Redefining Family

In this episode of "Redefining Family," we wrap up Season Three with a heartfelt reflection on my personal journey and the experiences I've had with my father during his recent hospitalization. I share the emotional rollercoaster of reconnecting with my dad, navigating complex family dynamics, and finding closure in our relationship. The episode begins with my recounting of the unexpected turn of events leading to my father's hospital stay and the mixed emotions I felt when interacting with my stepmom and brother. Despite the challenges, I cherish the moments spent with my dad, watching movies and reminiscing about our shared past.As we transition into the main segment of the episode, I am thrilled to welcome Zara Hilliard, a remarkable black LGBTQ surrogate who has been passionate about surrogacy since childhood. Zara shares her unique journey, from her early awareness of her identity as a lesbian to her experiences as a surrogate mother. We delve into her motivations for becoming a surrogate, including the personal loss her family faced and her desire to help others build their families.Zara discusses her own parenting journey, her relationship with her fiancée, and their plans for reciprocal IVF after her current surrogacy. We explore the intricacies of the surrogacy process, including the emotional and legal aspects, the importance of mental preparedness, and the supportive relationships she has built with the intended parents. Zara emphasizes the significance of connection and mutual respect in surrogacy, sharing her positive experiences and the joy of being part of a family's journey.Throughout our conversation, Zara's passion for surrogacy shines through, and she encourages other women to consider this path if they feel called to it. She reflects on the impact her middle school teacher had on her decision to pursue surrogacy and expresses gratitude for the opportunity to help others.As we conclude the episode, I express my excitement for the upcoming Season Four and wish our listeners happy holidays and a joyful new year. This episode is a beautiful blend of personal reflection and inspiring stories, highlighting the power of family, love, and the incredible journey of surrogacy.

In this episode of "Redefining Family," I had the pleasure of welcoming Mark O'Looney and Owen Cannon, an inspiring Irish couple living in the United States. As passionate advocates for LGBTQ+ family rights, particularly in the realm of surrogacy, they shared their unique journey as parents to two daughters, Aria and Nala, both born via surrogacy.Mark and Owen opened up about their backgrounds, discussing the challenges they faced due to the lack of surrogacy legislation in Ireland. Mark recounted his early realization of being gay, growing up in a conservative environment where being different was not easily accepted. He shared his coming-out story, which coincided with Ireland's historic marriage referendum in 2015. Owen echoed similar sentiments, describing his own journey of self-discovery and the moment he realized he was gay while watching the UK series "Queer as Folk."The couple's love story unfolded as they met during a community theater audition, where an instant connection sparked between them. Their relationship blossomed over time, leading to a heartfelt proposal that was both romantic and deeply personal, showcasing Mark's thoughtful planning.As they transitioned into parenthood, Mark and Owen discussed their decision to pursue surrogacy, emphasizing the importance of understanding the legal landscape surrounding it. They candidly shared their experiences navigating the complexities of surrogacy, including the challenges posed by Irish law, which does not recognize their parental rights as a same-sex couple. They highlighted the need for advocacy and legal reform to ensure equality for all families, regardless of their structure.Throughout the episode, Mark and Owen emphasized the significance of community and representation, particularly for their daughters, who are of Nigerian-Irish descent. They spoke about the importance of surrounding their children with diverse role models and ensuring they have a strong sense of identity.Listeners will find this episode not only informative but also deeply moving, as Mark and Owen's story is a testament to love, resilience, and the ongoing fight for equality in family rights. Their journey serves as an inspiration for anyone navigating the complexities of parenthood and advocacy in today's world.

In this episode of "Redefining Family," I had the pleasure of reconnecting with my long-time friend, Johnny Lee, who shared his deeply personal journey toward parenthood alongside his husband, Sebastian. Having known Johnny for over 15 years, it was both exciting and enlightening to delve into a conversation that explored not only his path to fatherhood but also his coming out experience and the challenges he faced along the way.Johnny and Sebastian, who have been together for more than 17 years and were legally married on the first day same-sex marriage was legalized in New York in 2011, embarked on an emotionally taxing and expensive journey to become parents. They faced numerous hurdles, including the complex process of selecting an egg donor and finding the right surrogate, as well as the heartache of multiple failed attempts at pregnancy. Ultimately, their perseverance paid off, and they are now proud parents of two boys, ages six and four, through gestational surrogacy.As we discussed Johnny's current surrogacy journey, I learned that he had just made a deposit for embryos to be created, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his life. He shared the intricacies of the egg donor selection process, likening it to a dating site, and reflected on the emotional rollercoaster that comes with the territory. Johnny emphasized the importance of patience and the reality that the journey to parenthood is often not a quick one, especially for those considering surrogacy or adoption.The conversation took a poignant turn as Johnny opened up about his coming out journey, which began at a young age in a strict evangelical Christian household. He recounted the challenges he faced when his mother confronted him about his sexuality, leading to years of difficult conversations and strained relationships with his parents. Despite the initial turmoil, Johnny's story is one of resilience and hope, as he ultimately found acceptance and love within his family, particularly during his wedding to Sebastian.We also touched on the impact of cultural expectations, particularly within the Korean-American community, and how these shaped Johnny's upbringing and his parents' reactions to his sexuality. His candid reflections on the complexities of family dynamics and the evolution of his parents' understanding of LGBTQ+ issues were both moving and insightful.As we wrapped up our conversation, Johnny shared his thoughts on religion and how his relationship with faith has changed over the years. He expressed a sense of disillusionment with organized religion, particularly in light of the harm it can cause to the LGBTQ+ community, while also acknowledging the journey his parents took to reconcile their beliefs with their love for him.This episode is a testament to the power of love, acceptance, and the ongoing journey of redefining what family means. Johnny's story is not only inspiring but also serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and compassion in the face of adversity. I hope you enjoy this heartfelt conversation as much as I did.

