Queer Voicez

Marni and I spoke about pronouns and how you are showing respect to someone by using them. But, also the importance of everyone sharing their pronouns. Marni Panas leads the Diversity and Inclusion team with one of Canada's largest employers. She holds a degree in Health Administration and a Canadian Certified Inclusion Professional designation. Marni has contributed to legislation and policy protecting human rights for individuals at the provincial and federal levels in Canada. She was a member of the Advisory Committee that helped draft the apology that Prime Minister Justine Trudeau delivered to LGBTQ2S+ people in Canada in the House of Commons in November 2017. Marni is also a transgender woman, who has been very transparent throughout her journey in the hopes of fostering acceptance through education and respectful dialogue. You can hear Marni in local and national media and she has made appearances on CNN and the BBC. You can also learn more about Marni in her TEDxYYC talk called “Finding Courage, Conquering Fear”. You can find Marni here: Twitter: @marnipanas Marni's Tedx talk “Finding Courage, Conquering Fear” https://youtu.be/vSAk32W_wg0 International Court System https://internationalcourtsystem.org/ International Pronoun Day This year was yesterday October 20th International Pronouns Day seeks to make respecting, sharing, and educating about personal pronouns commonplace. Referring to people by the pronouns they determine for themselves is basic to human dignity. Being referred to by the wrong pronouns particularly affects transgender and gender-nonconforming people. Together, we can transform society to celebrate people's multiple, intersecting identities. International Pronouns Day began in 2018 and takes place on the 3rd Wednesday of October each year. Individuals and groups will participate in grassroots activities that they determine at the local level. https://pronounsday.org/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/queervoicez/support

Jesse and I spoke about stereotypes and not fitting them, and about how having a supportive family doesn't necessarily make it easier to come out. We also talked about being comfortable being who you are. Jesse Ringer is a gay man living in Vancouver, BC with his husband. He runs a successful digital marketing agency, which he launched in 2017 called Method and Metric, an SEO agency that helps organizations turn their website into a powerful revenue-generating tool. Having bootstrapped his business from the ground up, Jesse and his team have built up a roster of international clients. You can find Jesse here: https://methodandmetric.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/methodandmetric Rainbow Connect was mentioned and you can find them here: If you sign up please use code YEGQUEERVZ https://www.rainbowconnect.ca/ www.QueerVoicez.org --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/queervoicez/support

Lee and I spoke of Queer History and his books sharing the history of some very famous people who were gay. Lee has an amazing site full of books and resources that he never had growing up. Lee Wind's superpower is stories – true and fictional – that center marginalized kids and teens and celebrate their power to change the world. Closeted until his 20s, Lee writes the books that would have changed his life as a young Gay kid. His latest book is the nonfiction “No Way, They Were Gay? Hidden Lives and Secret Loves” for readers age 11 and up, honored as a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selection. Lee's award-winning blog, I'm Here. I'm Queer. What the Hell Do I Read? highlights books, culture, and politics for LGBTQ youth and their allies. Check out Lee's website https://www.leewind.org and you can even take a quiz to find out a secret about Michael Angelo's ‘David' https://www.leewind.org/quiz/ You can find Lee's books here: No Way, They Were Gay?: Hidden Lives and Secret Loves (Queer History Project) https://amzn.to/3ifo01e Queer as a Five-Dollar Bill https://amzn.to/3kRHb2y Red and Green and Blue and White https://amzn.to/3EZ2QOF October is LGBT History Month About LGBT History Month How It Works Each year LGBT History Month celebrates the achievements of 31 lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender Icons. Each day in October, a new LGBT Icon is featured with a video, bio, bibliography, downloadable images, and other resources. LGBT History Is History “LGBT History Month sends an important message to our nation's teachers, school boards, community leaders, and youth about the vital importance of recognizing and exploring the role of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people in American history." Background In 1994, Rodney Wilson, a Missouri high school teacher, believed a month should be dedicated to the celebration and teaching of gay and lesbian history, and gathered other teachers and community leaders. They selected October because public schools are in session and existing traditions, such as Coming Out Day (October 11), occur that month. Celebrate Our Heritage The LGBT community is the only community worldwide that is not taught its history at home, in public schools, or in religious institutions. LGBT History Month provides role models, builds community, and makes the civil rights statement about our extraordinary national and international contributions. https://lgbthistorymonth.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/queervoicez/support

