Trans Heartbeat

Michelle Matlock•zencastr.com

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Hosted by Michelle Matlock, Trans Heartbeat celebrates and affirms trans existence, empowers responses to the rising tide of transphobic rhetoric in our country, and showcases the power of trans artistic expression.
Keep listening! Keep creating! Keep shining your light!
Trans Heartbeat is a project of TRACTION: Trans Community Action www.tractionpnw.org

Last refreshed: February 28th, 2026 at 5:39 AM ⓘ

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Episodes

Mya Byrne - A Full Circle Moment

We’re honored to welcome Mya Byrne back to Trans HeartBeat as our first episode of 2026, just as she was our very first guest when we launched the series last year. In this episode, Mya reflects on her “Trans State of the Union” one year later, shares what she’s been creating, and speaks truth to the shifting political climate for trans folks and artists. It's a conversation filled with music, insight, and the steady heartbeat of trans resilience. All episodes and accessible transcripts can be f...

Jan 12, 2026•34 min•Season 1Ep. 7

Project Open Arms: Resources, Refuge, & Relocation

In this powerful episode of Trans HeartBeat, we talk with TRACTION’s co-founder Michael Woodward about the beginnings of Project Open Arms, a grassroots effort helping trans+ people relocate from unsafe environments and with Elle Cree, the first recipient of Project Open Arms support. From a one-room cabin in rural Arkansas to a life of transformation and community in Washington state, Elle Cree’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary.

Dec 15, 2025•30 min•Season 1Ep. 6

Luna Merbruja & StormMiguel Florez - SANTES Project for Future Ancestors

What if you could shape how you're remembered as an ancestor...while you're still alive? In this episode of Trans Heartbeat, we talk with artist-activists StormMiguel Florez and Luna Merbruja, co-creators of SANTES, a visionary project inviting queer trans BIPOC to reclaim their spiritual legacies. SANTES asks: How do you want to be fed on an altar? What miracles would you offer? Who are you here for, even after you're gone? It’s spiritual, playful, radical and full of joy, autonomy, and ancestr...

Oct 27, 2025•28 min•Season 1Ep. 5

Rio Antone - An award winning artist and educator whose story will inspire you

In this episode of Trans HeartBeat, Rio Antone shares their journey from surviving being un-housed in Las Vegas to activating queer voices through GLAAD. This conversation is about gender freedom, courage and the radical joy of living in your truth. Hosted by Michelle Matlock, Trans Heartbeat celebrates and affirms trans existence, empowers responses to the rising tide of transphobic rhetoric in our country, and showcases the power of trans artistic expression. Keep listening! Keep creating! Kee...

Oct 06, 2025•35 min•Season 1Ep. 4

Cathy Renna - Celebrating our Trancestors at the National LGBTQ Wall of Honor

Cathy Renna talks about the National LGBTQ Wall of Honor at the Stonewall Inn and the seven trans and nonbinary ancestors who were honored at the 2025 ceremony. This year’s honorees are: Alan Hart, Chilli Pepper, Jiggly Caliente, Lady Chablis, Lynn Conway, Ruddys Martinez, and Sam Nordquist.

Sep 02, 2025•17 min•Season 1Ep. 3

Hayden Stern - Trans Trad Music Festival

Michelle Matlock talks with accomplished musician and community builder, Hayden Stern about the Trans Trad Music Festival and the importance of trans and gender nonconforming artists being visibly represented in traditional music spaces.

Jul 31, 2025•16 min•Season 1Ep. 2

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