Podcast appearances and mentions of Raquel Willis

Award-winning activist, writer and podcaster Raquel Willis joins us once again to talk about trans rights, radical defiance and tackling the history and complexity of Marsha P. Johnson in the second season of the podcast Afterlives.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Family, this is your favorite queer radio personality Anna DeShawn, and this is Queer News — your favorite weekly news pod where race and sexuality meet politics, culture, and entertainment. This week's episode is unlike any other because I'm fresh off the plane from WorldPride Washington, DC 2025 and bringing you a special edition filled with the powerful voices, moments, and movements that made the week unforgettable. In this special recap, Anna shares firsthand reflections from the week that brought LGBTQIA+ activists, artists, and leaders together from across the globe. From the Human Rights Conference to the National Trans Visibility March and the International Rally+March on Washington for Freedom, hear voices from the frontlines—including Jasmine Tasaki, Raquel Willis, Chris Mosier, Marissa Miller, Brian Michael Smith, and so many more.

Is it just us, or are the Pride month vibes a little off this year? Between targeted censorship, legislative attacks on LGBTQ+ health care, and a financial pullout from many corporations, queer people and their allies are celebrating with heavier hearts this year. But perhaps it's a moment to reconsider what "pride" is really for?This week, Brittany is joined by culture journalist Tre'vell Anderson, and author and organizer Raquel Willis to parse through the contradictions of Pride 2025.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

In this powerful episode, activist and author Raquel Willis shares an intimate and wide-ranging conversation on fear, identity, and the transformative power of storytelling. Raquel reflects on her childhood fears, the complexities of coming out in a traditional Southern Black family, and how her father's expectations shaped—and ultimately catalyzed—her path toward liberation. From founding the Gender Liberation Movement to creating humanizing media like Afterlives and Queer Chronicles, Raquel speaks candidly about ego, empathy, collective leadership, and the intersectional strategies we need to build a freer world. This episode is a testament to the quiet strength required to live authentically—and the bold voice required to make systemic change... to fight the boss battles ahead.

Toure Show Ep 415: Raquel Willis - I Am Trans and Proud Original Air Date: 1/31/2024 Raquel Willis is a major trans activist and the author of a powerful memoir called The Risk It Takes To Bloom. We dive deep into what it means to be trans from her coming out to her politics to her dating life. Amazing conversation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Queer News: We remember trans trailblazer Elisa Rae Shupe, her fight for recognition, and the heartbreaking circumstances of her passing. In politics, Maine's governor stands tall against Trump's anti-trans rhetoric. In culture and entertainment, we celebrate Raquel Willis, named one of Time's Women of the Year, and her powerful message to the trans community. Brittney Griner cancels a speaking engagement over a suspicious hotel message and Angel Reese dominates making Unrivaled history. ✨ This week's highlights:

