#39 - A New Kind of Feeling for Social Media with Aydian Dowling

Beau my God

On today's episode of Beau my God, host Beau Bradley (he/they), sits down with transgender activist and CEO of TRΔCE - a transition recording and community engagement mobile application for Transgender and Non-Binary folks, and their allies; and co-founder of the all volunteer non-profit, Point of Pride, Aydian Dowling (he/him) to discuss all of the things just mentioned.
The pair start out by discussing TRΔCE, including what it's for, how conversations began for the app in 2016, taking about three years to conceptualize and build out the platform, and how it was conceptualized out of Aydian's need to document his own Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) journey. The conversation refocuses around the community that the app has been fostering including how the group of folks (trans, nonbinary, and allies) on the app have a general baseline understanding of where you are coming from, allowing it to be a safer space from the get go. Aydian also shares how TRΔCE is the social media equivalent to pride, or a gay club. It is a space where all folks can feel comfortable to ask questions and grow together.
“TRΔCE offers:

• A customizable dashboard that tracks important elements of someone’s transition, such as photos, voice, anniversaries, medication reminders and more.
• A network of fellow Trans and Non-binary folx and allies that can provide support and share experiences in a safe place, unlike current social media platforms where Trans and Non-binary folx experience hate-speech, harassment and harmful anti-lgbt advertising.
• An opportunity for allies to grow their allyship through thoughtful connection, and support for their Trans and Non-binary loved ones. A Trevor Project study showed that the support of just one affirming adult in the life of a Trans or Non-binary person reduces suicide attempts by 40%. “

Aydian then discusses Point of Pride, a 100% trans and nonbinary run non-profit co-founded with his friend Jeff Main that provides life-changing health care access to gender diverse folks. And also shares some insight into what it has been like to become a father!
You can find more about TRΔCE here, Point of Pride here, and you can find TRΔCE on social media @thetrace.app and Aydian @alionsfear .
Don’t forget to rate subscribe and follow along for more of your favorite Queer and Trans content we’re on most social platforms @beaumygodpod. Check us out at www.beaumygod.com !

References:

https://katu.com/news/local/king-county-health-officials-confirm-case-of-infant-diagnosed-with-monkeypox

Trace & Aydian Bios, Google Doc

Trace Social Media and Website: https://www.thetrace.app

https://www.pointofpride.org

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