Melissa spoke of trans awareness and training as well as the mental health needs of our community and first responders. End the stigma! Melissa is a therapist, career coach, author, podcast host, and artist. She started her career in social work, focusing on children and wellness in her community. Over the years, she's found countless ways to help others thrive through therapy, coaching, and a dedication to spreading information and resources to LGBTQ+ individuals. You can find Melissa here: www.melissadasilva.com @realmelissadasilva --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/queervoicez/support

Nicky and I had a great discussion about growing up in an LGBT+ home and the bullying and harassment he received from people who did not understand Nicky Scorpio is a senior songwriter and producer. He was raised in an LGBTQ+ home. Raised by two lesbians and losing a gay birth father to AIDS while living in a rough part of town opened Nicky's eyes to injustice. Nicky's main agenda is sharing his story to encourage people who identify as LGBTQ+ to share their stories and celebrate life. Nicky just released his debut single IRREGULAR which has all 9 solfeggio healing frequencies in it. You can find Nicky here: www.Yonickyscorpio.com http://www.instagram.com/yonickyscorpio http://waw.tiktok.com/yonickyscorpio http://www.twitter.com/yonickyscorpio www.thesophisticatedpsychos.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/queervoicez/support

Tammy and I spoke about her children, and the real emotions and processing time you need as a parent. Although she speaks of that processing being very separate from the acceptance of your child. One does not exclude the other. Tammy Plunkett left her career as a registered nurse to stay home and raise her four children. It turned out that she could only take so much Sesame Street and returned to her first love—writing. Tammy spent a few years working solely in fiction then switched gears to non-fiction while she practiced as a life coach and writing coach. After her third child came out as transgender, she focused her work on helping parents of transgender kids. She is contracted to Jessica Kingsley Publishers for her next book Beyond Pronouns: The Essential Guide for Parents of Trans Kids releasing in the summer of 2022. You can find Tammy here: https://www.tammyplunkett.com/defining-transgender August 27 is Wear it Purple Day Wear It Purple strives to foster supportive, safe, empowering, and inclusive environments for rainbow young people. Wear it Purple was founded in 2010 in response to global stories of real teenagers, real heartache, and their very real responses. In 2010, several rainbow young people took their own lives following bullying and harassment resulting from the lack of acceptance of their sexuality or gender identity. https://www.wearitpurple.org/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/queervoicez/support

Caterina and I had a great conversation about coming out late in life and being fully unapologetically herself. Caterina Snyder is a newly out and proud queer woman who transformed herself from a traumatized child victim to an untamed woman and rebel entrepreneur. She's a body and sex-positive activist, artist, and business coach, whose purpose in life is to inspire and empower others to be their weird and wonderful selves and to live on their own terms instead of everyone else's. You can find Caterina here; Instagram @caterina.snyder Website https://caterinasnyder.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/queervoicez/support

Harker and I had a great conversation about growing up shy and finding the confidence to live his best life being authentic in who he is. Harker Jones holds a degree in written communication and literature from Eastern Michigan University. He has written seven screenplays and two novels, including the Amazon #1 best-selling love story “Until September.” His short thriller “Cole & Colette” won the Get It Made Short-Form Screenplay Competition and was subsequently produced and accepted into thirty-two film festivals, garnering several awards. He loves cats and carbs, would like to be a pop star and is a member of the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle and a card-carrying member of Mensa. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/queervoicez/support