Sam recaps some of the fascist developments from this past week and interviews author and activist, Raquel Willis, co-founder of The Gender Liberation Movement (@genderlib). Raquel discusses the current anti-trans landscape, focusing on the implications of the U.S. v. Skrmetti case and the broader cultural backlash against trans rights. Willis highlights the need for radical defiance and collective action to combat the ongoing threats to trans rights and healthcare access. You can follow Raquel on IG @raquel_willis. Then Sam speaks with Philadelphia-based street artist YOMI to discuss art, fascism, and resistance. Follow Yomi's work @yomitgmb. Mentioned in this episode: Resist Trump? On Immigration, Top Democrats See Room for Compromise. (NY Times) Texas is Coming for New York Abortion Providers by Jessica Valenti They're Killing Us by Jessica Valenti Trump Picks Chloe Cole's Anti-Trans Lawyer Harmeet Dhillon To Lead DOJ Civil Rights Post by Erin Reed Dec 18 in Philadelphia: March to Defend Immigrant Lives, Dec 18 in Philadelphia Other actions on Dec 18 International Migrants Day Refuse Fascism Gear: ⁠Refuse Fascism T-Shirt ⁠ ⁠In the Name of Humanity We REFUSE to Accept a FASCIST America T-Shirt (white ink on colored options)⁠ ⁠ In the Name of Humanity We REFUSE to Accept a FASCIST America T-Shirt (black ink on colored options)⁠⁠ Find out more about Refuse Fascism and get involved at RefuseFascism.org. Find us on all the socials: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@RefuseFascism⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Plus, Sam is on TikTok, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@samgoldmanrf⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Support the show at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/RefuseFascism⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or Venmo: @RefuseFascism or Cashapp: $RefuseFascism or ⁠Paypal.me/RefuseFascism⁠. Music for this episode: Penny the Snitch by Ikebe Shakedown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Maria Hinojosa is joined by two trailblazers in the fight for trans rights: Chase Strangio, co-director of the ACLU's LGBT and HIV Project, and Raquel Willis, journalist and co-founder of the Gender Liberation Movement. Chase recently made history as the first openly trans attorney to argue before the Supreme Court, challenging Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming care for minors. Raquel was recently arrested after staging a sit-in in a Capitol Hill bathroom to protest a bill aimed at banning trans people from using bathrooms that align with their gender identity. Together, they discuss the fight for trans rights in the face of escalating attacks by the right, the powerful history of trans resistance, and what a future of gender liberation could look like.Follow us on TikTok and Instagram.  Subscribe to our newsletter by going to the top of our homepage. 

Join Anna DeShawn, your favorite queer radio personality, for a power-packed episode of Queer News. This week, we dive into the Supreme Court case on trans healthcare bans—a historic moment for LGBTQ+ rights—with insights from ACLU attorney Chase Strangio and a look at the inspiring activism of Raquel Willis and Hope Giselle. Anna also celebrates the success of the Queer News merch line, shares a holiday gift-giving promo, and spotlights an inspiring interview with a trailblazing LGBTQ+ advocate and military service member, Isaiah Wilkins. Stay informed, empowered, and connected as we navigate the stories shaping our queer community. Don't miss it!

