American Groove - #65 Venus Xtravaganza xoxo

This episode is in honor of: Venus Xtravaganza May 22, 1965 – December 21, 1988"I just hope to god nothing in the long run will stop us, nothing get's in our way, I want children, I want to adopt. I want to be with the man I love. And if things just don't work out with him, I'm still going to go for it, and do whatever it is, and be on my own."-Venus Xtravaganza Paris is Burning - Deleted ScenesHer story is not long sadly, but it is beautiful . We spent some time diving deep into the life and legacy of Venus Xtravaganza. A trans woman who became a poignant figure in the ballroom scene of 1980s New York. Reflecting on her tragic murder just four days from Christmas. The impact of her life, as documented in the influential film "Paris is Burning." Venus's story is a stark reminder of the harsh realities faced by the trans community during the 80's NYC. It was both heart-wrenching and inspiring to discuss her resilience. Her wanting for life and having a family and seeing herself as independent woman. Seeing herself as Venus.Karissa and I also explored broader themes related to the LGBT community. Also known as the shit your not supposed to talk about otherwise you get cancelled. Touching on the importance of representation and the complexities of identity. This doesn't mean you have to be woke about it and shoving your opinion's on others. Learning from Venus's experiences and how it resonates today. Shedding light on the ongoing struggles, and the progress within the community. Our talk, was a mix of historical reflection, personal insight, and honoring Venus's legacy. while also sparking thought on current societal issues, that drive us fucking crazy. This month instead of pride, why don't we be us for a change. The host of American groove is Karissa Andrews. A licensed aesthetician, makeup artist and lover of pugs. The best part is that you can check out her work on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/americangroovepod We have a magical link below with all our socials and handle so you can find us on your favorite pod spot.https://linktr.ee/lostinthegroove Karissa's name for the week is " Up All Night"