I SWEAR I'M REAL: Wicked Transgender Truth

Valentina E. Mendoza, or Vale (VAH-Leh), is a Chicana, trans, neurodiverse attorney and grassroots candidate running for Congress in New Jersey’s 7th District. A former Wall Street lawyer who “traded in her white shoes” to build her own scrappy law practice, Vale fights for working people, economic mobility, and marginalized communities. Her campaign is rooted in economic justice, transparency, and joy, with a vision of tearing down systemic barriers and making sure everyone has a seat at the table.Find Vale Mendoza and more about her on Instagram and TikTok Donate to Vale's campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/valentina-mendoza-1

The harm is in plain sight for trans youth. So is the CARE. HEAD, HEART, HANDS, HEALING....the only way out is all the way through.

Meet E.L. (He/Him/His) E.L. is a community leader, father, husband, minister and columnist for Blaque/Out Magazine. Find link to Blaque/Out Magazine here! "Blaque/OUT Consulting is Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Consulting for Non-Profit, Business & Academic institutions nationwide. Audit, Design, Education & implementation services with a focus on Intersectionality. Visit the Blaque/OUT Consulting page to learn more!" E.L. transitioned "later" in life, as some of us say about ourselves. When it felt right, when it was time, when HE was ready to share that part of him. Being trans is only one part of someone's existence...and E.L. is extraordinary. Tune in to hear about E.L.'s experiences as man in our country right now. LISTEN NOW! Connect with E.L. on Facebook Interested in sponsoring I Swear I'm Real? Email inquiries to: Alex@CoachAlexVaughan.Com

Meet Myka. Pronouns they/them. Spiritual bad ass. Trans. Nonbinary. Tune in to hear a whole new universe. www.rocketcitymedium.com [Updated clarification on the conversation: Myka met with school council board members] Partnered with Out Front Magazine- OFM (OUT FRONT Magazine) was founded in 1976 by Phil Price. Since then, no other queer media has served the LGBTQ community with such dedication.We are honored to say that OFM remains one of the nation’s oldest continuous-running, independently owned and operated LGBTQ publications. With this honor comes pride and gratitude, as well as responsibility. We are proud of the journalistic integrity and fortitude that has allowed us to bring a quality product to our readers for more than three decades. We are grateful to those who have made and continue to make it possible, including our dedicated team members. We take our responsibility seriously to provide information, be a forum for communication, and give back to our community through various avenues.

SJ Janjua (they/them) is the founder and consultant of Empowered for Equity Consulting, LLC. They spent several years teaching high school level English in the United States and abroad at the start of their career, and eventually left the classroom in pursuit of a master's degree. They obtained their master's degree in International Education from George Washington University and served as a classroom observer, curriculum developer, and teacher trainer in the years following.  Currently they work with schools and organizations on LGBTQ+ inclusion, creating and fostering spaces for belonging, culturally responsive teaching, and more! Connect with SJ: IG - @empoweredforequity LinkedIN - www.linkedin.com/in/sj-janjua-0a9b3a152 Website: www.empowerforequity.com Partnered with Out Front Magazine. Reach out to Out Front you're interested in sponsoring us!

Van Ethan Levy who uses pronoun series they and elle for those who speak Spanish.  they are an autistic, queer, trans, non binary, 1st generation, Latine/x, Jewish, Egyptian, disabled person who is dually licensed as a mental health therapist, an author, a producer, a director, an app developer, a trainer, educator, advocate, activist and so much more all surrounding on how to create a safer world for all people and not just privileged identities. GET YOUR TICKET NOW: DO SOMETHING IDENTITY (IES) 2024 Conference https://vanethanlevy.com/dsi2024/ Topics covered: Affirming Care for Voice and Communication Assessment & Letter Writing Beyond Survival and Wounding: Creating Nourishing Communities Building Self Compassion for Non Cis Folx Call to Action on Supporting Trans and Non Binary Folx Clinical and Ethical Considerations in Diagnosing, Note-Writing and Record Keeping for Trans/Non Binary Clients Discovering Disabled Deviance Exploring Autism with Trans Clients  How to Support Non Cis Folx Making Birth Safer for Every Body Moving Beyond Biological Essentialism Navigating the Legal System as a Trans Non Binary Parent of a Trans Child NeuroQueering the Therapy Room: Exploring the Intersection of Trans & Neurodivergent Identity & Development Queer and Trans Histories and Futures Queering Therapy: Engaging & Re-Defining Poly Dynamics as a Therapist Reinforcing Equity, Psychological Safety and Inclusion in the Workplace Supporting Autistic Youth Sponsored by Out Front Magazine!

