On this, our season 4 finale episode, Caroline, Jordan, Kaz, and Tess meet Monica Helms, a pioneering activist, author, and U.S. Navy veteran best known as the creator of the Transgender Pride Flag. From serving aboard nuclear submarines to founding the Transgender American Veterans Association, Monica’s story traces a life of courage, creativity, and relentless advocacy in the face of systemic exclusion.

Together, they explore Monica’s journey through service, transition, and activism, reflecting on how her creation of the Trans Flag in 1999 became a global emblem of pride, unity, and resilience. The conversation delves into the intersections of identity, legacy, and leadership, revealing how personal truth can reshape public history. Monica speaks candidly about visibility, trans military service, and the enduring importance of community solidarity in turbulent political times.

This episode honors a living legend whose work continues to ripple across generations. Through her words, we are reminded that progress is not abstract, it is built by those who refuse to be erased. Monica’s story embodies the heart of the trans movement: persistence, creativity, and the unshakable belief that every person deserves to live authentically and be seen in full color.

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Monica Helms is a trailblazing activist, author, and U.S. Navy veteran best known as the creator of the Transgender Pride Flag. Born in Sumter, South Carolina, and raised in Arizona, Monica served in the Navy from 1970 to 1978, including during the Vietnam War. After coming out as transgender in 1997, she became a pioneering voice for visibility and equality, founding the Transgender American Veterans Association (TAVA) in 2003, the first organization of its kind advocating for trans service members and veterans.

Her iconic flag which was first flown at a Phoenix Pride parade in 2000 and now housed at the Smithsonian, has become one of the most globally recognized symbols of trans pride and resilience. Through her memoir More Than Just a Flag, Monica continues to educate and inspire, centering authenticity, activism, and the ongoing pursuit of dignity for all trans people.

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About the Podcast

The Trans Narrative Podcast is a storytelling platform centering trans voices through authentic dialogue and lived experience. With over 150 episodes across four seasons and listeners in 78 countries, the show creates space for guests to share their journeys, insights, and work—on their own terms.

“Make it real to me” written by Athena Promachus

Created and produced by Caroline Essence

Powered by Spotify for Creators

📧 transnarrativepodcast@gmail.com

💵 Support via CashApp: $gottabesomthinmore

Find us on Facebook, TikTok, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you listen.

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Resources

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

Trevor Project: 1-866-4-U-TREVOR

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE

Drug Abuse National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357

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

Family Violence Prevention Center: 1-800-313-1310

National Human Service Call Center: 2-1-1

On this episode, Caroline, Jordan, and Kevin meet Augustine Lorrie, a queer and transfemme singer, writer, and performer making their Cleveland Play House debut in The Christine Jorgensen Show, a musical cabaret inspired by the life of America’s first transgender celebrity.

Together, they explore Augustine’s journey from a rural upbringing in Northern California to the international stage, tracing a path through UC Santa Barbara, the Yale School of Drama, and performances across Europe. Augustine shares how their identity as a transfeminine artist shapes their craft, how mentorship and method ground their approach to character, and what it means to embody Christine Jorgensen—a figure whose courage redefined gender and media visibility in the 1950s.

This conversation bridges art, activism, and ancestry, examining how storytelling can reclaim trans history and transform public consciousness. Through humor, empathy, and rigorous artistry, Augustine brings Jorgensen’s voice back to life for a new generation, reminding us that liberation begins in truth-telling, and that performance itself can be an act of historical repair.

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Augustine Lorrie is a queer and transfemme singer, writer, and performer making their Cleveland Play House debut in The Christine Jorgensen Show. A graduate of UC Santa Barbara and the Yale School of Drama, Augustine has appeared in productions such as Julius Caesar, Next to Normal, and original solo works performed internationally in Prague and Sicily. Their artistic practice integrates theatre, music, and storytelling to explore trans identity, legacy, and liberation through performance.

TICKETS CAN BE FOUND AT https://www.clevelandplayhouse.com/

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About the Podcast

The Trans Narrative Podcast is a storytelling platform centering trans voices through authentic dialogue and lived experience. With over 130 episodes across four seasons and listeners in 75 countries, the show creates space for guests to share their journeys, insights, and work—on their own terms.

“Make it real to me” written by Athena Promachus

Created and produced by Caroline Essence

Powered by Spotify for Creators

📧 transnarrativepodcast@gmail.com

💵 Support via CashApp: $gottabesomthinmore

Find us on Facebook, TikTok, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you listen.

