About this episode

This episode explores the story of a genderless religious leader from 1776, highlighting the history of trans people in the US.

This month is the 250th anniversary of the United States, and, at TransLash, we’re celebrating Trans250: the history of trans people in the US.  In this episode, we’re learning about a genderless religious leader from 1776 known as the Publick Universal Friend. The Friend’s story is fascinating, surprising, and a reminder that trans people have always been here. Historian Scott Larson walks us through the Friend’s life and what it tells us about trans history. This week’s Trans Joy features historian Cassius Adair, who is writing a book about trans people and computer history. Send your Trans Joy recommendations to translash_podcast @ translash [dot] org  Follow TransLash Media @translashmedia on TikTok , Instagram , Threads , Bluesky , and Facebook . Follow Imara Jones on Instagram ( @Imara_jones_ ), Threads (@ imara_jones_ ), Bluesky (@ imarajones.bsky.social ), X ( @ImaraJones ) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People in this episode

Host: Imara Jones

Guest: Scott Larson

Topics covered

• trans history
• gender identity
• religious leaders
• American history
• trans joy

Keywords

• transgender
• history
• Publick Universal Friend
• Scott Larson
• Trans250

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: TransLash Media

Books & works: Publick Universal Friend

More episodes of TransLash Podcast with Imara Jones

• Trans250: Trans Genocide in America · July 16, 2026 · 45 min
• Unpacking the SCOTUS Trans Sports Decision · July 2, 2026 · 43 min
• Bingeworthy Black Trans TV · June 25, 2026 · 54 min
• The Queens of Queens · June 18, 2026 · 35 min

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