Ben’s upcoming book, My Child is Trans, Now What?: A Joy-Centered Approach to Support [Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, May 7th, 2024] is a gentle and informative guide for parents of trans youth and offers a judgment-free guide to people across generations, from millennial parents to members of older generations who may not have had previous positive exposure to the trans community. Ben GREENE is a trans man, transgender advocate, and educator who has spoken internationally on topics surrounding transgender inclusion. After coming out at 15 in small-town Connecticut and giving a popular TEDx talk at Brandeis University, Ben has devoted his career to spreading empathy, education, and storytelling around the trans experience. He has spoken for companies, hospitals, schools, religious organizations, and government entities sharing what it means to be transgender and how to show up as an ally. He is a fierce advocate for transgender youth, regularly speaking in their defense at the Missouri State Capitol, and when he is not speaking during working hours, he is delivering free presentations to parent support groups around the country and spending hours one-on-one with families of newly out transgender loved ones. He is passionate about educating others from a place of compassion—no matter where they’re starting from, and lives by the catchphrase “the only question I won’t answer is the question you don’t ask”. Partnered with Out Front Magazine- OFM (OUT FRONT Magazine) was founded in 1976 by Phil Price. Since then, no other queer media has served the LGBTQ community with such dedication.We are honored to say that OFM remains one of the nation’s oldest continuous-running, independently owned and operated LGBTQ publications. With this honor comes pride and gratitude, as well as responsibility. We are proud of the journalistic integrity and fortitude that has allowed us to bring a quality product to our readers for more than three decades. We are grateful to those who have made and continue to make it possible, including our dedicated team members. We take our responsibility seriously to provide information, be a forum for communication, and give back to our community through various avenues.

Meet Robyn (she/her). Robyn says she is "a trans woman trying to find her place in the world. A Southern gal living in a midwestern world." Tune in to hear her journey into womanhood, the ups and downs of the trans experience. Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/iswearimreal/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCFdTAZ4raA-c1havyZ-n7w Partnered with Out Front Magazine- OFM (OUT FRONT Magazine) was founded in 1976 by Phil Price. Since then, no other queer media has served the LGBTQ community with such dedication.We are honored to say that OFM remains one of the nation’s oldest continuous-running, independently owned and operated LGBTQ publications. With this honor comes pride and gratitude, as well as responsibility. We are proud of the journalistic integrity and fortitude that has allowed us to bring a quality product to our readers for more than three decades. We are grateful to those who have made and continue to make it possible, including our dedicated team members. We take our responsibility seriously to provide information, be a forum for communication, and give back to our community through various avenues.

Meet Justin! Justin shares his story as a transgender man growing up in the midwest in the 1960/70s. LIKE, SHARE AND FOLLOW FOR MORE! Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/iswearimreal/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCFdTAZ4raA-c1havyZ-n7w Sponsored by/Partnered with Out Front Magazine- OFM (OUT FRONT Magazine) was founded in 1976 by Phil Price. Since then, no other queer media has served the LGBTQ community with such dedication.We are honored to say that OFM remains one of the nation’s oldest continuous-running, independently owned and operated LGBTQ publications. With this honor comes pride and gratitude, as well as responsibility. We are proud of the journalistic integrity and fortitude that has allowed us to bring a quality product to our readers for more than three decades. We are grateful to those who have made and continue to make it possible, including our dedicated team members. We take our responsibility seriously to provide information, be a forum for communication, and give back to our community through various avenues.

Myka has worked in academia for the past 18 years and years later, stepped into another layer of her transition as an incredible human on this planet. Tune in a Myka shares her story about family, transitioning, mental wellness, joys and becoming. Sponsored by Out Front Magazine HIT THAT DONATE button because they keep us going. Thank you Out Front!!!!

