Trans People Train for Self Defense

Episode Description

From Martial arts to gun clubs, trans people are taking their personal safety into their own hands. This week, Imara is joined by two guests to help think through personal safety for trans people and what preparing for self defense can actually look like in an era when faith in law enforcement organizations—always precarious for the trans community—has reached new lows.

First, Imara speaks with Fin Smith, also known as the Queer Armorer online. They are the founder of Rainbow Reload, a queer and trans centered gun club in New Hampshire. Then, Imara chats with Abigail Austin, a Thai boxing coach and founder of Red Panda Muay Thai in Seattle, Washington. 

This week’s Trans Joy features a trans owned tattoo shop in Minneapolis. Shop owner M Nijiya shares more about their community fundraiser that helped to support local mutual aid groups. 

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