Pride and Perspectives

P&P Reports: The Ladies of The Midwest with Desmond Picotte (they/he)

This episode of Pride and Perspectives features an interview with Desmond Picotte (they/he), a photojournalist and director, discussing their powerful and timely documentary film, "The Ladies of the Midwest.”
Picotte centers on TG Detroit, a beloved community organization for transgender and non-binary women, based in the Motor City. Through deeply personal storytelling and candid interviews, the film captures the lives, struggles, joy, and resilience of these women who have found empowerment, sisterhood, and solidarity within TGDetroit’s welcoming spaces.
More than a portrait of a single person or an organization, the documentary seeks to illuminate the broader landscape of transgender life in the Midwest — one traditionally ignored in national conversations. During Detroit Invasions, weekend gatherings held three times a year, The Women of the Midwest celebrates the quiet heroism and enduring strength of women writing their own stories despite societal pushback.
Desmond emphasizes the importance of trans joy, community, and resilience, especially given the increasing hostility towards trans people.
To help bring this vital project to completion, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched. The funds raised will support final production costs, editing, and distribution—ensuring that these voices reach the audiences who need to hear them most. Supporters are encouraged to contribute and share, knowing that their generosity is helping preserve and elevate an essential piece of queer and trans history.
DONATE NOW: https://www.gofundme.com/f/fund-desmond-picottes-film-on-trans-community
 
#TransJoy, #TGLadiesOfTheMidwest, #Detroit, #TransCommunity, #TransResilience, #TransVisibility, #DocumentaryFilm, #Photojournalism, #DesmondPicotte, #TransSisterhood, #Midwest, #LGBTQIA+, #TransAnd NonBinaryWomen, #Celebration, #Nightlife, #Intersectionality, #RepresentationMatters, #QueerFilmmaking, #SupportTransLives, #TGDetroit

Crossing Borders with Madeline C.

In this resonant episode of Pride and Perspectives, host Dina Walters welcomes journalist and trailblazing transgender woman Madeline C. for a deeply human and globally relevant conversation about home, safety, and identity.
Madeline opens up about her decision to leave her life in the United States and return to her native Canada—a move shaped by personal truth and political reality. What unfolds is more than just a relocation story; it’s a powerful testimony to resilience, hope, and the necessity of living in a place where you’re not just tolerated, but truly seen.
She reflects on the rising tide of anti-trans sentiment in the U.S., sharing how federal policy shifts made everyday life feel less secure. In contrast, her return to Canada brought moments of genuine affirmation—from kind customs agents to a healthcare system that respected her identity. It’s a tale of contrast, and a reminder that dignity shouldn't be dependent on geography.
Madeline also talks about the bittersweet reality of leaving behind her U.S. community, underscoring how crucial chosen family and strong networks are for trans folks navigating a world in flux.
The conversation—thoughtful, unfiltered, and often humorous—explores everything from the surprisingly smooth process of updating ID documents in Canada to how newsrooms on both sides of the border cover trans issues. Dina and Madeline even find space to chuckle over Canadian quirks and the rise of the “Elbows Up.” Movement.
This episode is for anyone invested in trans rights, cross-border policy, and what it means to build a life where your truth is met with both compassion and protection.
#PrideAndPerspectives, #TransRights, #LGBTQPodcast, #TransVisibility, #Resilience, #Journalism, #Canada, #USA, #Healthcare, #Identity, #Safety, #Autonomy, #Community, #HumanRights, #CanadianPride, #Advocacy, #PoliticalEvents, #Equality, #NewsMedia, #LivingYourTruth,

Crossing Borders with Madeline C.

In this resonant episode of Pride and Perspectives, host Dina Walters welcomes journalist and trailblazing transgender woman Madeline C. for a deeply human and globally relevant conversation about home, safety, and identity.
Madeline opens up about her decision to leave her life in the United States and return to her native Canada—a move shaped by personal truth and political reality. What unfolds is more than just a relocation story; it’s a powerful testimony to resilience, hope, and the necessity of living in a place where you’re not just tolerated, but truly seen.
She reflects on the rising tide of anti-trans sentiment in the U.S., sharing how federal policy shifts made everyday life feel less secure. In contrast, her return to Canada brought moments of genuine affirmation—from kind customs agents to a healthcare system that respected her identity. It’s a tale of contrast, and a reminder that dignity shouldn't be dependent on geography.
Madeline also talks about the bittersweet reality of leaving behind her U.S. community, underscoring how crucial chosen family and strong networks are for trans folks navigating a world in flux.
The conversation—thoughtful, unfiltered, and often humorous—explores everything from the surprisingly smooth process of updating ID documents in Canada to how newsrooms on both sides of the border cover trans issues. Dina and Madeline even find space to chuckle over Canadian quirks and the rise of the “Elbows Up.” Movement.
This episode is for anyone invested in trans rights, cross-border policy, and what it means to build a life where your truth is met with both compassion and protection.
#PrideAndPerspectives, #TransRights, #LGBTQPodcast, #TransVisibility, #Resilience, #Journalism, #Canada, #USA, #Healthcare, #Identity, #Safety, #Autonomy, #Community, #HumanRights, #CanadianPride, #Advocacy, #PoliticalEvents, #Equality, #NewsMedia, #LivingYourTruth,

Crossing Borders with Madeline C.

