In The Den with Mama Dragons

Send us a textToday we are tackling a topic that has consumed the country, the news, and social media, and has sparked a political firestorm in recent years—transgender athletes in sports. To date, 26 states have enacted laws banning transgender youth from participating in sports teams consistent with their gender identity. There is so much fear and misinformation around this topic, and today In the Den Sara sits down with the incredible Chris Mosier, the first openly transgender man to earn a spot on a U.S. Men's National Team. Chris and Sara talk about the reality of trans people in sports and what we can do to better understand and support the trans athletes in our lives and in the country.Special Guest: Chris MosierChris Mosier is a trailblazing athlete, coach, and founder of TransAthlete.com, the leading resource for transgender inclusion in sport. In 2015, he made history as the first openly transgender man to earn a spot on a U.S. Men's National Team, a milestone that helped catalyze policy change by the International Olympic Committee on trans athlete inclusion and earned him the title of "the man who changed the Olympics." A decorated multisport athlete, Chris is an eight-time Team USA member, five-time Men's National Champion, and Men's All-American. Chris's advocacy extends far beyond competition. Through his writing, speaking, and policy work, he has influenced trans-inclusive practices at every level of sport—from high school athletics to professional leagues. As one of the most visible voices opposing anti-trans legislation in the U.S., Chris is a driving force in the fight for trans rights and equity. Chris is a Nike-sponsored athlete featured in multiple global campaigns. He also mentors transgender and nonbinary athletes around the world, living by his powerful motto: “Be who you needed when you were younger.”Links from the Show:The TransAthlete website: https://www.transathlete.com/ Chris's website: https://www.thechrismosier.com/ ESPN's Body Issue 2016 photos: https://www.espn.com/espn/photos/gallery/_/id/16797886/image/1/bodies-want-2016-bodies-want-2016 Changing the Game documentary: https://www.hulu.com/movie/changing-the-game-71bcd7f5-63b4-485c-b4ee-ed41517484d1 In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org. Support the showConnect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Send us a textThere is power in preserving the rich, diverse history and culture of LGBTQIA+ people, across generations and backgrounds, promoting creativity, collaboration, and community among queer people, organizations, and allies. Especially in this particular cultural moment, when the lives and stories of our queer community are being targeted and silenced more than ever before, we need to lift up and celebrate the institutions whose mission it is to collect, preserve, and share those stories and histories widely and proudly. Special Guest: Robert KestenRobert Kesten, Human Rights Advocate, is Executive Director of Stonewall National Museum Archives & Library, one of the world's largest and most significant institutions of its kind, celebrating 50+ years of preserving history and culture in the face of prejudice and hate. Kesten's human rights advocacy has taken many forms, including writing and producing an award winning documentary on the Holocaust at Concentration Camps in Poland, working on the Ghanaian Constitution, coordinating and producing events leading to Ukrainian independence, producing events for the first AIDS day treatment center in the nation, pushing for the decriminalization of homosexuality in Ukraine, challenging book banning, LGBTQIA+ inclusion in schools and navigating anti-LGBTQ sentiments. Kesten also worked on the West Bank during the Intifada and was brought into Egypt and Tunisia during the Arab Spring to try and establish human rights cities. Links from the Show:https://stonewall-museum.org/ https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/stonewall-queer-history-exhibit-drexel-20240407.html https://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/op-ed/article296353869.html https://washingtonpress.com/author/robertkesten/https://sfbwmag.com/human-rights-leaders-honored-during-international-human-rights-symposium-at-florida-atlantic-university/ https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/opinion/columns/your-voice/2023/04/14/lets-act-to-ensure-lgbtqia-are-safe-and-valued-in-florida-schools/70110517007/ Join Mama Dragons here: www.mamadragons.org In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org. Support the showConnect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Send us a textWe have all been watching the unprecedented attacks on trans healthcare for youth and adults by anti-trans extremists from the local to the federal levels. The trans legislation tracker reports an alarming 857 anti-trans bills under consideration in 2025 alone. Many of us, our kids, and our families find ourselves caught in the eye of this storm. Today In the Den, Sara sits down with special guest Alexis Stratton of The Campaign for Southern Equality to discuss the book that Stratton co-authored called Trans Kids, Our Kids: Stories and Resources from the Frontlines of the Movement for Transgender Youth. They explore the importance of supporting and loving and affirming the trans community, and they talk about what we can do to help. Special Guest: Alexis StrattonAlexis Stratton has an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of South Carolina, and their stories and essays have appeared in Hayden's Ferry Review, Matador Review, and Oyez Review, among other publications. In 2024, they co authored Trans Kids, Our Kids: Stories and Resources from the Frontlines of the Movement for Transgender Youth with Adam Polaski and Jasmine Beach-Ferrara (Ig Publishing), and in 2025, their book of travel essays, Eating Turtle, was published with Small Harbor Publishing. Alexis has also written for the Rebel Girls book series and podcast and provides grant writing support to several LGBTQ+ nonprofits. Before transitioning to writing full-time, Alexis educated organizations in South Carolina on LGBTQ+ rights, violence prevention, and serving marginalized populations. They live in Richmond, VA.Links from the Show:Kin*dom Camp Community: https://kindomcommunity.org/home Kin*dom Campfire Chats:  https://kindomcommunity.org/podcastFind Trans Kids, Our Kids in the Mama Dragons Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/p/books/trans-kids-our-kids-stories-and-resources-from-the-frontlines-of-the-movement-for-transgender-youth-jasmine-beach-ferrara/21195291?ean=9781632461674&next=t&aid=108866&listref=parenting-an-lgbtq-child&next=t Trans Youth Emergency Project: https://southernequality.org/tyep/ QMed Website: https://queermed.com/ Join Mama Dragons today: www.mamadragons.org In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.orgSupport the showConnect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Send us a textToday In the Den, we're thrilled to welcome a guest whose story is as rich and layered as the music and words he creates. Bill Robertson is a Hollywood writer, having written for National Lampoon, and one of the creators of Paradise: A Town of Sinners & Saints (both a stage musical and a 2023 film available on Prime). Bill's journey spans decades. At 63, he's a proud gay man who lived through, and survived, the deeply painful years of the AIDS crisis, which led him to become a bit of an amateur gay historian. Bill's story is one of resilience, reinvention, and the surprising roads that lead us home.Special Guest: Bill RobertsonBill Robertson is an author, playwright, and screenwriter.  His book Uncle Bill's Animal Tales - Life Lessons for Adults is about his experiences with animals, and how he believes they are his greatest teachers and healers.  His latest feature film Paradise a Town of Sinners & Saints, a musical comedy, based on a stage production that had two long runs in LA and at the Austin Playhouse in Texas is being distributed by Artist View Entertainment and is streaming on Amazon, Youtube Movies, GooglePlay, Tubi & Xumo.Bill worked two careers for many years, as a corporate recruiter and writer. He sold two scripts to Lifetime, and one, aired in 2018-2019.  He wrote for a kids show on PBS, National Lampoon Magazine, and ran sketch shows in Boston, New York, and Los Angeles for several years. He has a passion for animals, politics, sports, and gay rights. He's 27 years clean and sober and is a proud gay man, who is here on the planet to love more, not less, and to be of service to others. He prides himself on giving a damn. Links from the Show:The Times of Harvey Milk: https://www.amazon.com/Times-Harvey-Milk/dp/B00A5IXPJA Paradise, A Town of Sinners & Saints Musical: https://www.paradisebluegrassmusical.com/  Find your local PFLAG chapter: https://pflag.org/findachapter/ Join Mama Dragons: www.mamadragons.org In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org.Support the showConnect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Send us a textToday's In the Den episode is one that cuts right to the heart of our Mama Dragons mission — we're diving into the truth that parenting is political. Whether we like it or not, the choices we make as parents, how we show up for our kids, what we teach them, how we advocate for them, all ripple out into the world around us. When you're parenting queer kids, those ripples can have a far reach and significant impact. Sara talks with special guest Jasmine Banks about the importance of nurturing a community committed to collective growth and support, because raising children is to actively participate in societal change, and the way we parent today directly influences the world our children will inherit tomorrow. Special Guest: Jasmine BanksJasmine Banks (she/her) has more than 10 years of progressive advocacy, movement building, and organizing experience. She spent the last five years dedicated to leading an intervention campaign, UnKoch My Campus, addressing the impact of far-right billionaires leveraging their philanthropic donations in higher education to erode democracy. During the campaigns she organized multiple campuses, coalitions, and provided movement support to hundreds of students, educators, and community activists. Jasmine has traveled to a number of higher ed institutions to speak with students and faculty about donor transparency and academic freedom. She was most recently honored to give a keynote for the Higher Education division of the American Federation of Teachers. Jasmine is also a former licensed therapist, Chief Marketing Officer, and small business owner.Links from the Show:Generation Common Good: https://generationcommongood.org/ Parenting Is Political podcast: https://www.parentingispolitical.org/episodes Join Mama Dragons here: www.mamadragons.org In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org. Support the showConnect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Send us a textWe all have an inherent capacity for creativity, but queerness and creativity have a special connection. This week In the Den, Sara sits down with creativity coach Liz Heichelbech to discuss how to explore, claim, and live our own authentic lives.  