The Bay Agenda: Envisioning Trans Futures

San Francisco has a reputation for being one of the best places to be queer. It is home to the first Transgender District in the world and, this year, California was the first state to recognize August as Trans History Month. Despite that, the new administration’s day one anti-trans policies have already started impacting trans Californians. Join us to share your thoughts in an open discussion followed by a panel conversation with Julia Serano (“Whipping Girl”), Henry Carnell (Mother Jones), and Dr. JL Odom (Bay Area Reporter) to talk about this moment in trans history and look towards how organizations and individuals are responding to government hostility.

Panelists Include:

Julia Serano is a true Renaissance woman: a writer, performer, activist, musician, and biologist. She is best known for her book (Seal Press, 2007, 2016, third edition in 2024), a collection of personal essays that debunk many of the myths and misconceptions that people have about trans women, femininity, and the subjects of gender and sexism more generally.
Julia is also an accomplished spoken word artist and musician. In addition to all this, Julia has a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics from Columbia University, and spent 17 years as a researcher at UC Berkeley in the fields of genetics, evolution and developmental biology. Her understanding of biology, along with her life experiences as a trans woman, give her a unique perspective on gender and sexism that challenges many commonly held beliefs.

Henry Carnell is a reporter and producer working on science, technology, climate, and gender. Currently, He is a digital fellow with Mother Jones/Center for Investigative Reporting and a digital equity fellow with the Washington Blade. Previously, Carnell was a Mother Jones Ben Bagdikian 2023-2024 Editorial Fellow. His reporting has also appeared in Them, 5280, the LA Blade, LGBTQ Nation, and Quanta. He also wrote about science for his local Extension office. Baltimore-raised, he now lives in Oregon. You can follow Henry on Bluesky @hencarnell.bsky.social.

Dr. JL Trey Odom has written 100+ published stories since moving to San Francisco in 2021.

They’ve covered SF initiatives such as Vacant to Vibrant, Slow Streets, and the Golden Mile project; myriad art exhibitions; local music festivals and various bands; the comedy scene in the Bay Area and beyond; sports events, leagues and teams (e.g., Bay to Breakers, the NWSL, the U.S. WNT, Bay FC); and LGBTQ+ issues, culture, and organizations. They’ve connected with Fortune Feimster, Amy Schneider, Aria Sa’id, Lady Camden, Brandi Chastain, Honey Mahogany, and many others—politicians, CEOs, executive directors, writers, artists, and entrepreneurs—for their stories.

Dr. Odom has a doctorate in English, with a concentration in rhetoric and textual studies, as well as an M.A. in English, a B.A. in Political Science, and USATF and RRCA coaching certifications.

Moderated by Hanisha Harjani, the Community Journalism Director at KALW. They have worked as a print and audio reporter, producing stories for outlets like NPR, The Guardian, and SF Chronicle. In the past, they’ve helped tell stories about misleading histories, environmental justice, queer identity, and the way technology influences reality.

There is a $10 - $20 sliding scale suggested donation for this event. Nobody will be turned away for lack of funds. We're hosting this gathering to help inform the electorate.

Please become a KALW member today and receive your first drink on us at all 220 Montgomery events.

📍 220 Montgomery St., San Francisco, 2 blocks from BART/MUNI
🚪 Doors open at 5:00
🗣️ Program begins at 6:00
🍕 Free snacks
🍷 Refreshments for donation (and KALW members get their first one on the house)
🆓 The event is free with an RSVP — and you are welcome to donate what you want

Please note:

• The event space is just to the left of the main entrance to the Mills Building at 220 Montgomery Street
• We recommend taking BART/MUNI, exiting at Montgomery, and walking two blocks north
• Ride-shares can drop off and pick up directly in front of the venue
• If you drive, there are several garages within two blocks of the event location

Host or Publisher KALW Public Media