
Trans Hollywood and the Oscars
03/11/24 • 45 min
As the 2024 awards season comes to a close, Imara reflects on the groundbreaking contributions of trans filmmakers and actors to cinema. First, she sits down with actress Trace Lysette to talk about her role in the critically acclaimed film Monica. Trace explains why self-doubt is a luxury in the entertainment business and how she’s struggled to find work after starring in Monica. Then, Imara is joined by D. Smith, who delves into her pivot from producing music to directing films, the stylistic choices behind her documentary Kokomo City, and what it means to make Black films.
Make sure to check out TransLash Media’s new show The Mess: Imara’s Guide to Our Political Hellscape. You can subscribe by getting a TransLash Fam membership in Apple Podcasts. Just scroll to the top of this show in the Apple Podcasts app to find the subscribe button.
Follow TransLash Media @translashmedia on Instagram, Threads, X, and Facebook.
Follow Imara Jones on X (@ImaraJones) and Instagram (@Imara_jones_)
Follow our guests on social media!
Comfrey Films: Instagram (@comfreyfilms)
Trace Lysette: X (@tracelysette) and Instagram (@tracelysette)
D. Smith: Instagram (@truedsmith)
TransLash Podcast is produced by Translash Media.
Translash Team: Imara Jones, Oliver-Ash Kleine, Aubrey Calaway.
Xander Adams is our senior sound engineer and a contributing producer.
Alex Guerra is our social media producer.
Digital strategy by Daniela Capistrano.
Theme Music: Ben Draghi and ZZK records.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As the 2024 awards season comes to a close, Imara reflects on the groundbreaking contributions of trans filmmakers and actors to cinema. First, she sits down with actress Trace Lysette to talk about her role in the critically acclaimed film Monica. Trace explains why self-doubt is a luxury in the entertainment business and how she’s struggled to find work after starring in Monica. Then, Imara is joined by D. Smith, who delves into her pivot from producing music to directing films, the stylistic choices behind her documentary Kokomo City, and what it means to make Black films.
Make sure to check out TransLash Media’s new show The Mess: Imara’s Guide to Our Political Hellscape. You can subscribe by getting a TransLash Fam membership in Apple Podcasts. Just scroll to the top of this show in the Apple Podcasts app to find the subscribe button.
Follow TransLash Media @translashmedia on Instagram, Threads, X, and Facebook.
Follow Imara Jones on X (@ImaraJones) and Instagram (@Imara_jones_)
Follow our guests on social media!
Comfrey Films: Instagram (@comfreyfilms)
Trace Lysette: X (@tracelysette) and Instagram (@tracelysette)
D. Smith: Instagram (@truedsmith)
TransLash Podcast is produced by Translash Media.
Translash Team: Imara Jones, Oliver-Ash Kleine, Aubrey Calaway.
Xander Adams is our senior sound engineer and a contributing producer.
Alex Guerra is our social media producer.
Digital strategy by Daniela Capistrano.
Theme Music: Ben Draghi and ZZK records.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Previous Episode

Introducing The Mess
Today’s political landscape is an absolute dumpster fire, but that doesn’t mean we can’t learn and laugh through the mess. In this TransLash Media production, award-winning journalist Imara Jones brings you the political show that we need right now. With political attacks on trans communities and ever-creeping authoritarianism at an all-time high, staying informed and engaged are key. Imara’s razor sharp wit and critical analysis takes the edge off and reminds us that there’s always hope.
You can subscribe by getting a TransLash Fam membership in Apple Podcasts. Just scroll to the top of this show in the Apple Podcasts app to find the subscribe button. The first episode comes out March 7.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Next Episode

Trans Youth in Oklahoma
In the wake of Nex Benedict’s tragic death, Imara examines the escalating hostility and political attacks on trans kids in Oklahoma. First, she speaks with Oklahoma State Representative Jacob Rosecrants about keeping his trans son out of the spotlight, learning from non-binary state representative Mauree Turner, and what he’s hearing from his conservative colleagues behind closed doors. Next, Imara’s joined by Oklahoma State University researcher and advocate, Amy McGehee, to discuss what families of trans youth are grappling with since Nex Benedict’s death and the importance of creating a sense of safety at home for gender nonconforming kids.
You can donate to PFLAG Tulsa here: https://tulsapflag.org/
And make sure to check out TransLash Media’s new show The Mess: Imara’s Guide to Our Political Hellscape. You can subscribe by getting a TransLash Fam membership in Apple Podcasts. Just scroll to the top of this show in the Apple Podcasts app to find the subscribe button.
Follow TransLash Media @translashmedia on TikTok, Instagram, Threads, X, and Facebook.
Follow Imara Jones on X (@ImaraJones) and Instagram (@Imara_jones_)
Follow our guests on social media!
Trans Advocacy Coalition of Oklahoma (TACO): Instagram (@transadvocacyok)
Rep. Jacob Rosecrants: Instagram (@reprosecrants) and X (@jacobrosecrants)
TransLash Podcast is produced by Translash Media.
Translash Team: Imara Jones, Oliver-Ash Kleine, Aubrey Calaway.
Xander Adams is our senior sound engineer and a contributing producer.
Alex Guerra is our social media producer.
Digital strategy by Daniela Capistrano.
Theme Music: Ben Draghi and ZZK records.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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