Navigating true self-expression in the often challenging waters of cultural and societal norms and expectations can be a powerful catalyst for creativity. Sara and Liz dive into how creativity shapes our stories, what power art holds in the coming out process, and why queerness and imagination are so deeply connected.Special Guest: Liz HeichelbechLiz Heichelbech is a creativity coach, educator, author, and artist. Originally a professional contemporary and classical dancer, she earned her BFA in Fine Arts Studies from the University of Arizona, and a Masters in Education from Lesley University. She holds Massachusetts state teaching certifications in Dance, Theatre, and English, and taught in the Weston Public School district for over 20 years. She was a creative collaborator in her role as Instructional Coach for five years at Weston Middle School, and was the facilitator for Weston Secondary New Teacher Mentor Program for ten years. Liz was the former artistic director of Women's Improv Group Boston. She has taught creative workshops at Tucson Medical Center, Rainbow Lifelong Learning, Weston Arts and Innovation Center, Waldron Center for the Performing Arts, Bloomington Council on Aging, and with Joy Point Solutions. She is a recent graduate of the Martha Beck Wayfinder Life Coaching Program, and is a member of the Creativity Coaching Association. Liz' first novel, Chopin in Kentucky, was published by Bluemoose Books in 2023, and she is currently at work on the sequel, Lost and Found at the Canary Cafe. Her first adult coloring and creativity workbook, Start Where You Art, was published by Literary Kitchen in 2024. Liz believes in the restorative power of creative play in writing and the fine and performing arts. She knows well how to help others access, respond, and transform their ideas, feelings, desires, and dreams. Using a blend of life coaching techniques, personal inquiry, and guided, process-oriented creative structures, Liz is on a mission to inspire others and help them align with their most essential selves.Links from the Show:Liz's website: https://www.creativeincites.com/  Join Mama Dragons here: www.mamadragons.org In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org. Support the showConnect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Send us a textAs we navigate these challenging times, we've watched as the state of Florida has become ground zero for some of the most contentious battles over equality, producing some of the harshest anti-LGBTQ+ bills in the country. This week In the Den, Sara visits with special guest Nadine Smith, who is on the frontlines of that fight. Nadine Smith, the executive director of Equality Florida and has been a relentless advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. She has played a pivotal role in mobilizing communities and standing up to discriminatory legislation.Special Guest: Nadine SmithNadine Smith is the Executive Director of Equality Florida, the state's largest organization dedicated to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. In 2022, she was named to the Time100, TIME's annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. An award-winning journalist turned organizer, Nadine was one of four national co-chairs of the 1993 March on Washington. She was part of the historic meeting between then-President Clinton - the first Oval Office meeting between a sitting President and LGBTQ community leaders. She served on the founding board of the International Gay and Lesbian Youth Organization.She is a Florida Chamber Foundation Trustee and served on President Obama's National Finance Committee. She is one of the 100 Most Influential Floridians by Influence Magazine. She currently serves as chair of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Florida Advisory Committee. She lives in St. Petersburg with her wife Andrea and son Logan.Links from the Show:Wide Awake America: https://www.wmnf.org/events/wide-awake-america/# Equality Florida:  https://eqfl.org/Nadine as one of the 100 Most Influential People in 2022: https://time.com/collection/100-most-influential-people-2022/6177748/nadine-smith/ Join Mama Dragons here: www.mamadragons.org In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org.Support the showConnect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Send us a textToday In the Den, we're tackling a topic that's both unsettling and urgent: the rise of extremism, and how it's targeting our young people across the spectrum of identity. We'll also talk about solutions; exploring how we can recognize the signs of radicalization along with tools and strategies we can use to counteract these harmful messages and foster empathy, critical thinking, and inclusivity in the next generation.Special Guest: Lydia Bates Lydia Bates (she/her) is the Senior Program Manager of Partnerships at the Southern Poverty Law Center. Her work focuses primarily on equipping communities with the tools and information they need to help young people build resilience against supremacist ideologies. Prior to moving into this role, Ms. Bates was a Senior Research Analyst at SPLC, monitoring several hate groups and ideologies. She has a M.A. in Ethics, Peace, and Global Affairs from American University. Special Guest: Cynthia Miller-IdrissDr. Cynthia Miller-Idriss is a Professor in the School of Public Affairs and in the School of Education at the American University in Washington, DC, where she is also the founding director and chief vision officer in the Polarization and Extremism Research and Innovation Lab (PERIL). Dr. Miller-Idriss regularly testifies before the U.S. Congress and briefs policy, security, education and intelligence agencies in the U.S., the United Nations, and other countries on trends in domestic violent extremism and strategies for prevention and disengagement. She is the author, co-author, or co-editor of seven books, including her most recent book, Man Up: The New Misogyny and the Rise of Violent Extremism (Princeton University Press, 2025) and Hate in the Homeland: The New Global Far Right (Princeton University Press, 2022).Links from the Show:Link to “Not Just a Joke” report: https://www.splcenter.org/resources/reports/peril-understanding-preventing-gender-sexuality-bigotry/ Report from the Trevor Project: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/resources/guide/how-to-signal-you-are-an-ally-in-hostile-environment/ Find SIECUS here: https://siecus.org/contraceptive-coercion-access-and-sex-education/ Find Safe Bae here: https://safebae.org/ Join Mama Dragons here: www.mamadragons.org In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org.Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Send us a textWhat if faith and queerness weren't at odds? What if a vibrant, affirming Christian life was not only possible for queer folks and their families, but deeply sacred? This week, In the Den, Sara continues a conversation with special guest Reverend Brandan Robertson,  a dynamic pastor, author, and thought leader at the forefront of LGBTQ+ inclusion in Christian spaces.Special Guest: Reverend Brandan RobertsonRev. Brandan Robertson is a noted author, activist, and public theologian, dedicated to exploring the intersections of spirituality, sexuality, and social justice. He serves as the Pastor of Sunnyside Reformed Church in New York City and is the founder and Executive Director of The Devout Foundation. Known as the "TikTok Pastor," Robertson's inclusive theological content reaches over 250,000 followers and has garnered 6 million views. He has authored 23 books, including the INDIES Book of the Year finalist True Inclusion. Robertson acquired a Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Ministry and Biblical Studies from Moody Bible Institute, an Master of Theological Study from Iliff School of Theology, and a Master of Arts in Political Science and Public Administration from Eastern Illinois University. He's presently pursuing a PhD in Biblical Studies at Drew University. He currently resides in New York City.Links from the Show:Find Brandan on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@revbrandanrobertson Find Brandan's website here: https://www.brandanrobertson.com/ Gay Church: www.gaychurch.org Find Brandan's books in the Mama Dragons bookstore here: https://bookshop.org/beta-search?keywords=brandan Brandan's new book Queer & Christian: https://bookshop.org/p/books/queer-christian-reclaiming-the-bible-our-faith-and-our-place-at-the-table-brandan-robertson/21752396?ean=9781250321343&next=t Join Mama Dragons today: www.mamadragons.org In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Send us a textParenting a queer kid comes with so many questions. How do we support them? How do we help them find their community? And how do we make sure they know that no matter what, they are loved and they belong? Since 2010, the It Gets Better campaign has been a beacon of hope for LGBTQ+ youth, reminding them that they are not alone and that a brighter future is possible. What started as a viral video campaign has grown into a global movement, funding life-changing projects and empowering young people to create change in their own communities. This week In the Den, Sara visits with Brian Wenke, the Executive Director of It Gets Better, about empowerment, advocacy, and making sure the next generation of LGBTQ+ youth know they are seen, valued, and powerful.Special Guest: Brian WenkeBrian Wenke is the Executive Director of It Gets Better, the world's largest storytelling effort for LGBTQ+ youth and a leading LGBTQ+ youth empowerment organization. Since 2016, he has led the global effort to uplift and inspire LGBTQ+ young people through storytelling, education, and community-building. Under his leadership, It Gets Better has expanded its reach across four continents and six major languages, leveraging corporate and institutional partnerships to connect with LGBTQ+ youth where they live, learn, and socialize.Prior to It Gets Better, Brian raised over $25 million to address healthcare disparities (American Cancer Society), global conservation efforts (Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association), and affordable housing and access to the arts (Art Share LA). Brian is a proud alumnus of the University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music (BFA) and Brandman University (MBA). He currently resides in Los Angeles, California.Links from the Show:It Gets Better on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itgetsbetterIt Gets Better on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/itgetsbetterproject It Gets Better on IG: https://www.instagram.com/itgetsbetter/ It Gets Better on FB: https://www.facebook.com/itgetsbetterproject/ Apply to the It Gets Better Grant Program here: https://www.itgetsbetterchangemakers.org/ Join Mama Dragons here: www.mamadragons.org In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org.Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Send us a textToday In the Den, we're diving into a deeply personal and courageous journey—one that bridges faith, family, and the fight for LGBTQ+ equality. Gary and Millie Watts, parents to six children, were devout members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when their son Craig came out as gay. They chose to affirm and support their gay son in a time when there was no internet, no church support, and very little understanding.  