Mardi and Lenny, two trans elders carrying over a century of lived experience, open their hearts about the realities facing the trans community today.

The episode centers on the devastating violence claiming trans lives. Trans women of color face the most brutal violence, often from intimate partners. They honor Erica Caldwell, Aliana Royal Bechdel, Devonta Curtis, and Shael Diamond Sanchez McCrae—women whose stories deserve to be told. The hosts raise awareness about systemic violence rooted in intersecting racism and transphobia.

Some A Life Lived Trans social media drama happened when a viral clip posted from our last episode sparked heated conversations online when Alexandra Billings discussed how trans men often experience different passing dynamics. Further down the algorithm, Mardi responded with a video critiquing rapid transitions and punching down at others in the community. The exchange generated thousands of comments, teaching Martdi that viral moments create conversations far beyond her original intention.

Throughout the episode, Mardi and Lenny explore how survival alone leaves people miserable – thriving requires joy, community, and growth. They acknowledge their own privilege while calling for collective liberation across all marginalized communities.

Their core message: stay authentic, support one another, engage respectfully to educate, and remember that trans elders continue learning too.

– This is A Life Lived Trans.

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Shownotes:

Trans Women of Color Collective: https://twocc.org/

RIP Davonta Curtis: https://www.them.us/story/black-trans-woman-davonta-curtis-killed-in-her-chicago-apartment

RIP Aleanna Royal Bechdel: https://www.pghlesbian.com/2026/04/black-trans-woman-aleanna-royal-bechdel-fatally-stabbed-in-new-york-state/

RIP Eryka Caldwell: https://www.them.us/story/trans-woman-eryka-caldwell-fatally-stabbed-in-bushwick-brooklyn

RIP Danielle Spillman: https://www.them.us/story/dannielle-spillman-san-francisco-trans-woman-run-over-killed

RIP Luca RedBeard: https://www.them.us/story/lucas-redbeard-knapp-killing-new-mexico