Transgender School

Gender-affirming care saves lives. It'll be hard to think about anything else once you've listened to today's episode. Fear, isolation, self-harm, self-hatred, and frustration are some of the feelings many trans people feel all the time, and it only gets better when they can come out.In our last episode, Sophia Alexander shared her thoughts on the manosphere and the political landscape in America. Today, she opens up in the most vulnerable, genuine, inspiring, and brave way to share her story and how she came to embrace her trans identity.You'll hear about Sophia's difficult childhood, growing up surrounded by violence against LGBTQ people in a traditional family and an even more conventional society, and lacking not only the support from like-minded people but also the resources to reach them. You'll also hear about the dark places Sophia has gone to, the ways that coming out and transitioning improved her mental health, her thoughts on what the future looks like for trans people in the military, and much more.In This Episode, You Will Learn:About Sophia's challenging upbringing (3:50)What lack of gender-affirming care can do to people (14:10)Why Sophia decided to join the military (19:20)Sophia's post-military life and her decision to transition (27:00)When being trans becomes a "social liability" (35:00)The torturing feeling of being trans and not transitioning (43:10)Connect with Jackie and Bridget:Transgender Support: Becoming a True Ally Video Course on VimeoTransgender School Patreon Membership with all exclusive contentTransgender School on MediumInstagramWebsite FacebookCommunity Facebook GroupYouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Misinformation spread by politicians and other influential public figures, the growing polarization among young people, and widespread political cynicism are key elements contributing to our increasingly divisive political landscape.In today's episode, our dear friend Sophia Alexander shares her perspective on the US political landscape just a few months before the 2024 elections. Sophia is a former US Navy Electronic Warfare Specialist and is politically active in her local community. Despite her impressive achievements as a Navy veteran and student leader, she struggled with her gender identity for years. Embracing her true self was a pivotal moment in her life, leading to self-acceptance and empowering her to advocate for others. You'll hear Sophia's thoughts on Republicans' strategies to derail the transgender movement by unearthing old and divisive issues like bathroom bills and trans athletes, and the influence of media and talking heads from dark corners of the internet in promoting these kinds of discussions. Sophia also addresses fear-mongering tactics used to scare the common folk about trans issues, the manosphere's selective appetite when it comes to addressing mental health issues, the myths about "mutilating children" often overused by the far right to confuse people, and much more.Make sure to tune in for next month’s episode with Sophia to learn more about her life, including beginning and stopping her transition multiple times because of external pressures and expectations.In This Episode, You Will Learn:A bit about Sophia's background (1:20)Transgender issues and political distractions (6:20)Why Republicans are so attached to transgender issues (13:40)Sophia addresses the myths around detransitioners (15:50)How cynicism on political issues and misinformation impact young people (19:00)Sophia explains why local politics and community engagement are crucial (26:50)Protect the kids. Sophia talks about why the far right loves that type of rhetoric (31:30)Connect with Jackie and Bridget:Transgender Support: Becoming a True Ally Video Course on VimeoTransgender School Patreon Membership with all exclusive contentTransgender School on MediumInstagramWebsite FacebookCommunity Facebook GroupYouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Imagine keeping who you really are hidden for 62 years, knowing deep inside that you are not the person that others see.  Can you feel the pain of what it would be like to be unable to live as your true self because you could lose everything?On today’s episode, we welcome back our dear friend, Alicia Arballo, who was kind enough to be our guest on episodes 18 and 19 two years ago.  