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

On this episode, Athena and Caroline have the pleasure of sitting down with Jordan Braxton as they explore Jordan’s extraordinary journey of self-discovery, activism, and community leadership. Jordan shares her life story beginning in Kansas City, reflecting on the experiences that shaped her identity as a proud trans woman and intersex individual.

Through vulnerability, laughter, and wisdom, Jordan speaks to the importance of embracing authenticity, surviving systemic challenges, and leading with heart and purpose across multiple generations of LGBTQIA+ advocacy.

Together, they delve into Jordan’s decades of work in HIV prevention, her leadership roles in St. Louis’s Pride organizations, and the founding of the historic Transgender Memorial Garden. Jordan also shares insights from her performance career as Dieta Pepsi, where art, joy, and activism intersect to uplift and fund vital community programs. The conversation expands into the ongoing fight for sexual health education, the crucial role of trans voices in legislation, and the powerful coalitions Jordan is building across Missouri to ensure HIV prevention, care, and trans rights remain at the forefront.

“Jordan Braxton has been an activist in the St. Louis LGBTQIA+ community for nearly 40 years, raising awareness about HIV/AIDS, Intersex, and Trans Rights. She serves as Director of Diversity, Inclusion, and Outreach for Pride St. Louis, Vice President of St. Louis Black Pride and Transparent, and Chair of the City of St. Louis Mayor’s LGBTQIA+ Advisory Board. Jordan is also a Co-chair of the Minority AIDS Initiative Committee and a member of the Metro St. Louis HIV Health Services Planning Council. She currently works at Vivent Health as a Prevention Supervisor, overseeing Project Impact and Ending the Epidemic grants. Jordan is the Chair of the Transgender/Gender Diverse Workgroup for Missouri’s Comprehensive Planning Group. Beyond advocacy, she is beloved for her performance as Dieta Pepsi, through which she has raised funds for organizations like Doorways, Food Outreach, and Metro Trans Umbrella Group. Jordan is also the founder of the Transgender Memorial Garden—the first memorial garden dedicated to transgender people in the United States.”

**

“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

On this episode, Caroline, Skye, and returning as guest cohost Torin Reilly Bowen meet with Lee Beineke to talk about authenticity, identity, and the journey of becoming. A dedicated special education assistant from Indiana, Lee opens up about his path from the fast food industry to the classroom, and the transformative years that followed. He shares with honesty and warmth the milestones of his transition—his marriage to his wife Jenny, his name change, and bottom surgery—all of which shaped his understanding of living a full, true life. Together, the group reflects on how the Trans Narrative Podcast itself has evolved, and how storytelling can illuminate the often-overlooked experiences within the LGBTQ+ community.

Religious trauma, community support, and chosen family are central themes in this candid and heartfelt conversation. Lee and Torin reflect on their Southern Baptist upbringings and the spiritual harm they endured, contrasting those experiences with the joy of finding inclusive spaces later in life. Skye brings in her own interfaith experience, weaving in stories of joyfully sharing queer representation with children in her Unitarian Universalist congregation. Throughout the episode, the hosts and guest uplift the value of safe adults, mentorship, and community infrastructure—especially for trans youth navigating complex environments.

From classroom advocacy to Big Brother mentorship, Lee offers a glimpse into what trans joy and quiet resilience can look like. He speaks about becoming a safe space for students, the importance of showing up with kindness, and the power of simply being visible. With deeply personal insights and practical advice, this episode serves as both a window into Lee’s world and a mirror for listeners navigating their own paths. The conversation ends with a powerful call to action: to be “that one person” for someone else, offering encouragement, compassion, and unwavering support.

“Lee Beineke is a dedicated Special Education Assistant with a passion for helping students reach their full potential. His journey to this career was shaped by resilience, self-discovery, and a deep commitment to making a difference.

Born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Lee navigated the challenges of self-acceptance before fully embracing his identity as a transgender man. With the unwavering support of his wife, he found the confidence to live authentically. His personal journey has strengthened his ability to connect with and support students, fostering an inclusive and understanding learning environment.

Starting his career in the fast food industry, Lee eventually pursued his lifelong dream of working in education. Now, in his role as a Special Education Assistant, he is dedicated to empowering students and creating a positive impact in their lives. Happily married since 2019, he continues to follow his passion, living a life rooted in authenticity, purpose, and compassion.”

**

“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