In this episode of Redefining Family, host Jonathan Wilson speaks with BJ Barone and Frankie Nelson, a couple whose lives changed when a photo of their son's birth went viral. BJ and Frankie, both high school teachers, reflect on how much society has evolved, noting how being gay is now more accepted compared to the struggles they faced growing up.Frankie shares his difficult coming out experience and the painful years of keeping his sexuality a secret from his father. BJ, raised in a Catholic family with rigid expectations, discusses his own journey of self-discovery and acceptance. Despite these challenges, the two have been together for 17 years, overcoming obstacles along the way.Their story includes their engagement in 2008, marriage in 2010, and the difficulties BJ faced in having his family accept Frankie, especially during holidays. Frankie also shares how overcoming drug addiction and the desire to become a father helped him find purpose.Their dream of becoming parents was realized through a smooth surrogacy journey in Canada. BJ and Frankie talk about choosing an egg donor and surrogate, leading to the birth of their son, Milo, during Toronto's World Pride weekend. The birth was captured in a powerful photo that quickly went viral.However, the joy of that moment was overshadowed when their photo was misused by anti-LGBTQ+ campaigns in Ireland and Italy. In 2016, BJ and Frankie took legal action, and after a seven-year battle, they won—a significant victory for LGBTQ+ rights in Italy.In this episode, BJ and Frankie share their journey, their love, and their dedication to making the world a better place for their son and the LGBTQ+ community.

In this compelling episode of Redefining Family, host Jonathan Wilson engages in a deep conversation with Diane Hinson, a cum laude graduate of Harvard Law School and the founder of Creative Family Connections LLC, one of the world's leading surrogacy agencies. Diane opens up about her journey as a single mother and how her passion for family equality led her to create a top-tier surrogacy agency known for its compassionate care and unparalleled legal expertise in reproductive rights and surrogacy law.Throughout the episode, Diane discusses her commitment to advancing family equality, highlighting her work in securing landmark court rulings for same-sex parents and advocating for gay-friendly surrogacy legislation. She offers an expert breakdown of the surrogacy process, providing valuable advice on choosing a surrogate and selecting the right surrogacy agency. The conversation also explores ethical concerns in surrogacy, particularly the debate around embryo production and the moral considerations that prospective parents must navigate.Diane emphasizes the importance of selecting quality surrogates who are driven by a genuine desire to help others build a family, rather than financial motivation. She shares actionable tips for choosing a surrogacy agency and what to look for in a surrogate to ensure a positive and successful surrogacy experience.A standout moment in the episode is when Diane states, "Finding a surrogate who is doing it for the right reasons, not just for money, is crucial. It's about ensuring they truly want to help someone build a family." This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intricate world of surrogacy, reproductive rights, and the evolving definition of family.Tune in to gain expert insights and practical advice from one of the most respected figures in the surrogacy field, Diane Hinson. Whether you're considering surrogacy or simply curious about the legal and ethical aspects of family building, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.

In this episode of Redefining Family, host Jonathan Wilson welcomes Cenk Bulbul, who shares his journey from Turkey to the United States and his experience as a single father of two.Cenk's early life involved constant relocation due to his father's role as a general in the Turkish army. Despite humble beginnings, he and his siblings prioritized education. He attended a prestigious boarding school, studied industrial engineering, and earned a master's degree from Carnegie Mellon University in 1994.Cenk's self-discovery journey was challenging, as being gay in Turkey meant facing significant societal discrimination. After completing his master's degree, he returned to Turkey but remained closeted, driven by a desire to have children, even considering a heterosexual relationship. Realizing he needed to live authentically, he moved to New York for a PhD in marketing at NYU. Six months after relocating, he came out to his advisor and went on his first date in 2002. His sister was a crucial support, helping him come out to their parents, who eventually accepted him.In 2016, Cenk began pursuing adoption but switched to surrogacy after setbacks. He connected with a surrogate through friends. And with the help of his surrogate and using donor eggs, he became a parent in 2019. Initially, Cenk didn't plan to have a second child but he realized he wanted to have a sibling for her first-born daughter and he had his second daughter in 2021 working with the same surrogate.As a proud single father of two, Cenk reflects on his journey, the challenges he faced, and the joy of building his family. Jonathan thanks Cenk for sharing his inspiring story and encourages listeners to subscribe to Redefining Family for more heartfelt stories. Tune in to hear Cenk Bulbul's incredible story of resilience and the pursuit of family.