Having transitioned at 62 years old, Alicia has taught us and many others so much about what it was like to have the courage to finally let the world know that she’s a woman.We’re thrilled to share with you that Alicia has published a moving, beautiful book of poetry called Transition. Her poignant poems about the heartbreaking realities of coming out as transgender and the euphoria of living authentically moved us deeply and we couldn’t wait to talk with Alicia about them.We’re also incredibly grateful to Alicia for being willing to read us a few of her poems, which we know can be very emotional, and we invite you to share that emotional journey with us, as there is so much to learn from it.Alicia is a natural storyteller who has been writing poetry since she was a little girl, yet it wasn't until her transition that she felt the urge to share the feelings, sensations, challenges, and joys of her journey with us all.In This Episode, You Will Learn:About Alicia's passion for telling stories (5:10)"Christine." The importance of representation (12:50)"Checkout Counter." Daily, trivial moments for some, unforgettable for others (17:50)"Joyce." The anxiety and relief of showing up as we really are (29:20)"Dead name." The pain of rejection (34:00)Resources:Get a copy of Alicia Arballo's book, TransitionConnect with Jackie and Bridget:Transgender Support: Becoming a True Ally Video Course on VimeoTransgender School Patreon Membership with all exclusive contentTransgender School on MediumInstagramWebsite FacebookCommunity Facebook GroupYouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What caused Vice President Kamala Harris's sudden surge in popularity after Joe Biden stepped down and endorsed her as the Democratic candidate for president? And how can her unexpected candidacy shift the dynamics of the 2024 presidential race?The political landscape has changed dramatically. Harris’s candidacy brings renewed energy and hope to many, thanks to her firm stance on LGBTQ+ rights and progressive policies, and the record-breaking funds she raised so quickly are a testament to it.In today's episode, we discuss the positive impact of Biden's withdrawal from the presidential race and Kamala Harris's subsequent nomination. We also delve into Harris's impressive career achievements, which justify her rapid popularity on social media and her robust record on LGBTQ+ rights. You'll also hear why it is crucial to support a candidate who understands diverse experiences, who can advocate effectively for LGBTQ+ rights, and who is willing to lead the fight for equality and justice in the current political climate.In This Episode, You Will Learn:About Kamala Harris's rapid ascension in popularity (2:30)Kamala Harris's record and impact on LGBTQ+ rights (4:40)A bit about Kamala Harris's commitment and dedication to justice and equality (10:00)Why we must support Kamala Harris (13:30)Resources Mentioned:Become a volunteer for Kamala Harris's campaignMobilize.usConnect with Jackie and Bridget:Transgender Support: Becoming a True Ally Video Course on VimeoTransgender School Patreon Membership with all exclusive contentTransgender School on MediumInstagramWebsite FacebookCommunity Facebook GroupYouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How could the Trump-Vance ticket impact the transgender community, their rights, and their access to care?The political climate is fraught with tension as Trump emerges as a significant threat to transgender rights. Considering Trump's anti-LGBTQ+ actions during his presidency and several anti-trans remarks he has made during the current campaign, most of us are living in days of uncertainty and fear.In this episode, we analyze the political landscape as we approach the 2024 United States presidential elections. You'll hear our thoughts on Trump's intention to pass a bill establishing that the US Government will recognize only two genders, the lack of affirming care for trans people if he wins, and Elon Musk's decision to remove X's operations from San Francisco.You'll also hear about the myths around the "trans epidemic among children," why it is crucial to fight for the continuity of gender-affirming care, and more.Important announcements:We will release a special bonus episode tomorrow about Kamala Harris’s campaign, with our thoughts on her qualifications and her history of LGBTQ+ support.Here’s the link to sign up for our live Zoom Transgender Awareness course to learn how to be an even better ally to transgender people on September 28.Resources Mentioned:Fact check: Pamela Paul's Latest Anti-Trans New York Times Article Filled With Disinformation by Erin ReedBook: Caster Semenya - The Race to Be Myself: A MemoirIn This Episode, You Will Learn:About the terrifying assassination attempt against Trump and its effects on the political landscape (2:20)Any option is better than Trump (8:40)Debunking myths about the "epidemic of kids getting gender-affirming surgeries" (11:40)About how trans rights and policies will look under Trump's mandate (13:20)About Trump's intentions of establishing by law that there are only two genders (15:40)Jackie and Bridget on why it is crucial to fight for gender-affirming care (20:50)Connect with Jackie and Bridget:Join us on Zoom on September 28 for our Transgender Awareness