Meet Transgender Icon Mama Gloria

In the early 1960s, Gloria Allen, aka Mama Gloria, was ridiculed by teachers and fellow students at Englewood High School for being a “sissy.” Allen says no one knew back then what being transgender meant. But she always knew she was a girl, and with the support of her mother, grandmother, and some neighbors, Allen was able to embrace who she really was. Living that authentic life is what helped her when she experienced traumatic sexual violence. “Mama Gloria,” streaming now on PBS, is a documentary of Allen’s life in Chicago, including attending “Sissy Balls” in the 1960s and starting a charm school for young people. Allen talks to host Jacoby Cochran about the continued fight for transgender rights.

**Warning: This episode includes descriptions of sexual violence**

Some good news: Matt Muse and Jamila Woods are hosting a benefit concert Friday at The Metro for his “Love and Nappyness” hair care drive. Here’s where to drop off hygiene products.

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