How Laganja Estranja Taught Jay Jackson to Let Her Hair Down

The TMI Project Story Hour

In this special episode of The TMI Project Story Hour, Jay Jackson, known to many as RuPaul’s Drag Race superstar Laganja Estranja, reveals a more intimate side of her true self. Tune in to hear how her drag career inspired a profound shift in embracing her femininity-- and how full self-acceptance helped her not only live authentically but become a fierce advocate for the trans community. The episode culminates with a powerful speech from Celeste Lecesne, co-founder of The Trevor Project, as they lovingly present Jay with TMI Project’s Voices in Action Award, honoring her important work as an artist and activist.

Writing Prompt: Write a true story about a memory or experience from your childhood that shaped your understanding of gender identity or expression.

Episode Links:
Audio Clip Sources:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dL1d7kG3xv4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sx0A_q1PMKY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErMkf-Pm9xU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IxUluSacnc
Featuring “Legs” by Laganja Estranja:
https://open.spotify.com/track/5vcqVfH15uWnASbwkrXmSw?si=642447779f2c4ba5
Statistic Source:

https://www.aclu.org/legislative-attacks-on-lgbtq-rights-2024

TMI Project Staff

• Eva Tenuto (she/her), Executive and Artistic Director / Co-founder
• Blake Pfeil (he/him), Operations and Programs Manager
• Laura Marie Ruocco (she/her), Marketing and Digital Coordinator
• Raine Grayson (he/him), Organizational Administrator
• Dara Lurie (she/her), Partnership Outreach Coordinator
• Riley Gibbons (they/them), Administrative Assistant

This episode was produced in partnership with Radio Kingston. It was written, edited, and produced by Eva Tenuto, Blake Pfeil, and Raine Grayson.

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