On September 14th 2024, thousands of people joined the Gender Liberation March in Washington D.C. to join the call to protect reproductive health, bodily autonomy, and comprehensive healthcare access. In this episode, Jules Gill-Peterson sits down with lead organizers Raquel Willis and Eliel Cruz to talk about the march and movement building during an election year. Raquel and Eliel share into their intersectional approach to organizing and how gender liberation frees us all.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On September 14th 2024, thousands of people joined the Gender Liberation March in Washington D.C. to join the call to protect reproductive health, bodily autonomy, and comprehensive healthcare access. In this episode, Jules Gill-Peterson sits down with lead organizers Raquel Willis and Eliel Cruz to talk about the march and movement building during an election year. Raquel and Eliel share into their intersectional approach to organizing and how gender liberation frees us all.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On September 14th 2024, thousands of people joined the Gender Liberation March in Washington D.C. to join the call to protect reproductive health, bodily autonomy, and comprehensive healthcare access. In this episode, Jules Gill-Peterson sits down with lead organizers Raquel Willis and Eliel Cruz to talk about the march and movement building during an election year. Raquel and Eliel share into their intersectional approach to organizing and how gender liberation frees us all.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On September 14th 2024, thousands of people joined the Gender Liberation March in Washington D.C. to join the call to protect reproductive health, bodily autonomy, and comprehensive healthcare access. In this episode, Jules Gill-Peterson sits down with lead organizers Raquel Willis and Eliel Cruz to talk about the march and movement building during an election year. Raquel and Eliel share into their intersectional approach to organizing and how gender liberation frees us all.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On September 14th 2024, thousands of people joined the Gender Liberation March in Washington D.C. to join the call to protect reproductive health, bodily autonomy, and comprehensive healthcare access. In this episode, Jules Gill-Peterson sits down with lead organizers Raquel Willis and Eliel Cruz to talk about the march and movement building during an election year. Raquel and Eliel share into their intersectional approach to organizing and how gender liberation frees us all.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On September 14th 2024, thousands of people joined the Gender Liberation March in Washington D.C. to join the call to protect reproductive health, bodily autonomy, and comprehensive healthcare access. In this episode, Jules Gill-Peterson sits down with lead organizers Raquel Willis and Eliel Cruz to talk about the march and movement building during an election year. Raquel and Eliel share into their intersectional approach to organizing and how gender liberation frees us all.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On September 14th 2024, thousands of people joined the Gender Liberation March in Washington D.C. to join the call to protect reproductive health, bodily autonomy, and comprehensive healthcare access. In this episode, Jules Gill-Peterson sits down with lead organizers Raquel Willis and Eliel Cruz to talk about the march and movement building during an election year. Raquel and Eliel share into their intersectional approach to organizing and how gender liberation frees us all.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In honor of National Coming Out Day, please enjoy this bonus episode of StraightioLab presented by Chase Freedom and The Outspoken Podcast Network. This episode features special guest Raquel Willis, an award-winning author, activist, and media strategist dedicated to Black transgender liberation. MERCH IS HERE: cottonbureau.com/people/straightiolab SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON at patreon.com/straightiolab for bonus episodes twice a month and don't forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the second year in a row, Talking About Kids was granted media access to all of NYC Pride's events, including the 2024 NYC Pride March. At the press conference for the march, each of the Grand Marshals described their platforms and the changes they hoped their profiles would affect. I found it interesting that most of them used their time to address issues that impact all children and families, like this nation's lack of affordable housing. In this episode you will hear:- DaShawn Usher, Senior Director of Communities of Color and Media at GLAAD and Founder and Executive Director of Mobilizing Our Brothers Initiative (MOBI);- Eshe Ukweli, writer, content creator, and digital strategist;- Raquel Willis, transgender rights activist, the former national organizer for the Transgender Law Center, the former executive editor of Out magazine;- Baddie Brooks, multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, and champion for queer and transgender communities;- Robin Drake, Afrolatino trans male, advocate, and professional with the Hetrick-Martin Institute;- Miss Major, author, pioneering activist, and community organizer for transgender rights; and- Michelle Visage, singer, producer, and permanent judge on RuPaul's Drag Race.More information about these activists, including links to their organizations, is at talkingaboutkids.com.

Raquel Willis joins the show to discuss intersectional activism, MAGA attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and her journey as a Black trans activist and journalist. Daniella and Colin also talk about how extreme heat is impacting workers, and new Biden administration rules that will help fix our broken immigration system.

 Raquel Willis is a major trans activist and the author of a powerful memoir called The Risk It Takes To Bloom. We dive deep into what it means to be trans from her coming out to her politics to her dating life. Amazing conversation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Raquel Willis, an award-winning author, activist, and media strategist, shares her journey from growing up in a traditional Southern family to becoming a leading voice in the gender liberation movement. Willis candidly discusses her personal experiences with coming out, losing her father, and finding her authentic self, which led her to a career in journalism and activism. She emphasizes the importance of creating inclusive workplaces that support employees, especially those with diverse identities, and the need for organizations to go beyond superficial diversity efforts. She continues to share her powerful message of self-determination and collective liberation in her memoir, "The Risk It Takes to Bloom," and her podcast "Afterlives" on the iHeart Media Outspoken Network. "Diversity Beyond the Checkbox" is presented by The Diversity Movement and hosted by Inc 200 Female Founders award winner, Jackie Ferguson.  Check out exclusive bonus content on BeyondtheCheckbox.com! This show is proud to be a part of The Living Corporate Network and to be produced by Earfluence.

