Drake and Kamrah are trans masculine belly dancers who are paving a new path forward in the world of belly dancing – one that is more inclusive and that honors the historical accommodation of men in this dance discipline. 

I’m talking to them about their origins in dance and their findings from research in this space. We’re also talking about some of the challenges that come from dealing with gender norms and expectations in dance, including how they deal with toxic masculinity on social media, or trans-exclusionary radical feminists, abbreviated as TERFS.

It’s a fabulous episode for anyone interested in making belly dancing more inclusive and for anyone from a traditionally underrepresented group in this space who is interested in jumping in and moving the environment forward towards a much richer and more supportive space. 

Resources

• Drake’s website: https://drakevontrapp.dance/

• Drake's instagram: @drake.vontrapp

• Kamrah https://tattooedbellydancer.com/

• Kamrah's instagram: @kamrahdancer

• Al's Instagram: ⁠@sexystacks⁠

• Pelvic Sanctuary website: ⁠https://www.pelvicsanctuary.org/⁠

• Pelvic Sanctuary on Instagram: ⁠@pelvicsanctuary⁠⁠

• Music by Celeste: ⁠@xceleste.xx⁠

Writer, actress and activist Mariah  Darling joins us to talk about her experience as a black trans woman, the layers of privilege and intersectionality that exist within this community, and her work to give trans and gender non-conforming communities a voice. Whether you’re trans or enby yourself and need guidance or resources in the LA area, or a healthcare provider looking to provide more inclusive services for your patients on the gender spectrum, you’ll be sure to find some practical pearls of wisdom in this episode. It’s a fun conversation that gave me a window into some key pioneers and figures in the trans community that inspire Mariah – and even hearing about Mariah’s work with the only unionized strippers in America itself is inspiring and shows just how far you can go when you have the self-confidence and drive to make a meaningful impact. 

Resources

• APAIT: https://www.apaitonline.org/casa-de-zulma/

• Los Angeles LGBT Center: https://lalgbtcenter.org/services/transgender-services/transgender-wellness-center/

• Latina Trans Coalition: https://www.translatinacoalition.org/

• Cal Fresh (food benefits California): https://www.cdss.ca.gov/calfresh

• Mariah’s TikTok: MariahDarling2020

• Mariah’s X (formerly Twitter): MariahDarling6

• Mariah’s Instagram: @mariahdarlingofficial

• Al's Instagram:⁠ ⁠@sexystacks⁠⁠

• Pelvic Sanctuary website: ⁠https://www.pelvicsanctuary.org/⁠

• Pelvic Sanctuary on Instagram: ⁠@pelvicsanctuary⁠⁠

• Music by Celeste: ⁠@xceleste.xx⁠

Dr. Alexandra Hill joins this episode to discuss inclusive and gender-affirming healthcare for trans and non-binary folks. We discuss the unique needs of trans and non-binary people beyond sexual health and how healthcare professionals can start providing care that is person-centered for this population. Dr. Hill even shares some practical tips and resources for both healthcare professionals and trans and enby folks.

Resources:

• Dr. Hill’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@oncopelvicpt

• Dr. Hill’s Instagram: @oncopelvicPT

• Dr. Hill’s website: https://www.oncopelvicpt.com/

• Al's Instagram: ⁠@sexystacks⁠

• Pelvic Sanctuary website: ⁠https://www.pelvicsanctuary.org/⁠

• Pelvic Sanctuary on Instagram: ⁠@pelvicsanctuary⁠⁠

Music by Celeste: ⁠@xceleste.xx⁠