I Stand By You with Lizette & Drew

In this Interview Drew and Lizette talk to New York Times bestseller Ashley Rhodes-Courter about foster care, the foster care system, and what love and support looks like for youth in the system. Ashley reminds us of the powerful impact just one loving person can have on a child, and that prevention is truly the key when helping families. We covered a lot in this episode, and learned a lot too. Enjoy!

In the episode, Drew speaks Lizette, Debi Jackson, and Rachel Gonzalez about the current state of anti-trans legislation that is moving through the country. They also talk about how they are feeling about the attacks on trans youth, and what they hope for the future.

In this episode Drew and Lizette talk about Drew's Big Move to Massachusetts to work for TransHealth Northampton, and Lizette's Allyship Community award (thank you SAAF and SAGA). They also talk about the current legislative attacks on transgender youth. It's a vent session and we hope you enjoy.

In this interview Drew and Lizette speak to Melissa K. Heckman, LICSW, MEd (they/them/theirs & she/her/hers) about the importance of comprehensive sex education in schools, and programs that are currently available to fill the gaps of what isn't currently taught. We also share a few embarrassing stories, which highlight what can happen when youth are not given accurate information about their bodies or how to care for themselves. We also talk about the importance of families having these discussions at home, and the lasting positive impacts that it can have on your children's views on sex, consent, and their overall well-being.

In this episode, Drew and Lizette interviewed Adiba Nelson, who is a writer and mommy advocate for her daughter Emory and disabled youth and their families in our community. Adiba is the author of "Meet ClaraBelle Blue", and her work has been featured in Huff post and various other publications. In this episode we talk about path to advocacy through necessity and love, as well as the intersections of our journeys. We also discuss the importance of continual learning, as we work towards fostering cross-cultural solidarity work. This was an incredibly rich conversation, and hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

In this episode Drew and Lizette interview Dallas Ducar, CEO of Transhealth Northampton and Clinical Lead for Mental Health Services at the MGH Transgender Health Program. They discuss the importance of system shake ups to create more equitable/accessible medical care and resources, as well, the importance of daily self reflection. They also discuss growing up in the southwest, their religious backgrounds, and how all those elements have shaped their advocacy and life today. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we enjoyed recording it.

In this episode, Drew and Lizette talk to University of Kansas Rowing Coach and Historian, Charley Sullivan about the importance of transgender inclusion in sports. We also discuss the importance of understanding historical context when discussing important issues and policies that impact specific communities.

In this episode Drew and Lizette talk to family law lawyer and advocate, Marissa Sites Esq. She shares with us her passion for helping youth, and why racial/social justice is so important to her. We discuss the current movement of anti-trans bills attacking transgender youth across the country, and it's impacts on trans kids and their families. We also talk about how our backgrounds influenced our advocacy, and our hopes for the future. It was a fun episode to record and we hope you all enjoy it.

In this episode Dr. Drew and Lizette talk to Dr. Jamie Weinand, about transitioning in medical school, expanding transgender medicine, and his joy of publishing his medical research. They also talk about the importance of feeling comfortable with your medical provider, and navigating bias when applying to medical programs/residency.

Season 2 is here, and in this episode Drew and Lizette catch up on what they did during the break, and what they have learned during this very difficult pandemic year. They talk about the importance of community building, voting, and what they look forward in the future. They also talk about the importance of the Georgia run off election, and discuss how they felt after Wednesday's awful attack on the Capitol took place.

In the season finale, Drew and Lizette talk about the election, and the Biden Harris win. They also talk about lessons learned over the last four years, and what they plan to do moving forward. Drew and Lizette also talk about how much fun they had recording this first season, and of course why allyship is still so important to them. Enjoy the season one finale and look out for new episodes in the new year.

In this episode, Drew and Lizette chat with Debi Jackson (a nationally recognized advocate for transgender youth and their families) about her advocacy work, and the importance of helping families navigate the challenges that many face in their communities when they are supporting their transgender child . We also talk abt the importance of visibility, and helping families know that they aren't alone. Debi also shares with us the importance of connecting to community, listening/supporting/learning from content created by transgender individuals, and what allyship truly means to her. This was a great conversation about a mother's love, and how families can use that love to help shape more inclusive communities around them.

In this episode, Drew and Lizette talk with Dr. Tracey Kurtzman about how she became an ally, and what led her and Drew to create the transgender pediatric clinic where they currently practice. Affirming and safe medical care is life changing, and necessary. They talk about the simple ways other medical providers can provide affirming care, and why they find this work to be so incredibly fulfilling.

In this episode, Drew and Lizette chat with immigration lawyer Paula Arno Martinez. Paula shares with us her work as an immigration lawyer, the systemic issues that cause migration, and growing up near the border. This conversation had many insightful moments, laughter, and Paula shared some personal stories that shine light on the importance of listening to learn and allyship. We hope you enjoy this interview as much as we enjoyed recording it.

In this episode, Lizette and Drew talk about the upcoming election, feelings around social media, and the importance of community. It's a wonderful conversation about the importance of taking action, and caring for the people in our lives. Enjoy this episode as we begin to prepare for the end of season one of I Stand by You with Lizette and Drew.

In this episode Drew and Lizette talk with long time friend Em Lane. In this fun conversation Em Lane shares their journey to self discovery. They talk about the complexity of gender identity, and expression, as well as the importance of supporting trans youth. The conversation could have gone on for hours. We hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed recording it.

In this episode Drew and Lizette talk to Dr. Kanchana Singha Boseroy ( a Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician) about her research on how racism negatively impacts a child during development, and how we as communities can begin to break these patterns of harm. It is a wonderful conversation about the intersections of identity, race, and medicine.

