A Life Lived Trans - The testimony of two LGBTQ+ elders
A Life Lived Trans is hosted by Mardi P. and Lenny Z., two trans elders whose combined transitions span nearly a century. Each week they share personal stories and reflections on what it was like to transition in the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s. The podcast is a Zero Stress Production and offers additional content through Patreon. It also provides contact links and transgender resources in the show notes. Views expressed are the hosts' own and are not a substitute for professional care.
Episodes
Trans News That Doesn't Suck & Listeners Messages
Join in and listen to what it means to be trans, to grow older, and to keep showing up in a world that sometimes seems determined to make that difficult.
Say hello! - GMail: alifelivedtrans@gmail.com
Questions: alifelivedtrans@gmail.com
Linktree - https://linktr.ee/alifelivedtrans
Patreon - patreon.com/ALifeLivedTrans
A Zero Stress Production
Edited by: Niall Santo
**Views and opinions in thi
From FX’s Top Model to Becoming Your Damn Show: Artist Quei Tann & Life on Her Terms
Quei’s story moves from the brutal realities of chasing an acting career to a much more powerful idea: stop waiting for someone else to give you permission to become the artist you already are.
https://www.instagram.com/queitann
This, is a Life Lived Trans Podcast
Say hello! - GMail: alifelivedtrans@gmail.com
This is A Life Lived Trans!
Questions: alifelivedtrans@gmail.com
Linktree - https://
ALLT - Bears, Boners & Trans Elders
In this weeks episode we discuss how far gender-affirming medicine has come—to hilarious but surprisingly poignant stories about the "dark ages" of trans surgery.
We have our regular rapid-fire trans-news-and-chaos segment highlighting some of the fabulous things going on in our Community and catch up on our hosts current literary and music projects.
Ending the show reading some recent podcast re
Doom Scrolls, Trans Elders & Other Ways to Lose Your Mind
At its heart, this is an episode about protecting your attention, finding balance, honoring the people who helped you survive, and making room for hope in a chaotic world.
Say hello! - GMail: alifelivedtrans@gmail.com
This is A Life Lived Trans!
Questions: alifelivedtrans@gmail.com
Linktree - https://linktr.ee/alifelivedtrans
Patreon - patreon.com/ALifeLivedTrans
A Zero Stress Production
**Vi
ALLT - Prostates for Everyone!
Mardi and Lenny are firmly back in the Pod-saddle again—and ready to counter all the doom and gloom with a little laughter, gratitude, and good news.
While imagining a future trans renaissance the conversation gets personal and hilarious as the hosts share awkward trans moments, relationship lessons, medical-system absurdities, and stories from their combined Centenary of lived experience.
They
ALLT S04E01 - We Were Trans Before The Internet
They're Baaaack!
Season 4 opens with Mardi and Lenny catching up after the summer and sending some lovin to our listeners.
They reflect on the work of making the show, Mardi’s upcoming memoir, aging, self-care, and the importance of listening to your body.
Diving into the latest hot topics, anti-trans politics, military restrictions, media representation, and the suppression of trans voices with
S03E17 – Before They Knew Our Names
In this episode of A Life Lived Trans, Mardi P. and Lenny Z. sit down with activist Shannon Axe for a candid, heartfelt, and often funny conversation about growing up as a transgender child long before most people had even heard the term. Shannon shares stories from her childhood in Colorado, coming out at age seven, and finding herself at the center of a national media storm simply for wanting to
S03E16 – Pride, Prejudice, and a Tony Award
In this episode of "A Life Lived Trans," hosts MahD and Lenny Z celebrate a historic moment as Qween Jean becomes the first trans woman to win a Tony Award for costume design. The episode is filled with discussions on Pride Month, the importance of trans visibility, and the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights. The hosts share personal stories, including Mardi's last Pride Parade experience and the imp
ALLT S03E15 - More Than Ever Pride Is A Protest
Most people believe Pride is just a celebration, but for many, and Today more than ever, it’s a Protest! A powerful act of resistance and affirmation—especially in places where being queer or trans still faces fierce opposition.
In this heartfelt episode our hosts Mardi and Lenny share raw, inspiring stories from their journeys—navigating love, politics, and community acceptance in a world still
S03E14 – Wall Street Trans Barbie Meets Her Match (Spoiler: It's Mardi P.)
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
ALLT S03E13 – Fighting for Trans Youth's Right to Exist
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 Amer
REPLAY - Bridging generations even when they tell you to shut up. W/ The Alexandra Billings!