Our card this week is Loni Kai Okaruru, the 5 of Hearts from Oregon.Loni Kai Okaruru made several stops on the morning of August 26, 2001, and interacted with several people, before she was beaten to death, her body left on a farm in Washington County, Oregon. Loni Kai's murder was quickly labeled by police as a hate crime, but decades later her killer is still unknown. If you know anything about the murder of Loni Kai Okaruru in August 2001 in northwest Oregon, please call the Washington County Sheriff's Investigations Division at 503-846-2500, and ask for Detective Shannon Wilde.To learn more about Basic Rights Oregon, please visit their website by clicking here.audiochuck is proud to support the Trans Journalists Association, an organization whose mission is to promote accurate, nuanced coverage of trans issues and communities in the media. To explore resources, learn more about their work, and join us in supporting them, please visit https://www.transjournalists.org/  Thank you to author and activist Raquel Willis, who helped us by reviewing and editing this episode. Visit her website to learn more about her work! View source material and photos for this episode at: thedeckpodcast.com/loni-kai-okaruruLet us deal you in… follow The Deck on social media.Instagram: @thedeckpodcast | @audiochuckTwitter: @thedeckpodcast_ | @audiochuckFacebook: /TheDeckPodcast | /audiochuckllcTo apply for a Cold Case Playing Card grant through Season of Justice, please visit www.seasonofjustice.org. The Deck is hosted by Ashley Flowers. Instagram: @ashleyflowersTikTok: @ashleyflowerscrimejunkieTwitter: @Ash_FlowersFacebook: /AshleyFlowers.AF Text Ashley at 317-733-7485 to talk all things true crime, get behind the scenes updates, and more!

In this week's season six premiere episode of the Gay City News podcast “Thank You For Coming Out,” creator and host Dubbs Weinblatt (they/ … Read More

Folks in all kinds of media are great at crafting stories that use misinformation and disinformation to sway opinions about transgender people. When you're the target of this kind of damaging propaganda, it can be super important to create spaces where you can take control of your own narratives. Enter "The Risk It Takes to Bloom," a new memoir by award-winning author, activist, and media strategist Raquel Willis. As we approach the end of another Women's History Month, we speak with Raquel about the beauty of Black trans people telling their stories with agency … and how honest, personal storytelling helps pave a path toward freedom. Keep up with Raquel: raquelwillis.com @raquelwillis on all social platforms Buy "The Risk It Takes to Bloom" Get show notes at ontheme.show Follow us on Instagram @onthemeshow Email us at hello@ontheme.showSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the wake of the release of author and activist Raquel Willis's debut memoir, The Risk it Takes to Bloom: On Life and Liberation, join us for a live discussion of what collective liberation means with Bia Vieira, CEO of the Women's Foundation California. About the Speakers Raquel Willis is an award-winning author, activist, and media strategist dedicated to Black transgender liberation. She has held groundbreaking posts, including director of communications for Ms. Foundation for Women, executive editor of Out Magazine, and national organizer for the Transgender Law Center. She co-founded Transgender Week of Visibility and Action and currently serves as an executive producer for iHeartMedia's "Outspoken," president of the Solutions Not Punishments Collaborative's executive board, and a WNBA Social Justice Council member. Her debut memoir, The Risk It Takes to Bloom: On Life and Liberation, was released in late 2023 by St.Martin's Press. Bia Vieira is CEO of Women's Foundation California, where she leads the foundation's work to advance gender, racial and economic justice. She has served the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors for more than 20 years, including senior-level positions at the Philadelphia Community Foundation and Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees. Originally from Brazil, she is a longtime activist in women's, LGBTQI, Latine, immigrant, and arts and culture issues. Fluent in English, Spanish and Portuguese, Bia holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish and anthropology and a Master's Degree in literature and linguistics, both from Temple University. She is a recognized expert on culture change and gender, racial, and economic justice issues and is a frequent commentator on the power of women's philanthropy. Bia resides with her partner in Oakland, CA. See more  Michelle Meow Show programs at The Commonwealth Club World Affairs of California. Presented by The Michelle Meow Show and Inforum at Commonwealth Club World Affairs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Vibe Check's mini-series - Hey, Sis: A Vibe Check Series, Zach has a chat with writer and activist, Raquel Willis. They talk about Raquel's memoir “The Risk It Takes to Bloom”, growing up Queer in the south, and much more.We want to hear from you! Email us at vibecheck@stitcher.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram and Threads @samsanders, @theferocity, and @zachstaff.

