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We are Diana and Joy - two moms who each supported their children to transition in early elementary school to become their true selves. We are using our voices to reflect our child’s voices, and have navigated everything from family and friends, to health care offices and schools. We are here to share our experience and our learning along this transgender journey, to provide support and guidance, parent-to-parent, and if you find yourself on a similar journey, we want you to know that you are not alone. Beyond parenting, we are also excited about building a community of allies and chosen family who will stand together with us, Transparently Speaking.
117 Episodes
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Send a text Join Joy and Diana as they share the latest trans related news headlines, and how they are processing and navigating sensational news when it directly impacts them and when it doesn't. Key takeaways include being critical in assessing the news, sources, and being intentional about managing energy and wellness in navigating media consumption. If you’re taking something away from our podcast, we’d appreciate it if you’d take a moment to provide us with a review; the more liste...
Send a text What happens when your teen is dating, and their partner doesn’t know they’re transgender? In this episode, we explore the complex reality of transgender teen dating, including the ethical questions around disclosure in relationships. When is the “right” time to tell? Is there an obligation to disclose? How do privacy, trust, and safety intersect in adolescent relationships? From a parent’s perspective, we talk honestly about the fear, uncertainty, and restraint that come with sup...
Send a text In episode #115, Joy and Diana share what they're learning and how they are exploring options to support their kids by seeking gender-affirming care after their providers and clinics stopped providing care to youth under 19. If you’re taking something away from our podcast, we’d appreciate it if you’d take a moment to provide us with a review; the more listeners and reviews, the more people we can reach and support. As always, feel free to reach out to us at transpare...
Send a text What happens when gender-affirming care for transgender youth suddenly becomes uncertain? In this episode, we share a real-time look at what families are facing as gender-affirming clinics pause or stop care, along with the emotional toll, urgent decision-making, and quiet self-advocacy that follow. This is a conversation about endurance, adaptation, and finding steadiness as access to transgender healthcare continues to shift. If you’re taking something away from our podcast, w...
Send a text Join us in this episode as Diana helps Joy reflect upon and process the 5 minute window during which Joy thought her and Samantha's name change information (and photo) were shared publicly on social media. If you’re taking something away from our podcast, we’d appreciate it if you’d take a moment to provide us with a review; the more listeners and reviews, the more people we can reach and support. As always, feel free to reach out to us at transparentlyspeakingpodcast...
Send a text Last week brought a surge of anti-trans legislation proposals that felt impossible to ignore, especially for families raising transgender kids. In this episode, we step away from our planned content and talk honestly about what it’s like to live inside this moment, in real time. We share how these proposals land differently depending on where our kids are in their journeys, how we’re balancing staying informed with protecting our mental health, and the small ways we’re caring for ...
Send a text Join Diana and Joy as they reflect on the people and things they are grateful for during this holiday season. Although they've faced many challenges (and anticipate more), there is still much to be grateful for! Plus - the saying "where attention goes, energy flows" is real! Science continues to provide evidence that the practice of gratitude can help regulate stress, enhance happiness, boost immune function, improve sleep, etc. etc. So, after you listen, j...
Send a text In this episode, we unpack what happens when an adult in a position of authority chooses “respect” over real understanding, and how that choice shapes a transgender child’s daily experience. A recent school meeting revealed just how much harm comes from assumptions, unchecked bias, and a teacher’s refusal to learn about gender, even after years of knowing a student. If you’re taking something away from our podcast, we’d appreciate it if you’d take a moment to provide us with...
Send a text Joy and Diana open up about their current challenges amid the ongoing attacks on youth gender affirming care. They discuss the real-world hurdles of managing prescription renewals, medication access, and insurance barriers. The episode also offers an inside look at Samantha’s upcoming endocrinology appointment and the thoughtful planning behind timelines and next steps for blockers, hormones, and future surgical care. If you’re taking something away from our podcast, we’d ap...
