It’s Been a While — and I Directed a Podcast 🎬✨
Hi friends,
It’s been a while since my last update. I hope, wherever you are, you’re doing what you can to keep yourself safe and sane during this terrible time. I’m writing with something that’s brought me a little light and a lot of hope lately.
It’s called Period Power Stories, and it began airing in mid-September. It’s a new video podcast collection from The TMI Project Story Hour that I had the honor of directing — something I hadn’t planned to do, but stepped into last minute when the original director got sick. I’m so glad I did. Not only was it a blast to learn on my first film set, it felt deeply right to help usher in this next phase of the students’ activism.
Period Power Stories is a collaboration between TMI Project, HUDSY, and Kingston High School’s Period Power! Club, who are fighting to make period poverty a thing of the past. Each episode features a true story from a youth activist, followed by thoughtful conversations with guests including TMI Project leaders, healthcare professionals, and even New York State Senator Michelle Hinchey — who helped pass legislation requiring free menstrual products in college restrooms.
Over the past year, I’ve been working alongside these young leaders — first meeting them when they volunteered at TMI Project's event honoring reproductive justice, Stories for Choice, then teaching the workshop where they learned to tell their true stories (alongside my incredibly peer, Dara Lurie).
To be honest, as a trans person just… existing in this day and age, I was nervous. I worried about being targeted for talking with students about something so intimate. But instead, I was welcomed with open arms — by students, teachers, parents… even state senators. Their courage and joy gave me a kind of hope for the future I didn’t realize I needed. Now many of them are off to college, carrying their activism with them. I’ll always treasure the chance to witness their growth and support their voices.
And, if you like what you hear...
This has been one of my favorite creative projects to date, and it would mean a lot to both me and everyone who worked on this if you gave it a listen. And – if you like it – I hope you'll rate and comment on our RSS feed. Your support goes a long way.
Enjoy. :)
Queerly yours,
Raine Grayson
P.S. The TMI Project Story Hour, which is the mother podcast of this special collection, was just nominated for an Anthem award! Winners are selected by audience vote. We would love your support in getting our name to the top! Every vote counts, and for a small organization like TMI Project, these types of wins go a long way.
