In this episode of The Joy Tuck Club we are joined by the delightfully dynamic Dani St James. This isn’t for the faint-hearted though. If you clutch your pearls at the occasional f-bomb, best get them ready.
Calling in from her colourful studio in the seaside town of Margate, Dani shares a transition journey that traces a path from Wales (where trans-miners, yes, miners as in mines, played a key role in her early transition), to Ibiza, where the challenges of tucking and electrical tape sparked an idea that eventually flared into Zoah, a lingerie brand featuring perhaps the best tuckers, binders, and packers any trans person could want. Her dream was to create underwear so comfortable you forget you’re even wearing it.
Along the way she also, much to the surprise of many a parliamentarian suffering from Cassification of the brain, had a good experience at the Tavistock gender clinic, just happened to become the first trans woman to out herself deliberately on a national tv show, became a model and celebrity, and went on to found an incredible charity, Not A Phase, providing vital support to trans and gender non-conforming adults across the UK.
Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing, but you’ll have to listen to the episode to find out why.
Dani shares an unfiltered story that is imbued with a monumental amount of joy. It’s also one of perseverance, passion, and a little presale panic, making it a useful listen for anyone needing some entrepreneurial uplifting too. And it all started with someone who initially thought she was just “really shit at being a gay boy.”
Join us for a wonderfully rompish ride through life, love, and the pursuit of comfortable underwear.
https://www.instagram.com/danistjames
—Visit The Joy Tuck Club online at redandfreckles.com and learn more about us and our upcoming book, How To Transition. You can also find red+freckles (Rachel & Phoebe) at:
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The Joy Tuck Club is written, produced, and edited by red+freckles, of Two Damp Trans Ltd, UK.