Michelle and Jordan hit ALL the corners this week with author, activist, journalist, and media strategist, Raquel Willis. All is illuminated when Jordan (literal adult) reveals an early childhood hero, Michelle discusses the nuances of making requests of the service industry (it hits a little different at home!), and Raquel shares what it's like to date as a visible and accomplished Black transgender woman (so many sweaty stans and chasers!!). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Far right nazism, the conservative sneaker, national guard on high school grounds, and more election frenzy. Myles  interviews Raquel Willis about her new book The Risk It Takes to Bloom: On Life and Liberation.NewsTrump Fraud Trial Penalty Will Exceed $450 MillionHow Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Became One of Joe Biden's Most Valuable BoostersFox News Star: Black People Will Vote for Trump Because ‘They Love Sneakers'Nazis mingle openly at CPAC, spreading antisemitic conspiracy theories and finding alliesUnruly high school asks Massachusetts National Guard to restore orderU.S. Serviceman Dies After Setting Self on Fire Outside Israeli Embassy to Protest War in GazaHydeia Broadbent, young activist for HIV/AIDS awareness, dies at 39 

On Today's Menu on Marsha's Plate We have Raquel Willis back to talk about her first book The Risk It Takes To Bloom Raquel's Book https://amzn.to/3SvFOXe Listen on all streaming Platforms https://pod.link/1293033444 We have merch as well if you wanna support Marsha's Plate https://teespring.com/stores/marshasplate https://linktr.ee/MarshasPlate #marshasplate #girlslikeus #boyslikeus #transgender #podcast #podsincolor #podernfamily #transisbeautiful #houston #lgbt #transmen #transwomen #blackfeminism #trans101 #trans #blacktranswomen #blacktransmen #houstonpride #indiepodcast #blacktranslivesmatter #lgbtqia #lgbtq #genderidentity #pride #blackgirlmagic #blackboyjoy #podcast

Raquel Willis is a major trans activist and the author of a powerful memoir called The Risk It Takes To Bloom. We dive deep into what it means to be trans from her coming out to her politics to her dating life. Amazing conversation. Toure Show Episode 415 Host & Writer: Touré Executive Producers: Ryan Woodhall and Jennifer Brown Associate Producer: Adell Coleman Engineer: Claire McHale Photographers: Podstream Studios The House: DCP Entertainment Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Jules sits down with Raquel Willis, an award-winning activist and journalist whose work is dedicated Black trans liberation. Raquel's new memoir, The Risk It Takes to Bloom chronicles her political and personal awakenings as a Black trans woman growing up in the south. Jules and Raquel talk grief, gender, and collective liberation.  Podcast production by Palace Shaw. Email us at: outwardpodcast@slate.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Jules sits down with Raquel Willis, an award-winning activist and journalist whose work is dedicated Black trans liberation. Raquel's new memoir, The Risk It Takes to Bloom chronicles her political and personal awakenings as a Black trans woman growing up in the south. Jules and Raquel talk grief, gender, and collective liberation.  Podcast production by Palace Shaw. Email us at: outwardpodcast@slate.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Jules sits down with Raquel Willis, an award-winning activist and journalist whose work is dedicated Black trans liberation. Raquel's new memoir, The Risk It Takes to Bloom chronicles her political and personal awakenings as a Black trans woman growing up in the south. Jules and Raquel talk grief, gender, and collective liberation.  Podcast production by Palace Shaw. Email us at: outwardpodcast@slate.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Jules sits down with Raquel Willis, an award-winning activist and journalist whose work is dedicated Black trans liberation. Raquel's new memoir, The Risk It Takes to Bloom chronicles her political and personal awakenings as a Black trans woman growing up in the south. Jules and Raquel talk grief, gender, and collective liberation.  Podcast production by Palace Shaw. Email us at: outwardpodcast@slate.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Jules sits down with Raquel Willis, an award-winning activist and journalist whose work is dedicated Black trans liberation. Raquel's new memoir, The Risk It Takes to Bloom chronicles her political and personal awakenings as a Black trans woman growing up in the south. Jules and Raquel talk grief, gender, and collective liberation.  Podcast production by Palace Shaw. Email us at: outwardpodcast@slate.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We look back on some of the amazing feminist accomplishments of 2023.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's crossover episode between The New Abnormal and The Last Laugh, we break down how Hasan Minhaj's “emotional truths” upended The Daily Show's seemingly eternal search for a new host (or hosts), the downfall of TikTok-favorite standup Matt Rife, and the emergence of Nick Bargatze as a bonafide star of the industry. Plus, a conversation with author Raquel Willis about her new book, The Risk It Takes to Bloom, a memoir exploring her experiences as a Black transgender activist from the American South. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jordan, Damon, & Tony are curious – what are the risks it takes to bloom into who we really are? In this episode, we're honored to be joined by trans activist and the author of "The Risk It Takes To Bloom: On Life and Liberation," Raquel Willis. To kick things off, we engage in an icebreaker game that pays homage to Sylvia Rivera, a trailblazing trans activist from the 60s and 70s. Each of us then reflects on the pivotal moments when we embraced our sexuality or gender identity. Diving deep into the themes of Raquel's book, we explore the intricacies of the trans experience and culture. The episode concludes with a thought-provoking discussion on the future of the Queer revolution, emphasizing the crucial need to amplify the voices and experiences of Black Trans individuals. We know a lot but we don't know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