They became forces for change on many fronts, including a years-long letter writing effort between Gary and top leaders of the LDS (Mormon) Church. Theirs is a beautiful story of love of faith and family. Special Guests: Gary and Millie Watts Gary Watts was born in 1940 in Logan, Utah, into a committed Mormon family. He attended Utah State University, where he was captain of the basketball team. After serving a two-year church mission in New Zealand, he married Mildred ‘Millie' Cragun, his sweetheart since middle school. Gary then attended the University of Utah College of Medicine, graduating in 1968.Millie Watts was born in 1941, also in Logan. Her dad was a well-known and popular family practice physician.Gary worked for 35 years as a radiologist at the Utah Valley Regional Medical Center in Provo, Utah. He was president of the UVRMC medical staff in 1981-82, and president of the Utah Medical Foundation in 1988-89. Millie was involved in many activities, serving as president of the Provo PTA, president of the Utah County Medical Auxiliary, and president of her church's primary education program three times. They have six children, two of whom are gay. Links from the Show: Find Gary's book Rainbow Letters here: https://www.amazon.com/Rainbow-Letters-Gary-Watts-M-D/dp/B09YMGF8K2  Join Mama Dragons today: www.mamadragons.org In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Send us a textFor many in our Mama Dragons community—and for queer folks in general—it can be hard to imagine a place for themselves within religion, and Christianity specifically, especially for those who have been shunned or hurt by their religious communities. Many have chosen to leave religion behind altogether, because it felt impossible to reconcile the theology you were taught with the deep love and support you feel for your queer kids. This week, In the Den, Sara visits with special guest Reverend Brandan Robertson about what it means to reclaim faith, challenge exclusionary narratives, and build a church that fully embraces authenticity, love, and belonging.Special Guest: Reverend Brandan RobertsonRev. Brandan Robertson is a noted author, activist, and public theologian, dedicated to exploring the intersections of spirituality, sexuality, and social justice. He serves as the Pastor of Sunnyside Reformed Church in New York City and is the founder and Executive Director of The Devout Foundation. Known as the "TikTok Pastor," Robertson's inclusive theological content reaches over 250,000 followers and has garnered 6 million views. He has authored 23 books, including the INDIES Book of the Year finalist True Inclusion. His work has been featured in TIME Magazine, CNN, and The Washington Post. Robertson is a sought-after speaker who regularly presents at prestigious platforms like The White House and Oxford University, continuing to inspire and challenge audiences around the world. Robertson acquired a Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Ministry and Biblical Studies from Moody Bible Institute, an Master of Theological Study from Iliff School of Theology, and a Master of Arts in Political Science and Public Administration from Eastern Illinois University. He's presently pursuing a PhD in Biblical Studies at Drew University. He currently resides in New York City.Links from the Show:Find Brandan on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@revbrandanrobertson Find Brandan's website here: https://www.brandanrobertson.com/ Gay Church: www.gaychurch.org Find Brandan's books in the Mama Dragons bookstore here: https://bookshop.org/contributors/brandan-robertsonBrandan's new book Queer & Christian: https://bookshop.org/p/books/queer-christian-reclaiming-the-bible-our-faith-and-our-place-at-the-table-brandan-robertson/21752396?aid=108866&ean=9781250321343&listref=in-the-den-podcast-featured-authorsJoin Mama Dragons today: www.mamadragons.org In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality contentConnect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Send us a textComing out as a transgender man in the late 1980s—before the internet, before mainstream conversations about gender identity, and before widespread access to information and affirming healthcare—Jamison Green found himself navigating a world where resources were scarce, and community was hard to find. Instead of being deterred, he became a guiding light and a leader in the fight for trans visibility and rights. Now, with his latest book, A History of Transgender Medicine, he takes us on a journey through the evolution of trans healthcare—chronicling the struggles, victories, and ongoing battles for equitable medical care. Today In the Den, we'll explore Jamison's incredible journey, the legacy of those who came before him, and the future he envisions for transgender rights and healthcare. Special Guest: Jamison GreenJamison Green, Ph.D. is an author, educator, public speaker, independent legal scholar, and expert policy consultant in transgender health and employment discrimination litigation. He is best known for his influential book Becoming a Visible Man, first published in 2004 and updated in 2020. This work is considered a classic in transgender literature, offering valuable insights into the experiences of trans men. Dr. Green began working for transgender visibility and rights in San Francisco in 1994 when a newly implemented non-discrimination ordinance (which he co-authored with city attorneys) placed the city in violation of its own Equal Benefits Ordinance. It took until 2000 to win on the issue, and a trans-inclusive policy went into effect in 2001.Links from the Episode: Find Dr. Green here: https://www.jamisongreen.com/aboutBuy Becoming a Visible Man here:https://www.amazon.com/dp/0826522874?k=becoming+a+visible+man&crid=3QR6HPLED6O1T&sprefix=becoming+a+vi&linkCode=sl1&tag=jga00-20&linkId=80f03b302ad4d357a8f4f7f5d2cef760&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl Find A History of Transgender Medicine here: https://www.amazon.com/History-Transgender-Medicine-United-States/dp/B0DBT6PZCX Join Mama Dragons today: www.mamadragons.orgIn the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org.Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Send us a textCreating spaces where everyone feels safe, valued, and seen is a critical task in today's world, but inclusion has become a political battleground. Policies are being written to erase identities, restrict access, and make belonging conditional. Instead of celebrating diversity, some lawmakers and leaders seem afraid of it. The very idea of making space for all people—especially LGBTQ+ individuals—has been weaponized, leaving many wondering: How do we push forward when inclusion itself is under attack? In this week's episode of In the Den, Sara talks with special guest CB Beal of Justice and Peace Consulting about proactively creating spaces where safety and affirmation are not just reactions, but the starting point.Special Guest: CB BealCB Beal, M.Div. (they/them/theirs) specializes in facilitating learning experiences that involve issues of marginalization, oppression, and privilege, helping participants hold the complexities of our lives in perspective, to co-create a safe[r] brave[r] space within which people can be challenged to learn and grow. They are a dynamic and humorous speaker and frequent presenter and consultant in congregations and schools in the northeast in Preemptive Radical Inclusion, safer communities/congregations, and supporting gender creative and transgender/non-binary children and youth in schools and youth-serving organizations. They also support organizations, groups and individuals doing change work. CB is a white, non-binary/genderqueer, queer, mostly able-bodied fat person.Links from the Show:Justice and Peace Consulting: https://justiceandpeaceconsulting.com/ More about CB and Preemptive Radical Inclusion: https://justiceandpeaceconsulting.com/about/ Join Mama Dragons today: www.mamadragons.org Mama Dragons on FB: https://www.facebook.com/mamadragons Mama Dragons on IG: https://www.instagram.com/themamadragons/ In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Send us a textContent Warning: This episode contains brief mentions of rape and talks about addiction. Special Guest: Rikki WestRikki West is a former spiritual seeker and UC Berkeley–trained scientist who spent decades trying to reconcile scientific explanations of existence with her ordinary, real-life awareness. One adventure at a time, she found her way to a peace and beauty that changed all the questions. Her book Rootlines, a memoir of family healing, was published by She Writes Press in 2020. Mother of Noli and Godmother of Morgan, Rikki loves being outside in the alpine desert of northern New Mexico, where she lives with her wife Jill and an old Yamaha. Links From the Show: Rikki's website: https://www.rikkiwest.com/Rikki's book Rootlines: https://bookshop.org/p/books/rootlines-a-memoir-rikki-west/kYAoarHCdMZ3yJHg?ean=9781631527548&next=t&digital=t  Rikki's book The Empty Bowl: https://www.rikkiwest.com/the-empty-bowlJoin Mama Dragons today: www.mamadragons.org Mama Dragons on FB: https://www.facebook.com/mamadragons Mama Dragons on IG: https://www.instagram.com/themamadragons/ In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Send us a textIn today's episode of In the Den, we confront a reality that far too many of our trans children are facing–relentless attacks from state legislatures and federal policies, bans on gender affirming care, restrictions targeting identity and expression, bathrooms, and pronouns. Trans people are under siege like never before, but there are also amazing champions for trans rights, including today's special guest Carl Charles, senior attorney for Lambda Legal. Special Guest: Carl CharlesCarl Charles is an experienced LGBTQ civil rights attorney focused on trans justice. He is currently serving as a Senior Attorney with Lambda Legal in their Southern Regional Office. Before working with Lambda Legal, Carl was a staff attorney at A Better Balance, the New York City Commission on Human Rights, and was a Skadden Fellow with the ACLU LGBT and HIV Project. Outside of work, Carl can be found cuddling and giving treats to his two dogs, Pipa and Lila, and sometimes also to his spouse, Chris, in their home in Atlanta, GA. Links from the Show:Lambda Legal: https://lambdalegal.org/ More from Carl: https://www.aclu.org/bio/carl-charles Chase Strangio film: https://festivalplayer.sundance.org/sundance-film-festival-2025/play/675dd267f71df2a4f630f99c Lou Sullivan article: https://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/lou-sullivans-diaries-are-a-radical-testament-to-trans-happiness Join Mama Dragons today: www.mamadragons.org Mama Dragons on FB: https://www.facebook.com/mamadragons Mama Dragons on IG: https://www.instagram.com/themamadragons/ In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Send us a textSupporting our queer kids and learning together about all the ways we can show up for them and ourselves is central to our Mama Dragons community. This week's episode of In The Den dives deep into how we can support and show up for our transgender children from a place of self-reflection and joy!Special Guest: Ben GreeneBen Greene is a transgender advocate and educator who has spoken internationally on topics surrounding transgender inclusion. After coming out at 15 in a small town, Ben has devoted his career to spreading empathy, education, and storytelling around the trans experience, and has spoken for companies, hospitals, schools, religious organizations, and government entities sharing what it means to be transgender and how to show up as an ally. He is a fierce advocate for transgender youth, regularly speaking in their defense at the Missouri State Capitol, and is the author of the book "My Child is Trans, Now What? A Joy Centered Approach to Support". He is also the creator of the "Good Queer News" Newsletter, and regularly shares LGBTQ+ stories worth celebrating from around the world. He is passionate about educating others from a place of compassion—no matter where they're starting from. Links from the Show:Ben's website: https://www.bgtranstalks.com/ Find Ben's book My Child is Trans, Now What here: https://www.bgtranstalks.com/book One-on-one mentorship available here: https://www.bgtranstalks.com/virtual-mentorship Join Mama Dragons today: www.mamadragons.org