Appalachian Transcendentalism and Translucence

Correction to something Dash said: WYSO isn't affiliated with West Virginia Public Media, but is instead based in Yellow Springs, Ohio.In this episode, we sit down with Lee Wade, creator of the podcast Translucent on West Virginia Public Radio. Lee shares the inspiration behind starting the show in the midst of rising anti-trans legislation, and how the name Translucent reflects his mission to shine light on trans stories that are too often overlooked.Lee opens up about his journey as a Black trans person navigating advocacy, mentorship, and grassroots podcast production. He recounts powerful conversations from Translucent, including an emotional interview with a Republican trans woman about restrictive legislation, and a deeply personal exchange with his father following incarceration. Lee’s story highlights the importance of allyship, adaptation, and creating space for trans voices in media.The episode begins with lighter moments—funny stories about cat fights and candid reflections on students cheating in online learning. We also discuss the ethics of AI, drawing connections to systemic issues like racism and environmental justice. The conversation flows into personal anecdotes about haircuts, tattoos, and cultural identity, exploring how barbershops and body art carry meaning in diverse communities.Along the way, we spotlight Tudor’s Biscuit World, a beloved Appalachian restaurant known for hearty meals and community impact.We close by encouraging listener engagement, introducing our new newsletter, and reminding everyone to follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content.Keywords: trans stories, Black trans voices, Translucent podcast, anti-trans legislation, allyship, Appalachian culture, online teaching challenges, AI ethics, barbershop culture, tattoo stories, Tudor’s Biscuit World, grassroots podcasting, West Virginia Public Radio