Ep. #79: Celebrating Our Transgender & Gender Non-Conforming Community

In recognition of International Transgender Day of Visibility last week, Robin dedicated this week’s podcast episode of “Coming Out Late” entirely for the purposes of exploring what “identity” and “representation” looks like through the lens of gender non-conforming and transfeminine artist/poet/performer/activist - ALOK.In this episode you will … be exposed to the work ‘spoken’ word of ALOK, a gender non-conforming, transfeminine artist, poet, and activist.Learn how ALOK dealt with childhood bullying and racism..How ALOK used poetry and style to interrupt other peoples’ assumptions, challenge shame, and declare themself on their own terms..Alok's performance style is known for their stream of consciousness. They are also known for soundscapes, political comedy, and quite the emotional range.For Alok, performance is about world-making; making worlds where the audience can relate to one another with "a commitment to vulnerability, play, interdependence, and magic". —ALOKAlok is committed to challenging what they call "the international crisis of loneliness" by creating public spaces for processing pain and establishing meaningful connections. This work includes re-imagining a conduit for intimacy.They challenge Western rationalism and an emphasis on reductive categories and instead insist on the complexity and enormity of everyone and everything.They challenge Western rationalism and an emphasis on reductive categories and instead insist on the complexity and enormity of everyone and everything.The fact that even though gender non-conforming people are the most visible in public, they still remain the most neglected by the mainstream LGBT movement.“...why so many mistake injury as identity; calcified grief as a personality; and pain as a virtue.”  —ALOKWanna support our “Coming Out Late” podcast? Then please consider buying Robin a “virtual” coffee as a sign of your appreciation. Simply go to: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RobinDouglassLinks to resources:ONE-on-ONE PRIVATE COACHING w/ROBIN DOUGLASSThere is nothing like the comforting effects of two late bloomers talking about the process and journey of coming out later in life together; especially when one of them is a “been there, done that” Coming Out Late in Life Coach. Robin is now offering private one-on-one coaching for men and women who are in need of some support, compassionate conversations, guidance and accountability during this confusing time in our lives. For more information about her coaching services reach out to Robin at: Comingoutlater@gmail.com.BARB & THE “COMING OUT LATE” PODCAST TEAM-UP:BARB is a brand of styling products for people with short hair. They launched their first signature Barb clay pomade in 2021. Queer owned and operated, Barb is not only committed to making the best styling products around, the brand is also working to evolve the hair and beauty industries to a more inclusive and expansive space where we can all express and celebrate our own individuality and show up in this world as we want to. Barb is available at select salons and Barbershops across the US, and is conveniently sold online as well. As a part of a new partnership with the “Coming Out Late” podcast, Barb is offering my listeners 15% off your order when you use the Promo Code ROBIN15 at checkout. Just visit the Barb website at: http://www.thebarbshop.com and use (all caps) ROBIN15.VALOK Vaid-Menon:Instagram: alokvmenonWebsite: