On this episode, Caroline welcomes back Della Licious, Jordan Braxton, and Kristen Browde as they gather for a vibrant, honest, and deeply human roundtable on drag, transition, and advocacy. The conversation flows from laughter and casual catching up into a powerful exploration of identity, visibility, and the ongoing challenges facing LGBTQ+ communities—especially in the face of anti-drag and anti-trans legislation. Della shares stories from her 23-year journey in drag and HIV education, while Jordan reflects on drag as an early pathway to self-discovery and transition. Kristen adds insight from her dual life as a journalist and advocate, grounding the conversation in lived experience and legal perspective.

Together, the group addresses the HIV epidemic with raw vulnerability and urgency, confronting stigma head-on and advocating for better access to healthcare, testing, and education—particularly in rural and underserved communities. From the Ryan White Program to the realities of aging with HIV, they highlight the continued need for policy, compassion, and public funding. They also reflect on the strength and resilience of the transgender and drag communities, emphasizing the power of joy, community, and collective resistance in the face of ongoing marginalization.

They remind listeners that drag is more than a performance—it’s a culture of survival, expression, and truth-telling. And in the face of fear and legislation, their message is clear: keep showing up, keep living fully, and don’t let anyone steal your joy.

“Della Licious is the heartbeat of Fort Wayne’s queer nightlife and a radiant symbol of service, performance, and community care. A 20-year drag veteran, Della hosts dazzling shows at After Dark and produces monthly fundraisers for the Positive Resource Connection. With wit, rhinestone flair, and devotion to HIV/AIDS education, she uplifts queer visibility in small-town America—proving that resistance can shimmer, strut, and serve pie with a side of advocacy.

Jordan Braxton is a St. Louis icon and longtime activist whose work bridges performance and policy. Known as Dieta Pepsi, she merges glamour with grassroots leadership, serving as Director of Diversity for Pride St. Louis and Vice President of St. Louis Black Pride. Her HIV/AIDS prevention work with Vivent Health and founding of the Transgender Memorial Garden reflect her lifelong commitment to honoring trans lives and building lasting change.

Kristen Browde is a journalist-turned-advocate known for her legal and political work on behalf of the LGBTQIA+ community. With years at CNN and CBS News, she now serves as president of the Florida Democratic Party LGBTQ+ Caucus and vice president of the National Stonewall Democrats. Her career is marked by bold visibility and unwavering dedication to justice across media, law, and policy.”

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“Make it real to me” written by Athena Promachus, covered by Boy Bowser

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