Kindred Transmissions by the Digital Transgender Archive
Kindred Transmissions is a podcast by the Digital Transgender Archive that tunes into the revolutionary voices of trans people from history. Through archival recordings, personal reflections, and conversations with contemporary trans artists, scholars, and activists, we trace the echoes of kinship across generations.
From Stonewall icons like Marsha P Johnson to visionary artists and activists like Red Jordan Arobateau, Rupert Raj, and Aiyyana Maracle, each episode invites listeners to experience trans history not as distant or static, but as alive, resonant, and still transmitting through time.
What does it mean to tune in to the archives? How is trans kinship built across time and space? And how can revisiting these frequencies help us imagine new futures?
Listen to Kindred Transmissions anywhere you get your podcasts, and discover the wisdom, resilience, and revolutionary magic of trans people past and present.
Kindred Transmissions by the Digital Transgender Archive
It’s Like Electricity: Rupert Raj with Jules Gill-Peterson
In our third episode of Kindred Transmissions, “It’s Like Electricity,” host Jules Gill-Peterson shares a deeply intimate conversation with Rupert Raj—a Eurasian-Canadian trans activist, therapist, poet, and lifelong advocate whose work has inspired and supported many.
Since beginning his transition in 1971, Rupert has spent over five decades organizing across Canada, the U.S., and beyond, advocating for the trans, non-binary, intersex, two-spirit, and queer communities.
Listen to Rupert read his poetry and letters to fellow activist Lou Sullivan as he reflects on connection, memory, and legacy—and the profound importance of even a single lifeline of support. His work embodies a steadfast commitment to building a better world and maintaining faith in that vision.
Find the archival materials mentioned in the episode at the Digital Transgender Archive website.
This episode of Kindred Transmissions is produced by Umi Hsu and Associate Producer Shei Yu. Hosted by Jules Gill-Peterson. Mixed by Evan Ibarra. Scripted by Umi Hsu and Shei Yu. Theme and episode music by Imogen Teasley-Vlautin. Research by Rachael McIntosh. Graphic Design by Ariel Huang.
This episode contains the voices of Rupert Raj, Jacob Alden Sargent, and Jules Gill-Peterson.
This season of Kindred Transmissions is made possible by a grant from the Council on Library and Information Resources and support from Northeastern University.