Art as Activism - Drag as Revolution
MAY 29th, 2024
EPISODE 44: Art as Activism - Drag as Revolution with Peppermint
Have you ever wondered how art could stir revolution and change? Or how the art of drag transcends the bounds of entertainment to become a profound reflection on our humanity?
In this episode, Dr Scott is joined by the incomparable Peppermint, an actress, singer, songwriter, drag queen, activist, and trailblazing icon. From the stages of New York City nightclubs to the bright lights of Broadway and the fierce competition of RuPaul's Drag Race, Peppermint has not only entertained millions but also been instrumental in paving the way for open conversations about the transgender experience and activism within the LGBTQ+ community. More than a performer, Peppermint embodies courage and authenticity, using her platform to challenge misconceptions, advocate for equality, and inspire a generation.
Join us as we delve into the intersections of art and activism, exploring how Peppermint's work in the entertainment industry serves as a vehicle for change. They’ll discuss the evolution of nightlife and its role in shaping LGBTQ+ culture, the mainstream acceptance of drag and its implications, and the concerning rise of anti-drag legislation. But it's not just about the challenges; it's about the triumphs, the joy of self-acceptance, and the power of community.
Prepare to be inspired by Peppermint’s story of transformation, resistance, and the art of turning personal trials into powerful messages of acceptance and change. It's going to be a powerful, enlightening, and undeniably fabulous episode that you won't want to miss.
Topics We Break Down:
Drag’s changing role in mainstream culture across different administrations.
The conservative playbook for targeting trans people and other minorities.
Systems of propaganda and discrimination across cultures.
Dehumanization, reactionary politics, and coming to terms with the non-linear nature of progress.
The current state of trans rights and trans justice.
Media, misinformation, and the overwhelming amount of content that people have to navigate today.
Rehumanization; why it’s crucial for people to have experiences with groups that are being discriminated against.
Art as activism; how Peppermint is using her voice and her platform to educate others and advocate for change.
LISTEN TO THE EPISODE
Show Notes
Episode Links:
Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents
Discount Codes:
Save 10% at Omala with offer code DRSCOTT10
Save 10% on The Embody Lab’s live and online workshops and certificate programs* with the offer code GENTLYUSED10
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Special Guest
Peppermint
Peppermint’s star continues to rise thanks to her smashing success as the first out trans contestant to be cast on RuPaul’s Drag Race (Season 9) where she finished as runner-up in one of the series’ most-talked-about finales. Soon after, her talent led her to become the first trans woman to originate a principal musical role (Pythio) on Broadway in the hit Head Over Heels and now in Season 2 of the hit series "The Traitors" on Peacock.
Recent projects include; Stand-up comedy special Peppermint: So-SIGH-ety Effects, starring role in “A Transparent Musical” at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles, recurring role in the Netflix series, Survival of the Thickest with comedian Michelle Buteau, guest starred in Hulu’s hit rom-com award winning movie, "Fire Island" alongside Saturday Night Live's Bowen Yang, Joel Kim Booster & Margaret Cho, co-starred in OUTtv’s “Call Me Mother” drag competition series, guest starred in season one & two of Amazon’s “Harlem” and Ryan Murphy’s Emmy award winning series “Pose,” co-host of the Amazon Prime talk show “Translation” and hosting/moderating Black Queer Town Hall and Town Hall podcast with co-creator Bob The Drag Queen.
CONNECT WITH PEPPERMINT:
Your Host
DR. SCOTT LYONS
Dr. Scott Lyons is a licensed holistic psychologist, educator and author of the book Addicted to Drama: Healing Dependency on Crisis and Chaos in Yourself and Others, with Hachette publishing. Scott is also the host of The Gently Used Human Podcast, a delightfully depthful and often hilarious exploration of what it is to be human, to have lived life, and come out gently used.
As a renowned body-based trauma expert, Doctor of Osteopathy (Spain) and Mind-Body Medicine specialist, Scott helps people to break free from cycles of pain, limited beliefs, and trauma. Scott is an innovator in transformative wellness and trauma therapy, teaching over half a million people internationally over the past twenty years how to relieve stress and restore vitality. Scott has worked with many of the country’s top leaders and CEOs as an executive coach and wellness consultant.
Scott is the creator of The Embody Lab—the largest online learning platform for body-based trauma therapies—and developer of Somatic Stress Release™, a holistic process of restoring biological resilience, taught in over 20 countries. Scott is also the founder and progressive designer of Omala, a wellness brand dedicated to creating sustainably sourced tools for transformation.
About the Podcast
THE GENTLY USED HUMAN
Dr. Scott Lyons and his world renowned guests take us into the delightfully depthful and often hilarious exploration of what it is to be human, to have lived life, and come out gently used. From passion to pain, glory to defeat, comedy to drama to tragedy, we’ve all been through it. This show unpacks the psychology and humor needed to keep you thriving on the roller coaster of being human.