Mike and I spoke about his life-altering illness and how he stepped into a relationship with his male caretaker. Plus his engagement story full of mishaps. Mike Iamele thought he was straight his entire life. But a life-changing illness forced him to challenge that notion head-on when he fell in love with his male caretaker. And the two of them went on a years-long journey to explore sexuality and fluidity to figure out if the relationship could work. When he chose to blog about his relationship, he had no idea that 100,000 people would share the post overnight, and he'd wake up to millions of people talking about his sex life. You can find Mike here; Website: www.mikeiamele.com Instagram: instagram.com/mikeiamele --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/queervoicez/support

Savannah and I had a great conversation about cross-dressing vs drag and how important it is to be yourself in the world. Savannah Hauk is a lifelong dual-gender biological male who uses the art of male-to-female crossdressing to create her feminine identity and presentation. She is the author of two books in her “Living with Crossdressing” series. She is also a social media and conference advocate, and co-host of “The Fox and the Phoenix Podcast” a resource on demystifying what crossdressing is. You can find Savannah here: www.livingwithcrossdressing.com The Fox and the Phoenix Podcast The "Living with Crossdressing" book series (two books) --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/queervoicez/support

Lexa and I had a great conversation about growing up in a loving family and acceptance and her position in Drag Taste. Lexa Black is a 23-year-old, African queen from Cape Verde, a professional actor that fell in love with Drag art. Lexa is now a member of the drag team Drag Taste in Lisbon. You can find Lexa here: https://www.dragtaste.com/ Instagram @dragtaste Facebook https://www.facebook.com/dragtaste You can find your host Larissa Russell here: Website: www.queervoicez.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/QueerVoicez Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/queervoicez/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/queervoicez/support

Finn and I had a great conversation about trans-masculine clothing and catching the online entrepreneurial bug, as well as how blessed he feels to have grown up in their family of love and acceptance. Finnegan is a trans author, classicist, and entrepreneur with 1/3 of a PhD in philosophy from the University of Cambridge and 3/4s of an MFA in fiction from the University of New Mexico. He caught the bug for the start-up world and left academia for the final time in mid-2018 to (attempt to) cofound an online philosophy platform. He has since worked on numerous start-ups while writing a novella and a short story collection, founding Both&, and launching Limns, a monthly newsletter in collaboration with artist Mischa de Stroumillo. You can Find Finn here: www.finneganshepard.com https://www.bothandapparel.com/ Instagram @finneganshepard You can find your host Larissa Russell here: Website: www.queervoicez.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/QueerVoicez Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/queervoicez/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/queervoicez/support

Maurice and I spoke about his family and growing up in a time of no acceptance, he also shared about the books he wrote about his family life and coming out. Maurice is the author of three award-winning books. His body of work revolves around overcoming adversity to success and victory. His college degrees are earned from the University of Maryland, Johns Hopkins University, and the Loyola University of Maryland. He resides in Washington DC. You can find Maurice here: www.mauricewdorsey.com Facebook: MauriceWDorsey His books are available at www.mauricewdorsey.com You can find your host Larissa Russell here: Website: www.queervoicez.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/QueerVoicez Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/queervoicez/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/queervoicez/support

Grace and I had a great conversation about being a person of color in the LGBT+ community and also about religion and the fear of coming out to her parents and how finding a community where she feels accepted has changed her life. Grace is the founder and current chair of the University of Calgary's Residence Rainbow Council. A group dedicated to fostering safer spaces for LGBTQ+ students living on campus through programming, advocacy, and education. Grace is passionate about building relationships with other LGBTQ+ people in the city, and she believes that everyone deserves to feel part of a community that loves and accepts them. The Residence Rainbow Council for the University of Calgary is are currently recruiting! If anyone listening will be living in Residence at the UofC and is interested in getting involved, definitely look us up and apply! Instagram: @UofC.Rainbow They also have a Discord Channel It may be 53 Years since Stonewall, but we are still fighting for rights every day. Never Forget https://www.history.com/news/stonewall-riots-timeline --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/queervoicez/support

