An Atlanta LGBTQ+ History Project
& Wussy Mag Podcast
ODS S1:E7 Monica Helms
Out Down South Podcast
S1:E7: Monica Helms
Creator of the Trans Pride Flag & Co-Founder of Transgender Americans Veterans Association (TAVA)
The first season of Out Down South will showcase the stories of 10 LGBTQ+ Atlantans, told in their own words.
This episode features Monica Helms is a transgender activist, veteran, and creator of the trans pride flag. Monica served as a nuclear submarine Machinist Mate in the U.S. Navy and later helped found the Transgender Americans Veterans Association (TAVA). In 2004, she was selected as Georgia’s first transgender delegate to the Democratic National Convention. Monica created the trans flag in 1999. Her simple, powerful design has become a worldwide symbol of belonging for millions of trans people. The original flag is in the collection of the Smithsonian National Museum.
Out Down South is brought to you by the Atlanta LGBTQ+ History Project and is part of the WUSSY Podcast Network.
Show Notes:
Out Down South is brought to you by the Atlanta LGBTQ+ History Project and part of the WUSSY Podcast Network.
Hosted by Rachel Garbus (@goodgraciousrachel)
Produced by Jon Dean (@jondeanphoto), Rachel Garbus (@goodgraciousrachel), and Sam Landis (@iam_samlandis).
Episode 7 was edited by Jonathan Thomas Maiocco (@jonathanthomasmaiocco)
Our Original Podcast Theme Music was created by our sound designer, Jonathan Thomas Maiocco (@jonathanthomasmaiocco)
Podcast graphics created by Sam Landis (@iam_samlandis)
Photographer: Robin Rayne. Monica Helms is pictured in her home workshop in Marietta.
ODS S1:E1 Dee Dee Chamblee
Out Down South Podcast
S1:E1: Dee Dee Chamblee
Trans & HIV/AIDS Activist, Founder of LaGender Inc.
The first season of Out Down South will showcase the stories of 10 LGBTQ+ Atlantans, told in their own words.
In this episode we listen to the oral history Rachel recorded with Ms. Dee Dee Chamblee. Ms. Chamblee is the executive director and founder of LaGender Inc., a non-profit organization, led by Black trans women, dedicated to the support of transgender women of color in the metro Atlanta area.
Dee Dee founded LaGender in 2001 to address the unique needs of the transgender community surrounding issues such as HIV/AIDS, homelessness, incarceration, mental health wellness, discrimination and hate crime violence. She’s a true survivor, having lived with HIV since 1987, and she is a tireless advocate for the trans community here in Atlanta and beyond.
In 2011, to honor her work, then-President Obama named DeeDee a Champion of Change during a 30th anniversary commemoration of the beginning of the HIV/AIDS crisis. She was the first Black trans woman to be honored at the White House.
Show Notes:
Out Down South is brought to you by the Atlanta LGBTQ+ History Project and part of the WUSSY Podcast Network.
Hosted by Rachel Garbus (@goodgraciousrachel) and Sam Landis (@iam_samlandis).
Produced by Jon Dean (@jondeanphoto), Rachel Garbus (@goodgraciousrachel), and Sam Landis (@iam_samlandis).
Episode 1 edited by Kacie Willis
Podcast graphics created by Sam Landis (@iam_samlandis)
Podcast Music Information:
Intro Song: “Break the Mould” by Jack Pierce
Supplemental Music from Audio Jungle