courseTransgender Support: Becoming a True Ally Video Course on VimeoTransgender School Patreon Membership with all exclusive contentTransgender School on MediumInstagramWebsite FacebookCommunity Facebook GroupYouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The housing crisis in blue states like California, with homes averaging over $700K, disproportionately affects LGBTQ+ individuals. Elevated housing costs limit their access to safe and inclusive communities, forcing them to either remain in less accepting areas or face homelessness. Addressing this issue is crucial for ensuring equitable living conditions for LGBTQ+ folks and other marginalized groups.In today's episode, we analyze the housing crisis in blue states and its impact on LGBTQ+ communities. You'll also hear our thoughts on the institutionalized segregation in the United States after World War II, the limitations of the Fair Housing Act, and the consequences of downzoning.We also unravel myths and truths about the massive number of vacant homes across the United States and discuss several approaches to address this crisis, like vacancy taxes, market-rate housing development, and inclusive zoning policies.In This Episode, You Will Learn:The historical roots of housing segregation (2:30)About San Francisco's residential security map and its long-lasting effects (5:20)The Fair Housing Act and its limitations in enforcing desegregation (9:10)A comparison of historical and current housing production rates in California (15:50)Are there more vacant houses than homeless people in the United States? (19:50)Why we must discuss the need for more affordable, multi-unit housing solutions (22:30)Connect with Jackie and Bridget:Transgender Support: Becoming a True Ally Video Course on VimeoTransgender School Patreon Membership with all exclusive contentTransgender School on MediumInstagramWebsite FacebookCommunity Facebook GroupYouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we are thrilled to be joined by author Lilah Sturges. She is happily married to her wife and has two lovely grown daughters. Lilah wrote the first two graphic novels in the award-winning and critically acclaimed Lumberjanes world and several other titles for Vertigo (DC Comics) and Marvel.Her latest work, The Science of Ghosts, which will be published on June 18th by Legendary Comics, tells the story of a transgender forensic parapsychologist who studies ghost behavior to solve crimes and showcases a creative new spin on stories with trans characters. We were lucky enough to be given an advanced reader copy and we so enjoyed discussing how much we loved the book and what parts of it fascinated us most.Throughout our conversation, Lilah tells us about how she got into graphic novels, her evolution as a writer, and her unique approach to transgender identities in her latest work. She also shares her coming out story, the challenges she and her family went through, and the story behind #transpizza.In addition, Lilah shares her thoughts on grief in the trans community, her process of creating the main character’s traits in The Science of Ghosts, transphobia in media, and much more.In This Episode, You Will Learn:Becoming a graphic novel writer (5:10)Lilah talks about how much of her personal experiences are reflected in "The Science of Ghosts" (10:20)Lilah shares her coming out story (14:00)Transgender people and grief (18:50)Lilah talks about #transpizza (25:00)Lilah, Jackie, and Bridget discuss transphobia (31:20)Connect with Lilah Sturges:WebsiteInstagramGet "The Science of Ghosts" on Bookshop.orgLilah's booksSubscribe to Lilah's newsletterConnect with Jackie and Bridget:Transgender Support: Becoming a True Ally Video Course on VimeoTransgender School Patreon Membership with all exclusive contentTransgender School on MediumInstagramWebsite FacebookCommunity Facebook GroupYouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What are the potential consequences of restricting access to puberty blockers and hormone replacement therapy for trans youth?Last June, the UK's National Health System (NHS) decided to suspend the provision of puberty blockers to transgender youth in gender identity clinics. This decision moves in the opposite direction of US policies in blue states, where trans individuals are gaining more rights and access to healthcare.In today's episode, we discuss the implications of the UK's NHS healthcare policies for transgender youth and compare them with the more progressive approaches adopted in many states in the US. We explore the role of medical professionals in shaping these policies and the challenges trans youth face in accessing essential healthcare services.Additionally, we delve into the statements made by the Vatican condemning gender fluidity as we shed light on the intersection of religious beliefs and