⸻

Resources

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

Trevor Project: 1-866-4-U-TREVOR

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE

Drug Abuse National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357

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

Family Violence Prevention Center: 1-800-313-1310

National Human Service Call Center: 2-1-1

On this episode, Caroline, Jordan, and Tess sit with Osmany Villa, a multifaceted creative, activist, and community leader from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Known for her historic achievement as the first transgender prom queen in Oklahoma, Osmany has become a visible advocate for trans youth and LGBTQ+ representation across the South.

Together, we explore Osmany’s journey of visibility, resilience, and leadership, from her Mennonite upbringing and early transition to her work as Social Media Director for OKC Pride Inc. and Parade Coordinator for The Gayly. Through storytelling, media, and grassroots organizing, Osmany bridges art and activism to uplift her community and redefine what pride looks like in the heart of the Midwest.

This conversation dives deep into representation, identity, and systemic change, illuminating how trans leaders like Osmany are reshaping the cultural landscape through creativity, education, and collective care.

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Osmany Villa is a creative, activist, and community organizer based in Oklahoma City. She made history as Oklahoma’s first transgender prom queen and now serves as Social Media Director for OKC Pride Inc. and Parade Coordinator for The Gayly. Through her activism, storytelling, and digital leadership, she fosters visibility, education, and empowerment for the trans and queer community across Oklahoma and beyond. Outside of her advocacy, Osmany prioritizes wellness, creativity, and time with loved ones—embodying the balance between self-care and social impact.

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About the Podcast

The Trans Narrative Podcast is a storytelling platform centering trans voices through authentic dialogue and lived experience. With over 130 episodes across four seasons and listeners in 75 countries, the show creates space for guests to share their journeys, insights, and work—on their own terms.

“Make it real to me” written by Athena Promachus

Created and produced by Caroline Essence, powered by Spotify for Creators

📧 transnarrativepodcast@gmail.com

💵 Support via CashApp: $gottabesomthinmore

Find us on Facebook, TikTok, Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

⸻

Resources

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

Trevor Project: 1-866-4-U-TREVOR

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE

Drug Abuse National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357

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

Family Violence Prevention Center: 1-800-313-1310

National Human Service Call Center: 2-1-1

On this episode of The Trans Narrative Podcast, Caroline is joined by trans artists and creatives Foxx Cant and Ryan Klinghammer for a conversation exploring art, identity, and creative resilience. Together, they reflect on what it means to create from lived experiences, how transness informs artistic practice, and how storytelling, visual art, and performance become acts of reclamation and community building.

In this episode, the three discuss navigating visibility and vulnerability as artists, the role of authenticity in creative work, and the tension between artistic freedom and societal expectation. They also explore the emotional labor of trans creativity, how art can hold both pain and joy, serving as a site of transformation, resistance, and belonging.

Through honest conversation and shared insight, Foxx and Ryan remind us that art is more than expression, it’s survival, connection, and the radical act of imagining ourselves whole.

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Foxx Cant is a non-binary trans femme filmmaker based in Vancouver, on the unceded lands of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh nations. She is the founder of Anomalous Transmissions Media, creator of the YouTube channel Foxxtales, and a manager of two queer small businesses while volunteering for a queer nonprofit.

“Ryan Klinghammer is a transmasc drag king, advocate, and community builder based in St. Louis, Missouri. He currently holds the title of Mr. Trans Midwest 2025 and performs under the name Mars. His work spans the stage and the streets, from leading drag king showcases and workshops, to organizing queer proms, disability marches, and fashion shows that center trans joy. A former theater kid turned cultural worker, Ryan uses pageantry and performance as platforms for visibility, mentorship, and systemic change. His mission is to create sustainable, affirming spaces for trans people to thrive, connect, and reclaim their power.”

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About the Podcast

The Trans Narrative Podcast is a storytelling platform centering trans voices through authentic dialogue and lived experiences. With over 130 episodes across four seasons and listeners in 75 countries, the show creates space for guests to share their journeys, insights, and work—on their own terms.

“Make it real to me” written by Athena Promachus

Created and produced by Caroline Essence, powered by Spotify for Creator’s.