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:
S03E12 Pick me gays vs. the crows have eyes
Season three, episode 12 of A Life Lived Trans opens with hosts Mardi P. and Lenny Z. checking in personally before diving into a packed agenda. Lenny shares that he's navigating some difficult family struggles, which leads to a warm exchange about the complexity of family relationships for trans people — estrangement, boundaries, and the particular pain of having unsupportive family members, incl
ALLT: S03E11 Passports, Patriarchy & Genital Operators
Mardi and Lenny open the episode with their signature irreverent energy, welcoming new Patreon supporters and giving a shoutout to their editor "Sparkly Fairy" for elevating the show's production quality.
They reflect on why they started the podcast — to counter the false narrative that trans people are a recent phenomenon — sharing how both men and women transitioned in the 1970s and have watche
Beyond Borders: One Trans Man's Journey to Safety, Self, and Belonging
In this deeply moving episode, hosts MahD and Lenny Z sit down with guest Justin A. for an intimate and wide-ranging conversation about life, identity, and resilience. Justin opens up about his personal journey of self-discovery and acceptance — a path marked by courage, reflection, and an unwavering sense of self.
The conversation takes an honest look at the realities many trans individuals face
ALLT S03E09: Our Trans Boots On The Ground Capital Hill Report, Threads "Final Boss of Trans People" Contest and Trans Elder Babble
Honey, pull up a chair — this one has got everything: psychiatry, policy and community celebration.
Between them, Mardi and Lenny carry nearly a hundred years of a life lived trans – through the decades when there were no words for it and no roadmaps. Just persistence, instinct and an absolute refusal to disappear.
This episode opens with a listener message from a mother navigating her four-year-o
ALLT S03E08: "Glitter, Guts & Grey Hair: 50 Years of Not Shutting Up”
In this provocative episode, Mardi and Lenny peel back the layers of the current political landscape, from Minnesota’s legal battles to global efforts to erase trans identities.
They share candid stories from recent activist efforts in Kelowna and reflect on their decades of experience living through transformative times in the trans community.
Discover how undercover agendas, media manipulati
ALLT S03E07 - Honey, We Need to Talk — And Then Transition
In this episode of A Life Lived Trans, hosts Mardi P. and Lenny Z. welcome internet sensations Shay and Amanda Scott — a couple whose love story began in a tight-knit Mormon community, wound through decades of friendship and faith, and ultimately blossomed into something beautifully unexpected. Shay came out to Amanda as transgender about seven years ago, and the two navigated that journey togethe
ALLT S03E06: "Who's Afraid of the Gender Spectrum? (Spoiler: People With the Most to Lose)”
In this episode we dive into the complexities of gender identity and the freedom that comes with embracing fluidity over binary thinking. Drawing on candid personal stories and sharp cultural commentary, we explore how fear of losing privilege drives societal backlash against inclusion — and why the push for acceptance is inseparable from the pursuit of authenticity. We talk about the recent groun
ALLT S03E05: Love First Not Fear First — A Conversation About What It Really Means to Support a Trans Child
In this episode Mardi and Lenny explore the trans experience from a parental perspective with Joy and Diana from the Transparently Speaking podcast. These parents stories are filled with strength, unconditional love and the lengths we have to go through in today’s America. This generational discussion of trans childhood history is a required listen.
Links:
Transparently Speaking podcast: https://t
A Life Lived Trans | S03E04 "Trans Joy: Lions, Bras, and Kansas Laws"
In this episode Mardi P. and Lenny Z. begin with a guided breathing before diving into current events affecting the trans community. They recommend alternative news sources in light of mainstream media's decline, call out widespread shadow-banning of queer content on social media, and revisit the Kansas driver's license law. They also call out Lyft's "trans joy" discount as performative rainbow ca
ALLT S03E03: Dorothy, the Birkin Bag, and the Kansas ID Crisis
In Episode 3 of Season 3 of A Life Live Trans, we kick things off with Wizard of Oz banter before diving into the big topics of the day. Our main focus is the alarming (but potentially overhyped) news about Kansas attempting to invalidate transgender people's IDs and driver's licenses. Drawing on a community contact in Texas, we find out Kansas has tried and failed to enforce similar legislation b
ALLT S03E02 “We’ve Had It: Tropes, Tears & Trans Joy”
In this lively episode of A Life Lived Trans, Mardi and Lenny—self-declared trans elders with nearly a century of combined wisdom—tackle the “trans tropes” that make their eyeballs roll clear out of their heads. With sharp wit and plenty of sidebars, they call out myths like “trans people are mentally unstable,” the backhanded compliment of “I never would have known,” and the rigid gender rules th
ALLT - S03E01: Still Standing Still Trans-itioning: Resilience, Rage & Ridiculousness
Mardi and Lenny open up about their journeys through aging, health scares, and the ongoing fight for visibility, sharing stories that will inspire you to stand tall despite the chaos.