Ruth and I had a great conversation about what it means to be misgendered and why it is important to not judge a book by its cover. Lawyer, triathlete, and geek - Ruth Carter strives to live a somewhat Renaissance life as a non-binary person in a binary-centric society. They openly share their experience so others can understand the challenges and frustrations that come with it. Ruth is also pansexual and demisexual. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/queervoicez/support

Rev. Dr. Marcia Ledford and I had a great conversation about loss and belonging and how foundational this is to us as humans. Plus, we talked about the foundations of religion in the US. The Rev. Dr. Marcia Ledford is a civil rights attorney representing society's most marginalized. An Episcopal priest, she earned her Doctor of Ministry in political theology from the Pacific School of Religion. Dr. Ledford founded Political Theology Matters, LLC, to help the faithful develop public theology mission for greater social justice. She has been a legal advocate, priest, and pastor for the LGBTQ communities for over 30 years. The Saint Helena Psalter (the psalms are written in inclusive language), Church Publishing Corporation, 2004. Reading was from Psalm 139. You can find Rev. Dr. Marcia Ledford here; Email marcia@miptm.com Website https://www.politicaltheologymatters.com Media Resources https://www.politicaltheologymatters.com/media The Rev. Dr. Marcia Ledford's blog https://www.politicaltheologymatters.com/blog The Lazarus Lives! Project Https://www.facebook.com/lazaruslivesproject Political Theology Matters Https://www.facebook.com/politicaltheologymatters Twitter @docledford LinkedIn Https://www.linkedin.com/marcialedford Free Civil Discourse Training offered via The Episcopal Church For Individuals: https://www.churchnext.tv/library/instruments-of-peace-a-guide-to-civil-discourse/109671/about/ For Groups: https://www.churchnext.tv/library/instruments-of-peace-a-guide-to-civil-discourse/109671/about/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/queervoicez/support

Randi-Lee and I had a great conversation about accepting your child no matter what, and the connection with autistic people being more likely to identify as LGBTQ+ Randi-Lee is a mental health advocate, author, and host of the Write or Die Show. She is a wife, a mom to 2 teenagers, and is a grandmother. Randi-Lee has a YouTube channel - the Write or Die Show. Openly discussing mental health with authors. Sharing truths about difficulties and strategies to cope. Uplifting each other through honesty. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSTmVQUW8K8r1sBDchLyTwA It's Pride Month! What are you doing to celebrate? and Educate? --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/queervoicez/support

Dr. Steve and I had a great conversation about what diversity and inclusion means and why it is needed. Dr. Steve Yacovelli (a.k.a. “The Gay Leadership Dude®”) is an expert in diversity and inclusion, change management, and leadership. His consulting firm, TopDog Learning Group, works with both Fortune 500s and not-for-profit organizations to bring about a more inclusive and effective workplace. An award-winning author, speaker, and catalyst, Steve and his pack of TopDoggers' not-so-hidden agenda is to make the world a bit more inclusive for us all. You can find Dr. Steve Yacovelli here: http://topdog.click/podcast Free gift: Free + just pay shipping, "Pride Leadership: Strategies for the LGBTQ+ Leader to be the King or Queen of their Jungle" ... http://topdog.click/freeship You can find your host Larissa Russell here: Website: www.queervoicez.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/QueerVoicez Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/queervoicez/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/queervoicez/support

Miss Áffrika is a 34-year-old Queen from Colombia that moved to Europe to work as a full time Drag Queen. Now part of the Drag Taste ensemble, Miss Áffrika has found her home. https://www.dragtaste.com/ May 22 is Harvey Milk Day What is Harvey Milk Day? Harvey Milk Day is a day to commemerate an extraordinary leader whose courageous work to end discrimination against the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community in the 1970s set the stage for many of the civil rights advances we see today. Who was Harvey Milk? Harvey Milk was an activist, organizer, and the first openly gay man elected to public office in the country as a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in the late 1970s. Harvey Milk came out and started organizing against discrimination of gay and lesbian business owners in the Castro District of San Francisco, and against the Briggs Initiative (this was an initiative on the California state ballot in 1978 that would have banned gays and lesbians from working in California schools). Milk was responsible for passing gay rights ordinances for the city of San Francisco and served eleven months in office before he was assassinated on November 27, 1978, along with San Francisco Mayor George Moscone. We celebrate Harvey Milk Day on his birthday, May 22. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/queervoicez/support

