ODS S1:E7 Monica Helms

Out Down South Podcast
S1:E7: Monica Helms
Creator of the Trans Pride Flag & Co-Founder of Transgender Americans Veterans Association (TAVA)

The first season of Out Down South will showcase the stories of 10 LGBTQ+ Atlantans, told in their own words.

This episode features Monica Helms is a transgender activist, veteran, and creator of the trans pride flag. Monica served as a nuclear submarine Machinist Mate in the U.S. Navy and later helped found the Transgender Americans Veterans Association (TAVA). In 2004, she was selected as Georgia’s first transgender delegate to the Democratic National Convention. Monica created the trans flag in 1999. Her simple, powerful design has become a worldwide symbol of belonging for millions of trans people. The original flag is in the collection of the Smithsonian National Museum.

Out Down South is brought to you by the Atlanta LGBTQ+ History Project and is part of the WUSSY Podcast Network.


Show Notes:

Out Down South is brought to you by the Atlanta LGBTQ+ History Project and part of the WUSSY Podcast Network.

Hosted by Rachel Garbus (@goodgraciousrachel)

Produced by Jon Dean (@jondeanphoto), Rachel Garbus (@goodgraciousrachel), and Sam Landis (@iam_samlandis).

Episode 7 was edited by Jonathan Thomas Maiocco (@jonathanthomasmaiocco)

Our Original Podcast Theme Music was created by our sound designer, Jonathan Thomas Maiocco (@jonathanthomasmaiocco)

Podcast graphics created by Sam Landis (@iam_samlandis)
Photographer: Robin Rayne. Monica Helms is pictured in her home workshop in Marietta.