Benji (he/him) is from Arkansas. A disabled vet and transgender man, tune in to hear Benji's incredible story. Sponsored by Out Front Magazine www.outfrontmagazine.com

Meet Sage Cotugno. Writer, director, and storyboard artist living in Los Angeles. I got a chance to sit down with Sage discuss their life within and beyond the binary. Listen in to feel and hear the magic of Sage... On Sage's latest graphic novel, The Glass Scientists: With over 180,000 unique visitors and over 6 million views on TikTok’s #TheGlassScientists, meet Sage Cotugno’s loveable cast of misfit mad scientists is available in its first volumized edition, The Glass Scientists: Volume 1 (Razorbill, Oct 3, 2023) that I would love to get in your hands! After working as an artist on the breakout hits shows Gravity Falls, The Owl House, and Star vs. the Forces of Evil, series creator, S.H. Cotugno dazzles readers with their Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde retelling in this contemporary gaslamp fantasy set in 19th century London that’s perfect for ages 12+ and out just in time for Halloween! The Glass Scientists, follows Dr. Henry Jekyll who is determined to help reshape the nasty public image of his fellow mad scientists, which is why he creates the Society for Arcane Sciences. But Jekyll harbors a creeping suspicion that something inside him is horribly, incurably wrong–and with one sip of a bubbling potion, Dr. Jekyll unleashes Mr. Hyde, the embodiment of all the thoughts and desires he keeps hidden from the world. When a mysterious stranger arrives to take the Society in a new direction, everyone turns against Jekyll. Pretty soon, Jekyll’s life spirals out of control, shattering his carefully laid plans, and threatening to expose his darkest secrets. Check out S.H.’s TikTok for more BTS on their process! I Swear I'm Real Podcast is: Sponsored by Out Front Magazine in Denver, Colorado! Hit that donate button on their website! Find all of us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn Alex@howtobequeer.com

This poem was inspired by a TikTok comment I received on my page, @coachalexvaughan. Understanding the transgender, noncisgender, experience will be difficult for some. For many. Until it's not. What fuels delusion? Fear. Be scared but dare to live, staring it alive in the face.

Parent, gym owner and personal trainer, queer enby. Dear listeners, "En-by" is shortened for "non-binary". Listen for their non-cisgender experience. Contact Styler for https://linktr.ee/styler_rising

Frank is choosing not to share the name he goes by in life right now because that's where he is on his journey. We honor that...and we also need to hear Frank's story. He's an out-later-in-life trans man who came out four years ago at age 36. Friends have told him his life should be a book, and we agree. He's hoping someone like him will hear his story it and figure themselves out sooner than he did or maybe, just maybe, his parents will hear of this story and finally see him for who he really is. We feel you, Frank. You are so real. GIVE US A REVIEW! Partnered with Out Front Magazine- OFM (OUT FRONT Magazine) was founded in 1976 by Phil Price. Since then, no other queer media has served the LGBTQ community with such dedication.We are honored to say that OFM remains one of the nation’s oldest continuous-running, independently owned and operated LGBTQ publications. With this honor comes pride and gratitude, as well as responsibility. We are proud of the journalistic integrity and fortitude that has allowed us to bring a quality product to our readers for more than three decades. We are grateful to those who have made and continue to make it possible, including our dedicated team members. We take our responsibility seriously to provide information, be a forum for communication, and give back to our community through various avenues.

Meet "A". "A" works as a journalist and was covering transgender issues when they started to feel something in them deepen. Listen to hear their truth... GIVE US A REVIEW where ever you listen to podcasts! Want to connect? Reach out at Alex@howtobequeer.com Partnered with Out Front Magazine- OFM (OUT FRONT Magazine) was founded in 1976 by Phil Price. Since then, no other queer media has served the LGBTQ community with such dedication.We are honored to say that OFM remains one of the nation’s oldest continuous-running, independently owned and operated LGBTQ publications. With this honor comes pride and gratitude, as well as responsibility. We are proud of the journalistic integrity and fortitude that has allowed us to bring a quality product to our readers for more than three decades. We are grateful to those who have made and continue to make it possible, including our dedicated team members. We take our responsibility seriously to provide information, be a forum for communication, and give back to our community through various avenues.

