E13: Throwing Light and Breaking Binaries: The Art and Activism of LTJ Reads

Episode Summary In this deeply revealing conversation, poet, filmmaker, and activist Louis Toliver Jr. (LTJ Reads) shares his journey from trauma to artistic empowerment within the queer and leather communities. Exploring themes of bisexual identity, survivorhood, mental health, and intergenerational connection, LTJ reveals how his projects like Louisiana Words and the Throwing Light podcast aim to uplift marginalized voices and redefine what it means to be American. This episode uncovers how art serves as both refuge and revolution for LTJ, crafting spaces for healing, dialogue, and radical inclusion. Keywords LTJ Reads Queer Arts Bisexuality Trauma and Healing Leather Community Louisiana Words Throwing Light Podcast Mental Health and Creativity Queer Literature Intergenerational Dialogue Key Takeaways LTJ Reads' stage name reflects a blend of intellectualism and creative expression rooted in his initials and love of reading. His early artistic awakening began with writing horror screenplays and dark poetry in high school as a form of escapism. The poem "Bisexual Me" encapsulates his rejection of binary thinking in sexuality, embracing fluidity and inclusion beyond societal constraints. His forthcoming book American Like Me explores themes of body, mind, and heart to reflect a complex American identity. LTJ’s film work includes 'Forced to Swim' and a powerful short, His Body, telling abortion from male and transgender perspectives as metaphor for his HIV and trauma experiences. He actively hosts and sustains the "Naked People Reading" series, fostering vulnerability and queer-visible storytelling across Texas cities. Throwing Light is a positive community-driven video podcast countering destructive "shade" culture by celebrating leadership and unity. The Louisiana Words project highlights marginalized Louisiana voices through poetry and memoir, emphasizing non-political, universal human experience. LTJ is planning extensive live tours for both Louisiana Words and Throwing Light, aiming to strengthen statewide and national queer communities. He embraces his trauma as artistic fuel—addressing childhood abuse, sexual assault, racism, and mental illness with ongoing therapy and sobriety. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Origin of "LTJ Reads" 01:06 Early Writing and Artistic Awakening 02:54 Bisexual Me and Challenging Binary Queer Identities 04:19 Overview of Upcoming Book American Like Me 05:12 Film Projects and His Body Short Film 07:16 Intersection of HIV, Sexual Assault, and Art 11:13 Naked People Reading and Community Building 16:58 Louisiana Words - Origins, Mission, and Upcoming Tour 22:23 Launch and Growth of Throwing Light Podcast 29:24 Plans for Texas and National Throwing Light Tours 36:16 Harnessing Trauma for Artistic Expression 46:25 Rapid Fire Artistic Lightning Round 48:35 Closing Remarks and Legacy Aspirations Guest Links https://louistoliverjr.com (Official Website) Instagram @ltjishere Throwing Light Podcast on YouTube Louisiana Words Tour 2025 Throwing Light Together Tour 2025 Art in the Raw Links Newsletter on Substack Instagram Twitter Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Stay Connected with Salon Naturale! 
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