Podcast Summary: Flipping Tables - Episode 12 Title: Partaking in Creation: The Trans Experience with Allison Blake Dellinger
Host: Monte Mader
Release Date: April 23, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 12 of Flipping Tables, host Monte Mader delves into an intimate and insightful conversation with Allison Blake Dellinger, a trans woman, musician, and advocate navigating her journey from a fundamentalist Christian upbringing to embracing her authentic self. The episode explores themes of deconstruction, identity, faith, and the power of music in personal transformation.

Guest Background

Allison Blake Dellinger is a multifaceted artist hailing from Murfreesboro, Tennessee. She is best known as the founder, lead vocalist, and bassist of the experimental heavy rock band Flummox. Allison’s background is marked by her representation in the trans community, her stringent Christian fundamentalist upbringing, and her unique fascination with opossums—a motif reflected in her band's artwork. Outside of her musical endeavors, Allison works at a local arcade and enjoys cozy moments with her three cats.

"When she's not touring, performing or making music, she is either working in a local arcade or nestled in a blanket cocoon with her three cats."
— Monte Mader [00:00:00]

Early Life and Recognition of Identity

Allison recounts her early years, highlighting the challenges of growing up in a Southern Baptist environment where strict gender roles were enforced. She shares memories of being constantly mistaken for a girl as a toddler, which planted early seeds of questioning her gender identity.

"I always got mistaken for a little girl. And my parents, whenever that would happen, they were very vehement."
— Allison Blake Dellinger [08:50]

The restrictive upbringing extended to her education, where she was removed from public school to attend a private Christian institution that eschewed topics like evolution, further contributing to her sense of something being "off."

"I was taken out of public school at an early age because they didn't want me learning about evolution and education."
— Allison Blake Dellinger [03:07]

Musical Influence and Deconstruction

Music played a pivotal role in Allison's deconstruction of her religious beliefs. Initially participating in a chapel band similar to Monte, she began exploring secular music, drawing inspiration from bands like Black Sabbath. This exposure to heavy metal not only provided an escape but also sparked critical thinking about her upbringing and beliefs.

"I was in a chapel band... Once I started getting into more like secular music, right? Like the Black Sabbaths and that sort of thing."
— Allison Blake Dellinger [04:38]

Allison credits Black Sabbath with "radicalizing" her perspective, as their politically charged lyrics and working-class image resonated with her, challenging the dogmatic teachings she had received.

"Black Sabbath is not about literal battle swines, it's about imperialism."
— Allison Blake Dellinger [17:24]

The Transitioning Process

Allison shares her personal journey towards recognizing and embracing her transgender identity. At 24, after years of repressing her true self, a pivotal moment occurred while working at Walmart. Reading essays on gender dysphoria solidified her understanding, leading her to accept that she is trans.

"I just walked into the pharmacy aisle and sat there for 30 minutes, replaying my whole life."
— Allison Blake Dellinger [24:33]

The process involved extensive medical consultations, including hormone therapy (HRT), which Allison describes as transformative, aligning her physical and mental states with her identity.

"When I started HRT and estrogen, it was like I slipped into a glove... it was my brain working the way I had always wanted it to."
— Allison Blake Dellinger [21:30]

Family Reactions and Purity Culture

Navigating familial relationships posed significant challenges. Allison discusses her complex relationship with her father, who maintains a degree of acceptance despite initial resistance. In contrast, her mother remains largely unsupportive, anchored in deep-seated fundamentalist beliefs.

"We're pretty cool now... but... my mom's side of the family... a lot of the Christian fundamentalist stuff came from there."
— Allison Blake Dellinger [46:54]

She also touches on the pervasive influence of purity culture, recounting instances such as receiving a purity ring from her mother after losing her virginity, highlighting the restrictive and often hypocritical nature of such practices.

"My mom gifted me a purity ring, and I had lost my virginity two months before."
— Allison Blake Dellinger [51:20]

Intersection of Faith and Identity

Allison explores her evolving relationship with Christianity, emphasizing a shift from institutional dogma to a more personal and inclusive interpretation of Jesus' teachings. She criticizes how religious texts are often misused to justify harmful ideologies, advocating for an understanding rooted in empathy and historical context.