Unlock the surprising truth behind how resilience, humor, and authenticity can transform the challenges of the trans community into powerful stories of hope. When facing societal intolerance, personal health crises,
ALLT S02E19: The Long Exhale: Grace Under Trans-ition
Staying centered isn’t about escaping life—it’s about knowing what to do when one of your wheels comes flying off at 60 miles an hour. It’s about meeting life exactly where you are, breath by breath. This short pre-break episode is a grounded, heartfelt exploration of mindfulness and meditation as lived practices. We try to use humor, honesty, and hard-earned insight as trans elders to demonstrate
ALLT S02E18: Political Pick-Me’s & Yoga Granny Tata's
From 70s transitions to "yoga granny tata’s ," trans elders Mardi P. and Lenny Z. have seen it all—and their eyeballs actually ache from the view. This week, the duo tackles "political pick-me's," the anatomy of Quebec’s prison laws, and why you should never get breast implants. It’s raw, it’s radical, and it’s served with a side of Annie Sprinkle-inspired glitter.
If you think the world is going
ALLT S02E17: Interconnected Healing: Embracing Nature and Community
Join Lenny Z and MahD as they delve into the profound connections between nature, community, and personal healing. In this episode, they discuss the wisdom of indigenous cultures, the sentience of plants, and the transformative power of meditation. Tune in for a journey through the ancient rainforests of Vancouver Island and discover how embracing interconnectedness can lead to resilience and peac
ALLT - S02E16: Toxic Inclusivity & Glory Hole Tea Room History
Is Toxic Inclusivity really a thing? Or is it just more "pick me" fodder?
Lenny and Mardi go deep into the fear sweeping the trans community triggered by some current viral events caught on tape at several Planet Fitness locations.
Digging into LGBT history they discuss how being marginalized has left us to connect in unsafe places. Has this suppression by society continued to stunt us in acting o
ALLT S02E15: Trans Healthcare From Cradle To Grave
What a journey it has been to navigate healthcare for Lenny and Mardi thru these last, almost 100 collective years!
Lenny talks about meeting progressive doctors in the 1970s, while Mardi's shares surviving the more common and dangerous DIY journey of the streets for transition needs.
They also discuss ageing and trans healthcare and how they are still teaching the medical establishment because no
ALLT S02E14: Flooding the Zone to Combat the Flood of Misinformation / An impromptu BTS with Mardi & Lenny
In this shorter holiday episode Lenny and Mardi discuss the importance of sharing personal stories to combat misinformation and the documented tactics used by anti-trans groups.
Through humor and candid reflections, they highlight the ongoing struggle for acceptance and understanding in society.
If you are not a Patreon member watching the video episode, Mardi is giving exhausted Greek tycoon wid
ALLT S02E12: The Challenges & Joys of the Holiday Season
Join us this holiday week for some heartfelt stories, insights and knee slapping ha ha that would make any Grinch’s frown turn upside down.
We also talk about how to navigate unsupportive family at this time of year and make a call-out for greater understanding and inclusion of trans voices in the media.
Remember you can email us at lifelivedtrans@gmail.com and send us questions, admirations, upc
ALLT S02E11 - Shadow-banned Healthcare & Representation from Cradle to Grave
Just days out of surgery Lenny still shows up to tape an episode with Mardi for you all. Naturally the conversation veers into the daunting, almost 100 years of navigating, healthcare between us.
The last 15 minutes Mardi, who is very disheartened, goes off, like really off, about young Trans creators who are not walking their talk in supporting trans elders and how being shadow banned from soc
ALLT S02E10 - Beef's & Bouquets, Trans Medicalism & other Hot Topics
Mardi & Lenny reveal some of the things that has been bothering them, (Beefs). Mardi’s was sparked by a back and forth since deleted post by Indya Moore who Mardi had no idea it was. They did end up finding common ground.
Written online discourse is so dicey and lacks nuance for topics that need to be discussed in real time to paraphrase boots the house so you know each other are talking about
ALLT S02E09: Bridging generations even when they tell you to shut up. With our guest The Alexandra Billings!
On this episode of A Life Lived Trans Alexandra Billings drops by in all her hilarious glory and we discuss the need for connection and understanding between trans generations and the significance of sharing experiences of acceptance and resilience.