Kim and I had a wonderful conversation about acceptance, how difficult it is to be a teen, as well as community support. Kim Z is a mom to a teenager who identifies as Transgender. Her beautiful daughter came out to her 2 1/2 years ago and she was immediately catapulted into the world of what it means to identify as Transgender. She is passionate about sharing her story with others who touch the lives of transgender individuals. May 17 International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia Since 2005, May 17th has been dedicated to the International Day Against Homophobia, and Transphobia, marking the day in 1990 when the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from its list of mental disorders. It constitutes an annual landmark to draw the attention of decision-makers, the media, the public, opinion leaders, and local authorities to the violence and discrimination experienced by LGBT2QI+ people internationally. May 17 is now celebrated in more than 130 countries, including 37 where same-sex acts are illegal. These mobilizations unite millions of people in support of the recognition of human rights for all, irrespective of sexual orientation or gender identity, or expression. The International Day Against Homophobia, and Transphobia is not one centralized campaign; rather it is a moment that everyone can take advantage of to take action. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/queervoicez/support

Jennifer and Stephanie live in Toledo, Ohio with their teenage son, dog Riley and cats Micah and Lily. They live a life centered in Spirit, continuous self-care and self-love, living with Purpose, practicing healthy living through eating organic, vegetarian foods, kayaking and biking, hiking and swimming, and using many well-rounded practices for mind, body, and spirit to Live the Good Life. They are Certified Life Coaches that use Heart-Centered Intuition, Spiritual Practices and their UNIQUE 3 Pillar System to help you map your way to Loving Relationships in all areas of your life. You can find Jennifer and Stephanie here: www.enchantedawakenings.love www.facebook.com/groups/enchantedawakenings www.instagram.com/enchanted.awakenings --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/queervoicez/support

Janis and I spoke about how she supports our community and other marginalized groups from within the government. Janis Irwin was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta as the representative for Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood on April 16, 2019. Janis serves as the Official Opposition Deputy Whip and the Critic for Status of Women and LGBTQ2S+ Issues. Janis loves getting outside, biking, running, and exploring Edmonton's beautiful river valley. Gay-Straight Alliances (GSA) Thinking about starting a GSA in Alberta https://www.alberta.ca/gay-straight-alliances.aspx Alberta Teachers Association (ATA) https://bit.ly/3aNZ6ll Check your government and teachers association websites to help start a GSA in your area. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/queervoicez/support

Pedro is a 34-year-old Portuguese actor, DJ, and dancer with Drag Taste an online food and drag experience. https://www.dragtaste.com/ https://www.instagram.com/dragtaste/ https://www.facebook.com/dragtaste https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgl4f8ZlpnIKxkw0cFMdcvQ https://twitter.com/dragtaste Tomorrow April 23rd is the Day of Silence Created in 1996 and held every April — April 23 this year — Day of Silence is a campaign that seeks to shed light on what many LGBTQ youth experience daily. Initially intended to focus on this problem within the school system, it has since expanded into workplaces, university campuses, and sporting events. Yearly, millions participate by staying silent for the duration of their day, representing the silencing of LGBTQ students. Students go through the school day without speaking, ending the day with Breaking the Silence rallies and events to share their experiences during the protest and bring attention to ways their schools and communities can become more inclusive. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/queervoicez/support