"I've always been interested in biblical historicity and the theology... I love digging into the Gnostic gospels."
— Allison Blake Dellinger [58:55]

Alison discusses how witnessing the misuse of religious doctrines to oppress marginalized communities led her to reclaim the compassionate aspects of her faith, separate from its rigid doctrines.

"I have a lot of reverence for the red letters... it's about loving your neighbor."
— Allison Blake Dellinger [06:09]

Role of Music in Healing and Advocacy

Music remains a cornerstone of Allison’s identity and advocacy. Through Flummox, she channels her experiences and struggles, creating a theatrical and emotionally charged performance style that resonates with her audience. Her new album, Southern Progress, encapsulates themes of deconstruction and self-discovery.

"We have a new album on Needle Juice Records, Southern Progress. It's out on streaming, vinyl, CD, and cassette."
— Allison Blake Dellinger [83:29]

She recounts a particularly impactful performance where she integrated a church service into the show, using it to convey messages of inclusivity and redemption, which moved many in the audience to tears.

"It was one of the most powerful shows I've ever done. People were crying in the audience."
— Allison Blake Dellinger [63:56]

Current Views on Society and the Trans Community

Allison addresses the political landscape surrounding transgender rights, critiquing the Republican strategies to marginalize the trans community as a diversion from previous battles like gay marriage. She debunks myths about gender-affirming surgeries for minors, emphasizing the fictional nature of such claims.

"Trans people have existed as long as we have recorded human history... it's always been about remaking yourself."
— Allison Blake Dellinger [69:09]

Allison also highlights the resilience and diversity within the trans community, advocating for empathy and understanding rather than judgment or scapegoating.

"You really have to lean into the empathy of the situation... it's being human."
— Allison Blake Dellinger [79:07]

Advice for Those Navigating Similar Journeys

Allison offers heartfelt advice for individuals grappling with their identities, urging them to explore, seek support, and approach their journey with grace and curiosity. She emphasizes the importance of mental health support and safe spaces for self-discovery.

"Allow yourself grace because God knows Jesus would... it's simply just being human."
— Allison Blake Dellinger [82:04]

Conclusion and Music Promotion

The episode wraps up with Allison promoting her band Flummox and their upcoming tour, encouraging listeners to engage with her music as a form of expression and solidarity.

"Flummox is possum core genre, fluid, heavy rock... Southern Progress is out on Needle Juice Records."
— Allison Blake Dellinger [83:33]

Monte Mader closes by reinforcing the episode’s themes of curiosity, empathy, and active participation in creation, inviting listeners to continue supporting and learning from diverse experiences.

"Be willing to ask the question and lead with love and grace."
— Monte Mader [85:18]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Allison Blake Dellinger [00:00]

  "I didn't know why it was wrong, I was just told it was wrong."

• Allison Blake Dellinger [06:09]

  "I have a lot of reverence for the red letters... it's about loving your neighbor."

• Allison Blake Dellinger [24:33]

  "I just walked into the pharmacy aisle and sat there for 30 minutes, just replaying my whole life."

• Allison Blake Dellinger [51:20]

  "My mom gifted me a purity ring, and I had lost my virginity two months before."

• Allison Blake Dellinger [63:56]

  "It was one of the most powerful shows I've ever done. People were crying in the audience."

• Allison Blake Dellinger [79:07]

  "You really have to lean into the empathy of the situation... it's being human."

• Allison Blake Dellinger [82:04]

  "Allow yourself grace because God knows Jesus would... it's simply just being human."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Flipping Tables offers a profound exploration of identity, faith, and resilience. Through Allison Blake Dellinger's narrative, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the complexities faced by trans individuals, especially those transitioning from rigid religious backgrounds. The candid conversation underscores the importance of empathy, personal growth, and the transformative power of music in healing and advocacy.

Connect with Allison Blake Dellinger:

• Instagram: @AllisonBlakeDellinger
• Band: Flummox (@flummoxstagram)
• New Album: Southern Progress available on Streaming Platforms, Vinyl, CD, and Cassette.

Upcoming Tour Dates:

• Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Houston, New Orleans, Birmingham, Atlanta, Charlotte, Pittsburgh, New York City, Philadelphia, New Bedford, Fairfield, Buffalo, Cleveland, Ferndale, Grand Rapids, Chicago, Nashville.

For more information, visit Flummox's Official Website.