In this resonant episode of Pride and Perspectives, host Dina Walters welcomes journalist and trailblazing transgender woman Madeline C. for a deeply human and globally relevant conversation about home, safety, and identity.
Madeline opens up about her decision to leave her life in the United States and return to her native Canada—a move shaped by personal truth and political reality. What unfolds is more than just a relocation story; it’s a powerful testimony to resilience, hope, and the necessity of living in a place where you’re not just tolerated, but truly seen.
She reflects on the rising tide of anti-trans sentiment in the U.S., sharing how federal policy shifts made everyday life feel less secure. In contrast, her return to Canada brought moments of genuine affirmation—from kind customs agents to a healthcare system that respected her identity. It’s a tale of contrast, and a reminder that dignity shouldn't be dependent on geography.
Madeline also talks about the bittersweet reality of leaving behind her U.S. community, underscoring how crucial chosen family and strong networks are for trans folks navigating a world in flux.
The conversation—thoughtful, unfiltered, and often humorous—explores everything from the surprisingly smooth process of updating ID documents in Canada to how newsrooms on both sides of the border cover trans issues. Dina and Madeline even find space to chuckle over Canadian quirks and the rise of the “Elbows Up.” Movement.
This episode is for anyone invested in trans rights, cross-border policy, and what it means to build a life where your truth is met with both compassion and protection.
#PrideAndPerspectives, #TransRights, #LGBTQPodcast, #TransVisibility, #Resilience, #Journalism, #Canada, #USA, #Healthcare, #Identity, #Safety, #Autonomy, #Community, #HumanRights, #CanadianPride, #Advocacy, #PoliticalEvents, #Equality, #NewsMedia, #LivingYourTruth,

Crossing Borders with Madeline C.

In this resonant episode of Pride and Perspectives, host Dina Walters welcomes journalist and trailblazing transgender woman Madeline C. for a deeply human and globally relevant conversation about home, safety, and identity.
Madeline opens up about her decision to leave her life in the United States and return to her native Canada—a move shaped by personal truth and political reality. What unfolds is more than just a relocation story; it’s a powerful testimony to resilience, hope, and the necessity of living in a place where you’re not just tolerated, but truly seen.
She reflects on the rising tide of anti-trans sentiment in the U.S., sharing how federal policy shifts made everyday life feel less secure. In contrast, her return to Canada brought moments of genuine affirmation—from kind customs agents to a healthcare system that respected her identity. It’s a tale of contrast, and a reminder that dignity shouldn't be dependent on geography.
Madeline also talks about the bittersweet reality of leaving behind her U.S. community, underscoring how crucial chosen family and strong networks are for trans folks navigating a world in flux.
The conversation—thoughtful, unfiltered, and often humorous—explores everything from the surprisingly smooth process of updating ID documents in Canada to how newsrooms on both sides of the border cover trans issues. Dina and Madeline even find space to chuckle over Canadian quirks and the rise of the “Elbows Up.” Movement.
This episode is for anyone invested in trans rights, cross-border policy, and what it means to build a life where your truth is met with both compassion and protection.
#PrideAndPerspectives, #TransRights, #LGBTQPodcast, #TransVisibility, #Resilience, #Journalism, #Canada, #USA, #Healthcare, #Identity, #Safety, #Autonomy, #Community, #HumanRights, #CanadianPride, #Advocacy, #PoliticalEvents, #Equality, #NewsMedia, #LivingYourTruth,

Crossing Borders with Madeline C.

In this resonant episode of Pride and Perspectives, host Dina Walters welcomes journalist and trailblazing transgender woman Madeline C. for a deeply human and globally relevant conversation about home, safety, and identity.
Madeline opens up about her decision to leave her life in the United States and return to her native Canada—a move shaped by personal truth and political reality. What unfolds is more than just a relocation story; it’s a powerful testimony to resilience, hope, and the necessity of living in a place where you’re not just tolerated, but truly seen.
She reflects on the rising tide of anti-trans sentiment in the U.S., sharing how federal policy shifts made everyday life feel less secure. In contrast, her return to Canada brought moments of genuine affirmation—from kind customs agents to a healthcare system that respected her identity. It’s a tale of contrast, and a reminder that dignity shouldn't be dependent on geography.
Madeline also talks about the bittersweet reality of leaving behind her U.S. community, underscoring how crucial chosen family and strong networks are for trans folks navigating a world in flux.
The conversation—thoughtful, unfiltered, and often humorous—explores everything from the surprisingly smooth process of updating ID documents in Canada to how newsrooms on both sides of the border cover trans issues. Dina and Madeline even find space to chuckle over Canadian quirks and the rise of the “Elbows Up.” Movement.
This episode is for anyone invested in trans rights, cross-border policy, and what it means to build a life where your truth is met with both compassion and protection.
#PrideAndPerspectives, #TransRights, #LGBTQPodcast, #TransVisibility, #Resilience, #Journalism, #Canada, #USA, #Healthcare, #Identity, #Safety, #Autonomy, #Community, #HumanRights, #CanadianPride, #Advocacy, #PoliticalEvents, #Equality, #NewsMedia, #LivingYourTruth,

Crossing Borders with Madeline C.