In this heartwarming episode of Redefining Family, host Jonathan Wilson sits down with Brit and Sydney Sharon, a couple whose journey from high school friends to loving partners and dedicated parents is truly inspiring. As proud members of the LGBTQ+ and Jewish communities, Brit and Sydney share their story of love, acceptance, and community.Brit and Sydney's love story began in high school and blossomed as they traveled abroad together. Married for eight years, they quickly started their family, raising their children with a strong sense of belonging rooted in their Jewish heritage. Brit, born on a Kibbutz in Israel and having moved to Southern California, brings a rich cultural background, while Sydney's Ashkenazi heritage complements Brit's Sephardic Orthodox roots.Their journey has had challenges. Brit came out to her friends in high school but faced difficulty with her parents when she and Sydney started dating. Over time, and after the loss of three grandparents, Brit's father became more accepting and now advocates for their family. Sydney, who had only dated guys before Brit, shares their reconnection in Tel Aviv and how they built a relationship that has lasted 15 years.Building their family is a central focus for Brit and Sydney. They discuss the joys and challenges of the sperm donor process and raising their children in a private Jewish school, fostering a community among LGBTQ+ families. They also hope to expand their family with a fourth child.Advocacy and community are significant in Brit and Sydney's lives. They promote acceptance and inclusivity within the LGBTQ+ and Jewish communities. Sydney shares her experience discovering six siblings through her father's sperm donation, adding another layer of complexity to their story. This episode is filled with personal reflections and advice for other LGBTQ+ couples on similar journeys.

In this insightful episode of Redefining Family, Jonathan is joined by Dr. Mark Leondires.  He is the founder, Medical Director and Partner in reproductive endocrinology at Illume Fertility and Gay Parents To Be. He is board-certified in both Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility as well as being a  passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ family building. Dr. Leondires reflects on his upbringing in a Greek Orthodox household where he was unaware of the concept of being gay until college. Despite a strong desire to be a dad, it wasn't until his mid-thirties that he realized his relationships with women weren't fulfilling his dream of fatherhood. Currently, 70-80% of Dr. Leondris's patients are LGBTQ+. He shares his family story, being married to a man and having two kids through egg donation and surrogacy.Before meeting his husband, Dr. Leondires was prepared to become a single dad. In 2010, Dr. Leondris and his husband achieved a pregnancy through egg donation and surrogacy, prompting him to recognize the challenges LGBTQ+ families face and inspiring him to help others. His caregiving nature led to the creation of Gay Parents to Be, an organization that supports LGBTQ+ family planning.Dr. Leondires and Jonathan share their experiences of choosing egg donors, emphasizing the importance of examining the donor's family tree. They also discuss the rigorous selection process for surrogates and egg donors, with only a small percentage making it through. The importance of being truthful with children about their origins is highlighted, with a suggestion to practice the story while holding the child. Jonathan shares his journey of informing his mother about his surrogacy plans, highlighting her ongoing struggle to fully accept it.The discussion touches on the legality of gay surrogacy, noting that the US and Canada are the only countries where it is fully legal. They also talk about handling societal norms, like celebrating Mother's Day in LGBTQ+ families.

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of Redefining Family, host Jonathan Wilson sits down with Bryan Lambillotte to discuss his journey of self-discovery, coming out, and building a family with his husband Chris through surrogacy. Bryan shares intimate details of his experiences, offering a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs he faced along the way.Bryan knew he was gay from grade school, a realization that led to a significant moment right after he graduated high school, when his parents discovered a downloaded video, which inadvertently prompted his coming out. His little sister was the first to know about his sexuality and provided immense support. When his dad confronted him about liking boys, the conversation led to an accepting and positive outcome. Similarly, a heartfelt conversation with his mom offered further emotional support.Bryan and Chris met in 2011 on Grindr and celebrated their 5-year dating anniversary by getting married. In 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, they decided to have children and chose surrogacy as their path to parenthood. This process took two years, during which they found an egg donor and a surrogate, eventually welcoming twins.The journey to surrogacy was fraught with challenges. The first surrogate they loved was disqualified due to a small hole in her heart. The second surrogate revealed she was pregnant just before the embryo transfer, leaving Bryan feeling defeated and questioning their chances of becoming parents. However, Chris's encouragement kept them going, and they finally found a third surrogate with successful previous experiences, leading to the birth of their children.Chris also shares his experience with postpartum depression and the backlash he faced, shedding light on an often overlooked aspect of the post-birth journey for new parents. The episode concludes with Bryan offering valuable advice for future gay parents considering surrogacy, emphasizing resilience and the importance of support.