LGBTQ+ rights.In This Episode, You Will Learn:The differences between UK and US healthcare approaches regarding LGBTQ+ rights (3:20)How NHS's decision impacts transgender youth (4:20)What is the role of medical professionals in forming policies (7:00)About the Vatican's stance on gender fluidity and trans-affirming care (10:10)The implications of conservative attitudes within religious institutions (16:00)The impact of religious beliefs on transgender acceptance (21:00)Resources Mentioned:Episode 8 - Medical Care for Transgender Youth with Dr. Johanna Olson-KennedyConnect with Jackie and Bridget:Transgender Support: Becoming a True Ally Video Course on VimeoTransgender School Patreon Membership with all exclusive contentTransgender School on MediumInstagramWebsite FacebookCommunity Facebook GroupYouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do shifting attitudes towards LGBTQ+ rights reflect broader trends in the American political landscape?As the 2024 elections approach, the intricate dance between political agendas and voter inclinations, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ rights, intensifies. As citizens, can we do anything to contribute to the greater good? Yes, we can start conversations. In today's episode, we analyze the results of a poll and survey conducted by the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), illuminating the upcoming election's complex landscape. From voters' motivation regarding candidates' stances on transgender issues to the complexities of LGBTQ+ support for Biden and Democratic candidates, we ponder the deeper undercurrents in what we believe is a presidential election that can change it all. In This Episode, You Will Learn:Jackie shares some results of GLAAD's poll (1:30)What voters think about Republicans’ efforts to bar transgender-affirming care for youth (4:00)Why the Democratic Party is losing support from non-white voters (7:40)Why Republicans "can't stop" talking about transgender people (9:30)About the critical importance of the 2024 elections (12:40)Resources Mentioned:Democrats' events, volunteers, and petitionsConnect with Jackie and Bridget:Transgender Support: Becoming a True Ally Video Course on VimeoTransgender School Patreon Membership with all exclusive contentTransgender School on MediumInstagramWebsite FacebookCommunity Facebook GroupYouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can gender-affirming therapy change people's minds?Transgender kids and their parents often have very different expectations about what gender-affirming therapy will provide. For some parents, the hope is that when their child starts therapy, they’ll realize they aren’t really trans, but instead are gay, confused, or just in a phase. But studies have shown that among transgender kids, less than 3% give up on their transition.In today's episode, Jackie and Bridget unveil a part of Jackie's coming-out story that they haven’t previously discussed publicly. They share details of Jackie's first appointments with the gender affirming therapist who helped and supported her in her transition. In this honest and open conversation, Bridget confesses a secret wish she had in the beginning, which she now realizes was based on delusional thinking. There are valuable lessons to take away from this part of Jackie and Bridget’s story - about unconditional love, acceptance, support, trust, and how allies are made. In This Episode, You Will Learn:Why some parents are reluctant to believe their kids are trans (4:00)Jackie talks about how gender affirming therapy helped her come out (8:20)The importance of keeping trust healthy and robust in families (12:10)How to choose the right gender affirming therapist (16:00)Resources Mentioned:The Trevor ProjectPFLAGEpisode #8 - Medical Care for Transgender Youth with Dr. Johanna Olson-KennedyEpisode #23 - LGBTQIA+ Affirmative Therapy & Parenting with Dr. Rebeks Clark Mane and Aba HorthyEpisode #30 - Meet LGBTQ+ Inclusion Author and Speaker Dr. Kryss ShaneConnect with Jackie and Bridget:Transgender Support: Becoming a True Ally Video Course on VimeoTransgender School Patreon Membership with all exclusive contentTransgender School on MediumInstagramWebsite FacebookCommunity Facebook GroupYouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's episode, we update you on the concerning trend of states banning trans-affirming care for transgender youth and enacting laws and policies that discriminate against them.As if it weren't an already daunting experience being trans in America, these actions represent a massive blow for trans rights and, unfortunately, force thousands of people to either let go of their hormone treatment or flee their states. Throughout this episode, you'll hear our thoughts on the damage these administrative decisions will cause to the trans community, the housing problem in blue states, the myths about detransitioners, the division these kinds of decisions promote in our country, and much more. In This Episode, You Will Learn:How these new laws and policies affect the trans community (2:00)The terrible situation these new laws and policies put transgender people in (7:20)How we are in the process of dividing ourselves into two countries (11:40)Affirming care saves lives (16:00)Resources:Erin in the MorningConnect with Jackie and Bridget:Transgender Support: Becoming a True Ally Video Course on VimeoTransgender School Patreon Membership with all exclusive contentTransgender School on MediumInstagramWebsite FacebookCommunity Facebook GroupYouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Though right-wing talking heads try to manipulate suicide rate statistics, the data proves that the number one cause of self-harm and destructive behavior in the LGBTQ+ community is a lack of family acceptance. Kids who come out as transgender are not confused, are not in a phase, are not following a fad, and are not trying to rebel against their parents. From conversion efforts to more subtle forms of non-affirming communication, there is no question that the damage done can be significant and can often be avoided with a little education and effort. LGBTQ+ kids need and deserve our respect, support, and love. In this episode, we talk about what to do and say, as well as what not to do and say when your child (or any child) trusts you enough to come out as transgender, at any age. You'll hear about the critical importance of family and community acceptance, statistics that show how destructive the lack of support can be for transgender youth, and how some of the most well-intended questions can cause deep wounds for trans kids. We also discuss the mistakes Bridget made when Jackie came out and the challenges they faced. We learn ways to support transgender kids, support and respect their privacy, the ways to ensure affirming care for them, and much more. In This Episode, You Will Learn:About how Jackie's story began six and a half years ago (3:30)What statistics teach us about self-harm and destructive behaviors in the LGBTQ+ community (6:00)Why family acceptance is crucial (11:00)Being trans is definitely not a phase or a way of being rebellious (17:00)Jackie shares tips and ideas to grant affirming care for trans kids (24:00)What do our trans kids really need from us (28:00)Resources:Family Acceptance Project - San Francisco State UniversityWhat to Do When Your Kid Comes Out as Transgender by Bridget Sampson on MediumConnect with Jackie and Bridget:Transgender Support: Becoming a True Ally Video Course on VimeoTransgender School Patreon Membership with all exclusive contentTransgender School on MediumInstagramWebsite FacebookCommunity Facebook GroupYouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Content warning: In this episode, we discuss suicide, online harassment, and death threats.Today we share two unsettling stories with the common themes of living secret lives and doing things that others would be shocked to discover.You'll hear about the tragic story of Alabama Pastor and Mayor, Fred 'Bubba' Copeland, who, forced to live his life in the closet, used private social media accounts to present himself as a transgender woman and encourage transgender people to come out and go on hormone replacement therapy. After his secret life was exposed by a conservative news website and he was subsequently subjected to relentless online bullying, he took his life. We discuss the complex issues involved in cases like this and the ways that pressure to suppress one’s identity can lead to dire outcomes.You'll also hear about a story published in the San Francisco Chronicle, in which a financially successful and apparently mentally stable man made several death threats to an operator from a Mental Health Hotline for LGBTQ+ youth in California. The name and address of this man, who lives in San Francisco, have been identified, but he will not likely face any consequences due to his power and wealth.In This Episode, You Will Learn:Pastor Fred 'Bubba' Copeland's tragic story (1:30)The effects of being forced to live a life in the closet (13:20)Online harassment shouldn't remain unpunished (16:00)People who spread hate online and showcase a "normal" life on a different platform (17:00)Resources Mentioned:Hotline for California's LGBTQ kids got a death threat.Connect with Jackie and Bridget:Transgender Support: Becoming a True Ally Video Course on VimeoTransgender School Patreon Membership with all exclusive contentTransgender School on MediumInstagramWebsite FacebookCommunity Facebook GroupYouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Joy is not just an emotion; it's a deep alignment with the self. And those of us who are in the LGBTQ+ community know better than most communities about what it really feels like to wake up with joy at your core because who you are is aligned." - Dr. Erin Baker.In today's episode, we are joined by the amazing Dr. Erin Baker, Executive Coach, Elite Certified Neurotransformational Coach, Internal Family Systems L2 Practitioner, and Self-Leadership Expert. Erin earned a PhD in Social Psychology and is the Bestselling Author of "Joy-Full AF: The Essential Business Strategy We're Afraid to Put First." They led a UX Research team at Facebook, were part of bringing Facebook Stories to 2 billion people, and were the Director of UX Research and Design at Microsoft Yammer. Throughout this episode, a true testament to the uniqueness of everyone's gender experience, Erin discusses the process of coming to terms with their nonbinary gender identity throughout adolescence and early adulthood. They also share some of the challenges they faced, especially at the beginning. And we learned a lot thanks to Erin's openness about their top surgery, which led to a greater feeling of alignment with their gender. It was also interesting to hear about Erin’s experiences as a nonbinary person working for tech giants. Additionally, Erin talks about their book, the multiple benefits of pursuing joy, Self-Leadership Coaching, Internal Family Systems, and much more. In This Episode, You Will Learn:About Dr. Erin's coming out story (6:40)Erin shares a bit about their experience with they/them pronouns and being misgendered (11:00)The retreat in Mexico that changed everything for Erin (18:10)Erin shares their thoughts on top surgery (24:00)What is Self-Leadership? Erin shares their perspectives on it (39:00)Pursue joy and success will follow (45:50)Resources Mentioned:Book: Dr. Erin Baker - Joy-Full AF: The Essential Business Strategy We're Afraid To Put FirstBook: Richard Schwartz, Alanis Morissette - No Bad Parts: Healing Trauma and Restoring Wholeness with the Internal Family Systems ModelConnect with Dr. Erin:WebsiteInstagramLinkedInConnect with Jackie and Bridget:Transgender Support: Becoming a True Ally Video Course on VimeoTransgender School Patreon Membership with all exclusive contentTransgender School on MediumInstagramWebsiteFacebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

College students should be able to focus on their education without having to spend time and energy battling for fundamental rights like being addressed by their correct pronouns or having their gender expression acknowledged. This is one of the many reasons that Pride Centers at universities are essential. In this episode, we were so happy to be joined by Whitney Workman (fae/they), Manager of the California State University, Northridge Pride Center. We talk about faer work with LGBTQ+ students, the holistic view of the Pride Center at CSUN, their thoughts on the best ways of spreading awareness of LGBTQ+ issues on college campuses and more.A trailblazer in faer teen years, as the second person in their high school to come out, Whitney immediately recognized the needs in the Queer community and hasn't stopped working to improve lives and create safe spaces for students in their early stages of transition or exploring their own sexuality and gender.Throughout this episode, you'll hear about Whitney's journey from being an organizer at feminist organizations and working with reproductive justice to making it to the CSUN Pride Center. Fae then provides a detailed list of the Center's services, how it supports LGBTQ+ college students, and how to learn about their services and programs. We also discuss the best ways of spreading LGBTQ+ awareness, free speech, hate speech, censorship, and much more.In This Episode, You Will Learn:A bit about Whitney and their background before becoming the manager of the CSUN Pride Center (2:20)What kind of support LGBTQ+ students will find at the Pride Center (18:30)Who should have access to students' legal names (23:30)Why the CSUN Pride Center is crucial for LGBTQ+ students (33:40)Whitney shares faer thoughts on the best ways of spreading awareness (42:40)Safety tips the Pride Center offers to LGBTQ+ students (54:40)Don't trust the Campus Pride Index, go to a college’s LGBTQ+ Center website to see what they offer (1:02:50)Connect with CSUN Pride Center:WebsiteConnect with Jackie and Bridget:Transgender Support: Becoming a True Ally Video Course on VimeoTransgender School Patreon Membership with all exclusive contentTransgender School on MediumInstagramWebsite FacebookCommunity Facebook GroupYouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"When I told my lesbian love that I was transitioning, she sat with me for four hours, and I said, I don't know what this means for us. Because I didn't know any families who looked like us, any couples who were a trans