In episode 1596, Jack and Miles are joined by author of The Risk It Takes to Bloom: On Life and Liberation, Raquel Willis, to discuss… Texas' F**ked Up Abortion Laws Are Confusing And Cruel, It's DEMON WEED Time In Ohio It Seems, Burger King Gets In On The Human Dog Bed Trend and more! It's DEMON WEED Time In Ohio It Seems Burger King Gets In On The Human Dog Bed Trend Let sleeping humans lie … in these dog beds designed for people Whatever Happened To The Human Dog Bed After Shark Tank? The Plufl human dog bed is the viral Christmas gift of 2023 -- and it's on sale for Black Friday I tried Plufl, the viral human dog bed — and it's a catnap lover's dream LISTEN: Nostalgia by Matt WildeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Risk It Takes To Bloom is a new memoir by journalist and activist Raquel Willis. In 2014, Willis navigated post-college life as she grappled with the "dehumanization" of Blackness and the importance of transgender visibility. Willis examined how to support the Black trans community and helped organize one of the largest marches for Black trans lives in 2020. In today's episode, Willis speaks with NPR's Brittany Luse about her journey as a Black trans woman emerging into adulthood and the intersectional framework that shapes her activism.

On January 21, 2017, a day after the inauguration of former President Donald Trump, activist and journalist Raquel Willis approached the podium at the inaugural Women's March in Washington, D.C. to share her story at what became one of the largest single-day marches in U.S. history. With this momentous platform, Willis was determined to galvanize the crowd to support liberation for all women, namely Black trans women like herself. Not even three minutes into her speech, after calling out the erasure of trailblazing women of color from feminist history, Willis' microphone was cut off. Unfortunately, this silencing was something that she knew all too well through her work in supposedly progressive movements and newsrooms. This experience only fueled her fire to make intersectionality the baseline of all liberation efforts. Willis has made waves in her work as the former executive editor of Out Magazine and national organizer for the Transgender Law Center, demonstrating her dedication to uplifting the voices of transgender people of color. In her new memoir, “The Risk It Takes To Bloom: On Life and Liberation,” her voice takes center stage. The book explores Willis' history and journey with identity, education, grief, community, and remembrance. Her recount honors not only her past and present, but that of the trans community worldwide. Today, Willis joins us to shed light on her story and vision for the future of liberation.