In this episode, Drew and Lizette talk to Joy Wilson. She is a parent of a transgender daughter, member of HRC: Parent's for Transgender Equality Council, and an activist for Transgender rights/racial equality. This episode is a wonderful conversation abt how experience and proximity can facilitate growth, understanding, and empathy. We also discuss the protests in Portland, Mom's United for Black Lives Matter, and the importance of allyship and solidarity in this moment.

In this episode, Drew and Lizette interview Doctoral Student Michelle Rascon-Canales about the sociological/cultural impact of the loss of our abuelitas to covid-19. We also talk about the impacts of the pandemic on multi-status/undocumented families, and we discuss meaningful ways that we can continue to help contribute to the Black Lives Matter movement and front-line workers during the pandemic.

In this episode Drew and Lizette interview Trey Jenkins, Research Specialist at Arizona State University, and advocate. This was an incredible conversation about the need for creating inclusive support spaces, centering black transgender lives, and what does it mean to truly elevate BIPOC voices. Drew and Lizette could have talked to Trey for hours because so many amazing topics came up. Enjoy!

In this episode, Lizette and Drew continue to discuss how they are processing, learning, and growing in this moment of protests, heightened racism, uncertainty, and continued worry about the pandemic. They reflect on the importance of continued self reflection, and what they need to do to be better allies in this moment of solidarity and action. Drew and Lizette also talk about Lizette's family's choice to be visible, and what considerations were made in deciding to do so. The most important take away is that allyship occurs in growth, and discomfort. It is continuous, and never done perfectly. We also remind our listeners; that we as allies, stand in solidarity with #blacklivesmatter. We need to continue doing the work necessary to achieve equality.

In this episode Drew and Lizette talk to community organizer and activist Kristen Godfrey about policing in communities, mass incarceration, and the border. In this episode, Kristen reminds us to connect, read, and challenge what we value and know. She also reminds us that solidarity and coalition building can be done through community connection and through personal self reflection on where we stand on politics and values.

In this fun episode Drew and Lizette interview Chelsa and Skylar (mother and daughter advocates and community leaders) abt what it is like to be in the public eye, navigating friends, and fears and hopes for the future. An honest conversation about what it means when you are out and how Transgender youth deal with visibility.

In episode 13, Drew and Lizette talk with Ellen Kahn who is the Senior Director of Programs and Partnerships at the Human Rights Campaign overseeing the portfolio of Children, Youth, and Family programing. This is a thoughtful conversation about advocacy, the progress that has been made, the work that still needs to be done, and where we go from here.

In this thoughtful episode, Drew and Lizette talk to Dr. Antonia D'orsay about the incredible medical work Borrego Health is providing to the large and growing transgender community in Southern California, as well as, advocacy, gender, and what it means to be an ally.

Sometimes it takes a virus to help us recognize the importance of community and togetherness. In this episode, Drew and Lizette talk about ways in which they have seen community show up for one another, and discuss ideas about how to continue to be of support. They also share how they have been feeling during this difficult time.

In this very thoughtful episode, Drew and Lizette speak with university student, local activist, and founder of Queers United Coalition Riley Conklin. We take a dive into the local needs that queer university students have, personal safety, and how to bring more allies into the fold. Riley shares their journey, as well as, ways that we can show up for for our non-binary friends and loved ones.

In episode nine, Drew and Lizette speak to Scott Pignatella. An incredible community member, mentor, and Scout leader. In this episode they discuss the importance or allyship, changing cultures, and compassion fatigue. This was a thoughtful conversation about transition, hearts and minds, and growth. Thank you, Scotty for sharing yourself with us and for being the kind loving person you are.

In this episode Drew and Lizette talk to JP Martin and Megan Mogan about the importance of allyship, sex education, the need for well funded public schools, and coalition building. They also talk about the importance of lgbtqia+ people seeing themselves represented in their communities, and affirming your children. Enjoy!!

Drew and Lizette talk about and rant about the issues impacting lgbtqia+ youth in their state of Arizona, as well as what they have been up to since episode six aired.

This is the second of four episodes focused on local Tucson, AZ community members, Drew and Lizette sit down and talk to Huck Arteaga about what allyship looks like to them, what builds strong communities, culture, and their focus on working with youth to empower and support them. This was a wonderful conversation and we hope you enjoy.

In the first of four episodes focused on local Tucson, AZ community members, Drew and Lizette sit down and talk to Dr. Carol Brochin. Dr. Brochin is a professor of education at the University of Arizona, and grassroots organizer. This is an incredible talk that covers so many intersections, and ultimately reminds us all of the commitment, love, and energy needed when working towards change and inclusion.

In this episode, Drew and Lizette talk with Blossom Brown (who met Lizette at the HRC/CNN LGBTQIA+ Presidential Townhall). As a group, they discuss being an accomplice for change, violence against transgender people (especially Transgender women of color) and the importance of visibility. They also discuss what they hope for in 2020, as well as challenges they all will be facing in the coming new year.

In this two part episode Drew and Lizette talk with Professor Russ Toomey about his experience coming out to his parents, his research, allyship, and the importance of community. In this fun chat about allyship, we talk about the pitfalls of well meaning allies, why support matters for trans youth, and what research shows is best practice.

In this special extrasode, Lizette and Drew interview Asaf Orr (Legal Director for the NCLR's Transgender Youth Project). Asaf shares with them what allyship looks like from a legal standpoint, and how policy and law impacts transgender youth and their families.

Dr. Drew Cronyn and Lizette chat about how they became advocates and why allyship matters to them. Follow these episodes as people share their stories of allyship, friendship, community, empathy, and ultimately love.