As a member of the original, legendary Royal House of LaBeija, Cece (she/her) explains how her ballroom background helped her deal with a difficult health diagnosis.This is Episode 11,  the Season 5 finale of The TMI Project Podcast: Black Trans Stories Matter featuring Cece Suazo. Cece is a life-long trans activist and artist. She was honored with the 2018 Advocate Magazine Award for her contributions to the ballroom community and performing arts. She has appeared in numerous off-Broadway productions. As the 1st trans woman of color at WOW Cafe Theater, she’s produced many works in her 12 years as a collective member. Cece is also one of the founders of TRANSLAB where she recently did a residency in partnership with The Public Theater & WP Theater. Ms. Suazo’s ballroom career began in 1988 as the youngest member in the Iconic House Of LaBeija. She earned Legendary status in 2010, and departed the house after 27 years in 2013.FeaturedKiebpoli Calnek (they/them), Host, Writer, EditorErik Harris (he/him), Host, Writer, EditorCece Suazo  (she/her), StorytellerTMI Project StaffEva Tenuto (she/her), Executive and Artistic Director / Co-founderBlake Pfeil (he/him), Operations and Programs ManagerRaine Grayson (he/him), Organizational AdministratorLaura Marie Ruocco (she/her), Marketing and Digital CoordinatorThis episode was sound designed, mixed, and mastered by Blake Pfeil (he/him) and produced in partnership with Radio Kingston. TMI Project’s Black Trans Stories Matter program was created by Cece Suazo (she/her).We encourage you to listen in community and utilize this helpful resource: Black Trans Stories Matter: A Listening and Discussion GuideOur next live performance of Black Trans Stories Matter will be in June, 2023. Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to find out about the details and reserve your seat!If you believe Storytelling is Social Justice and want to support TMI Project’s creation and amplification of true stories you can make a contribution HERE.Links:https://www.tmiproject.orghttps://www.instagram.com/tmiprojecthttps://www.facebook.com/tmiprojecthttps://www.tiktok.com/@tmiprojectRadiokingston.org