Vito Russo - "Why We Fight" (1988) - YouTube
https://youtu.be/C0Q8p0HCQEs?si=s4jJCAQbHyXcXYSO
STORIES: The AIDS Monument
https://aidsmonument.org/
ALLT S02e08 - Transphobia’s Silver Lining: The truth and knowledge that comes from dismantling it
In this episode of "A Life Lived Trans," hosts MahD and Lenny Z delve into the complexities of transphobia while highlighting the silver linings that can be found amidst the challenges. They discuss personal experiences and societal changes, emphasizing the importance of resilience and hope. The conversation touches on the progress made in trans visibility and rights, the role of allies, and the p
ALLT S02E07 - Intergenerational trans experiences with guest Vivian Wilson
On this week’s episode Mardi and Lenny are thrilled to be joined by the rising supermodel and youthful trans-advocate Vivian Jenna Wilson. They all share their stories of lives lived trans, and Vivian details her egg being cracked (beginning of her trans journey), what it was like to transition as a freshman in high school, peer support, as well as her takes on toxic masculinity, Zhoran Mamdani, t
ALLT S02E06 - Transitioning in later life. The suffering and transphobia around it. With guest Regina Weldert
In this episode of the Life Lived Trans podcast, hosts Mardi and Lenny welcome Regina, who shares her brave journey of transitioning the day she retired at 65, 10 years ago.
Living in a very conservative rural community Regina recounts her experiences of acceptance in her community, the significance of being true to oneself and the importance of queer community support and networking.
We discuss
ALLT S02E05 - Halloween. The Trans Gateway & Superpower
In this episode, we explore the significance of Halloween as a time for self-expression and authenticity, particularly within the transgender community.
We discuss our first experiences dressing up, the evolution of gender expression, and the societal norms that impact identity.
The conversation highlights the importance of visibility and representation for trans individuals, as well as the ongoi
ALLT S02E04 - The Awkward Beginner Trans Phase - We All get one
The hard truths and surprising joys about our awkward baby tra**y phase — while diving into what it really means to live authentically in a world that loves us to live in a box.
Expect laughter, honesty, a few rants, and plenty of love as we explore the mess, magic, and milestones of being trans. Whether you're deep in your own journey or just trying to understand someone else's, this episode is h
ALLT S02E03: Digging into our DMs - The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
We go deep into the DM’s and discuss handling trolls, being spooked and ashamed when clocked with other trans friends and those nasty hormones when they’re not moaning and a whole lot of other things!
ALLT S02E02 - Addressing your inner child
"My Inner child"was a cockroach" (Mah D) -On today's episode your buoyant hosts discuss inner child work, childhood memories, and healing those parts of oneself that often remain unaddressed. Let us know in the chat how you nurture and support your inner child.
ALLT S02E01 Where is the Trans Community? Parasocial vs IRL
On this week’s episode, Mardi and Lenny discuss the challenges of finding trans community in real life and is it as rich to have parasocial connections via the space machines
ALLT 15: [Minisode] Summer Holidays
Hello and THANK YOU for joining us over the last 14 episodes! We have paused billing on here and will be taking a little break before we return in September with Season 2!
Listen to our little check in, explaining our thoughts, and letting you know when you can expect us back!
All our love, and see you in the fall! 💕
Follow your hosts Mardi & Lenny!
ALLT 14: "The reason we're sitting here is because we were damn lucky" w/ Alexandra Billings
This weeks free episode has us joined in the studio by Actress, Singer, Teacher, and Transsexual ICON Alexandra Billings!
We get stuck into the journeys we all took in our life lived trans experiences, explore how the world has changed, get a whole load of wisdom and express gratitude for the luck we were afforded to be sat here recording this podcast for you today.
Expect a bold insight into the
P* ALLT 13: Aging Whilst Trans
Put the coffee on and grab yourselves a cookie cause our hosts with the most are talking all about their old aged pensioner tea being valid, and diving into everything that comes with aging whilst trans!
This is a free preview, if you want to hear the full episode then you'll want to head over to our Patreon!
From changing your hormone regime, to dilating that neo puzzaayy in retirement, this wee
P* ALLT 12: TRANScending trauma with healing modalities
Howdy y'all it's tr**ny tuesday so we're here with another beautiful episode of A Life Lived Trans! The ONLY podcast with two aged transsexuals who have certainly seen it all before!
This is a free preview, if you want to hear the full episode then you'll want to head over to our Patreon!
This week we're talking about TRANScending trauma with healing modalities and that extensively ponsy name hop
P* ALLT 11: Doll My Relations (Action Figures included)
Hello and WELCOME to A Life Lived Trans!
