1/24/24 Queer Voices - Leah Lax and Bryan Hlavinka

Queer Voices

Send us a text

Discover the transformative power of a life fully embraced as Leah Lax joins us to recount her incredible journey from Hasidic Judaism to living openly as a lesbian. Leah's narrative is a testament to authenticity, captured in her memoir ‘Uncovered’ and its subsequent adaptation into an opera. Her tale is not just about self-discovery, but also a profound look at the intersection of faith, sexuality, and identity, as she opens up about the structure and solace she initially found within the Hasidic community. Her latest literary work, "Not From Here," promises to be another deep dive into the heart of what it means to belong, highlighting the often unseen narratives of immigrants and refugees.
When art reflects life, the result can be both stunning and stirring. This episode peels back the curtain on how Leah Lax's journey inspired an opera, tackling subjects like a lesbian protagonist and abortion in a traditionally conservative art form. As Leah shares the personal milestones that steered her away from Hasidic tradition, we reflect on how our Texan backdrop and its political influences shape our stories. Meanwhile, Brian Levinca offers a candid look at the perpetual cycle of coming out, reminding us that each revelation is a new chapter in the larger narrative of a queer life.
Amidst ongoing legislative challenges to LGBTQIA+ rights, we explore the resilience and activism within our community. With Brian Levinca, we discuss the continuous revelations of coming out to family and colleagues, and how each encounter is part of a larger journey towards living authentically. We also examine the U.S. Supreme Court's recent decision on transgender youth bathroom rights, and the troubling rise of anti-LGBTQ bills. This episode serves as a rallying cry for inclusivity, understanding, and the power of sharing stories that affirm the diverse tapestry of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Queer Voices airs in Houston Texas on 90.1FM KPFT and is heard as a podcast here. Queer Voices hopes to entertain as well as illuminate LGBTQ issues in Houston and beyond. Check out our socials at:
https://www.facebook.com/QueerVoicesKPFT/ and
https://www.instagram.com/queervoices90.1kpft/

Chapters

1. Exploring Immigrant Stories and Identity (00:00:00)

2. From Book to Opera (00:11:17)

3. Immigrant Experiences and Gender Identity (00:25:01)

4. The Ongoing Process of Coming Out (00:31:55)

5. Coming Out and Transgender Rights (00:45:31)