On this episode, Athena, Caroline, and Jordan are joined by Indy Pride’s own Hudson Gaunt, a transmasculine, non-binary, autistic, Hispanic pagan and EMT whose life is rooted in radical care, community resilience, and queer joy. Together, they dive into Hudson’s personal journey, from growing up in a conservative religious household to becoming a visible and vital advocate for inclusive queer spaces in Indianapolis. With honesty and depth, Hudson shares the formative moments of their self-discovery, the tension between identity and faith, and how they’ve woven together their lived experiences to shape both their spirituality and community activism.

As the conversation unfolds, the group explores the evolving meaning of Pride, especially under the growing shadow of political backlash and anti-trans legislation. Hudson offers a behind-the-scenes look at their work with Indy Pride, highlighting efforts to create trauma-informed, accessible events like the “Mellow Cello” sensory tent and the Transmixer. They reflect on their desire for Pride to be less corporate, more community-driven, and genuinely inclusive, built not on performance, but on shared values of safety, belonging, and liberation.

In a world that often tries to erase or sanitize queer complexity, this episode becomes a love letter to intersectionality, lived truth, and the healing power of chosen family. Hudson’s story reminds us that Pride isn’t just a party, it’s a practice. A practice of showing up, of holding space, and of daring to imagine futures where everyone belongs.

“Hudson Gaunt is a multifaceted soul whose life and work embody resilience, authenticity, and radical care. A Queer, Non-Binary, Autistic, Hispanic, Pagan, Trans cat-dad and EMT, Hudson holds space at the vibrant intersections of identity, disability, and community healing. Raised in a conservative town by a pastor, Hudson’s early life was marked by suppression, of truth, of expression, of joy. But after finding affirmation and belonging within the Indianapolis queer community, Hudson committed himself to creating safe, affirming spaces for others. As the Office Manager for Indy Pride, he now works to ensure the organization reflects the full spectrum of identities it serves. Hudson brings lived experience, spiritual depth, and a creative lens to everything he touches, building community not just with systems—but with soul.”

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“Make it real to me” written by Athena Promachus, covered by Boy Bowser

The Trans Narrative was created, and produced by Caroline Penny, powered by Spotify for podcasters

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