Brittany and I had a wonderful conversation about healing. She shares a card she pulled for the community and our listeners. Brittany has been in the health and fitness industry for 17 years. She has been out for 15 years and is currently working on helping her community release and receive what is necessary to live their best and most authentic lives. Oracle of the 7 energies by Colette Baron-Reid Card #34- Opening to Discovery We tune into information from our outer environment, then assign meaning to it within our psyches. Every day, however, the amount of data we sort through exceeds what we're capable of processing. Especially since the advent of the internet, we have been bombarded with more than we could ever absorb. Therefore it's important to be mindful of what we expose ourselves to. Consistent exposure to unhealthy messages invites us into a cynical, fear-based worldview. On the other hand, conscious exposure to information supporting our well-being shifts us toward growth and expansion. The choice though it not always obviously ours, which is why we must be discerning on a daily basis. The universe is always engaging us- we are part of it, through synchronicities, omens, and other signs that point toward our best path. Our intuition helps us tune in to see our environment like an oracle. However this new information doesn't always make sense right away, so being curious and nonresistant is key to learning Today be open to receiving important information that may come from an unusual source. The universe wants to help you, but recognizing the way this aid will arrive depends on your willingness to shut out superfluous noise. Don't let yourself get distracted. Listen without attachment and see what arises in your life. Expect a message from the universe and you shall have it --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/queervoicez/support

Rocky Roggio and I talk about the movie she is directing showing when the word ‘Homosexual” was added to the bible and how that happened. Rocky shares why she chose to make this movie and how she has bridged the relationship with her father. ‘1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted a Culture' More than 45,000 churches today still preach that homosexuality is a sin, citing biblical references that condemn “homosexuals.” What would change if churches discovered the truth — the word “homosexual” was added to the Bible in 1946 by mistake? Rocky Roggio is an independent filmmaker and production designer (credits include House of Cards, Red Dawn). Rocky is also a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, and moved out of her home after coming out to her conservative, religious parents. Rocky's father, Sal Roggio, is a non-affirming pastor and preaches that the LGBTQIA+ lifestyle is sinful. https://www.1946themovie.com/ https://www.instagram.com/1946themovie/ https://www.facebook.com/1946themovie/ Please Donate https://gofund.me/77e4a966 Resources from 1946 Beloved Arise https://www.belovedarise.org/ Free Mom Hugs https://freemomhugs.org/ Book suggestions from 1946 Included in Christ by Cristy Perdue, MD Walking the Bridgeless Canyon by Kathy Baldock --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/queervoicez/support

Yesterday, March 31 was International Transgender Day of Visibility International Transgender Day of Visibility is an annual event occurring on March 31dedicated to celebrating transgender people and raising awareness of discrimination faced by transgender people worldwide, as well as a celebration of their contributions to society. The day was founded by US-based transgender activist Rachel Crandall of Michigan in 2009 as a reaction to the lack of LGBT recognition of transgender people, citing the frustration that the only well-known transgender-centered day was the Transgender Day of Remembrance, which mourned the murders of transgender people but did not acknowledge and celebrate living members of the transgender community. The first International Transgender Day of Visibility was held on March 31, 2009. Katie Neeves has been a professional photographer and filmmaker for 34 years, but she came out publicly as being transgender after living for 48 years as a man. Katie formed Cool2BTrans to support and inspire other trans people and also to educate others on trans issues. She uses humor to deliver trans-awareness training in an entertaining way. Katie appears regularly in the media and she's on both ITV's and the BBC's lists of experts. Katie mentions a book that helped her: You and your Gender Identity by Dara Hoffman-Fox https://discoveryourgenderidentity.com/ You can find Katie here: Website: www.cool2btrans.co.uk LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-neeves-trans-ambassador-she-her-43626814/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/cool2btrans Twitter: @cool2btrans Instagram: cool2btrans TikTok: @cool2btrans YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/c/Cool2BTrans http://www.queervoicez.org/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/queervoicez/support