In this episode of "Redefining Family," Jonathan sits down with the Broadway Husbands, Bret Shuford and Stephen Hanna, to delve into their journey of love, identity, and parenthood.Bret opens up about growing up in Texas with three brothers, one of whom had special needs. Feeling pressure to compensate for what his brother couldn't fulfill, Bret struggled with acceptance for being different. Despite his mother's resistance to his sexuality, Bret came to terms with being gay at the age of 12. He shares his experience of hiding his true self and ultimately cutting ties with his brothers and their wives after the birth of his son in 2022.Stephen shares his own story of adversity, recounting the bullying he faced from a young age. Leaving home at 12 to attend the American School of Ballet in New York City, he grappled with emotional unavailability before coming out to his mother at 23. Though initially met with resistance, Stephen's mother eventually embraced his truth.The couple reflects on their journey to sobriety, having met in AA rooms, and their decision to become parents. After facing setbacks with a surrogate pulling out in 2019, they found hope when a mutual friend offered to carry their baby. Despite a heartbreaking miscarriage, their perseverance led to the successful birth of their son in 2022.As gay parents, Bret and Stephen share the profound lessons they've learned along the way, highlighting the resilience, love, and strength that define their unique family. Their story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the redefinition of traditional notions of family.

In this emotionally charged episode of Redefining Family host Jonathan shares his personal journey of redefining family dynamics, resonating deeply with guest Sam  Lantz' story. Sam bravely opens up about his realization of his sexuality in his teens and the profound struggles he faced in coming to terms with it.Growing up in a Mormon family, Sam grappled with conflicting emotions and societal pressures. Despite having a large family, he now only maintains contact with a few siblings due to their inability to accept him for who he is. Sam's decision to distance himself from his mother was an act of self-preservation, shielding himself from further emotional harm.The pain of losing his closest friend to homophobia and battling with suicidal thoughts paints a poignant picture of Sam's journey to self-acceptance. Through sheer determination, he found the strength to overcome his darkest moments, realizing that his happiness should not come at the expense of others' prejudices.Sam's narrative takes a hopeful turn as he shares the joy of finding love with his husband and reconnecting with family members who have embraced their own LGBTQ+ children. Despite a turbulent past, Sam's story is a testament to resilience and the power of love to conquer adversity.As the episode concludes, Sam offers a reflection on his experience of being a contestant on Netflix Squid Games, sharing behind the scenes looks and what he learned about himself through the process. 

Welcome to this week's episode of "Redefining Family"! Join Jonathan as he sits down with Jake and Sean Taylor-Baumann for a heartfelt conversation about their journey of growing up gay in Utah and navigating the complexities of identity and family.Jake opens up about the challenges of reconciling his sexuality with his Mormon upbringing, sharing the pivotal moments of realization and eventual acceptance. He reflects on the years spent keeping his true self hidden until finding the courage to come out as an adult, a decision catalyzed by meeting his now-husband, Sean.Sean shares his own experiences of grappling with his sexuality from a young age, recounting the struggles of trying to conform to societal expectations of masculinity while knowing his truth. He candidly discusses the reactions of his parents upon coming out and the transformative moment of meeting Jake at 19.The couple delves into the complexities of their relationship, including a temporary breakup spurred by conflicting beliefs about faith and love, ultimately reaffirming their commitment to each other. They also share the emotional rollercoaster of their surrogacy journey, from the heartbreak of miscarriage to the overwhelming joy of expecting triplets.Amidst the challenges, Jake and Sean offer a message of resilience and hope, reminding listeners that even in the darkest moments, there are brighter days ahead. Tune in as they redefine what it means to create a family rooted in love, acceptance, and unwavering determination.

Welcome to the first episode of Season 3! Today, Jonathan shares his personal journey of building his family outside of his blood relatives.  He discusses the pivotal moment when he decided to let go of his 18 blood relatives, marking the beginning of his freedom journey.Joining Jonathan is his lifelong friend  D. D has been a constant source of support for Jonathan through his darkest times.Jonathan opens up about the challenges he faces in maintaining relationships with his niece and nephew, despite their efforts to reach out. He also reflects on the complexity of familial bonds and the difficulty of reconciling past hurts.D asks Jonathan if he sees any possibility of reconciling with his father. Jonathan expresses uncertainty, recognizing the weight of his father's decisions.The conversation shifts to Jonathan's lifelong desire to become a parent, viewing it as the ultimate teaching role. They discuss the significance and challenges of Jonathan contemplating single parenthood.Join us next time as we continue to explore Jonathan's journey of self-discovery and the evolution of his journey.

On this week's episode of Redefining Family, Jonathan has the pleasure of speaking with his old friend Jonathan Goldstein and his daughter Madi Goldstein.   At seventeen, Madi came out to Jonathan and his wife as transgender.  Since then, they have not only supported her, but have become advocates for her and the trans and queer communities.Jonathan discusses the realization him and his wife had that Madi was struggling with her gender identity.  Madi explains that she felt a disconnect with her mind and body, which made her feel so very isolated.  With the support of her family, Madi is thriving and finally feels like she belongs.  Madi also talks about finding community and support online, and Jonathan discusses advice he has for parents of trans and queer children.******More About The GoldsteinsJonathan and his wife have been married for over 20 years and are the proud parents of two amazing kids. Madi who is 18 and Micah who is 16. In addition to parenting two amazing teenagers, Jonathan has been a youth group advisor to temple youth groups affiliated with the North American Federation of Temple Youth (NFTY) off and on since 1998. When he is not attending youth group events,  Jonathan can be found at his synagogue where he is a Cantorial Soloist. But, more often you can find him managing the Energy & Utility Practice at CG Infinity.