This is a free preview, if you want to hear the full episode then you'll want to head over to our Patreon!
Dating can be hard when you're a doll or an action man, from navigating different issues, working with different parts, or just having to content with the complex emotions that often arise, and difficult conversations!
This week we're talking all abou
P* ALLT 10: Trans Healthcare Through The Decades
Happy Tuesday!
This week we're talking about healthcare, from Doctor Longjohn, and freezers full of horse piss through to trying to get healthcare as a trans elder and the perpetual cycle of explaining yourself to doctors in a way that a three year old would understand.
With healthcare coming under attack from reactionaries at the moment, it's good to remember that trans healthcare is not experime
ALLT 9: TRANSferable skills
Good morning working divas, working dolls, and working action men!
This week we're talking about SURVIVAL WORK, that's right expect a no-holds-barred discussion about the not so beautiful world of working the stroll and making your bag, yes gawd.
What we have have to do to survive our life lived trans experience, is sometimes not a beautiful and wonderful experience, but it's our history, and for
P* ALLT 8: How do you make a hormone?
You don't pay her!
This weeks episode is a PAID episode, meaning unelss you are listening on our Patreon you will only be hearing the first 10 minutes of our 45 minute long conversation! Head over there to get the full tea, or even see our beautiful faces on video!
In this episode we're talking about hormones, not the oldest profession, but the things that pump through our bodies and determine
P* ALLT 7: Y’all better find your Pride (and check your Prejudice)
Y'all better quiet down!!!!
This weeks episode is a PAID episode, meaning unelss you are listening on our Patreon you will only be hearing the first 10 minutes of our 45 minute long conversation! Head over there to get the full tea, or even see our beautiful faces on video!
In this episode we're talking Pride and Prejudice, no not the book, but the experience of pride throughout our trans histor
P* ALLT 6: Transsexuals With Space Machines
This weeks episode is a PAID episode, meaning unelss you are listening on our Patreon you will only be hearing the first 10 minutes of our 45 minute long conversation! Head over there to get the full tea, or even see our beautiful faces on video!
In this episode Mardi brags about her famous friends, Lenny and Mardi discuss what it’s like to exist as a trans elder on social media and how they cop
ALLT 5: Her cl1toris just fell off in 1984, right!
HELLO: and welcome to A Life Lived Trans, with your hosts, Mardi & Lenny!
In this FREE episode (only the first episode of each month is free going forward!) we're slicing AND dicing, and talking all about gender affirming surgeries, or as we called them in our day... SEX CHANGE SURGERIES. From clitoroplasties that don't take, if trans men or trans women have it better, to crusty capsules g
ALLT 4: Old tr@nnies from Davie
HELLO: and welcome to A Life Lived Trans, with your hosts, Mardi & Lenny!
In this FREE episode we dive into everything mothers (because we recorded this episode on Mother's Day) and the things we do for them, from wearing dresses when you've transitioned into being a man, to balancing books on your head and mincing around the room. We also talk about the emotional response Mardi had after
ALLT 3: Read about Christine Jorgensen and all that s**t
HELLO: and welcome to A Life Lived Trans, with your hosts, Mardi & Lenny!
In this FREE episode we dive into how we came to learn we were trans, reading about the magical transition of Christine Jorgensen in gossip magazines! We talk about what binds us together, and how despite growing up in different countries and travelling in different directions our stories are eerily similar! Mardi al
ALLT 2: Everybody has their Davie Street
HELLO: and welcome to A Life Lived Trans, with your hosts, Mardi & Lenny!
In this FREE episode we introduce ourselves and give a little bit of background into our life stories, and what you can expect from A Life Lived Trans! We talk about our journeys, why we are starting this podcast, and touch on the anxiety that comes with being out and trans in 2025.
We hope you enjoy this episode, a
ALLT 1: The Harry Benjamin Standards Of Crud
HELLO: and welcome to A Life Lived Trans, with your hosts, Mardi & Lenny!
In this FREE episode we introduce ourselves and give a little bit of background into our life stories, and what you can expect from A Life Lived Trans! We talk about our journeys, why we are starting this podcast, and touch on the anxiety that comes with being out and trans in 2025.
We hope you enjoy this episode, a
Introducing: A Life Lived Trans podcast
Coming to you Tuesday 4/29: A Life Lived Trans podcast. Your Hosts Lenny Zenith and Mardi Pantz. Two trans elders in their 60s, bring you decades of wisdom and survival stories for today's trans people. Our first four episodes will be free in full, future episodes will be published in full on our A Life Lived Trans Patreon page. The first episode of each month will be published to our feed in full
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