Meet Samora Ka$h. She's a drag queen who identifies as male off stage. She lives in the non-cisgender world...where energy and gender dance all night long. Drag allows her to be the most magical and realest form of herself. As a new drag mother, she "hopes to leave a legacy behind that allows people to know they carry the power within them to be exactly who they were meant to be." You can find her on Instagram @iamsamorakash Facebook @SamoraKash TikTok @iamsamorakash GIVE US A REVIEW WHERE EVER YOU LISTEN! Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/iswearimreal/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCFdTAZ4raA-c1havyZ-n7w Partnered with Out Front Magazine- OFM (OUT FRONT Magazine) was founded in 1976 by Phil Price. Since then, no other queer media has served the LGBTQ community with such dedication.We are honored to say that OFM remains one of the nation’s oldest continuous-running, independently owned and operated LGBTQ publications. With this honor comes pride and gratitude, as well as responsibility. We are proud of the journalistic integrity and fortitude that has allowed us to bring a quality product to our readers for more than three decades. We are grateful to those who have made and continue to make it possible, including our dedicated team members. We take our responsibility seriously to provide information, be a forum for communication, and give back to our community through various avenues.

Meet Shay. Shay is a 35 year old transgender man, loving husband and father of a nonbinary child. He's also a political refugee of Florida. Since recently fleeing the state because of anti trans laws, he shares what that experience was like for him and his family because so many trans people are facing the exact same thing he did. His message is clear: keep speaking and you are not alone. Shay is veteran of the U.S. Army, as 1 in 134,000 trans veterans, serving time. It took him a lifetime to become his authentic self, and he's not about to stop now. Where you can find Shay: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shaymajic Web: I SWEAR I'M REAL Podcast Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/iswearimreal/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCFdTAZ4raA-c1havyZ-n7w Partnered with Out Front Magazine- OFM (OUT FRONT Magazine) was founded in 1976 by Phil Price. Since then, no other queer media has served the LGBTQ community with such dedication.We are honored to say that OFM remains one of the nation’s oldest continuous-running, independently owned and operated LGBTQ publications. With this honor comes pride and gratitude, as well as responsibility. We are proud of the journalistic integrity and fortitude that has allowed us to bring a quality product to our readers for more than three decades. We are grateful to those who have made and continue to make it possible, including our dedicated team members. We take our responsibility seriously to provide information, be a forum for communication, and give back to our community through various avenues.

LEAVE US A REVIEW wherever you listen to your podcast! Find us on Instagram:⁠https://www.instagram.com/iswearimreal/⁠ YouTube:⁠ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCFdTAZ4raA-c1havyZ-n7w⁠ SHOUT OUT to our podcast sponsor: Partnered with Out Front Magazine- OFM (OUT FRONT Magazine) was founded in 1976 by Phil Price. Since then, no other queer media has served the LGBTQ community with such dedication.We are honored to say that OFM remains one of the nation’s oldest continuous-running, independently owned and operated LGBTQ publications. With this honor comes pride and gratitude, as well as responsibility. We are proud of the journalistic integrity and fortitude that has allowed us to bring a quality product to our readers for more than three decades. We are grateful to those who have made and continue to make it possible, including our dedicated team members. We take our responsibility seriously to provide information, be a forum for communication, and give back to our community through various avenues.

Meet Cody Harman (he/him/his). Your host Alex Vaughan (they/them/theirs) sits down with Cody Harman, personal trainer, lover of food and passion for fitness. Alex found Cody on YouTube where he shares his journey about transitioning, being a personal trainer, his relationship with fitness, his love for food and an accomplished body builder. Cody he “goes there” with his audience. Cody is the creator of “Shit you’ll actually cook”, a recipe book you can find on his website. You can find him on Instagram as MrCoachCody and on the web at www.codyharman.com Cody speaks with us as someone who helps us understand the trans experience through fitness and wellness- spaces where trans people can be pushed out of.  Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/iswearimreal/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCFdTAZ4raA-c1havyZ-n7w Partnered with Out Front Magazine- OFM (OUT FRONT Magazine) was founded in 1976 by Phil Price. Since then, no other queer media has served the LGBTQ community with such dedication.We are honored to say that OFM remains one of the nation’s oldest continuous-running, independently owned and operated LGBTQ publications. With this honor comes pride and gratitude, as well as responsibility. We are proud of the journalistic integrity and fortitude that has allowed us to bring a quality product to our readers for more than three decades. We are grateful to those who have made and continue to make it possible, including our dedicated team members. We take our responsibility seriously to provide information, be a forum for communication, and give back to our community through various avenues.