In Service to Rainbows

Welcome to Season 2, Episode 12 of In Service to Rainbows! I'm your host, Brooklyn Vennell, and today I'm joined by Kathy (they/she), the President and founder of Wortley Pride here in London, Ontario. Kathy is a Non-Binary Lesbian whose story is one of resilience, authenticity, and service to community. Growing up, Kathy knew they weren't like their friends—they didn't like boys the way others did. They pushed those feelings down, eventually married a man, and had children. While Kathy doesn't regret that part of their life, the truth of who they were could never stay hidden forever. After a divorce and later finding love with a wife, Kathy has stepped fully into their authentic self, supported by family and grounded in love. Of course, authenticity doesn't make them immune to the hate that surrounds us in these difficult times. Kathy shares openly about how that has touched their life, while also showing how service to the community—and the love that comes back in return—keeps them inspired and strong. This is a conversation about courage, truth, and the power of building spaces where all of us can belong.

Welcome to Season 2, Episode 11 of In Service to Rainbows! I'm your host, Brooklyn Vennell, and today I have the absolute honour of talking with Sista Patricia, a self-described butch lesbian whose life has been defined by pride, activism, and community. Sista Patricia knew early in her life that she was a lesbian, and once she embraced that truth, she immediately sought out her community and dove in with both feet. In the 1970s, she stood shoulder to shoulder with others in the fight for queer rights, proud of how the community came together to demand acknowledgment and respect. In our conversation, we not only revisit those powerful moments in queer history, but we also celebrate the present—Sista Patricia's deep honor at being chosen as the Grand Marshal for the 2025 London Pride Parade. She led the parade at the head of a group of bikers, sharing in the joy, love, and strength that Pride represents. This is a story of resilience, solidarity, and celebration, and I can't wait for you to hear it.

Welcome to Season 2, Episode 10 of In Service to Rainbows! I'm your host, Brooklyn Vennell, and today's episode is extra special because I get to introduce you to my new co-host, Olive—or Liv, as she likes to be called. Liv is a transgender woman who will be joining me on future episodes as we take on subject-based conversations that matter to the greater LGBTQIA+ community. In this first episode together, we talk about Liv's personal journey, and then branch out into some of the topics that affect so many of us—building and finding community, navigating life on hormones, and the complexities of family. This is the beginning of a new chapter for In Service to Rainbows, and I'm so excited to have Liv with me as we continue these conversations. Please join me in giving a warm welcome to Liv!

Welcome to Season 2, Episode 9 of In Service to Rainbows! I'm your host, Brooklyn Vennell, and today I have the privilege of sharing the story of Jennifer Wren, a remarkable trans woman whose journey to authenticity is nothing short of inspiring. Jennifer knew early in life that she was different, but like so many in our community, she spent years suppressing her truth—dabbling in cross-dressing, burying her desires through marriage, raising children, and trying to make it all fit. When she was finally ready to embrace who she truly was, she first had to navigate the difficult process of finding medical support in Canada before traveling to the United States for gender-affirming surgery. Through it all, Jennifer had the love of her daughter and the unwavering presence of her son by her side. Today, Jennifer stands as her authentic self—a woman, a mother, a role model, and an accomplished poet. In this episode, she not only shares her journey with us, but also reads one of her beautiful poems. Jennifer is someone I deeply admire, and I know her story will resonate with many of you too. If you would like to purchase one of Jennifer's books you can find it at www.jenniferwennpoet.wixsite.com/home

Welcome to In Service to Rainbows! I'm your host, Brooklyn Vennell, and this is Season 2, Episode 8. In this episode, I sit down with Max, a transgender man with a story that's both fun and deeply heartfelt. Max began exploring gender expression in a unique way—through cosplay at Comic Cons, stepping into the roles of Batman, Robin, and other iconic characters. Those moments of play became powerful steps toward self-discovery. Max shares how his family, especially his mom, has stood firmly by his side throughout his journey. That unwavering support has made all the difference as he's navigated transition, life with autism, and the challenges of social anxiety. This conversation dives into the joy of creative self-expression, the importance of family backing, and the realities of living authentically when the world feels overwhelming.