Disney recently celebrated its 100th birthday, so we're exploring a fandom that's kept the magic alive while also generating lots of online hate: Disney Adults. To break the phenomenon down, Brittany Luse chats with Rolling Stone senior writer and self-proclaimed Disney Adult, E.J. Dickson. Their conversation looks at the rise of Disney Adults, why they're so maligned and what the public may misunderstand about these superfans.Then, in honor of Trans Day of Remembrance, Brittany talks with influential Black trans activist Raquel Willis. They get into her new memoir, The Risk It Takes to Bloom, which looks at pivotal moments in her organizing journey alongside the movement for Black Lives and the rise of trans visibility in modern culture.

In this episode of Remarkable People, join host Guy Kawasaki as he engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Raquel Willis, a trailblazing Black transgender activist, writer, media strategist, and speaker. Together, they dive into Raquel's journey in the LGBTQ and racial justice movements, her groundbreaking roles with organizations like the Ms. Foundation and Out magazine, and her co-founding of Black Trans Circles. Discover how Raquel's visionary work has earned her recognition as an ESSENCE's Woke 100 Women, Forbes 30 Under 30, and more. Explore her new book, "The Risk It Takes to Bloom: On Life and Liberation," and learn how she pursues liberation and resistance through activism. This episode is a powerful exploration of activism, leadership, and the pursuit of justice.---Guy Kawasaki is on a mission to make you remarkable. His Remarkable People podcast features interviews with remarkable people such as Jane Goodall, Marc Benioff, Woz, Kristi Yamaguchi, and Bob Cialdini. Every episode will make you more remarkable. With his decades of experience in Silicon Valley as a Venture Capitalist and advisor to the top entrepreneurs in the world, Guy's questions come from a place of curiosity and passion for technology, start-ups, entrepreneurship, and marketing. If you love society and culture, documentaries, and business podcasts, take a second to follow Remarkable People. Listeners of the Remarkable People podcast will learn from some of the most successful people in the world with practical tips and inspiring stories that will help you be more remarkable. Episodes of Remarkable People organized by topic: https://bit.ly/rptopology Listen to Remarkable People here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/guy-kawasakis-remarkable-people/id1483081827 Like this show? Please leave us a review -- even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally! Thank you for your support; it helps the show!

Raquel Willis is an activist, author, and media strategist whose work focuses on Black transgender liberation. Willis joins Cleo Wade today to talk about her debut memoir, The Risk It Takes to Bloom, and making peace with her younger self while chipping away at the idea of wanting to tell a "pristine" story. They also talk about the moment Willis' path into activism became clear, and her advice for those who are afraid of saying the wrong thing in the journey toward collective liberation. (To hear more from Willis, tune into her new podcast series, Afterlives.) To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Activist, author and podcaster Raquel Willis returns to SMNTY after accomplishing so much to talk about her book, The Risk it Takes to BloomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When author and activist Raquel Willis came out to her parents, they didn't both react positively at first. While that was hard for her, she did not let it stop her from continuing to come out to others and live her truth as a proud trans woman. Sam asks Raquel how online forums helped her find community when she was a young queer person, why she wishes more members of the mainstream media would trade in their “objectivity” for empathy, and what she would like young people to learn in school about sex and gender.     Follow Raquel Willis @RaquelWillis on Twitter and @raquel_willis on Instagram.   Keep up with Samantha Bee @realsambee on Instagram and Twitter. And stay up to date with us @LemonadaMedia on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.   For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors.   Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Well, the interesting thing is, I guess some of this came from writing the book too, but all of those versions of me live inside of me, right? Even the kid that was, you know, forced to kind of navigate the world as a boy and all of these different things, like that kid is still inside of me, right? The teenager slash young adult who was gay, just like regular gay, boring gay, boring gay now, it wasn't boring gay then, lives inside of me. That trans woman, at the start of my adulthood who felt like she had to live up to so many of these ideals of womanhood, you know, she lives inside of me too.” So says Raquel Willis, a Black trans activist who just released a debut memoir, The Risk it Takes to Bloom: On Life and Liberation. Her book traces her evolution—from her childhood in Georgia, through her multiple coming out experiences, or unfoldings, as the title of her book suggests. Willis has served as the director of communications for Ms. Foundation for Women, executive editor of Out Magazine, and a national organizer for Transgender Law Center. She also co-founded Transgender Week of Visibility and Action and currently serves as an executive producer for iHeartMedia's Outspoken and the president of the Solutions Not Punishments Collaborative's executive board, and is a WNBA Social Justice Council member. Our conversation today isn't really about her accolades, it is, to quote her, more existential: We explore whether our souls are gendered, what it means to perform or play with femininity, and why sexual violence against women and girls affects us all. Let's turn to our conversation now. MORE FROM RAQUEL WILLIS: The Risk it Takes to Bloom: On Life and Liberation Raquel's Website Follow Raquel on Instagram To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Raquel Willis, trans activist, host of the new podcast Afterlives: The Layleen Polanco Story and author of the new book The Risk it Takes to Bloom: On Life and Liberation (Macmillan, 2023), talks about the life and legacy of Layleen Polanco, a young trans woman who died in solitary confinement at Rikers Island in June 2019.