This week on "Redefining Family,"  Jonathan interviews internationally recognized and award-winning musician and composer Blake Allen.   Blake was raised Mormon and came out to his blood related family at 18 years old, which at the time, did not go over very well.  However Blake explains that since then, him and his parents have learned to love each other in the way that they know how, even after he stepped away from the Mormon church.Blake also opens up about how in college, the suicide of a friend took him through a really dark time in his life, and how he then decided to live his truth and not be afraid of telling his family, and the world, who he really was.Blake is now married to political drag champion Marti Gould Cummings, and his father even walked him down the aisle!  While Blake and his family are examples of how blood relatives can eventually come around,  it is always your choice if you choose to let them back in and to also have boundaries and decide the kind of relationship you want to have with them.******About Blake AllenBlake Allen, PhD(c) is an internationally recognized, award-winning composer, musician, orchestrator, and educator. Allen has performed on and off Broadway and at many major music halls around the country including Carnegie Hall, Dr. Phillips Center, Strathmore Music Center, Kennedy Center, as well as on and off Broadway.Allen has 4 chart-topping albums, with his autobiographical musical-opera the shards of an honor code junkie (#1 Classical Charts and the #1 new cast album on Billboard) garnering 4 million streams. He currently is traveling around the globe with RuPaul's Drag Race star, Tina Burner, as their music director and collaborator, with their latest show Mix Queen: A Relationship Mixtape topping the comedy charts. Allen also frequently can be heard performing viola with the New York City Ballet and on the Seven Seas on VACAYA with their spouse, Marti Gould Cummings.  

This week on Redefining Family Jonathan opens the episode talking about the very scary state of our country and worries for our future.  Jonathan then interviews Robert Oliver, LGBTQ advocate, political organizer, and is also running for the West Hollywood City Council.  Robert opens up about always knowing he was gay but also feeling like an outcast.   Robert was raised in a reform, Jewish family, that was very accepting, and he explains the amazing values that were bestowed upon him, like doing a Mitzvah.Jonathan and Robert then talk about the fact just because you are related to someone, it does not mean that you should accept abuse from them.  Robert explains that self-esteem comes from estimable acts, it comes from within.******About Robert OliverRobert is a passionate activist and political organizer. Coming from a family of immigrants who fled persecution, Robert has always felt a personal responsibility to fight injustice against anyone. After coming out at 14, Robert took to the streets, organizing for marriage equality and LGBT rights, and against the Bush-era wars. As a student, he worked full-time on the No on Proposition 8 campaign, as well as Pacific Pride Foundation, Santa Barbara's LGBTQ Center. His professional career also includes working for a U.S. Senator, a Los Angeles City Councilmember, and the LA Jewish Federation. Along with his husband and their adopted bulldog-mix, Robert lives in West Hollywood, where he previously served on the West Hollywood Lesbian and Gay Advisory Board, and represented West Hollywood on the LA County West Vector Control District Board. Robert currently serves on the city's Public Safety Commission, where he has been an advocate for reimagining policing and public safety, as well as underrepresented members of the community. Robert is running for West Hollywood City Council in the November 2022 election.

This week on "Redefining Family" Jonathan opens the episode by discussing the devastating overturn of Roe Vs. Wade and where we go from here.He is then joined by Laura-Rose Thorogood.  Laura-Rose Thorogood, the founder of the LGBT Mummies , which is an organization based in the UK but provides support worldwide for LGBTQ women wanting to start a family.   Laura-Rose did not officially come out until she was 29 years old due to a lot of self-loathing and trying to understand her identity.    After she met her wife, they decided to go on a fertility journey, which was difficult to say to least.  She discusses their struggles with IVF as lesbians and how they powered through and went on to have five beautiful children.Laura-Rose shares the struggles not only lesbians, but trans and non-binary individuals face, not only with fertility, but with discrimination in those areas as well.******About Laura-Rose ThorogoodLaura-Rose Thorogood is a married lesbian mother of five children by IUI through a fertility clinic.  Finding a lack of support, information & community when she & her wife started their path to parenthood, they decided to set up an organization to provide just that. She is the Founder of The LGBT Mummies , a global organization that supports LGBT+ women & people on the path to parenthood. She is an LGBT+ Family Activist, Fertility & Mental Health Advocate & Campaigner for Policy Change for LGBT+ families globally. She works directly with the NHS, & other global organizations & the UK Government to improve policies, support & visibility of LGBT+ families on the path to parenthood through pregnancy, birth & general healthcare.https://lgbtmummies.com