In this deeply personal episode of In Service to Rainbows, I take you inside a world where fear is weaponized, silence becomes complicity, and human beings are reduced to talking points. From a humiliating confrontation in a grocery store to the constant barrage of online hate, I share what it really feels like to be a transgender woman in today's polarized climate — and why these attacks are about much more than trans people. This is a call to remember our shared humanity, to confront lies with truth, and to stand up — even when it's uncomfortable. Because extremism doesn't just happen in politics; it grows in the quiet spaces where good people look away. Join me as I challenge the noise, reject the hate, and fight for a future where we see each other not as enemies, but as neighbors.

Welcome to In Service to Rainbows! I'm your host, Brooklyn Vennell, and today's episode takes a turn inward. Instead of interviewing a guest, I'm talking about something that's been weighing heavily on my heart: the decline of politics, the corruption running through it, and how that corruption has been twisted into a weapon against trans and queer people. In recent years, we've watched lawmakers use fear and misinformation to push harmful agendas, turning real people's lives into pawns in a cynical game for power. This episode isn't just about calling out what's broken—it's about remembering what politics could be. I reflect on my favorite show, The West Wing, and how it showed me a different vision of leadership: one rooted in empathy, intelligence, and service. That show didn't just entertain me—it called me to something bigger. It reminded me that government, at its best, can be a force for good, a way to bring people together instead of tearing them apart. It's a deeply personal conversation about what inspired me, what still gives me hope, and why we can't afford to give up—even when the system feels impossibly broken.

Welcome to In Service to Rainbows! I'm your host, Brooklyn Vennell, and in this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Rigel, a 64-year-old pansexual man who has lived boldly and authentically for decades. Rigel discovered who he was in his teens and explored his identity before, during, and after the AIDS epidemic. He shares his insights on embracing who you are without fear—especially in today's world of instant validation and social media scrutiny. We also dive into politics, the power of your vote, and the importance of standing up for what you believe in. Rigel's story is also one of deep love and loss, as he recounts a long-term relationship with a partner who was ultimately taken from him due to illness. His journey is one of resilience, passion, and unwavering strength. I truly enjoyed this conversation, and I hope you do too. Let's get into it!

Welcome to a Special Episode of In Service to Rainbows Hello, beautiful souls, and welcome to In Service to Rainbows. I'm your host, Brooklyn Vennell, and today's episode is unlike any other. This one comes straight from my heart—a love letter to my trans and rainbow community. Since coming out in 2017, my journey has been filled with moments of joy, struggle, resilience, and, ultimately, love. Love for myself, love for those who've supported me, and love for the incredible people who make up this community. This special episode is deeply personal. It's a reflection on finding my way back to the people who understand me most, the strength we share in the face of adversity, and the power of love to push back against the darkness. To my trans siblings, to every gender-nonconforming soul, to our fierce allies, and to the chosen family who lift us up—you inspire me every day. This is for you. So sit back, take a deep breath, and join me as I share my love letter to our community. Because together, we are stronger. Together, we are unstoppable.

Welcome to In Service to Rainbows! I'm your host, Brooklyn Vennell, and in this episode, I have the honor of speaking with Jamie Marie, a transgender woman who embraced her true self in the golden years of her life. Jamie Marie began her transition at 67, proving that it is never too late to live authentically. Her journey is one of both joy and sacrifice. Coming out brought her immense happiness but also led to the painful loss of a long marriage. Despite this, she persevered and found unwavering love and support from her two sons, their wives, and her grandchildren. Jamie Marie's story is a powerful reminder that living as our true selves is always worth it, no matter when we begin. This conversation is filled with wisdom, resilience, and hope. I can't wait for you to hear Jamie Marie's incredible journey. Let's get into it!