Tuck chats with activist Raquel Willis (she/her). Topics include:  Why having the ~most radical gender~ isn't a useful standard  Reconciling your feminism with your transsexual desires  Parental loss, and death as an animating force How to choose a good beneficiary for trans fundraising  Plus: Afrotransmisogyny, Janet Mock, and… Fortnite?? This Week in Gender: Girlfriends by Emily Zhou; Idlewild by James Frankie Thomas; People Collide by Isle McElroy; Laugh Riot by Io & Jonas Goonface. Find Raquel on Instagram and Twitter. Preorder The Risk It Takes to Bloom before Nov 14. Find a copy of 2 Trans 2 Furious here, and join us on Nov 10 at North Figueroa in LA. (RSVP here, ignore the date listed lolol.) Check out our nonprofit merch store by October 15!  Join our Patreon (patreon.com/gender) to access our bonus podcast, newsletter, and other fun perks. Find us genderpodcast.com (for starter packs, FAQ, grant info, transcripts, etc) and @gendereveal. Join the Gender Detective Slack here (link expires in 28 days). Senior Producer: Ozzy Llinas Goodman Logo: Ira M. LeighMusic: Breakmaster CylinderAdditional Music: “Di Breun” and “Hedgeliner” by Blue Dot Sessions Sponsors: ShopEnby.com (promo code: GenderReveal)

Severe weather continued across the Deep South, after intense tornadoes struck Mississippi and Alabama over the weekend, leaving at least 26 people dead and destroying rural towns in one of the poorest areas of the country.A collective of New York Times contributors released an open letter to the newspaper last month, calling out widespread editorial bias in its reporting on transgender, non⁠-⁠binary, and gender nonconforming people. Freelance journalist Harron Walker and TV critic Sean Collins, two co-authors of the original letter, join us to check in on how the Times has responded.And in headlines: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired his own defense minister for speaking out against a controversial plan to reform the country's judicial system, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced plans to station tactical nuclear weapons in neighboring Belarus, and the Los Angeles Unified School District reached a deal with 30,000 service workers after last week's massive strike.Show Notes:What A Day: Showing Up For Trans Rights with Chase Strangio – https://crooked.com/podcast/showing-up-for-trans-rights-with-chase-strangio/What A Day: For Trans Liberation Is Everyone's Fight with Raquel Willis – https://crooked.com/podcast/the-fight-for-trans-liberation-is-everyones-fight-with-raquel-willis/Trans Week of Visibility & Action: March 25-31 (Twitter) – https://twitter.com/trans_weekWe See Each Other: A Black, Trans Journey Through TV and Film – https://www.trevellanderson.com/booksCrooked Coffee is officially here. Our first blend, What A Morning, is available in medium and dark roasts. Wake up with your own bag at crooked.com/coffeeFollow us on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/crookedmedia/For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/whataday