📧 transnarrativepodcast@gmail.com

💵 Support via CashApp: $gottabesomthinmore

Find us on Facebook, TikTok, Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

⸻

Resources

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

Trevor Project: 1-866-4-U-TREVOR

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE

Drug Abuse National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357

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

Family Violence Prevention Center: 1-800-313-1310

National Human Service Call Center: 2-1-1

On this episode Athena, Caroline, and Kevin are joined by artist and educator Ray Sunshine, whose story of survival and self-discovery invites us into a conversation about creativity, healing, and identity.

Together, we explore how Ray’s journey through cancer, queerness, and faith reshaped their understanding of purpose. They share how art became both a coping mechanism and a form of spiritual expression, how community sustained them through illness, and how living authentically later in life opened new dimensions of joy and belonging.

This dialogue moves through themes of transformation, resilience, and creative reclamation, asking what it means to make beauty out of survival and to live truthfully after profound change.

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“Ray Sunshine (they/them) is a passionate advocate, artist, educator, and cancer survivor. Born and raised in California, Ray was a dedicated LGBTQIA+ ally before coming out later in life as nonbinary, trans, and queer. They are a fierce champion for inclusivity and diversity, both personally and professionally. Ray’s life took a transformative turn when they were diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2021. After undergoing extensive chemotherapy and multiple surgeries, they are now in remission, embodying resilience and hope. With over 11 years of experience in education, Ray has worked to foster empathy, understanding, and unwavering support for all students. In addition to their work as an educator and advocate, Ray is also an artist who creates unique watercolor papercuts. Their art focuses on themes of LGBTQIA+ identity, feminism, and mental health, using their creativity as a powerful tool for self-expression and activism. Now living near Seattle, Washington, they share their life with their partner, son, and dog.”

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About the Podcast

The Trans Narrative Podcast is a storytelling platform centering trans voices through authentic dialogue and lived experiences. With over 130 episodes across four seasons and listeners in 75 countries, the show creates space for guests to share their journeys, insights, and work on their own terms.

“Make it real to me” written by Athena Promachus

Created and produced by Caroline Essence, powered by Spotify for Creators.

📧 transnarrativepodcast@gmail.com

💵 Support via CashApp: $gottabesomthinmore

Find us on Facebook, TikTok, Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

⸻

Resources

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

Trevor Project: 1-866-4-U-TREVOR

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE

Drug Abuse National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357

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

Family Violence Prevention Center: 1-800-313-1310

National Human Service Call Center: 2-1-1

On this episode, Alicia, Caroline, and Laurie sit with Jennifer Marie, founder of Jennspire and author of Ask Me Anything. Jennifer shares her journey of growing up in a Christian home, finding faith, and embracing her true identity as a trans woman—while navigating privilege, community, and resilience.

We discuss her career transition from sports marketing and financial services into coaching, where she now empowers trans people and their families to navigate their journeys with confidence and authenticity.

Together, we explore how Jennifer’s work—through Jennspire and her writing—creates space for compassion, understanding, and meaningful relationships, while offering real tools for those questioning gender identity or seeking to better understand trans experiences.

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Jennifer Marie grew up in a Christian home, became a Christian herself, and clung to her faith as she embraced her true identity. Unlike many in the LGBTQIA+ community, Jennifer was fortunate to receive tremendous support from her family and community—a privilege that many others don’t experience. She spent years struggling with her gender identity, but ultimately found peace in embracing her authentic self.

With over a decade of success in sports marketing and financial services, Jennifer transitioned to coaching and launched Jennspire in 2024. Through Jennspire, she empowers trans individuals and their families, helping them navigate their journeys with confidence and build meaningful, fulfilling relationships.

Jennifer is also the author of Ask Me Anything, a book that offers insights into gender identity, shares her own experiences, and encourages readers to embrace their authentic selves. Through her work, Jennifer aims to create a more understanding and compassionate world for those questioning their gender or seeking to understand trans experiences.

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About the Podcast

The Trans Narrative Podcast is a storytelling platform centering trans voices through authentic dialogue and lived experiences. With over 130 episodes across four seasons and listeners in 75 countries, the show creates space for guests to share their journeys, insights, and work—on their own terms.

“Make it real to me” written by Athena Promachus

Created and produced by Caroline Essence, powered by Spotify for Creator’s.