Lindsay is a mom of 3 amazing kids. You know the saying that if you have a son and a daughter, that you have a million-dollar family? Well, she has a billion-dollar family. Lindsay has a 15-year-old daughter, a 12-year-old son, and a 10-year-old gender creative child. Alix was assigned male at birth, and at the age of 4, insisted he was female, so they went along with it. Within the last year, he has grown to be gender creative and prefers male pronouns, but chose a gender-neutral name. Lindsay has been blessed to have friends in her life allow who have allowed her to be with them on their journey through gender questioning to full transition. Lindsay has even been a surrogate for a male gay couple. Some would consider her an ally, She views herself as human. This week is National LGBT Health Awareness Week. "This week is LGBT Health Awareness Week, a time to bring attention to the devastating cycle of discrimination and health disparities that affect lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people. LGBT people encounter discrimination in employment, relationship recognition, and insurance coverage on a regular basis; consequently, they are less likely to be able to afford vital health care than their straight and non-transgender neighbors. For LGBT people of color, barriers to care and health disparities are even greater." For more information go to https://www.thetaskforce.org/its-lgbt-health-awareness-week/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/queervoicez/support

Ben Wolff is an out & proud gay man in NYC. A three-time entrepreneur and the creator of the Beanie Sleeper, a specially designed headwrap with a built-in sleep mask helping people going through chemo treatments feel a little bit better. https://www.beaniesleeper.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/queervoicez/support

Angelica grew up in Colombia and moved to Canada as a teenager. She has traveled from her own homophobia to acceptance of self. She currently lives in Alberta, Canada with her girlfriend. Angelica referenced Eliot (Ellen) Page's show Gaycation https://www.vicetv.com/en_us/show/gaycation www.QueerVoicez.org --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/queervoicez/support

Joy and I had a wonderful conversation about coming out and how painful that was for them, and how with self work and healing they have been able to come to terms with family and moving into their most authentic self. Joy Love uses They/Them Pronouns and is a 22 years old intuitive self love and empowerment coach. Joy works with motivated self healers to empower themselves with radical self love and acceptance, to transform their doubts and fears into self trust, so they can have a relationship with themselves that feels healthy and wholesome. As with many queer humans, Joy didn't start out having the most loving and amazing relationship with themself. Coming from abuse and rejection and having turned that pain into their power, Joy is so passionate about using their gifts to help others heal themselves! Joy has put together a wonderful list of Instagram resources that they have used to help on their journey. Download the list here --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/queervoicez/support

Charlie is a 28 year old pansexual, polyamorous, engaged trans man. Charlie spends most of his free time with his dog and fiancee. For work, Charlie is a childcare provider who dreams of running his own dayhome. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/queervoicez/support

Annie M Henderson is a Certified Professional Life Coach specializing as a Coming Out Coach for the LGBTQIA community and helps people-pleasers that avoid conflict, over apologize, and struggle to say no, start living authentically and find the peace they have been missing. Listen in as we discuss what a Coming Out Coach is, and how Annie became one. Plus her story of coming out, and so much more. You can find Annie here: https://anniemhenderson.com/ Annie M Henderson on Social Media --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/queervoicez/support

Directly from RainbowHealthOntario LGB youth rejected by their fathers over their sexual orientation are nearly twice as likely to attempt suicide. Of those who attempt suicide, 48% report rejection from their fathers, and 28% report rejection from their mothers. The researchers noted that many of the suicide attempts occurred in the same year that youth came out to their parents. Family rejection is significantly associated with poorer health outcomes for LGBTQ youth. A study of 528 LGB youth found that those who report family rejection were over 8 times as likely to attempt suicide, almost 6 times as likely to be depressed. Psychological abuse and efforts to discourage gender-atypical behavior were associated with increased risk of suicide attempts. Similarly, a study of 224 LGB youth found that family rejection was associated with increased rates of reports of attempted suicide, depression, and other risky behaviors. Gay and trans teens rejected by their parents over their sexual identity were over 8 times as likely to attempt suicide, compared with gay and trans youth who report low rejection levels. A US study found that 40% of LGB youth had been violently attacked, with 61% of attacks being perpetrated by family members. Download the pdf here Resources The Trevor Project 1-866-488-7386 call/chat/text It Gets Better Project Trans Lifeline US 1-877-565-8860 / Canada 1-877-330-6366 Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 LGBTQIA Resource Center --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/queervoicez/support