Welcome to In Service to Rainbows! I'm your host, Brooklyn Vennell, and in this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Jill, a thoughtful and passionate advocate for asexual visibility. Jill has been on a journey of self-discovery since she was 14, moving through different identities on the asexual spectrum—from demisexual to acespec to asexual. She believes in the power of labels to help people find belonging, but also in the freedom to change them as we grow. We dive into what it means to navigate the queer community as an asexual person, the struggle for full acceptance in LGBTQ+ spaces, and the importance of making room for all identities under our umbrella. Jill shares how, even after embracing a sapphic identity and marrying her wife, her ace identity remains central to her sense of self. She also opens up about being in a relationship with an allosexual partner and how mutual respect, boundaries, and consent have been key to creating a safe, loving, and validating marriage. This conversation is an insightful and important reminder that there's no one way to be queer—and that every identity deserves respect and recognition. I can't wait for you to hear Jill's story. Let's get into it!

Welcome to Season 2 of In Service to Rainbows! I'm your host, Brooklyn Vennell, and I'm so excited to continue bringing you the stories, struggles, and triumphs of the LGBTQ+ community. We are here, we are valid, and we are not going anywhere. Kicking off this season, we have a powerful and emotional conversation with Kermmitt, a gender-fluid human who has fought tirelessly for the medical care they deserve. Their journey has been filled with obstacles—from misdiagnoses to outright discrimination, including being referred to a medical professional who turned out to be a literal Nazi. Despite the initial pushback from their family, Kermmitt has since found acceptance and support. In this episode, we talk about gender dysphoria, the fight for bodily autonomy, and the heartbreaking failures of the medical system. There were tears, followed by my own anger at how poorly Kermmitt was treated—because everyone deserves love, respect, and proper care. The medical world needs to do better, and sharing these stories is how we push for change. Let's get into it.

Welcome back to In Service to Rainbows, where we share the stories that uplift and inspire the LGBTQ+ community. I'm your host, Brooklyn Vennell, and today's guest is someone whose journey is a testament to the power of love and acceptance. Jessie, a trans person I met at the Trans Day of Remembrance ceremony in London, has come out twice in their lifetime. Unlike many in our community, Jessie had the extraordinary support of parents who simply asked, "What do you need from us?" This unwavering love has been the foundation for Jessie's ability to thrive. In addition to their inspiring personal story, Jessie is a gifted musician who finds joy and meaning in singing and playing music. This conversation is filled with positivity, grace, and passion, proving how transformative unconditional love can be. Let's dive into Jessie's story of triumph and joy!

Welcome back to In Service to Rainbows, the podcast where we shine a light on the incredible resilience and determination of the LGBTQ+ community. I'm your host, Brooklyn Vennell, and today we're talking with Catherine—a true testament to the power of love and authenticity. Catherine grew up as a religious conservative in Alberta, Canada. With time and support, she embraced her truth and began her transition, choosing to live with love in her heart and a commitment to helping others. At her workplace, she's been a driving force for inclusivity, spreading joy and advocating for change that uplifts our community. In this episode, we delve into the challenges of being trans in today's political climate and discuss the urgent need for dialogue to bridge our differences. Our message is clear: we cannot be legislated out of existence, and we won't allow it to happen. Let's dive into Catherine's inspiring journey and vision for a better future!

Welcome back to In Service to Rainbows, the podcast where we celebrate the rich, sometimes complex, and often humorous journeys within the LGBTQ+ community. I'm your host, Brooklyn Vennell, and today, I'm thrilled to share a conversation with Austin—a guest whose story had me laughing more than any other. Austin's journey began with identifying as a lesbian, then transitioning to male, and now finding their truth as Non-Binary. We had a blast discussing everything from a pharmacy tech's refusal to provide gender-affirming medication to how we can give people some grace when we come out. Of course, we touched on religion and how some teachings foster intolerance toward LGBTQ+ folks. We also dive into the dating world for trans people and laugh at the assumptions made by those overly fixated on gender and anatomy. This episode was an absolute joy to record and edit, and I think you'll enjoy it just as much. Let's dive into Austin's story and the laughs that come with it!

