Trans Divinity w/ Alex Jenny

(S5, EP2): Alex Jenny (She / They) joined me for this episode as part of the 5th season theme, "Our Becoming: An LGBTQ Asian Experience".  Alex is a Chinese-Vietnamese American trans woman, licensed psychotherapist, social worker, drag artist, host of "The Moment" produced by A Queer Pride and is known as "The Drag Therapist" through her social media platform.  In our conversation, we talk about the response to the anti-Asian violence, the barriers that transgender / trans folks of color often face in accessing affirmative mental health care in her work in therapy, and the cis-hetero & white structures that gatekeeps the social work and mental health profession.  Alex shares her experiences in her journey as a trans woman and her relationship with her mom and family's community, along with her relationship in the Chicago drag community.  Be sure to follow Alex on IG @alexjenny_.  

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Bio:

Alex Jenny was born in Grand Rapids, MI to Chinese Vietnamese parents, both refugees who escaped from Vietnam  After establishing her professional career as a psychotherapist and licensed clinical social worker in LGBTQ, affirmative practice and trauma recovery, Alex also became a local Chicago drag performer and that’s how Alex Jenny was reborn. She was nominated for 2020 Best Drag Queen of the Year by Chicago Reader. She then integrated her therapy work with her drag and became known as The Drag Therapist. She hosts a talk show called The Moment, produced by A Queer Pride, that highlights trans  artists and celebrates queer and trans joy, healing, and authenticity. She also teaches a class at the University of Chicago on Intergroup  Dialogue, anti-oppression education, and group facilitation.

She has been featured by them., Refinery29, Greatist, PinkNews, GoPride, Made of Millions, Windy City Times, and Ask Dr. Nandi. She has worked with the University of Michigan, the University of Chicago, Rutgers University, Grand Valley State University,  Tennessee Tech University, University of Tennessee, Macalester University, Virginia Commonwealth University, Amazon, The Hideout,  The Voice Lab, Plume, Dame, Unbound Babes, Chicago Black Drag Council, The Gala Pride and Diversity Center, and Instagram.