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

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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

On this episode, Caroline, Honey, and guest cohost MOTH MOTH MOTH join together to meet Eve Keller. Eve Keller is the Co-President of USA Prides, an InterPride Board Member, longtime Indy Pride volunteer and former VP, FEMA Reservist, and LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance Chapter President in Indianapolis. She brings decades of experience in advocacy, organizational leadership, and uplifting queer communities—especially during turbulent times for Pride.

Together, we explore Eve’s early life growing up as a military “brat”, how constant movement shaped her resilience, and her journey from instructional design and corporate leadership into LGBTQ+ activism. We dive deep into her work on community centers, rural organizing, and her path to leadership in both local and national Pride organizations.

As the conversation unfolds, we confront the challenges facing Pride in today’s political climate—corporate pullouts, rising hostility in red states, and the urgent need for inclusive leadership. Eve opens up about navigating gatekeeping within Pride committees, centering trans and nonbinary voices, and what it truly means to build a Pride that’s for all. With heartfelt reflections, actionable insights, and a call to protect our joy, this episode invites listeners into the heart of the queer movement and the fight to keep it alive.

“Eve Keller (she/her) is a nationally recognized LGBTQIA+ advocate, community leader, and organizer who currently serves as Co-President of USA Prides, where she helps support and uplift Pride organizations across the country. She also sits on the InterPride board, contributing to global conversations around LGBTQIA+ visibility, equity, and community empowerment. Eve has been a dedicated volunteer with Indy Pride, previously serving two years as Vice President, and continues to play a vital role in organizing Pride festivals, events, protests, and educational programming that reflect the diversity and resilience of queer communities.

Beyond her advocacy work, Eve brings over a decade of experience in instructional design, project management, and strategic leadership, having led high-impact initiatives across federal, state, and local sectors. She is PMP-certified and currently works in real estate as an Indianapolis Realtor and Chapter President of The LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance, while also serving as a FEMA Reservist and insurance broker.

Eve’s life and work are deeply rooted in building inclusive systems, strengthening grassroots movements, and ensuring that Pride remains a space for joy, resistance, and transformation—especially in communities facing increasing political and economic pressure.”

**

“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