Welcome back to In Service to Rainbows, the podcast celebrating the diverse stories and resilience within the LGBTQ+ community. I'm your host, Brooklyn Vennell, and today we're talking with Elliot, who also happens to be the husband of Christa, our wonderful guest from episode 2. Elliot's journey began in the heart of the U.S. Bible Belt, where he was a deeply religious person planning to dedicate his life to faith. At the time, as a woman, Elliot discovered he was a lesbian, and this realization led to immediate rejection from his church and community. Following this painful experience, he faced mental health challenges, which ultimately opened the door to self-discovery, leading him to realize he was a trans man. Now happily living in Canada with Christa, Elliot has become a pillar of his community—a family man, a passionate advocate, a bit of a lovable brat, and, without question, one hell of a human being. Join us as Elliot shares his story of resilience, family, and finding his true self against the odds. Let's dive in!

Welcome back to In Service to Rainbows, the podcast where we explore the raw, inspiring journeys of the LGBTQ+ community. I'm your host, Brooklyn Vennell, and today, we're joined by Castien, a courageous Female-to-Non-Binary queer person with a story of resilience, healing, and self-discovery. Castien's journey includes time spent within the church, where they met a trans person for the first time. Sadly, when they disclosed sexual abuse, instead of support, they faced victim-blaming, prompting them to leave the church and embark on a challenging path of mental health recovery. This journey also led them to cut ties with toxic parents in pursuit of a healthier, more authentic life. Now married to a trans partner, Castien shares openly about their experiences with gender dysphoria, acceptance among family and friends, and their journey with hormone replacement therapy. In this conversation, they also graciously discuss the topic of surgery and what it's meant for them. Castien's strength and honesty are a beacon for others facing similar struggles. Let's get started!

Welcome back to In Service to Rainbows, where we continue to highlight the inspiring and diverse stories within the LGBTQ+ community. I'm your host, Brooklyn Vennell, and today, we're honoured to have our first trans male guest on the show, Alex Myers. Alex is a young Female-to-Male Demi boy and panromantic individual who has faced numerous challenges growing up, particularly around his mental health. At just 13 years old, Alex struggled deeply with his identity and didn't want to exist. He first came out to his father, who was understanding and supportive—helping Alex pick out masculine clothes, even while they were living in a homeless shelter. Unfortunately, Alex was bullied at school for wearing male clothes, and the school refused to use he/him pronouns, making an already difficult time even harder. In this episode, Alex opens up about not having started hormones yet, his hopes of considering surgery, and his journey toward simply existing and living his life authentically. We also dive into a discussion about intersex people and the intersections of their experiences with the broader LGBTQ+ community. Alex's story is one of resilience and hope. Let's dive in!

Welcome back to In Service to Rainbows, where we explore the diverse and inspiring stories within the LGBTQ+ community. I'm your host, Brooklyn Vennell, and today we have a fascinating conversation with Josi, a trans woman who has lived through incredible transformations. Josi came out not once, but twice—first as a gay male, long before her transition to the woman she is today. Her journey is one of resilience, as she navigated drug addiction, found herself within religion, and eventually broke free from those constraints to live her truth. In this episode, we also dive into our shared experiences with surgeries, the effects of hormones, and the ways these aspects shape our lives. And finally, we talk about the world of drag performances and how they're perceived today. Josi's story is full of strength and self-discovery, and I'm thrilled to share it with you. Let's get started!

Welcome back to In Service to Rainbows, the podcast where we share the uplifting stories of the LGBTQ+ community. I'm your host, Brooklyn Vennell, and in this episode, we're diving into the beautiful journey of Scarlet Flowers. Scarlet is a vibrant trans woman who experienced a relatively quick transition, but what makes her story so unique is the love and support she found within her marriage after coming out to her wife. Instead of losing connection, Scarlet's relationship blossomed, proving that coming out can strengthen bonds and open up new possibilities for love and acceptance. In this conversation, Scarlet shows us that while many fear rejection, there are people in our lives—and in the world—who will not only accept but celebrate us for who we truly are. Her story is one of joy, resilience, and the reminder that being true to ourselves can lead to deeper connections. Let's dive into Scarlet's incredible journey.