Happy AAPI Heritage Month! Today, we have Marty Noel Chenyao with us. Marty is a troll who lives under a bridge made of Coca-Cola bottles, wide-ruled journals, and pink organza dresses ;).

In this episode, we talk about the pressure Marty felt to go after ‘status’ careers (aka software engineering) to prove his worth, the post-undergrad existential crisis that made him realize that he had to do his own thing and how he balances having a main job with making art every day.

We also dive deep into how realizing that he was an artist and deciding to pursue art led him to come out as a transgender man, as well as what the gender transition was like. Marty also shares golden nuggets on how to be honest with yourself and truly BE your most authentic self, so if you’re looking for an episode to live an aligned life, this is it.

Reach out to Marty:

• IG: @the.antisocialite
• Website

Resources:

• Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
  • Art inspiration
  • Trans issues
  • Trans art
  • Subreddit for trans people in denial
  • Subreddit for transmasculine people who still enjoy feminine aesthetics
  • Social justice & self expression