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Father/daughter duo, Joe and Rya, discuss LGBTQ family issues and how to preserve positive relationships
180 Episodes
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When you think of LGBTQ-friendly places, small towns probably aren't the first thing that comes to mind. But what if the stereotype is wrong? Across America, towns with populations under 6,000 are becoming more and more welcoming. Joe and Rya share surprising stories of small town acceptance that counter the narrative we've been told. In this episode, they bring us positive stories of affirmation where we would least expect them. Send a text Support the show
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"God made them male and female." It's one of the first verses people reach for when they want to argue that being transgender goes against God's design. Rya spent two decades not knowing how to reconcile her gender struggles with what the Bible says... until she learned she didn't have to choose between them. In this episode, she and Joe look at what scholars actually say about Genesis 1, not to twist the text, but to read it honestly. Send a text Support the show
Maybe you're having a hard time accepting a loved one who came out. Maybe you're the one who came out. Either way, the relationship feels stuck and you're both waiting for the other person to make it better. It's too easy for us to fall into a pattern of silence, thinking we will keep the relationship from getting worse. But here's good news. We don't have to resolve everything to stay connected. We don't even have to agree. Someone just has to go first. Each of us has more power than we thin...
So much of what we've been told about "the gay agenda" is overblown. Most LGBTQ+ people aren't asking for you to change who you are. But here's the hard truth that loving families need to hear: good intentions don't cancel harm caused You can love your child deeply and still be hurting them. Joe and Rya speak directly to parents and family members who say "I love you, but I can't support this." We don't have to change our theology to change our behaviors. We don't have to agree with each othe...
“We're just trying to protect the children.” It sounds so reasonable. But throughout history, this same phrase has been used to justify targeting marginalized people. When lawmakers claim to protect kids while ignoring actual trans children, protection starts to sound a lot like rejection. Trans kids are children too. They hear every word adults say about people like them. Real protection starts with listening to our kids and taking them seriously. Send a text Support the show
When your child comes out, the fear you feel isn't really fear. It's just uncertainty. Joe knows because he lived it when Rya came out. His struggle for acceptance wasn't instant. He knew their relationship would go through challenges. But what he didn't expect is how they would grow closer through it. In this episode, he shares the tips and tricks he's learned since Rya came out. And he reveals his most important secret that kept their relationship strong. Send a text Support the show
In 2001, a book told the story of outcasts who were mocked for their height, their weight, and how they looked. They ran for student council, called themselves the No Name Party, and lost. But they convinced their principal to start something no school had done before. It sparked a movement now in its 21st year. Name-calling seems like a small thing until you see how much damage words can actually do. Joe and Rya share why breaking the cycle might start closer to home than you think.&nb...
Have you ever met someone who fully supports their gay friends but gets uncomfortable when trans issues come up? The same people who celebrate Pride and fight for marriage equality often have a completely different reaction to transgender rights. Joe and Rya break down the psychology behind this contradiction and explore why trans people trigger fears that gay and lesbian people don't. Understanding why transphobia feels different is the first step toward building true solidarity across the e...
Some things about LGBTQ+ life will never change, and that's actually good news. When everything feels uncertain, we need to know what's worth fighting for. How can we separate the noise from what actually matters? The good news is that some things hold steady no matter what happens next. And we have good reasons to anticipate changes for the better. If you're tired of feeling anxious about the future, this episode offers genuine reasons for hope. Send a text Support the show
When people carry secret shame about the ways they are different from everyone around them, it affects their entire sense of self. This shame gets passed down through culture that teaches rigid ideas about what's acceptable. There's nothing wrong with being exactly who you are. Joe and Rya talk about why so many people struggle with feeling abnormal. We shouldn't have to dim our authentic personalities just because some people don't connect with us. Being normal simply means being true to you...
What happens when lawmakers create a bathroom law that forces men into women's restrooms and women into men's restrooms? Texas Senate Bill 8 claims to protect women's privacy, but the reality is far more complicated. This law forces schools, libraries, airports, and government buildings to become surveillance systems or face massive fines. The legal framework in Texas now creates the exact scenarios it claims to prevent. Joe and Rya break down why even supporters of the law's intent should be...
A new segment where Joe & Rya discuss a current topic. This week is the new Texas Senate Law 8. Listen to the FULL EPISODE on Monday Send a text Support the show
Have you ever noticed how the word "normal" gets turned into a weapon? People use it to make LGBTQ+ folks feel like something's wrong with them just for being different. They act like statistics prove morality, as if being in the minority makes you broken. But here's the thing. Why should any of us have to be "normal" in the first place? It's time to stop letting that word control who gets to live authentically. Send a text Support the show
You've been hurt by the church. Maybe you walked away years ago, or maybe you're still trying to make it work in a place that tells you who you are is wrong. The wounds run deep. Spiritual abuse often comes wrapped in Scripture. Two-thirds of Christians report experiencing spiritual abuse. That means you're not alone in this pain, even when it feels isolating. Is it even possible to trust a religious community when the last one broke you? Mother Julie Hendrix, an Episcopal priest who understa...
With rights under threat and uncertainty everywhere, choosing thankfulness can feel like denial. But what if gratitude isn't about pretending everything is fine? Learning to find thankfulness is more than just emotional comfort, it's survival strategy. Joe and Rya look at why gratitude matters more than ever when times are hard. They redirect our focus to things the LGBTQ community still has that nobody can take away. Send a text Support the show
History shows us that divided movements stay powerless. But the pattern never changes: together we stand, divided we fall. Right now many factors are fracturing the rainbow coalition that built everything from Stonewall to marriage equality. Meanwhile, opponents of LGBTQ+ rights are smirking from the sidelines as they watch our community tear itself apart. In this episode, Joe and Rya discuss how to stop the infighting to build a unified coalition. Send a text Support the show
Are you as accepting as you think you are? Most parents believe they're supportive of their LGBTQ family members. But when put to the test, many discover significant gaps between their intentions and their actual level of acceptance. This ten-question assessment reveals where you stand on the acceptance scale and identifies the specific areas where you can strengthen your connection with LGBTQ loved ones. By the end this episode, you will be able to: Uncover blind spots you didn't know existe...
Are you wondering if it's the right time to share your LGBTQ+ identity with family, friends, or your community? The decision to come out is deeply personal. Timing matters more than you might think. Whether you're feeling pressure to come out or wondering if you should wait, this practical checklist provides the clarity you need to make the decision that's right for your unique situation. Send a text Support the show
Why do loving, supportive parents still lose their LGBTQ children? The answer isn't what most families expect. Learn how to recognize the hidden patterns that destroy family relationships before it's too late. Understanding these dynamics will change how you approach every difficult family conversation. These principles are important for all of us, whether you're a parent trying to reconnect with an estranged child or an ally who wants to help others navigate these painful situations. Discove...
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