Mama Dragons on FB: https://www.facebook.com/mamadragons Mama Dragons on IG: https://www.instagram.com/themamadragons/ In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Send us a textDrag Story Hour is a global movement that brings the magic of storytelling, the art of drag, and the power of inclusion to libraries, schools, and community spaces, creating environments where kids can celebrate diversity, explore their imaginations, and embrace the beauty of self-expression. This week In the Den, Sara and Drag Story Hour's inaugural executive director Jonathon Hamilt discuss everything from the joy drag story  hour brings to children and families to addressing the challenges it faces to the ways in which drag story hours are changing the narrative about drag and LGBTQ+ representation in ways that are educational, empowering, and downright fun.Special Guest: Jonathan HamiltJonathan Hamilt (he/him) is the Executive Director of Drag Story Hour and co-founder of the NYC Chapter in 2016. Hamilt is the first Executive Director of the organization, taking it from a loose string of a few state's events to a national 501 c 3 with an international chapter network. He has spoken at Harvard, Yale, the Medical Library Association, the American Library Association, Public Library Association, School Library Journal, and SXSWEDU Conference. His activism spreads outside the work with Drag Story as his Drag persona "Ona Louise" hosts drag charity bingos across NYC. Ona Louise's personal goal is healing her inner child by offering affirming and accepting programming for kids which teaches them that it's more than okay to be different and they are loved no matter what!Links from the Show:Drag Story Hour's website: https://www.dragstoryhour.org/ Join Mama Dragons here: www.mamadragons.orgMama Dragons on FB: https://www.facebook.com/mamadragons Mama Dragons on IG: https://www.instagram.com/themamadragons/ In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Send us a textUncomfortable as it may feel, sex education, and specifically education tailored for LGBTQ+ kids, is crucial for the overall health and wellbeing of our queer kids! Today Sara talks with special guest Emmalinda MacLean about how we provide LGBTQ+ young people with the tools they need to understand themselves, build healthy relationships, and thrive in a world that often overlooks their unique experiences. Special Guest: Emmalinda MacLeanEmmalinda MacLean is the Director of Curriculum & Instruction and Co-Founder of More Than Sex-Ed, whose mission is to nourish healthy development through honest conversation about sex and sexuality. She leads Our Whole Lives trainings around the country, coaching new sex educators on our inclusive, values-centered approach. Emmalinda is especially proud of her work on consent education, from the creation of the bubble-wrap game to the publication of her children's book, Everybody, Every Body! California born and raised; UCLA graduate; horror movie fan; plant nerd. Pronouns: she/herLinks from the Show:Circles of Sexuality: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Circles-of-Sexuality-Image-provided-by-the-Unitarian-Universalist-Association-and-the_fig2_340493152 Our Whole Lives curriculum: https://www.uua.org/re/owl More than Sex-Ed resources and booklist: https://www.morethansex-ed.org/resources-for-adultsSex is a Funny Word: https://www.corysilverberg.com/sex-is-a-funny-word What Makes a Baby: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15701778-what-makes-a-baby Transgender School: https://transgenderschool.org/ Okay So: https://okayso.org/about-us Sex, etc.: https://sexetc.org/ Scarleteen https://www.scarleteen.com/Sex ed chat: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/roo-sexual-health-chatbotSex ed delays sexual debut: https://www.jahonline.org/article/S1054-139X(20)30456-0/fulltext GSAs in schools reduce suicidality: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/simply-having-gay-straight-alliance-reduces-suicide-risk-all-students-180949462/   Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Send us a textAnyone who has ever experienced bullying or teasing of any kind has probably heard the saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Really though, words can hurt, and the words we use matter. They can heal, connect, and empower, or they can harm and exclude. Words have power, and in today's episode of In the Den, Sara talks with special guest Alex Kapitan to unpack what inclusive language really means, why it's more than just "political correctness," and how we can all take steps to communicate more authentically and inclusively in our everyday lives.Special Guest: Alex KapitanAlex is the founder of Radical Copyeditor, a transformative resource for using language in ways that align with our deepest values of equity and justice. Alex is a queer and trans activist, writer, speaker, and editor who's dedicated to helping people use language as a tool for liberation, rather than oppression. Links From the Show: Radical Copyeditor website: https://radicalcopyeditor.com/More about Alex here: https://radicalcopyeditor.com/author/alexkapitan/Join Mama Dragons today: www.mamadragons.com In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Send us a textActivism takes many forms, from frontline advocacy and protests to behind the scenes legal work and policy-making to creative visioning and artistic expression. Today's guest In the Den is an amazing human who weaves all of these forms of justice work into her life. Sara talks with activist, civil rights attorney, and poet Sunu Chandy about her life, her poetry, and how art acts as an integral piece of her activism.Special Guest: Sunu P. ChandySunu Chandy (she/her) is a social justice activist through her work as a poet and a civil rights attorney.  She's a queer woman of color, and the daughter of immigrants from Kerala, India. Sunu lives in D.C. with her family. Her award-winning collection of poems My Dear Comrades was published by Regal House in 2023. Sunu's work can also be found in Asian American Literary Review, Beltway Poetry Quarterly, Poets on Adoption, The Quarry, and in anthologies including The Penguin Book of Indian Poets and The Long Devotion: Poets Writing Motherhood. Sunu is currently a Senior Advisor with Democracy Forward, and working with colleagues on Democracy 2025. She is also on the board of the Transgender Law Center and was included as one the Washington Blade's Queer Women of Washington..  Sunu is delighted to celebrate My Dear Comrades alongside the book's cover artist, Ragni Agarwal.Links from the Show: Sunu's website: https://www.sunuchandy.net/ Find My Dear Comrades here: https://regal-house-publishing.mybigcommerce.com/my-dear-comrades/ Transgender Law Center: https://transgenderlawcenter.org/ Democracy 2025: https://www.democracy2025.org/ Democracy Forward: https://democracyforward.org/Join Mama Dragons today: www.mamadragons.org In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality contConnect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Send us a textSo many of us lead overly busy lives and often find ourselves consumed with caring for others, including our children. Self-care is often the last thing on our priority list. Perhaps the whole concept of self-care feels frivolous or trendy. In today's episode of In the Den, Sara sits down with Reverend Florence Caplow, a Zen priest and teacher, to discuss the reality of self-care and some very practical suggestions for prioritizing personal well-being so that we're better equipped to care for ourselves and those around us. Special Guest: Rev. Florence Caplow Rev. Florence Caplow is a queer UU minister and an ordained Soto Zen priest and teacher, as well as a climate change and social justice activist, writer, and change coach. She regularly leads classes at Zen Centers around the country, and she offers one-on-one coaching for big life changes/transitions. To learn more about her you can visit her website, www.cloudway.live.Links From the Show: The Greater Good Science Center https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/ Rest Is Resistance Tricia Hersey: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/tricia-hersey/rest-is-resistance/9780316365536/ The Nap Ministry Rest Deck: https://rep.club/products/nap-ministry-rest-deck?srsltid=AfmBOooY7EHhGScb4MXTpWDzEnCUr0CzyqMPb-QjbzOc6VR4q2kZ-DW4 The Contemplative Pastor: https://www.eerdmans.com/9781467418874/the-contemplative-pastor/ Rev. Caplow's website: www.cloudway.live Rev. Caplow offers coaching here: https://www.cloudway.live/change-coaching Real Self-Care by Pooja Lakshmin: https://www.poojalakshmin.com/realselfcare Join Mama Dragons today: www.mamadragons.org In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Send us a textIt isn't unusual for LGBTQ+ people to decide to come out to their families during the holidays, and we want to help it go as smoothly as possible for everyone.This week In the Den, we're throwing it back to replay an important past episode, where Jen spoke with Neca Allgood about what to do when your child first comes out to you. They discuss common mistakes and how to avoid them. They also cover what to do when you don't get things right the first time.  It's an important conversation for parents with LGBTQ+ children of any age. Special Guest: Neca AllgoodNeca Allgood is the mother of a transgender son. She is a former president of Mama Dragons, a current Mama Dragons board member, and a former board member of Affirmation: LGBTQ Mormons, families, and friends. Neca and her husband own a small engineering consulting company. She has a PhD in Molecular Biology. Links From the Show:Comprehensive, inclusive, shame-free sex ed can be found at Planned Parenthood https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/for-educators Join Mama Dragons here: www.mamadragons.orgIn the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Send us a textContent Warning: This episode discusses suicide. According to the CDC, suicide is the second-leading cause of death for teens and young adults, and LGBTQ+ youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers. Additionally, there's often an increase in suicidality and mental health crises around the holiday season, especially in the days that directly follow the holiday itself. This week's In the Den episode is a conversation between Sara and special guests Beth Markley and Elizabeth Kingsley about suicide prevention strategies. They discuss practical suggestions of how to help suicidal loved ones and provide tools for talking about mental health and suicide more openly and directly.Special Guest: Beth MarkleyBeth is the Executive Director of NAMI Idaho. NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Beth has been in the nonprofit world for more than 25 years. She is a feature article writer and content developer and has been a regular contributor for several local publications. She has served as an adjunct professor at Boise State University for a course on nonprofit management and is active in her community serving on a number of Boards.Special Guest: Elizabeth KingsleyElizabeth has transitioned from being an ultra Trad wife, stay-at-home and scrupulously religious mother to being a happily divorced, self-expressed, open-hearted single mom. She loves life now with her passel of queer children. They have taught her how to fully accept and love herself as she easily accepts her children.Links from the Show: The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): https://www.nami.org/ Resources for family members and caregivers: https://www.nami.org/your-journey/family-members-and-caregivers/ NAMI Publications and handbooks: https://24-7.master-print.com/NAMI/UserJCatalog.aspx?category=1 The 988 Lifeline website:  https://988lifeline.org/ QPR Suicide Prevention Training: https://www.mamadragons.org/suicide-prevention-training Join Mama Dragons today: www.mamadragons.org In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Send us a textWhen you and your family have spent your lives rooted in a particular religious tradition only to realize that your tradition does not openly welcome, support, and affirm your LGBTQ+ child or family member, it can be devastating. As a result, many parents end up leaving church. Some leave because of a lack of support, some because the church leaders and community shunned them or turned against them, some because they have a complete crisis of faith, unable to reconcile their love and support of their queer kids with the theological teachings of the church, leaving religion and faith behind altogether. Then the holiday season comes around, with various celebrations and traditions combining family and religion, and it can be overwhelming, confusing, and frustrating to know how to honor these traditions and engage in celebrations with a sense of meaning and authenticity. This week In the Den, Sara talks with Brittney Hartley, author of No Nonsense Spirituality, about possible ways to reframe the holidays beyond religion. Special Guest: Brittney HartleyBrittney Hartley is an Atheist Spiritual Director at No Nonsense Spirituality. She has a Masters Degree in Theology with a focus in the Future of American Religion. She is the author of the book No Nonsense Spirituality: All the Tools No Faith Required. Links from the Show:Get No Nonsense Spirituality here: https://nononsensespirituality.com/book Find Britt's resources here: https://stan.store/nononsensespirituality Britt on IG: https://www.instagram.com/nononsensespirituality/ No Nonsense Spirituality on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nononsensespirituality Join Mama Dragons today: www.mamadragons.org In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Send us a textWith the holiday season in full swing, many of us are finding ourselves navigating sometimes tricky and challenging family gatherings, especially with our queer kids. This time of year often comes with particular, sometimes unspoken, expectations about our participation in family events. Supporting our queer kids also occasionally means having to respond to inappropriate questions, uncomfortable interactions, and hurtful situations. This week In the Den, Sara sits down with therapists Laura Skaggs and Lisa Hansen to talk through possible coping strategies and boundaries to help get us through the holidays while protecting and prioritizing the wellbeing of our queer children.Special Guest: Laura SkaggsLaura Skaggs is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in treating spiritual trauma at the intersection of LGBTQ+ experiences and religion. Laura earned her master's degree in marriage and family therapy at San Diego State University with an emphasis in LGBTQ+ mental health within conservative religious social contexts. She went on to serve for two years on the board of directors of Affirmation: LGBT+ Mormons, Families, and Friends with a focus on responding to spiritual trauma and suicide prevention. Laura is also the co-creator of CWEERS Empowerment groups: a practice designed to help LGBTQ+ individuals and their supporters confront social discrimination and internalized stigma. Laura is the mother of two daughters and presently sees clients full time in Provo, UT, as part of Flourish Therapy.Special Guest: Lisa HansenLisa Tensmeyer Hansen (PhD, LMFT, Clinical Director) is the clinical director and founder of Flourish Therapy, Inc., (Flourish), a behavioral health clinic located in Provo, Utah, which she founded in February 2017 to meet the needs of LGBTQ+ and SSA individuals and their families. Lisa received a B.S. from Brigham Young University in 1990 as university valedictorian (Summa Cum Laude with Honors thesis), an M.S. in 2012 and Ph.D. in 2017, both at BYU, focusing on improving the mental health of LGBTQ+ people in conservative families and communities. She lives with her husband in Payson, Utah, where together they made a home for 7 children (and a few extras) and now have 18 grandchildren.Links from the Show:Flourish's website: https://www.flourishtherapy.org/ Join Mama Dragons today: www.mamadragons.org In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Send us a textCurrently, young trans people are under attack across the country and around the world. Many of them continue to face rejection, persecution, and lack of support.  Transanta is an amazing organization that is showing up to help meet the needs of the young trans community in the United States. Today In the Den, Sara talks with Transanta Elf Claudia Roley to discuss the needs of trans youth and explore how you can join Transanta in meeting those needs this holiday season.  Special Guest: Claudia RoleyThough Claudia has spent most of her life in Central and East Tennessee, she currently resides in Las Vegas with her wife, children, and dogs. Claudia is passionate about gender-affirming care and helping trans folks access gender-affirming care and name change processes. She loves to care for people and provide a safe and comfortable space, free of judgment, for people to exist as themselves and thrive in their environment to the best of their ability.Links from the Show:Transanta's website: https://www.transanta.com/ Goodbuy: https://www.trygoodbuy.com/ Find Transanta gifts through Goodbuy here: https://app.trygoodbuy.com/shop/collections/doing-good-transanta/?currentPage=1 Transanta Resources: https://www.transanta.com/resourcesFind Meredith Russo here: https://www.macmillanspeakers.com/speaker/meredith-russo/Join Mama Dragons today: www.mamadragons.org Find Mama Dragons on FB:  https://www.facebook.com/mamadragons Mama Dragons on IG: https://www.instagram.com/themamadragons/ In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Send us a textWe've had quite a few therapists on this podcast, and they have all shared so much wisdom and compassionate advice for us and our families. This week In the Den, our host Sara sits down with therapist Ann Russo, who specializes in the intersection of religion and LGBTQ+ issues. They discuss a range of topics surrounding mental health, spirituality, and queerness. Special Guest: Ann RussoAnn Russo is a mental health professional, author, and advocate specializing in sex positivity, queer issues, and religious trauma. She offers training programs, consulting services, and publications to support mental health providers and improve client care. Ann's CE courses are in the final approval phase by ASWB/ACE for social workers, MFTs, and APCCs. They cover topics such as ethical non-monogamy, sexual health, sexual assault, sex work, lesbian couples, PTSD healing, and kink. She founded AMR Therapy & Support Services with a vision of inclusive mental health care for all. Certified in domestic violence and sexual assault counseling, she champions survivors of trauma, particularly from marginalized groups. Her therapy approach prioritizes personalized treatment plans, fostering a chill, safe space for clients to explore their thoughts and feelings. With expertise in mental health, queerness, and religion intersections, Ann offers culturally sensitive support. Her mission is to ensure everyone, regardless of background, has access to resources for thriving mental health in an inclusive and supportive environment.Links from the Show: Ann's website: https://www.annrusso.org/Listen to Ann on other podcasts: https://www.annrusso.org/podcasts/ Join Mama Dragons today: www.mamadragons.org Find Mama Dragons on FB:  https://www.facebook.com/mamadragons Mama Dragons on IG: https://www.instagram.com/themamadragons/ In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Send us a textThe outcome of the recent presidential election has left many of us reeling and feeling concern for our LGBTQ+ community, especially for our queer children. Many of us in the Mama Dragons community are already feeling the impact as our children share with us their fears and real-life interactions at school, work, and in the community. So, what can we do? This week In the Den, Sara meets with Allen Morris from The National LGBTQ Task Force to talk about actions we can take right now to protect our children and their futures.Special Guest: Allen Morris Allen (he/his/gladiator) was born and raised in Beaumont, TX. Graduate of Regent University School of Law (M.A.) and Grand Canyon University (B.S.), Allen is a Policy and Government Affairs gladiator with over a decade of broad-based public policy, immigration, criminal, and human rights experience across the legal, corporate, government, and non-profit sectors.Allen's primary goal is collaborating with leaders to implement substantive change to ensure legislation that serves all in need of protection and permanent solutions is achieved. Allen brings an upbeat, positive perspective into the role of being a fearless advocate for directly impacted and historically marginalized people who are often silenced and pushed to the side. In his free time, he likes to watch space/NASA documentaries, The Golden Girls, and cuddling on the couch with his fur son.Links from the Show:The Task Force Action Fund: https://www.thetaskforceactionfund.org/ Find Allen here: https://www.thetaskforce.org/people/allen-morris/ The Task Force History: https://www.thetaskforce.org/about/history/ Support the Task Force: https://www.thetaskforceactionfund.org/take-action/support-us/ Get Involved with the Task Force here: https://www.thetaskforce.org/get-involved/ Join Mama Dragons here: www.mamadragons.org In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Send us a textIn the Den with Mama Dragons is entering a new era! After almost two years, our original host Jen is passing the hosting microphone on to another amazing Mama Dragon who will take the lead. Our new host is Sara LaWall. Sara has guest-hosted several episodes in the past and should be familiar to regular listeners. Today, Jen sits down with Sara to visit, so that we can all get to know our new host just a little bit better. Special Guest: Sara LaWallSara serves as the Minister for the Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, in Boise, Idaho, where she weaves her calling for social justice and collective liberation into her ministry advocating for queer rights and other issues connected to her faith and her heart. She holds a MDiv from Meadville-Lombard Theological School (Chicago, IL), a M.A.Ed. from Pepperdine University (Los Angeles, CA), and a B.F.A in Theatre Arts from the University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ).  She serves on the boards of The Pro-Voice Project and the Idaho Coalition for Safe Healthcare. She is the proud parent of a 19 year old daughter (who is her dragon, having come out as trans in 2020), and a 15 year old son and married to an amazing husband, partner, and champion. When asking her family's help to write this bio (because they can be a little dry) her kids said, “She is a great mother and amazing preacher that stands up for others when they can't stand up for themselves. She taught us to never be afraid to be who you are and say what you truly believe.” She is grateful (and a bit surprised) they have actually been listening.Links from the Show:Join Mama Dragons today: www.mamadragons.org Find Mama Dragons on FB:  https://www.facebook.com/mamadragons Mama Dragons on IG: https://www.instagram.com/themamadragons/ In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Send us a textWords with Friends episodes are bonus episodes where different members of Mama Dragons provide definitions for LGBTQ related topics. This episode includes the following definitions:Gender Binary shared by Jess in North CarolinaGender Expansive shared by Julie in Snohomish, WashingtonGender Expression shared by Marie, formerly in TexasGender Queer  shared by Kate in Melbourne, Australia In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you.Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Send us a textNote: This episode is a replay of a past episode (E44) that felt timely as the holidays approach again. We asked members of our group to share some of the most hurtful things that had been said to them or their LGBTQ children, even if the speaker's intentions were good.  The response was absolutely overwhelming. Some of the reported comments would be considered microaggressions and some were intentionally cruel. Just in time for all of the upcoming holiday gatherings, Jen brings back therapist Lisa Tensmeyer Hansen to talk through some common categories of microaggressions and possible ways to respond. Special Guest: Lisa Tensmeyer HansenLisa Tensmeyer Hansen is the clinical director and founder of Flourish Therapy, Inc., (Flourish), a behavioral health clinic in Provo, Utah, which she founded in 2017. Lisa received a B.S. from BYU in 1990 as valedictorian, an M.S. in 2012 and Ph.D. in 2017, both at BYU, focusing on improving the mental health of LGBTQ+ people in conservative families/communities. She lives with her husband in Payson, Utah, where together they made a home for 7 children (and a few extras) and now have 18 grandchildren.Links from the Show:Flourish Therapy: https://flourishtherapy.org/Join Mama Dragons today at www.mamadragons.org  In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org.ShownotesConnect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Send us a textArt has such power to transform the way we see the world and to show us new perspectives, ideas, and values.  Art can also be an invitation to beauty and joy, which is something we all need more of in our lives and the world, especially in these times. This week In the Den, guest host Sara LaWall talks with special guest Rae Senarighi, also known as the Transpainter, about his experiences as a non-binary artist. They discuss his drive to create art that highlights and celebrates the lives and power of trans people, and his passion for bringing self-acceptance and love to the world. Special Guest: Rae SenarighiRae Senarighi/Transpainter (he/him) is your average non-binary cancer survivor inspiring self-compassion, activism, and gender resilience via unapologetic portraiture of vibrant transgender and non-binary power. Rae is on a mission to spread self-acceptance and love, evident in his portraiture, typography, and speaking engagements. As the creator of the “You Are Loved” campaign, Rae's message of compassion has found a home on billboards in thousands of locations across the U.S. and Canada and includes flags and merch across the world. His partnerships with Schwinn, Nike and the Portland Trailblazers, GLAAD, and Netflix create trans visibility in diverse arenas.Links from the Show:Rae's website: https://transpainter.com/ Rae on IG: Rae Senarighi | Artist (@transpainter) Buy Rae's merch here:  https://shop.transpainter.com/ Join Mama Dragons today: www.mamadragons.org In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Send us a textThere are similarities and differences between all of our individual stories. We come from diverse religious backgrounds, political parties, family dynamics, and geographic areas. Each of us started at different levels of acceptance, but we all relate to the desire of wanting to protect our children over our own biases.  A few times a year, we will be sharing a Mama Dragon's story. Today, Jen visits with Mama Dragon Britt Celusta In the Den. Special Guest: Britt CelustaBritt (they/them) currently lives in Boise, ID, with their husband and three kids. Britt works in a daycare part time. In their spare time, they enjoy being with their kids, building miniatures, baking, and playing video games. Britt's middle child, Ellie, is their baby dragon. Ellie is 11 years old, gender fluid, and has identified as gender nonconforming since they were 7. Links from the Show:Join Mama Dragons today at www.mamadragons.org Mama Dragons on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mamadragons Mama Dragons on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themamadragons/ In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org.  Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Send us a textWe have introduced several LGBTQ+ people on this podcast in the past.  Our hope is to better understand the unique and individual lives of people who are not always represented.  We also hope to remind our listeners that there is a world of possibility that exists for our kids–the same possibilities as any of our straight and cis kids. This week In the Den, Jen explores some of those ideas with nonbinary journalist Nico Lang as they share their unique life experiences as a reporter covering the fight for equality.Special Guest: Nico LangNico Lang is a journalist, editor, culture critic, and essayist. Lang is the founder of Queer News Daily and has previously worked as the deputy editor of Out magazine, an LGBTQ+ correspondent for VICE, the news editor at Them, and a contributing editor at Xtra magazine. Their work has been published in Rolling Stone, Esquire, The Daily Beast, HuffPost, and BuzzFeed News, among others. Lang was named the 2023 Online Journalist of the Year by the Los Angeles Press Club Association and is the recipient of 10 awards from the National Association of LGBTQ+ Journalist, a GLAAD Award, and the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund's inaugural Visibility Award.Links from the Show:Neco on IG: https://www.instagram.com/queernewsdaily/?hl=en Neco's latest articles: https://www.them.us/contributor/nico-langNeco on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nico-lang-03608567?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F Neco's articles on the Daily Beast: https://www.thedailybeast.com/author/nico-lang Join Mama Dragons today: www.mamadragons.orgIn the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org.  Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Send us a textAs Mama Dragons, we often find ourselves in places where we have the opportunity to stand up and advocate for our queer children. Today In the Den, Jen sits down with fierce Mama Dragon Debbie Thomas to talk about her experiences of mothering two LGBTQ+ children, and how she learned to advocate for her child in a big way–all the way to the Supreme Court.Special Guest: Debbie ThomasDebbie Thomas is retired after a career working with the public providing assistance through the State of Wyoming and under the Centers of Medicare Services. She is a Mama Dragon living in Central Wyoming and, like many of us, is just struggling to survive in a conservative state.  She was raised in a high demand religion and has 3 grown sons.  Her oldest two sons are part of the LGBTQ+ community. Her oldest son faced discrimination and was refused services from a bakery in Colorado based on who he loved, which ultimately led to the famous Supreme Court case of Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission. Links from the Show: Information on the Masterpiece Cake case: https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/17pdf/16-111_j4el.pdf More on the Supreme Court case: https://www.oyez.org/cases/2017/16-111 Join Mama Dragons today: www.mamadragons.orgIn the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org.  Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Send us a textAs states across the nation continue to target transgender children, some families flee for safety and refuge.  Some families choose to be as invisible as possible for their safety, and we support and celebrate that.  But other families are choosing to plant their feet and fight back. Today's In the Den guest is a mom from Texas who fought back when the state investigated her and her husband for child abuse for nothing more than supporting their trans child. Special Guest: Amber BriggleAmber Briggle (she/they) is a self-described “mama bear” of a transgender teen in Texas. Amber and her family were investigated by the Texas Department of Family Protective Services for “child abuse” in 2022 after TX Governor Greg Abbott directed the agency to open such cases against families like theirs. Consequently, Amber and her husband, Adam, sued Governor Abbott and are named as co-plaintiffs in PFLAG v Abbott, which seeks to permanently halt these types of investigations.Amber is a founding member and the former national co-chair of the Human Rights Campaign's “Parents for Transgender Equality Council”, and has previously been nominated by the Dallas Morning News as “Texan of the Year”. Along with her family, Amber starred in a nationwide PSA about trans-inclusive families that won a Telly Award and garnered over 300 million views, which she debuted onstage at the GLAAD Media Awards in Hollywood.Amber has written for the Washington Post, Daily Beast, and TIME Magazine, and has been featured in numerous outlets, including Nightline, NHK-Japan, MSNBC, Newsweek, Teen Vogue, The 19th, and People Magazine. She and her family star in Love to the Max, a documentary acquired by the New Yorker, which was released June 2024. Mostly, though, she's “just a mom” who loves both her kids unconditionally.Links from the Show: Love to the Max: www.lovetothemax.net The Love to the Max film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSYm4gBiFYA&ab_channel=TheNewYorker Protect Our Families: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbad3efCic8&ab_channel=GLAAD Join Mama Dragons: www.mamadragons.org In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org.  Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Send us a textWords with Friends episodes are bonus episodes where different members of Mama Dragons provide definitions for LGBTQ related topics. This episode includes the following definitions:Prejudice shared by Chris Davis in MaineUnconscious Bias shared by Lisa Renaud in Windsor, Ontario, CanadaMicroaggressions shared by Marnie in Gold Coast, AustraliaDiscrimination  shared by Erin in Clinton, MississippiIn the Den is made possible by generous donors like you.Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Send us a textPeople around the world battle with self-image and self-esteem issues.  Humans do a lot of things to look presentable and attractive, or even acceptable, to the world around them. Society sets unrealistic expectations about what it means to be a woman and what it means to be a man. Transgender people not only have to face these universal unrealistic expectations, they also face many unique challenges and have experiences that cisgender people don't. Today In the Den, Jen sits down with special guests Erik VonSosen and Beckett Jones to talk about a wide range of topics impacting transgender people, from managing transition expectations to finding healthier ways to approach societal expectations to fully learning to embrace our true selves. Special Guest: Erik VonSosenErik is a 23 year old fashion and costume designer based in Los Angeles. She creates womenswear out of recycled and sustainable materials, with an emphasis on structural heavy-duty corsetry. With a love of fashion as a form of visual storytelling, her inspirations often come from video games, nature, and her identity as a trans woman. When she's not working on a project, Erik can usually be found mixing songs on her DJ controller, scouring the flea market, or deciding what to wear out with her friends on a Saturday night. Special Guest: Beckett JonesBeckett is a transgender artist and poet. He is the oldest of three siblings and can often be found outdoors. Beckett's a conservation worker who has spent his last few summers working in a variety of wilderness areas, including Yellowstone National Park, Mount Rainier National Park, and Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge (located about 1100 miles South of the Hawaiian Islands). Beckett's currently studying Marine Biology at the University of Hawaii.Links from the Show:Join Mama Dragons today at www.mamadragons.org Mama Dragons on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mamadragons Mama Dragons on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themamadragons/ In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org.  Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Send us a textProject 2025 is a comprehensive initiative developed by The Heritage Foundation as a blueprint for any administration willing to take it on.  Many people have seen or heard of it in news headlines, but not as many really understand what it actually is or why it matters. Regardless of who wins any election, the elements and ideas in Project 2025 will come up, and parents and allies of the LGBTQ+ community need to be informed. Lawyer, advocate, and strategist Rachel Laser joins Jen In the Den to discuss all the things we need to know about Project 2025.Special Guest: Rachel LaserRachel Laser, Americans United for Separation of Church and StateRachel Laser became president and CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State in February 2018. She is the organization's first non-Christian and female leader in its 76 year history. Rachel is a lawyer, advocate and strategist who has dedicated her career to making our country more inclusive. In her position at Americans United, Rachel oversees the organization's work to protect freedom of conscience for all and ensure religion is not used to justify discrimination. Prior to coming to AU, Rachel worked as an educator on white privilege and racism and held positions as deputy director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, director of the Culture Program at Third Way and senior counsel at the National Women's Law Center (NWLC). Rachel is a graduate of Harvard University and the University of Chicago Law School. She is a former board member of NARAL Pro-Choice America.Links from the Show:Project 2025 Resource HubA central hub on Project 2025, including explainer videos: AU.org/project2025 Project 2025 Toolkit: Your Guide to Talking About Project 2025Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Send us a textConversion therapy, sometimes known as reparative therapy, targets LGBTQ+ people and seeks to change their sexual or gender identities.Conversion therapy has been shown to be harmful and has been categorically rejected by every mainstream medical and mental health organization for years. However, due to continued societal bias against queer people, some practitioners continue to use conversion therapy. Young people are particularly vulnerable to its harmful effects, which include increases in depression, anxiety, risky drug use, homelessness, and suicide. On today's episode of In the Den, guest host Dawn Sparling talks with historian Seth Anderson about the history and consequences of conversion therapy and how to fight against it today. Special Guest: Seth AndersonJ. Seth Anderson, PhD, was born in Provo, Utah, and raised in Utah and Arizona. He served a mission in the Russia, Samara mission. He earned a BA in Russian and a BS in Economics from Arizona State University, an MA in History from the University of Utah, and a PhD in History from Boston University. His dissertation explores the origin of gay conversion therapy. (He claims to be working on the book proposal, but that's debatable.) He likes to play piano and go to the gym. He and his husband Dr. Michael Ferguson, were the first same-sex couple married in Utah in 2013.Links from the Show: The Compassion.Science website: https://neuromichael.com/Seth's book LGBT Salt Lake: https://www.amazon.com/Lgbt-Salt-Lake-Seth-Anderson/dp/1540216128 Join Mama Dragons today at www.mamadragons.org Mama Dragons on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mamadragons Mama Dragons on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themamadragons/ In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org.  Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Send us a textAs individuals who love and celebrate the queer people in our lives, we are very aware that their journey to accepting themselves is not always an easy one.  There are lots of intersections that come together to make every journey unique, and yet we find common threads. Today In the Den, Jen visits with Mike Maeshiro about his experiences coming out as gay, deconstructing evangelicalism, healing from religious trauma, and helping others to do the same. Special Guest: Mike MaeshiroMike Maeshiro is the founder of Numa, an organization that supports people recovering from religious toxicity. Mike is gay, an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, and a queer theology enthusiast. Mike is a former instructor at Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry, best known for his class, “Discerning of Spirits.” He now teaches on emotional health and redemptive deconstruction. He is a consultant and coach for gay men recovering from evangelicalism. He also has a team of coaches who work with people whose faith is evolving. He is a social media influencer and thought leader. Mike loves Japanese food, movies, and playing volleyball, and has a depth of useless knowledge about the X-men. Links from the Show:Mike's website: https://www.mikemaeshiro.com/welcometonuma Mike on IG: https://www.instagram.com/mikemaeshiro/?hl=en Mike on FB: https://www.facebook.com/mikemaeshiro/ Mike on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH5vGo6yRl6Gay-wbJ7F6og Join Mama Dragons: www.mamadragons.org In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org.  Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Send us a Text Message.Many of our children are more expansive with regard to gender than we would have ever considered in our generation.  As parents of LGBTQ+ children, we are invested in having the tools we need to best support them and help them as they navigate the complexity of their gender identity. In this week's episode of In the Den, Jen talks with psychiatrist Dr. Jack Turban about a range of topics that impact our transgender and gender diverse children. Special Guest: Jack TurbanDr. Jack Turban, MD, MHS is a Harvard, Yale, and Stanford-trained child and adolescent psychiatrist and founding director of the Gender Psychiatry Program at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). He is an internationally recognized researcher and clinician whose expertise and research on the mental health of transgender youth have been cited in legislative debates and major federal court cases regarding the civil rights of transgender people in the United States. His research focuses on the mental health of transgender and gender diverse youth, particularly as these topics relate to public policy.. His research has been cited in major court cases regarding the civil rights of transgender people in the U.S., in state legislative debates around the country, and in the United Nations' independent expert report on conversion therapy. In addition to his research, he is a frequent op-ed contributor with work featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, CNN, The Los Angeles Times, Scientific American, and STAT. His new bookFree to Be: Understanding Kids & Gender Identity is now available.Links from the Show: Purchase Jack's book Free to Be here: https://www.amazon.com/Free-Be-Understanding-Gender-Identity/dp/1668017040 Jack's op-eds: https://www.jackturban.com/op-eds Jack's interviews: https://www.jackturban.com/interviews On trans women in sports: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/trans-girls-belong-on-girls-sports-teams/  Pediatric Gender Identity: Gender-affirming Care for Transgender and Gender Diverse Youth: https://www.amazon.com/Pediatric-Gender-Identity-Gender-affirming-Transgender/dp/3030389081 In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org.  Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Send us a Text Message.In the last couple of years, states have ramped up their attacks on the LGBTQ+ community, introducing laws surrounding sports, books, and even healthcare.  24 states have banned gender affirming care for youth, and many of those laws are now being discussed, debated, and decided in the courts as LGBTQ+ people, families, and advocacy groups file challenges to these laws. Medical bans on gender affirming care have been some of the most terrifying for families, and there have been a lot to try to keep track of. Today In the Den, Jen meets with ACLU strategist Gillian Branstetter about a very specific case, and what this case might mean for all the other cases.Special Guest: Gillian BranstetterGillian Branstetter is a Communications Strategist at the ACLU's Women's Rights Project and LGBTQ & HIV Project. Formerly of the National Women's Law Center and the National Center for Transgender Equality, she works with advocates, storytellers, reporters, and artists to fight for gender justice, including the safety and dignity of queer and transgender people.Links from the Show:ACLU website: https://www.aclu.org/ Find your local ACLU: https://www.aclu.org/affiliates Join Mama Dragons today at www.mamadragons.org Mama Dragons on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mamadragons Mama Dragons on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themamadragons/ In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org.  Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Send us a Text Message.As human beings, we are all more than just one thing. We each hold more than one identity, and our cultural and ethnic backgrounds play huge parts in how we experience the world. Today In the Den, guest host Sara LaWall dives into the intersection of Latinx and Queer identities with two special guests, Gabe Morales & Alex Carmelo.Special Guest: Alex CarmeloAlex was born in Galveston, TX, and raised in the city of South Houston. He was brought up by his grandparents. Their strong dedication and discipline made him the person he is today.  Alex was the first person in his family to graduate from high school and attend college. His life journey has included some tough times, but he continues to fight not only for himself but the community he serves.  As an openly gay Latino/Hispanic, he is truly passionate about helping the community. His first leadership position was as the executive liaison for Houston Millennials.  He currently sits on the board of directors of the National Hispanic Professional Organization, Houston Dia Los Muertos, and the Houston Livestock show.  Alex truly believes that as he empowers himself, he can help others become leaders.  