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

Join trans elders Mardi P. and Lenny Z. as they bring nearly 100 years of collective lived experience to the table in this deeply personal episode. Recording from their favourite spot – the elder folx house.

This week, they're getting real about aging parents, health challenges, and the importance of self-care and boundaries. They dive into Canadian citizenship fast-tracking options for trans Americans seeking safety, celebrate the resilience of trans activism, and call out the privilege of older trans folks who've forgotten where they came from.

The hosts honour Marsha P. Johnson through composer Omar Thomas's beautiful instrumental piece "Mother of a Revolution", which was banned from a high school but found a home in a local church — a true testament to community resilience. They read heartfelt listener messages about transition fears, breast augmentation, and the courage it takes to start your journey later in life.

Most importantly, they shine a light on the devastating reality of trans violence, paying tribute to Juniper Blessing, a 19-year-old trans musician tragically murdered, while emphasising why healthcare access and community support for trans youth is literally a matter of life and death.

– This is a life lived trans

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Shownotes:

• Trans Kids Suicide Increase: https://goodlawproject.org/new-data-shows-surge-in-trans-kids-suicides-following-healthcare-rollbacks/

• Juniper Blessing: https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2026/05/new-details-in-juniper-blessing-he-stabbed-her-over-40-times-after-prowling-the-residence/

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

• Music by Omar Thomas, UGA Wind Ensemble, A Mother of A Revolution! : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6ieR-YZ4eY&list=RDR6ieR-YZ4eY&start_radio=1

• Performance of Wildflowers by Juniper Blessing and the NMMEA all state mixed chorus 2024: https://www.tiktok.com/@fire4452/video/7642131046204476703

On this episode of A Life Lived Trans, Alexandra Billings drops by in all her hilarious glory and discusses together with Mardi P. and Lenny Z., the need for connection and understanding between trans generations and the significance of sharing experiences of acceptance and resilience.

Show notes:

• Russo, Why We Fight (1988): https://youtu.be/C0Q8p0HCQEs?si=s4jJCAQbHyXcXYSO

• The AIDS Monument: https://aidsmonument.org/

We have had some family and personal health issues and were't able to record last week.

Pls enjoy this free video episode. Its one of our favourites that with did last year.

We will be back next week with a new episode full of the fabulous banter you have come to expect from us!