About 20 years ago, Kate Bornstein wrote Hello, Cruel World to give people permission to stay alive in a world that makes that feel impossible.

Today, that world is trying even harder to crush anyone who lives outside the binary—trans, queer, disabled, neurodivergent, or just too free for a system built on control.Attacks on trans rights aren’t just about gender—they’re a strategy to dismantle all core freedoms: privacy, bodily autonomy, parental rights, healthcare, education, and safety.

Trans people are being scapegoated to erase rights for everyone, starting with the most vulnerable.So what do we do?

Today, Kate Bornstein, performance artist, author, and trans tech pioneer, returns with a revised edition of Hello, Cruel World: 101+ Alternatives to Suicide for Teens, Freaks, and Other Outlaws. With 20 new alternatives full of sass, warmth, and joy, Kate reminds us: survival is a radical act—and staying alive, in all your glorious weirdness, is the first step toward building a future where we all belong.

Plus: why love is the ultimate anti-aging drug—and a reflection on the people who helped us make it this far.

FEATURED BOOK: Hello, Cruel World: 101+ Alternatives to Suicide for Teens, Freaks, and Other Outlaws
Buy it on Amazon: amzn.to/4jB1tsS

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Quick heads-up: this episode contains discussions around suicide, self-harm, and mental health. While we approach these topics with care, honesty, and even humor, we understand they may be difficult or triggering for some listeners.

Please take care of yourself in whatever way you need—and know that you're not alone. If you need support, you can always call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing the number 988, they're there 24/7 ready to help.