, exploring how her insular religious upbringing shaped her understanding of queerness, language, and identity. They delve into the role of education and community in Aj’s journey of self-discovery, as well as how spiritual control and censorship influence the formation of trans and queer lives.

The group takes a critical lens to systems of power—capitalism, electoral politics, and carceral logic—examining how these structures constrain liberation. Aj offers a grounded critique of the two-party system, emphasizing the importance of local voting while acknowledging its limits. They discuss small acts of resistance—ethical consumption, unionizing, and community care—as ways to chip at capitalist dominance. They also highlight the need for solidarity among immigrants, non-citizens, and marginalized people in reclaiming agency.

In a powerful final act, the group envisions transformation rooted in care over punishment. Through laughter, vulnerability, and fierce love, this episode is a bold reminder of what becomes possible when we center authenticity, justice, and collective care.

“Aj Evergreen is a trans woman, ex-Jehovah’s Witness, Leftist, civil rights activist, volunteer with LGBTQ+ community organizations, and unapologetic nerd. She holds a degree in Sociology with an emphasis on Political Science and is passionate about understanding the structures that shape our lives. Raised in an insular, fundamentalist environment where conformity was demanded and queer identities were condemned, Aj’s journey has been one of deep questioning, painful growth, and courageous self-acceptance. After leaving the faith in her early twenties and beginning her transition at 25, she has fought to reclaim her sense of self, choosing to believe in a future where happiness and fulfillment are possible for everyone — not just the chosen few.

Her story reminds us that healing is not about erasing the past, but about living fully and authentically despite it. Through her resilience, advocacy, and fierce dedication to justice, Aj offers a powerful testament to the possibility of building a life rooted in truth, compassion, and hope — even when the foundation you were given was built to collapse.

• Buy nothing groups:

https://buynothingproject.org/

• American Community Gardening Association:

Tenants unions: https://abolitionnotes.org/a-quick-

guide-to-all-tenants-unions-in-the-us

National immigration law center:

https://www.nilc.org/resources/know-your-rights-what-to-do-if-arrested-detained-immigration/.

National Immigrant Justice Center:

https://immigrantjustice.org/immigration-legal-

services

**

“Make it real to me” written by Athena Promachus, covered by Boy Bowser

The Trans Narrative was created, and produced by Caroline Penny, powered by Spotify for podcasters

If you’d like to reach out, or be apart of the show contact us at

“transnarrativepodcast@gmail.com”

Support and donations can be made to cash app tag $gottabesomthinmore

Find us Facebook, TikTok, and on Apple, Spotify, and iHeartRadio, or anywhere you listen to podcasts

“This podcast ethically uses Chat GPT/Zoom AI to generate episode summaries, ensuring accuracy while maintaining the integrity and intent of our guests’ stories.”

Thank you for your support

Suicide Hotline 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)

S.A.F.E. (Self Abuse Finally Ends) 1-800-DONT-CUT

American Foundation for low vision 212-502-7633.

Trevor Hotline (Suicide) 1-866-4-U-TREVOR

Family Violence Prevention Center 1-800-313-1310

National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE

Drug Abuse National Helpline 1-800-662-4357

National Human Service Call Center 2-1-1