This week Jonathan speaks with Arsham Parsi,  an Iranian LGBT human rights activist living in exile in Canada.   Arsham discusses when he first realized he was gay and what it was like growing up in Iran knowing he was different.  Arsham discusses the consequences of being gay in Iran, fleeing the country and how his family had to flee soon after.  He also discusses his relationship with his family, what his life has looked like since he had to flee Iran, and all of the work he does to help others like him.******About  Arsham Parsi Arsham Parsi is an Iranian queer rights activist who was born in Shiraz, the largest city in the Islamic Republic of Iran.He is the founder and head of the Iranian Railroad for Queer Refugees an international non-profit organization based in Toronto, Canada that is helping Iranian queers and those who escaped Iran on the basis of their sexual orientation, gender identity and expression.He is currently living in exile in Canada, but whilst still living in Iran in 2001 he started Rangin Kamin (Rainbow Group), a group for LGBTQ Iranians which he later renamed Persian Gay and Lesbian Organization, and then again as the Iranian Queer Organization (IRQO). Because homosexuality is illegal in Iran and can be punished with death, Parsi registered the organization in Norway and kept most of his LGBTQ activism to online spaces, where he operated a chatroom for queer Iranians.Parsi himself fled to Turkey in 2005, claimed refugee status, and was eventually resettled in Toronto, where he founded a new organization, the International Railroad for Queer Refugees (IRQR).The organization assists LGBTQ refugees who have fled their home countries because of their identities and are currently living in Turkey. The organization provides food, shelter, guidance, and education until they are eventually resettled.His work has earned him several human rights awards including the 2008 Felipa de Souza Award from the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission and the 2008 Pride Toronto Award.His 2015 book, Exiled for Love: The Journer of an Iranian Queer Activist, chronicles Parsi's incredible journey from his first understanding of his sexual orientation to his eventual exile. It explores the reality for LGBT people in Iran through his personal experiences.

This week on Redefining Family Jonathan interviews author Jonathan Alexander.   Jonathan first talks about his struggles growing up in the deep south, especially once he decided he wanted to come out.  He turned 18 at the beginning of the AIDS epidemic and he tried to come out in college, however there was no real support or community for LGBTQ+ individuals.  Jonathan then discusses how he ended up marrying a woman and the realizations they both came to about their relationship before the split.   Additionally, Jonathan talks about learning to love himself as a kid and his close relationship with his mother.******About Jonathan AlexanderJonathan Alexander is a writer living in Southern California where he is Chancellor's Professor of English at the University of California, Irvine. He is the author, co-author, or editor of twenty-one books. His cultural journalism has been widely published, especially in the Los Angeles Review of Books (LARB) for which he is the Special Projects Editor. He is also the host of LARB's “Writing Sex,” a YouTube series of short interviews with contemporary writers on sex and sexuality. (Previous guests include Garth Greenwell, Andre Aciman, and Dennis Cooper.) LARB founding editor Tom Lutz has called Alexander one of “our finest essayists.” He lives with his husband and cat, and when not writing, dabbles in watercolors and plays piano in a music ensemble with friends. For more about Jonathan Alexander and his books please visit www.thecreeptrilogy.com and www.the-blank-page.com.Twitter: @profjalexanderInstagram: profjalexanderART

In this week's episode of "Redefining Family" Jonathan opens the show by talking about his amazing weekend at PRIDE in West Hollywood.  He then talks about his cousin that got HIV and how the mental effects of what was happening to him turned out to, sadly, be his demise.Jonathan then interviews HIV educator and advocate Kalob Gossett.   Kalob first opens up about coming out to his family and their initial reactions and how he was the first gay president of his fraternity in college.  He then gets into how is HIV activism started and has now turned into a successful career he is extremely passionate about.******About Kalob GossettKalob Gossett is an HIV educator and advocate with a Masters degree in Health Administration located in Chicago, IL. His work on HIV initiatives spans over 8 years, which has given him the opportunity to work with and educate a variety of people ranging from patients and community members up to medical providers and directors. Kalob's goal is to bring awareness and create a passion for HIV as the older, queer generations once did; and one of his main strategies to achieve this goal has been the use of social media to educate the masses. He strives to meet people where they are, mentally and physically, to empower our communities to join the fight against HIV.Kalob Gossett Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kalobgossett/

On this episode of Redefining Family, Jonathan first opens up about the boundaries he has had to create with his family to protect himself, which included a recent interaction with a close friend of his father's.  Jonathan then gets the chance to speak with standup comedian and LGBTQ+ activist Calvin Cato.  Calvin first talks about his upbringing, not being exposed to the gay community as a kid and the homophobia that existed in his family of immigrant parents.   He talks about how he finally started to understand what being gay meant, his first sexual experience and then trying to reinvent himself as a straight man in college.Calvin also shares the story of losing his father and the ways in which he did and did not come out to him before his passing.******About Calvin CatoCalvin S. Cato is a comedian, storyteller, and rare-times actor based in New York City. He has been heard on Sirius XM and has appeared on Oxygen, National Geographic, Netflix and a pilot for Vice Media called Emergency Black Meeting. He has performed in numerous festivals including San Francisco Sketchfest, FlameCon, Brooklyn Pride, Women In Comedy Festival, and the Gotham Storytelling Festival. In 2017, Calvin was named one of Time Out New York's Queer Comics Of Color To Watch. Most recently he has been published in Kweendom, an anthology of queer comedic essays. He recently wrapped up hosting and producing a daily online comedy talk show on RushTix.com called The Calvin Cato Show.

