Trans Histories Lab

Bridgeford talks about challenging societal norms and embracing their authentic gender expression while navigating leadership roles with courage and authenticity, advocating for grassroots activism against gentrification, and envisioning a future where communities are empowered to realize their potential while promoting peace of mind and individual well-being.

In an interview with Jamie Grace Alexander, Roxanne Raven Storm, also known as Roxie, discusses her multifaceted identity as an artist, musician, writer, radical activist, and witch, reflecting on her role models like Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P. Johnson, her experiences in Baltimore’s LGBTQ+ spaces, and her music that blends doom metal, punk, and goth with political and personal themes.

Tyler Vile, a trans activist and founding member of the Hinenu synagogue in Baltimore, discusses the intersections of their queer, Jewish, and disabled identities, the inclusive community dynamics of Hinenu, their personal gender identity journey, and their advocacy for accessibility, emphasizing the empowerment of marginalized groups and the impact of collective action.

Mickey Dehn, a professor of biology and trans man, shares his evolving identity journey from lesbian to queer to gay, his FTM transition and involvement in Baltimore’s drag king scene, the challenges of medical transition, and his deep engagement with the local artistic community through organizing events like Small Foods.

Shawna Alexander details her experiences in the entertainment industry, her journey as a trans woman, insights into her personality, and her advice for younger individuals. Shawna also shares insights into her personality, discussing how performing helps her escape from herself and expressing her desire for younger people to connect with older individuals to learn from their experiences. The interview captures Shawna’s humor, resilience, and passion for her craft.

In an interview with Jamie Grace Alexander, Vann Michael Millhouse reflects on his transgender identity, emphasizing the importance of understanding one’s social background, navigating healthcare challenges, advocating for visibility and representation, and finding acceptance and guidance within LGBTQ+ spaces in Baltimore.

Rose Buttress discusses her advocacy work, transition experiences, and aspirations for a trans lingerie project, while reflecting on the challenges of finding language for trans experiences, the importance of community and mentorship, and her vision for a future where trans individuals improve their quality of life through practical skills and institutions.

In a conversation with Rahne Alexander, Teresa Palomar recounts her life experiences including a teaching career spanning 35 years in Baltimore, her social transition in the 1980s, her involvement in the trans communities of Baltimore and New Mexico, and reflections on societal shifts towards transgender acceptance.

Ian Gilmore discusses his 20-year transition journey with Rahne Alexander, reflecting on his move from Georgia to Baltimore for its vibrant LGBTQ+ community, founding the Baltimore Transmasculine Alliance, the impact of gentrification on local LGBTQ+ spaces, his medical and personal transition milestones, and the evolving understanding of gender identity.

Jamie Grace Alexander and Rahne Alexander delve into feminist activism while reflecting on Rahne’s transition journey, her curatorial work, and her band, the Degenerettes. Their conversation underscores the importance of inclusivity within feminist spaces and Rahne’s role in shaping Baltimore’s music scene.

Monica Yorkman, a great-grandmother and activist, discusses her journey of self-discovery, resilience, and advocacy, emphasizing the importance of family support, her leadership in founding organizations like Sistas of the “T” and Baltimore Trans Alliance, and her commitment to educating her community and fostering their achievements.

Ken Jiretsu explains how he found out about Hearts and Ears, an LGBTQIA+ wellness and recovery center, and how he first came to them as a member of their peer support group while he was transitioning and then started volunteering and working with them and other LGBTQIA+ community organizations.

Brother Merrick Moses talks about growing up in New York City and the confluence of factors that caused him to go to college at Morgan State University in Baltimore, where he has now established his life and career. He reflects on his personal journeys with Buddhism and Catholicism, and on the intersections of Blackness, religion and spirituality, and LGBTQIA+ identities.

Lisa Jones, aka Freedom Jones, is a queer, black, and nonbinary activist, artist, and community leader living in the Baltimore area. In this interview, Freedom talks about their introduction to reform and activism, their name change, their rejection of the gender binary, the concept of “transformation,” their queerness, and their understanding of the politics of love. They also discuss their participation in Baltimore’s violence prevention initiatives.

Dr. Neira discusses her experience in the navy and her work as a nurse and lawyer. After graduating with distinction from the United States Naval Academy in 1985, Paula was a regular and reserve surface warfare officer. In November 2016, she was named as the interim clinical program director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Transgender Health. Paula discusses her relationship with her family and her experiences growing up in New Jersey, her gender transition, and her experience coming out as a transgender woman to her mother.

Taylor Cormon Foster, a black, genderqueer and non-binary Baltimore native. shares stories about meaningful relationships, spaces, and organizations in Baltimore that have empowered them to live authentically. They discuss how drag has become a central aspect of their life. Taylor also discusses their activism via social media platforms.

Jenkins discusses her rich experience as an activist and a lawyer working for trans rights in Baltimore. She centers her story around the 2015 Baltimore Uprising, discussing the uprising itself and its impact on black queer and trans communities in Baltimore. She ends on a note of hope for a joyful and just future.

Vile shares her personal history living in Baltimore and how it awakened her sense of social and political justice. She talks about how she experienced the 2015 Baltimore Uprising and describes her work with the Baltimore Transgender Alliance, which was formed in the aftermath of the Uprising, and explains how her trans, Jewish, and disabled identities have shaped her activism.

Keyanna speaks about her experiences with foster care, sex work, and the ballroom scene. She talks about the intergenerational ties and support networks in LGBTQ and trans communities, and the ways they have shaped her life. She discusses her experiences being diagnosed with HIV as a teenager, moving to the Baltimore, her current activism, and her hopes for the future.

Jamie Grace Alexander shares her thoughts about queer culture, liminal spaces, and a “soft power” that is specifically femme. She talks about how she identifies with queerness and transness in the context of Baltimore and how queerness grows horizontally as a culture.