man with a lesbian. I found out later that there's a lot of us."In today's episode, you’ll get to hear the second half of our very special conversation with Peggy Gillespie, author of "Authentic Selves," and with Lana, Ted, Joseph, Tamira, and Christian, who shared their stories in Peggy's book. In this second part of our conversation, you'll learn about Christian, a suburban trans man, who was always told that it’s not okay to be out. He now embraces infinite, unconditional love, which he uses to teach his kids not to be ashamed of who they are or who their family is. You'll also hear about Joseph, a trans man, and his wife Tamira and their experiences parenting a trans kid. Additionally, we talk about couples that stay together after one of them transitions, Peggy talks about the importance of sharing her book and promoting these discussions, and much more. In This Episode, You Will Learn:A bit about Christian's background and upbringing story (3:20)Christian's coming out story (9:20)The scary trans person the media warned you about (13:40)About couples that stay together after one of them transitions (18:10)How is it to be a Queer mom of a trans kid (25:40)How Peggy's book humanizes trans and nonbinary people (27:20)A bit about how Peggy's non-profit works (34:00)Resources:Book: Peggy Gillespie - Authentic Selves: Celebrating Trans and Nonbinary People and Their FamiliesFamily Diversity Projects: a non-profit organization with award-winning traveling photo-text exhibits, co-founded by Peggy Gillespie and Gigi KaeserConnect with Jackie and Bridget:Transgender Support: Becoming a True Ally Video Course on VimeoTransgender School Patreon Membership with all exclusive contentTransgender School on MediumInstagramWebsite FacebookCommunity Facebook GroupYouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"I want other parents to know that it could be a life-or-death decision if you don't handle it right. Love your child. Carry the same love you had when they first came out of the womb, and you first saw them."In today's special episode, we’re joined by Peggy Gillespie, author of "Authentic Selves: Celebrating Trans and Nonbinary People and Their Families." Peggy's book, with a foreword by Jazz and Jeanette Jennings, depicts life stories and portraits of transgender and nonbinary people and their families. We get to know some of the stories in "Authentic Selves" first-hand since we are joined by Lana, Ted, Joseph and Tamira, and Christian, who are featured in the book and also in the award-winning traveling exhibits that Peggy organizes through Family Diversity Projects. In this first part of our two-part series panel discussion, you'll learn more about Peggy's background and motivation for developing her beautiful works of art, not only for the trans and nonbinary community but for society as a whole. You'll hear a little of Lana’s story and her struggles coming out as a transgender woman within her Caribbean-American culture, and you'll enjoy meeting Ted and hearing about his wonderful rainbow family.In This Episode, You Will Learn:About Peggy's background and how this extraordinary project was born (3:40)The importance of starting meaningful discussions with our children (9:50)A short introduction to the panel's guests and their stories (13:10)Lana shares her experiences coming out as a transgender woman (24:20)The moment Ted realized his assigned gender wasn't aligned with who he was (32:00)About a rainbow family with three dads (35:50)Resources:Book: Peggy Gillespie - Authentic Selves: Celebrating Trans and Nonbinary People and Their FamiliesFamily Diversity Projects: a non-profit organization with award-winning traveling photo-text exhibits, co-founded by Peggy Gillespie and Gigi KaeserConnect with Jackie and Bridget:Transgender Support: Becoming a True Ally Video Course on VimeoTransgender School Patreon Membership with all exclusive contentTransgender School on MediumInstagramWebsite FacebookCommunity Facebook GroupYouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re sure you’re aware of the wave of anti-trans legislation being proposed and passed across the United States, but much of the information out there is confusing and misleading. In today’s episode, we want to clear things up for you and identify the truth about what’s happening and why by analyzing the political discourse on LGBTQ+ issues. We also debunk some myths about the idea of San Francisco being a Queer haven. The increasing number of states that have outright banned gender-affirming care for anyone under 18 is forcing trans youth to flee red states and small towns to big blue cities. Unfortunately, they do not always find the support, safety, and opportunities they seek and may end up entangled in addictions, mental illness, and homelessness. Jackie describes how she has seen this