We’re honored to welcome Mya Byrne back to Trans HeartBeat as our first episode of 2026,  just as she was our very first guest when we launched the series last year.

In this episode, Mya reflects on her “Trans State of the Union” one year later, shares what she’s been creating, and speaks truth to the shifting political climate for trans folks and artists.

It's a conversation filled with music, insight, and the steady heartbeat of trans resilience.

All episodes and accessible transcripts can be found at bit.ly/transheartbeat

Trans Heartbeat is a project of TRACTION: Trans | Community | Action

Learn more about TRACTION https://tractionpnw.org

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Hosted and produced by Michelle Matlock

Edited and produced by StormMiguelFlorez

Produced by Traction PNW

Trans Heartbeat theme song "Mutual Aid" by Mya Byrne

Mya Byrne - A Full Circle Moment

In this powerful episode of Trans HeartBeat, we talk with TRACTION’s co-founder Michael Woodward about the beginnings of Project Open Arms, a grassroots effort helping trans+ people relocate from unsafe environments and with Elle Cree, the first recipient of Project Open Arms support.

From a one-room cabin in rural Arkansas to a life of transformation and community in Washington state, Elle Cree’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary.

Project Open Arms: Resources, Refuge, & Relocation

What if you could shape how you're remembered as an ancestor...while you're still alive? In this episode of Trans Heartbeat, we talk with artist-activists StormMiguel Florez and Luna Merbruja, co-creators of SANTES, a visionary project inviting queer trans BIPOC to reclaim their spiritual legacies.  SANTES asks: How do you want to be fed on an altar? What miracles would you offer? Who are you here for, even after you're gone? It’s spiritual, playful, radical and full of joy, autonomy, and ancestral power.

 Luna Merbruja & StormMiguel Florez - SANTES Project for Future Ancestors

In this episode of Trans HeartBeat, Rio Antone shares their journey from surviving being un-housed  in Las Vegas to activating queer voices through GLAAD.  This conversation is about gender freedom, courage and the radical joy of living in your truth.  Hosted by Michelle Matlock, Trans Heartbeat celebrates and affirms trans existence, empowers responses to the rising tide of transphobic rhetoric in our country, and showcases the power of trans artistic expression. Keep listening! Keep creating! Keep shining your light!

Rio Antone - An award winning artist and educator whose story will inspire you

Cathy Renna talks about the National LGBTQ Wall of Honor at the Stonewall Inn and the seven trans and nonbinary ancestors who were honored at the 2025 ceremony.

This year’s honorees are: Alan Hart, Chilli Pepper, Jiggly Caliente, Lady Chablis, Lynn Conway, Ruddys Martinez, and Sam Nordquist.

Cathy Renna - Celebrating our Trancestors at the National LGBTQ Wall of Honor

Michelle Matlock talks with accomplished musician and community builder, Hayden Stern about the Trans Trad Music Festival and the importance of trans and gender nonconforming artists being visibly represented in traditional music spaces.

Hayden Stern - Trans Trad Music Festival

Hosted by Michelle Matlock, Trans Heartbeat celebrates and affirms trans existence, empowers responses to the rising tide of transphobic rhetoric in our country, and showcases the power of trans artistic expression.
Keep listening! Keep creating! Keep shining your light!
Trans Heartbeat is a project of TRACTION: Trans Community Action www.tractionpnw.org 

Michelle Matlock

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