This is an audio reading of Part I of My Trans Body Longs for Love and Salt, “Pickle Cravings” by Lira Green,1 published originally in writing as part of our eighth issue, BODY. In it, Lira, a young trans woman living in an American college town, tells the story of discovering herself as a woman through food. Her poignant writing (and reading) gently invites us to consider how we all search for love and a sense of home in ourselves and with others, and the role food might play along the way.
This piece features writing and narration by Lira Green, sound editing by Isabela Vera, and original music by The Electric Muffin Research Kitchen.
Lira Green is a fantasy author who writes stories about trans women who grow old and lesbians who get the chance to be young. Her favourite meal can be cooked by tossing farfalle with a white sauce made with Parmesan and miso, and serving it with white beans and kale cooked in aromatics with milk.
If this piece struck you, please consider supporting a local organization that advocates for trans and nonbinary communities! Often understaffed and underfunded, these groups are vital, and if you've been feeling helpless, there is always meaningful work to be done if you're willing to learn about your local support network.
You can also help by donating to the Trans Lifeline project, which operates a hotline for trans people to speak safely to other trans people if in crisis. And if you have trans or nonbinary loved ones, a hot meal can work wonders in dark times, when cooked with love.