firsthand in her career in local government in San Francisco.It’s not only trans youth who are affected. Many adults in some states, such as Florida, have been suddenly and shockingly prevented from renewing their necessary transition-related medications, due to new discriminatory laws making it incredibly difficult or even impossible. We discuss the effects of anti-trans legislation on the trans community, especially on trans youth, how we can all fight back, San Francisco's affordable housing issues, protests at schools that are teaching LGBTQ+ inclusion, and much more. In This Episode, You Will Learn:The orange man and the political use of the transgender community (2:30)Making necessary HRT nearly impossible to obtain (5:40)Addressing the right-wing talking head Matt Walsh (9:50)Jackie's soapbox on the SF Board of Supervisors’ housing policies (13:00)The impacts of not having affordable housing (18:30)Connect with Jackie and Bridget:Transgender Support: Becoming a True Ally Video Course on VimeoTransgender School Patreon Membership with all exclusive contentTransgender School on MediumInstagramWebsite FacebookCommunity Facebook GroupYouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"I believe that when something bothers you, either do something about it or get over it. And I couldn't manage to get myself over it. So that only left me one choice." - Dr. Kryss Shane on why she became an LGBTQ+ ally and advocate.In today's episode, we are joined by LGBTQ+ expert and cast member of TLC's "I Am Jazz," Dr. Kryss Shane. Dr. Kryss is an Educator and Consultant and the Author of "Creating an LGBT+ Inclusive Workplace," "The Educator's Guide to LGBT+ Inclusion," "Creating an LGBT+ Inclusive University," and "The Medical Professional's Guide to LGBT+ Inclusion." Throughout our conversation, Dr. Kryss talks about becoming an LGBTQ+ leading expert, the exhausting yet gratifying job of writing four books in four years, what people are saying about her recommendations for inclusion, and what it has been like to have her books banned. She shared some behind-the-scenes moments from "I Am Jazz" that showcase Jazz and her family's admirable human qualities.In addition, Dr. Kryss talks about her relationship with the Jennings family before the show aired, provides helpful advice for parents of LGBTQ+ kids, explains how she deals with online hate, and so much more. In This Episode, You Will Learn:About Dr. Kryss' journey as an LGBTQ+ advocate and leading expert (3:30)Dr. Kryss talks about the positive feedback she gets about her books (10:20)What it feels like to have a book banned (12:10)How it was for Dr. Kryss to make her first appearance on "I Am Jazz" in season 7 (19:00)Dr. Kryss shares some juicy behind-the-scenes from the show (26:30)How to support LGBTQ+ kids the right way (38:20)Connect with Dr. Kryss:WebsiteLinkedInInstagramTwitterDr. Kryss Shane's booksConnect with Jackie and Bridget:Transgender Support: Becoming a True Ally Video Course on VimeoTransgender School Patreon Membership with all exclusive contentTransgender School on MediumInstagramWebsite FacebookCommunity Facebook GroupYouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's episode, we are so excited to be joined by the wonderful Sander Jennings. He is a creator, a digital marketing strategy expert, the Head of Marketing at Checkin, a love, positivity, and motivation spreader, an amazing LGBTQ+ ally, and the older brother of Jazz Jennings from TLC’s docuseries, I am Jazz. Throughout our conversation, Sander was very open about how it was for him growing up as Jazz's brother and how he dealt with being in the public eye. He masterfully cleared up some of the most common misconceptions about transgender people. For example, Sander had this to say about choice: "People don't choose to be transgender, people choose to come out. Yet support and becoming an LGBTQ+ ally is a choice." In addition, we discuss the need for allies to speak out and/or do what they can behind the scenes, the rewarding side of being an LGBTQ+ ally and advocate, how Sander deals with hate and bigotry online, and so much more. In This Episode, You Will Learn:What it’s like to be Jazz's brother (3:20)Being an ally and advocate is a choice (6:30)Sander’s unique perspective on hate online (10:50)About social media platforms and their role in stopping hate and bigotry from spreading online (17:10)How allies can provide more support (23:10)About Sander’s work as a creator and digital marketing strategist (30:05)Connect with Sander:InstagramLinktr.eeConnect with Jackie and Bridget:Transgender Support: Becoming a True Ally Video Course on VimeoTransgender School Patreon Membership with all exclusive contentTransgender School on MediumInstagramWebsite FacebookCommunity Facebook GroupYouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.