📧 transnarrativepodcast@gmail.com

💵 Support via CashApp: $gottabesomthinmore

Find us on Facebook, TikTok, Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

⸻

Resources

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

Trevor Project: 1-866-4-U-TREVOR

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE

Drug Abuse National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357

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

Family Violence Prevention Center: 1-800-313-1310

National Human Service Call Center: 2-1-1

On this episode, Caroline, Jordan, and Jenna are joined by Elena J. Nova (Ru$ted Electra) the reigning Mx Trans Oklahoma 2025. A former ballerina and musical theatre performer, they now merge ballet-inspired movement with androgynous fashion to create drag that is raw, emotional, and boundary-pushing.

Together, they explore Ru$ted’s path from the discipline of ballet to the fluidity of drag, and how their work as a performer, producer, and poet (Not an Apology and The Last Man on Earth) intersects with activism. From queer joy to chronic illness awareness to domestic violence prevention, their artistry becomes both personal expression and public platform.

This conversation is about embodiment, resilience, and reclaiming space. Ru$ted Electra invites us to consider how movement, creativity, and lived experience converge to shape identity, fuel connection, and spark collective liberation.

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Ru$ted Electra Bio

Elena J. Nova, also known as Ru$ted Electra is non binary, an author, poet, and activist from Memphis, TN, and the reigning Mx Trans Oklahoma 2025. A former ballerina and musical theatre performer, Elena now channels their artistry into writing and drag performance, blending ballet-inspired movement with androgynous fashion to create work that is visceral, emotive, and transformative. They are the author of two poetry collections, Not an Apology and The Last Man on Earth, and use their platform to advocate for queer joy, chronic illness awareness, and inclusive creative spaces. Through poetry, performance, and activism, Elena uplifts LGBTQ+ people, disabled individuals, and fellow artists, inviting audiences to explore identity, resilience, and authentic expression.

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About the Podcast

The Trans Narrative Podcast is a storytelling platform centering trans voices through authentic dialogue and lived experiences. With over 130 episodes across four seasons and listeners in 75 countries, the show creates space for guests to share their journeys, insights, and work—on their own terms.

“Make it real to me” written by Athena Promachus

Created and produced by Caroline Essence, powered by Spotify for Creator’s.

📧 transnarrativepodcast@gmail.com

💵 Support via CashApp: $gottabesomthinmore

Find us on Facebook, TikTok, Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

⸻

Resources

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

Trevor Project: 1-866-4-U-TREVOR

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE

Drug Abuse National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357

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

Family Violence Prevention Center: 1-800-313-1310

National Human Service Call Center: 2-1-1

On this episode, Athena, Caroline, and Rosie are joined by Ashley Wiggs, a science educator, former food scientist, mom, roller derby skater, and lifelong gamer. Polyamorous and married for 25 years, Ashley brings honesty and curiosity to everything she does, from the classroom to streaming to navigating identity in today’s climate.

Together, they explore Ashley’s journey as a transgender teacher in Florida, her shift from chemistry to education, and how fandoms, roller derby, and gaming fuel her sense of connection and joy. She opens up about navigating restrictive school policies, supporting LGBTQ+ students, and balancing resilience with authenticity in both career and relationships.

This conversation is about living authentically, embracing complexity, and holding onto passion in the face of adversity. Ashley highlights the intersections of science, identity, and community, reminding us that curiosity, creativity, and courage are powerful tools for growth, teaching, and navigating life.

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Ashley Wiggs Bio

Ashley Wiggs is a science educator and former food scientist whose career reflects a lifelong passion for discovery and learning. Polyamorous and married for 25 years, she embraces relationships built on honesty and authenticity while pursuing her work in education and streaming. A proud transgender woman, Ashley considers her identity an important but not defining aspect of her life. Raised in the Midwest in a family that ultimately accepted her as LGBT, she has carried that grounding into a career and personal life dedicated to curiosity, growth, and living fully.

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About the Podcast

The Trans Narrative Podcast is a storytelling platform centering trans voices through authentic dialogue and lived experiences. With over 130 episodes across four seasons and listeners in 75 countries, the show creates space for guests to share their journeys, insights, and work—on their own terms.

“Make it real to me” written by Athena Promachus

Created and produced by Caroline Penny, powered by Spotify for Creator’s.

📧 transnarrativepodcast@gmail.com

💵 Support via CashApp: $gottabesomthinmore

Find us on Facebook, TikTok, Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

⸻

Resources

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

Trevor Project: 1-866-4-U-TREVOR

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE

Drug Abuse National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357

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

Family Violence Prevention Center: 1-800-313-1310

National Human Service Call Center: 2-1-1