On this week's episode of Redefining Family, Jonathan starts the show by opening up about his time at The Men Having Babies Conference in San Fransisco.   Jonathan then has a wonderful conversation with Erick Matos, an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and a public policy specialist with nearly a decade of experience in state and local government.Erick opens up about what it was like growing up in a religious family in a small town, and when it was that he first realized that he was gay.  He talks about everything from the desire to be a good Christian son, to his first closeted relationship in college, to then finally deciding that he wanted to live authentically.Erick also talks about the importance of having a close circle to support you, whether they are blood relatives or not.  And of course, how to show up for the ones you love.******About Erick MatosErick Matos (he/him/his) is a public policy specialist with nearly a decade of experience in state and local government. He currently works for a public health insurance plan that provides affordable coverage to over 2 million low income Los Angeles County residents. He holds a Master's Degree in Public Health, with a concentration in Health Services and Policy from the University of Southern California. Erick grew up in a religious family in Central California, having struggled internally for years before finally accepting his identity as a gay man. He lives in West Hollywood with his partner Jon and their beloved dog Niko. 

On this week's episode of "Redefining Family" Jonathan starts off the show by talking about how he felt like he came out later in life when he was in his 20's.  However, after talking to this week's guest Kathy Kiger, he realized that there are people that come out even later than he did, and wow, does Kathy have a story to tell.Kathy grew up in Texas to a very religious family, and she felt as though religion was forced on her.  She felt like her whole life she was "pushing the gay down", not consciously acknowledging her true sexual preferences.  She then got married, had 4 kids, and one day she had an epiphany....she was a lesbian, and yes, she was fifty years old.  Kathy discusses what it was like coming out to her family, and how to her surprise, several of her kids came out when she came out to them.  She then gets into what her current relationship with her ex husband and the rest of her family is like and how her life has changed for the better.******About Kathy KigerKathy Kiger is a copywriter in the holistic health space. She writes blogs, emails, and sales pages for nutritionists, dietitians, and other health professionals. Kathy has wandered the career path extensively over the years as a private flute teacher, public school educator, natural childbirth instructor, and nutritional therapist. Kathy was raised as an evangelical Christian and dutifully followed all the rules — from homeschooling her kids and baking her own bread to suppressing her sexual orientation for decades. After being married for almost 15 years, and then divorced for 10, Kathy finally had her “holy shit I'm a lesbian” day in early 2021. She is a single mom with 4 kids ages 15 - 23, many of whom are also queer.Kathy has recently started the Better Late Than Straight blog and email digest where she shares her own insights as a late-blooming lesbian, along with resources, and the stories of other women who have embraced their queerness later in life.https://www.betterlatethanstraight.com

On this week's  Redefining Family, Jonathan opens the episode with an update on his life, talking about finding a surrogate and unexpected twists and turns along the way.Jonathan then brings on his amazing guest, Rev. Naomi Washington-Leapheart.  Naomi's list of accolades and accomplishments is long and ever so impressive.  However what's more impressive are Naomi's powerful messages , the way she came into her work and the beautiful life she lives today.  We also discuss what it was like for Naomi to not just come out to her family, but to the public as well.  It was not easy, however Naomi has faced any hardship she has faced with love, wisdom and acceptance.*******About Rev. Naomi Washington-LeapheartNaomi Washington-Leapheart, a daughter of Detroit, is an adjunct faculty member in the Theology and Religious Studies department at Villanova University.Most recently, Naomi was the Faith Outreach Director at the National LGBTQ Task Force. Prior to working at the Task Force, she was the suburban community organizer for POWER, a multi-faith, multi-racial network of congregations in Metro Philadelphia. She also served as Co-Pastor and Minister of Music at the Wisdom's Table at St. Peter's United Church of Christ. She is affiliated with the Fellowship of Affirming Ministries and the United Church of Christ, and earned the Master of Divinity degree from Lancaster Theological Seminary in 2016.Naomi's work is included in the volume,”From Generation to Generation: A Commemorative Collection of African American Millennial Sermons from the Festival of Preachers 2010-2015, a rare and unique compilation of what the nation's most promising young African-American ministers are thinking and proclaiming about the Christian faith (Chalice Press, 2015).Naomi shares her life with her wife, Kentina, a chaplain and religious educator. Together, they are raising a curious, energetic, future Oscar-winning 5th grader, Sophia.

This week Jonathan opens the episode by talking about how he has always felt supported by his ancestors, but some people have showed up negatively in his past, so he has had to make some tough decisions.  That being said, he has no regrets.ç  Having survived sexist violence and anti-lesbian disownment as a youth, Dr. Grant became a go-to resource on gender and sex among her peers and colleagues as a matter of survival.   Jamie is now a mom in a biracial parenting partnership, raising a white son (23) and a Black, mixed-race daughter (14).*******About Jamie Jaime Grant was the Policy Institute Director at the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and the founding Executive Director of the Arcus Center for Social Justice Leadership. Currently she is the director of the research director for the National LGBTQ+ Women's Community Survey.  She holds a Ph.D. in women's studies from the Union Institute. For six years she directed the Union Institute's Center for Women, the nation's only academic women's center dedicated to collaborations between scholars and activists. Her articles on transformational organizations and coalition work have been published in major academic journals and anthologies. Grant has offered a course in social movements at Georgetown University and Kalamazoo College and workshops on gender expression and sexuality at Whitman Walker's Lesbian Services Program and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force's Creating Change Conference. She has served as a program designer and facilitator for the Ford Foundation's signature leadership program, Leadership for a Changing World, at the Advocacy Institute.