Send a text Diana and Joy share the profound isolation of raising transgender children while maintaining their privacy. They discuss why they limit who knows their children's identities, the risks they're protecting against, and the loneliness of being unable to share their biggest challenges with friends and family. A raw conversation about the emotional cost of keeping their children safe in today's political climate. If you’re taking something away from our podcast, we’d appreciate it if y...
Send a text In this episode of Transparently Speaking, Joy and Diana explore the challenge for everyone in adopting new names and pronouns. They share personal stories and reflect on how it feels when someone dismisses or neglects pronouns, how to respond (or not), and how allies can do better. If you’re taking something away from our podcast, we’d appreciate it if you’d take a moment to provide us with a review; the more listeners and reviews, the more people we can reach and sup...
Send a text From new driver’s licenses to marathon training, we share family updates alongside deeper reflections on advocacy, trans rights, and why a simple message like “You Are Loved” matters more than ever. In this episode, we catch up on big life updates—from teenagers getting their driver’s licenses to the final stretch of marathon training. But woven through these everyday milestones are deeper conversations about what it means to parent, advocate, and show up for transgender youth. We...
Send a text Diana and Joy reflect on the impact of the Minneapolis shooting (Aug 27, 2025) as they prepare for sending their trans kids off to a new school year. If you’re taking something away from our podcast, we’d appreciate it if you’d take a moment to provide us with a review; the more listeners and reviews, the more people we can reach and support. As always, feel free to reach out to us at transparentlyspeakingpodcast@gmail.com.
Send a text A physician dad shares how politics are disrupting research, parenting transgender kids, and the sports debate. In this episode, Diana sits down with her husband, Arthur, a physician researcher and parent, to talk about how today’s shifting policies and headlines affect real families. Together, they cover three big themes: The ripple effects of political decisions on medical research and patient careWhat it means for parents of transgender kids to prepare and protect their familie...
Send a text Recorded in the first half of July, Episode 103 is a reflection of how Joy and Samantha are feeling since the Supreme Court agreed to take up the constitutionality of laws that bar transgender women and girls from participating on girls’ and women’s sports teams. Since 2020, 27 states have banned grade school transgender girls from participating on girls sports teams. Since this recording, in late July, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) updated their ...
Send a text What does it mean to truly be yourself in a world that often demands conformity? In this episode, Diana sits down with author, coach, and nonbinary trailblazer Jeffrey Marsh to talk about authenticity, allyship, parenting, and the emotional stamina it takes to keep showing up. From Buddhist wisdom to real-talk about crying in public, this conversation moves between laughter, reflection, and raw honesty. They explore: The difference between helping your child and centering your fea...
Send a text In this episode, Joy and Diana provide listeners an update and overview of the latest political and news stories impacting them and all transgender youth. From US vs. Skrmetti (6.18.25 - which upheld Tennessee's law banning gender-affirming care for minors) to the announcement that the LA Children's Hospital Gender Clinic will be shutting down, to passport sex marker updates, join us to learn about impacts and implications. If you’re taking something away from our podcast, w...
Send a text Speaking up for transgender youth doesn’t always mean being loud or public. In this episode, Diana and Joy explore different forms of LGBTQ advocacy, including private conversations, writing to lawmakers, and simply staying informed. They also examine subtle media bias around gender-affirming care and explain why naming misinformation is a powerful way to protect and support trans kids. If you’re taking something away from our podcast, we’d appreciate it if you’d take a moment to ...
Send a text In this special Pride Month episode, Diana and Joy share their third annual letter to LGBTQIA+ youth, families, and allies. In a year marked by escalating attacks on transgender and queer youth, they offer solidarity and support and speak to the fear, the grief, and the fierce love that define this moment. Pride is more than celebration — it’s resistance, resilience, and community. To our kids, and to all trans folx out there: You are seen. You are not alone. And we’re not g...
Send a text In this episode, Joy shares updates from her daughter’s recent endocrine visit—including conversations about hormone levels, breast development, and timing for potential surgeries. She also reflects on a powerful session with a legal coach that shifted how she understands disclosure, identity, and what it means to legally and medically define sex. Together, Joy and Diana explore how policies, procedures, and personal decisions intersect in the evolving landscape of gender-affirmin...
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