In this resonant episode of Pride and Perspectives, host Dina Walters welcomes journalist and trailblazing transgender woman Madeline C. for a deeply human and globally relevant conversation about home, safety, and identity.
Madeline opens up about her decision to leave her life in the United States and return to her native Canada—a move shaped by personal truth and political reality. What unfolds is more than just a relocation story; it’s a powerful testimony to resilience, hope, and the necessity of living in a place where you’re not just tolerated, but truly seen.
She reflects on the rising tide of anti-trans sentiment in the U.S., sharing how federal policy shifts made everyday life feel less secure. In contrast, her return to Canada brought moments of genuine affirmation—from kind customs agents to a healthcare system that respected her identity. It’s a tale of contrast, and a reminder that dignity shouldn't be dependent on geography.
Madeline also talks about the bittersweet reality of leaving behind her U.S. community, underscoring how crucial chosen family and strong networks are for trans folks navigating a world in flux.
The conversation—thoughtful, unfiltered, and often humorous—explores everything from the surprisingly smooth process of updating ID documents in Canada to how newsrooms on both sides of the border cover trans issues. Dina and Madeline even find space to chuckle over Canadian quirks and the rise of the “Elbows Up.” Movement.
This episode is for anyone invested in trans rights, cross-border policy, and what it means to build a life where your truth is met with both compassion and protection.
#PrideAndPerspectives, #TransRights, #LGBTQPodcast, #TransVisibility, #Resilience, #Journalism, #Canada, #USA, #Healthcare, #Identity, #Safety, #Autonomy, #Community, #HumanRights, #CanadianPride, #Advocacy, #PoliticalEvents, #Equality, #NewsMedia, #LivingYourTruth,

Hands Off Rally, Ferndale, MI 4/5/25

On this episode of *Pride and Perspectives*, we hit the streets of Ferndale, Michigan, where the “Hands Off!” demonstrations brought together a powerful crowd of activists on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
Protesters from all walks of life gathered to speak out against legislative rollbacks targeting LGBTQIA+ rights, reproductive freedoms, and bodily autonomy. Several demonstrators joined us to share raw, passionate reflections on why they showed up, how grassroots action fuels their hope, and what keeps them fighting in the face of mounting political and cultural pushback. With chants, signs, and solidarity echoing through the streets, this episode captures a vital moment in the ongoing struggle for justice and liberation.
#PrideAndPerspectives, #HandsOff2025, #FerndaleProtests, #LGBTQRights, #ReproductiveJustice, #BodilyAutonomy, #TransRightsAreHumanRights, #QueerVoices, #ActivismMatters, #GrassrootsPower, #PrideAndPerspectives, #StandUpSpeakOut, #JusticeForAll, #NoMoreRollbacks, #UnityInResistance

Hands Off Rally, Ferndale, MI 4/5/25

On this episode of *Pride and Perspectives*, we hit the streets of Ferndale, Michigan, where the “Hands Off!” demonstrations brought together a powerful crowd of activists on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
Protesters from all walks of life gathered to speak out against legislative rollbacks targeting LGBTQIA+ rights, reproductive freedoms, and bodily autonomy. Several demonstrators joined us to share raw, passionate reflections on why they showed up, how grassroots action fuels their hope, and what keeps them fighting in the face of mounting political and cultural pushback. With chants, signs, and solidarity echoing through the streets, this episode captures a vital moment in the ongoing struggle for justice and liberation.
#PrideAndPerspectives, #HandsOff2025, #FerndaleProtests, #LGBTQRights, #ReproductiveJustice, #BodilyAutonomy, #TransRightsAreHumanRights, #QueerVoices, #ActivismMatters, #GrassrootsPower, #PrideAndPerspectives, #StandUpSpeakOut, #JusticeForAll, #NoMoreRollbacks, #UnityInResistance

Hands Off Rally, Ferndale, MI 4/5/25

On this episode of *Pride and Perspectives*, we hit the streets of Ferndale, Michigan, where the “Hands Off!” demonstrations brought together a powerful crowd of activists on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
Protesters from all walks of life gathered to speak out against legislative rollbacks targeting LGBTQIA+ rights, reproductive freedoms, and bodily autonomy. Several demonstrators joined us to share raw, passionate reflections on why they showed up, how grassroots action fuels their hope, and what keeps them fighting in the face of mounting political and cultural pushback. With chants, signs, and solidarity echoing through the streets, this episode captures a vital moment in the ongoing struggle for justice and liberation.
#PrideAndPerspectives, #HandsOff2025, #FerndaleProtests, #LGBTQRights, #ReproductiveJustice, #BodilyAutonomy, #TransRightsAreHumanRights, #QueerVoices, #ActivismMatters, #GrassrootsPower, #PrideAndPerspectives, #StandUpSpeakOut, #JusticeForAll, #NoMoreRollbacks, #UnityInResistance