Motto:  “Don't talk the talk, walk the walk.”Special Guest: Gabriel MoralesGabriel is a 34 year old first-generation Houstonian. After years of yearning to study, practice, and work hands-on in the field of art, he was lucky enough to stumble upon a graphic design course at the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD), where he found his calling. Soon after, under the leadership of his graphic design professor/mentor, Gabriel joined the inaugural Graphic Design Research Initiative program at UHD, where he worked alongside his professor and a select group of fellow students to gain real-world experience in design projects with non-profit organizations. Gabriel was then invited to interview for a graphic design student position at the UHD Advancement & University Relations office, where he was offered a full-time position, after graduating with a BA in Fine Arts. Gabriel has been designing with UHD for eight years now and has since earned the title of Manager of Graphic Design. Outside of work, Gabriel does freelance design and spends his free time hanging out with his family, best friends/roommates, and his cat, watching movies, and singing along to musicals. Links from the Show:Join Mama Dragons today at www.mamadragons.org Mama Dragons on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mamadragons Mama Dragons on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themamadragons/ In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org.  Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Send us a Text Message.Mama Dragons has a new Executive Director! Liz Welch brings new leadership, new enthusiasm, and new ideas to Mama Dragons, so we thought it was important to introduce this new Executive Director to our podcast listeners and give her a chance to share her vision for Mama Dragons in her own words as she joins Jen in this week's episode of In the Den.  Special Guest: Liz WelchLiz comes to Mama Dragons with extensive advocacy and lobbying experience in LGBTQ+ and religious freedom at the federal, state, and local levels.  While at the ACLU, Liz led a National Faith Coalition that supported efforts to advance protections for LGBTQ+ communities while preserving the rights of faith communities. She also co-facilitated a transgender education and advocacy project, working to train and support trans activists in advocating for their rights across the country. Liz's work is heavily influenced by the words of Bishop Desmond Tutu, “There comes a point where we need to stop just pulling people out of the river. We need to go upstream and find out why they are falling in.” Liz has a passion for creating a community around complex issues and lifting the voices of those who are most impacted, especially in places where “courageous conversations” can change minds and open hearts.  In addition to her work on LGBTQ+ issues, Liz is a trained mediator, experienced facilitator, and event coordinator for everything from hyper-local Pride events to coordinating the rallies at the Supreme Court of the United States for the biggest cases of our time. Liz has spent the majority of her life living in the Rocky Mountains while working at the national level.  She currently lives in a self-renovated old home in Billings, Montana, with her three obstinate hounds and an extensive garden. She is the proud mother to Mariah, who is a public defender and an avid baker.Links from the Show:Join Mama Dragons today: www.mamadragons.org Mama Dragons on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mamadragons Mama Dragons on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themamadragons/ LUV Conference info: https://www.luvwithoutlimits.org/ Open to All Coalition: https://www.opentoall.com/ In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Send us a Text Message.There is currently a lot of public discourse around what an LGBTQ+ ally is and isn't.  We know that our listening audience wants to be allying well and often, and as the political climate in the country continues to put our LGBTQ+ loved ones in the crosshairs, it has become increasingly important that we get our allyship right. This week In the Den, Jen sits down with Sara Burlingame, Executive Director of Wyoming Equality, to talk about ways that we can improve our efforts at being good allies to the LGBTQ+ community. Special Guest: Sara BurlingameSara is the Executive Director of Wyoming Equality, a statewide advocacy group who works to build broad and inclusive communities, shift the hearts and minds of our neighbors, and achieve policy victories. Sara was the only non-Mormon blogger at Feminist Mormon Housewives, before working as a faith organizer with the Human Rights Campaign. A longtime Cheyenne, Wyoming, resident, she loves to spend time with her family reading, watching her sons play baseball, and camping in the most beautiful place on Earth.Links from the Show:Equality Wyoming: https://www.wyomingequality.org/ Join Mama Dragons today: www.mamadragons.org Mama Dragons on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mamadragons Mama Dragons on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themamadragons/ In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Send us a Text Message.rds with Friends episodes are bonus episodes where different members of Mama Dragons provide definitions for LGBTQ related topics. This episode includes the following definitions:Biphobia shared by CC H. in OklahomaBi-Erasure shared by Amy Hutchinsson Intersectionality shared by Kelly Fay in Essex, EnglandRomantic Orientation  shared by Alex in The Bronx, New YorkIn the Den is made possible by generous donors like you.Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Send us a Text Message.There are similarities and differences between all of our individual stories. We come from diverse religious backgrounds, political parties, family dynamics, and geographic areas. Each of us started at different levels of acceptance, but we all relate to the desire of wanting to protect our children over our own biases.  A few times a year, we will be sharing a Mama Dragon's story. Today, Jen visits with Heather Gooding In the Den. Special Guest: Heather GoodingHeather grew up in small town America in an extremely conservative non-denominational Christian Church. She believed the things she was taught, even though she often questioned or didn't really understand. She also grew up with parents who instilled a love of sacrifice and service in her from a young age. Heather has been with her husband for 30 years, and they have 6 children. As their children grew, Heather was forced to face the fact that her beliefs were changing, and she has had to redefine a lot of her personal faith. She is proud of the relationships she has forged with her children, who are now growing into adults, and she's proud to tell others that she's an ally and a Mama Dragon.Links from the Show:Join Mama Dragons today: www.mamadragons.org Mama Dragons on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mamadragons Mama Dragons on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themamadragons/ In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Send us a Text Message.Many states and school districts are threatening to defund libraries and are challenging books at an increasing rate.  Removing books from library shelves reduces public access to information and is often part of an attempt to control what can be taught or discussed in public spaces, usually done under the guise of protecting children. Public libraries are often targeted for their inclusion of queer and transgender authors and books that address any subject matter that relates to gender, sexuality, and racism. Today Jen is joined In the Den by librarian Lynn Steinmeyer to discuss the impacts of book banning and what we can do about it. Special Guest: Lynn SteinmeyerLynn earned her MLIS degree from the University of Rhode Island and then worked almost 16 years in a small public library in CT. She then earned her MSW from Simmons College in Massachusetts and has been working with youth and families for more than a year. She is the mother of 2 children (22 and 24) who aren't children anymore. They are both in long term relationships so Lynn claims two lovely daughters-in-law as well.A Note from Lynn: I would really encourage listeners to go to their local library and ask to see the Collection Development Policies. If we are focusing on serving our community and 30% of the community identify as LGBTQ - then in theory, 30% of the collection in that demographic should reflect our community! Hopefully people can look at the links below and see what they can do to support their local libraries and Friends of the Library groups. Also, maybe they will look at these lists and want to start their own fREADom to Read Group. If they want advice and support in that endeavor they can reach out to me. I would be glad to support them in what way I can, even if it will only be a supportive ear. Links from the Show: Top Ten Books Banned & Challenged for 2023 (7 out of 10 are LBGTQ+): https://www.ala.org/bbooks/frequentlychallengedbooks/top10 Freedom to Read Statement: https://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/freedomreadstatementThe American Library Association Bill of Rights: https://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybillCensorship numbers:  https://www.ala.org/bbooks/censorship-numbers30 Years of Challenged Books: https://www.tiki-toki.com/timeline/entry/51787/Banned-Books-Week-Celebrating-30-Years-of-Liberating-Literature/#vars!date=1983-01-18_09:35:34!In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Send us a Text Message.Gender and sexuality have been understood and expressed in a wide variety of ways in different parts of the world, in different cultures, and throughout history. As we learn more about other worldviews, our understanding expands, and we can become more compassionate and wise in our interactions with the LGBTQ+ community. Our guests today join Jen In the Den to deconstruct and reconstruct ways of looking at sexuality and gender through an Indigenous lens of intersectionality.  Special Guest: Celeste NambaCeleste Namba, a queer woman of Navajo and English-German descent, grew up in Ganado, Arizona, as the youngest of seven. She now resides in Provo, Utah, and works in fintech, focusing on improving financial services for low-income communities. In addition to her career, Celeste and her wife, Keisha, are in the process of adopting their son. Her work aims to create a more inclusive and accepting society for all. Special Guest: Sam PerezSam is a member of the Navajo Nation who has spent a good chunk of his life working in film and television production. The other part of that is spent raising his kid and trying to be a better person. Special Guest: Roni Jo DraperRoni Jo Draper, Ph.D. (Yurok|she.her) is an educator, storyteller, filmmaker, and activist. Roni began her career as a high school mathematics and science teacher where she worked primarily with children at risk of not completing high school. She is professor emeritus from Brigham Young University where she taught courses in literacy education, multicultural education, and global women's studies. She is currently on a one-year appointment at Utah Valley University where she teaches courses in multicultural education and classroom management. Roni Jo is also the writer, producer, and director of the documentary short film Fire Tender, which centers the lives of Yurok fire practitioners as they return cultural fire to heal land. Fire Tender will air on PBS in April in conjunction with their Earth Day celebrations.Links from the Show:Information about Fire Tender: https://www.wmm.com/sponsored-project/fire-tender/ Find whose land you live on: https://www.npr.org/2022/10/10/1127837659/native-land-map-ancestral-tribal-lands-worldwide Join Mama Dragons today at www.mamadragons.org Mama Dragons on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mamadragons Mama Dragons on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themamadragons/ In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org.  Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast