MINI EPISODE: She Lets Joy Be Her Compass (with Bailey Buckles)

2026-03-31

She thought there would always be more time to explore—until a routine hike nearly killed her. In this mini episode, Bailey Buckles recounts how a sudden, life-threatening infection drove home the fact that tomorrow isn’t guaranteed. It was an especially powerful moment, because as a transgender woman of color in America, she hadn't always wanted to stay alive. From climbing mountains to showing up online as her full self, Bailey strives to live with greater urgency, purpose, and joy....

She thought there would always be more time to explore—until a routine hike nearly killed her.

In this mini episode, Bailey Buckles recounts how a sudden, life-threatening infection drove home the fact that tomorrow isn’t guaranteed.

It was an especially powerful moment, because as a transgender woman of color in America, she hadn't always wanted to stay alive.

From climbing mountains to showing up online as her full self, Bailey strives to live with greater urgency, purpose, and joy.

Full transcript is available here at relationscapes.org.

Show Notes

Bailey Buckles, "At 38, I Still Felt Like I Was Getting Started. Then I Nearly Died," (Mar 12, 2026).
Bailey Buckles, "Is This New, or Just Newly Felt," (Jan 25, 2026).

Fellow Traveler Episodes

Recovering Queer Black History for Everybody (with George M. Johnson)
How to Support Trans Youth (with Ben V. Greene)

About the Guest

Bailey Buckles is a trans content creator in Colorado who loves the outdoors, her partner, her dog, and living life. Follow her here, and at her Substack.

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