Kaleidoscope | Episode 10: Turning the Prism

⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️ IMPORTANT NOTICE You’ll hear me say in this episode that trans people are the least LGBTQ and the most LGBTQ at the same time. I framed it as us breaking every gender rule while also just trying to act ‘normally.’

Listening back, I don’t love how I said that. It sounds like I’m ranking queerness, like some kind of least-to-most scale, and that’s not who I am, and it’s not what I believe.

The truth is, there is no hierarchy in queerness. None of us are the least, none of us are the most. LGBTQ people are fully LGBTQ, in ways that are everyday and extraordinary at once. Sometimes that looks like breaking rules; sometimes that looks like living quietly. All of it counts. All of it is real.

And I also want to be clear: just because I personally have goals of passing or appearing heteronormative, that doesn’t mean I project that onto queerness in general. That’s my journey, my survival strategy, my choice - but it’s not a standard, and it’s not a measure of validity.

So instead of least or most, I want to affirm: queer life isn’t a competition. It’s a spectrum of stories, and each one adds to the whole. Trans, gay, bi, ace, pan, intersex - whoever you are, however you show up, your identity doesn’t need qualifiers. It just is. And that is enough.

🌈🌈🌈🌈 IN THIS EPISODE:

In this milestone tenth episode, two trans voices from very different backgrounds come together to share their stories, struggles, and sparks of transformation in 2025.

We talk openly about the challenges of living authentically, the pressures of identity and belonging, and the unexpected wins that shine through when you least expect them. From navigating family and work to embracing moments of gender euphoria, this episode captures the raw, real, and resilient paths of two people carving light through the cracks.

✨ Themes: trans journeys, resilience, identity, 2025 reflections 🎙️ Voices: two trans perspectives, one shared humanity

Listen to Kira's Journey here: https://www.youtube.com/@KVRenaux

Follow Kaleidoscope here

• Website: http://www.echoember.co.uk
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/firefromheat
• TikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/@heatfromfire
• YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@raeliu

⚠️ Sensitive Topics Notice This episode of Kaleidoscope includes discussion of sensitive topics, including suicidality. Please take care while listening, and step away if you need to.

If you are struggling or thinking about suicide, you are not alone. Support is available:

• In South Africa: call the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) Suicide Crisis Helpline at 0800 567 567
• In the UK & Ireland: call Samaritans at 116 123
• In the US: dial or text 988
• Elsewhere: please look up a local crisis hotline or reach out to someone you trust.

Your safety matters, and your life has value. 🌈