On this week's episode of Redefining Family Jonathan had the pleasure of speaking with  photographer, activist and artist Zak Krevitt.  Zak opens up about his teen years, what it was like coming out to his family and his  introduction to West Hollywood nightlife when he was just a teen.  He then talks about the underground scenes he has been a part of within the LGBTQ+ community and his current work with the Web3 space where he works with Queer Artists as they try to build a digital museum dedicated to Queer Art and culture.*******About ZakZak Krevitt (b. 1991, Los Angeles) is a longtime advocate for LGBTQ+ communities. For over a decade, he has been working with, marching for, and fundraising alongside his queer community for a variety of related causes. Most recently he has began long distance cycling while shooting, in conjunction with fundraising efforts for HIV/AIDS. His work lives within this passion for queer advocacy, and represents his lived experiences both public and private. The work also deals heavily in concepts of transformation, post-humanism, power-exchange, anthropology, and the ability to create authenticity through photographic crystallization of reified desire. Krevitt is a Professor at the School of Visual Arts Department of Photo and Video in NYC under the guidance of Joseph Maida. He hopes to impart a spirit of activism, adventure, community and creative expansion into his students.Zak InstagramZak WebsiteRedefining Family Facebook

On this very special episode of Redefining Family, Jonathan starts  by talking about his dear friend Julie, who sadly passed away. last year of cancer.  Julie was in love with EVERYTHING Golden Girls.  She went on a Golden Girls cruise and could reference countless episodes. Jonathan then goes on to interview Stan Zimmerman, one of the original writers of Golden Girls and countless other hit shows and films like Roseanne, The Gilmore Girls and A Very Brady Sequel (to name a few).  Stan opens up about what it was like for him growing up, coming out and then becoming one of Hollywood's most beloved writers.  They also discuss why gay men connected to The Golden Girls so much and the family and life that Stan has created for himself within the LGBTQ+ community.  This episode is for you Julie! *******About StanAlong with his writing partner James Berg, Stan's worked on many television series, including season one of The Golden Girls, Brothers, Fame, Hooperman, Something Wilder, Roseanne, Wanda at Large and the highly successful fifth season of Gilmore Girls. They penned the "Norman Mailer, I'm Pregnant" episode. Z&B (as they're also known) have 2 WGA nominations to their credit -- "Rose's Mother" from The Golden Girls and the other for "Don't Ask, Don't Tell", the infamous lesbian kiss episode of Roseanne.He will also be mentoring writers at a castle in France in May 2022. Stan recently signed a deal with Indigo River to publish his book, "The Girls: From Golden to Gilmore". In it, he will tell stories about all the wonderful women he's worked with. And Roseanne.

In this episode Jonathan gives us a peek into his life outside of "Redefining Family" and his recent travels for work.  He then discusses his love for an old HBO show called "Oz,"  which was a fictional series that took place in a male prison.  This then leads into a wonderful conversation with Rev.  Tyler Sit, who has worked as a prison chaplain, among many other things.  Tyler is the son of a Chinese immigrant, and he discusses what it was like coming out to his family and how he became a pastor.  Tyler is the pastor at a church that is predominately people of color with many members also being a part of the LGBTQ+ community.  He discusses his unique journey and much more!*******About TylerRev. Tyler Sit has had the immense pleasure of being the church planter of New City Church, a church led mostly by queer people of color. He is a lover of Minnesota, a United Methodist pastor, and the son of a Chinese immigrant. Tyler earned a BS in Communication Studies from Boston University and a Masters of Divinity from Candler School of Theology, and he has lived in four continents. He has formal training as a prison chaplain, community organizer, and social entrepreneur. When he is not at New City, you'll find Tyler wandering around the Mississippi River.New City has been featured in the New York Times, The Atlantic, Minnesota Public Radio, and more.https://www.tylersit.com

In this episode Jonathan talks about the role that religion and going to church played in his life growing up.  For the most part, going to church was a positive experience because it brought him closer to his grandmother.  However that is not that case for everyone, as some may say, religion is complicated.  Jonathan then  speaks with  podcaster, presenter and content creator Sean Szeps and they discuss what it was like for him to grow up in the Roman Catholic Church and the effect it had on him coming out..   They also discuss the role religion plays in his life now and how he  raises his children today.*******About SeanSean Szeps is an American podcaster, presenter and content creator living in Australia. Previously the host of The Dad Kit and The Baby Bubble podcasts, Sean can currently be heard as the host of LISTNR's Come Out Wherever You Are, a podcast dedicated to unpacking the coming out experiences of various members of the LGBTQI+ community.Sean lives in Sydney with his husband and twin toddlers, Stella and Cooper. He likes reality television, loves drag queens, and can't imagine life without sour gummies and bold sunnies.Sean Szeps Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/seanszeps/

In this episode Jonathan talks about the shame and guilt he first felt when he realized he was gay.  However he explains that now he feels pride and joy with who he is and he explains how he does not let just one part of him define who he is.    He then speaks with Elena Joy Thurston, LGBTQ+ speaker, trainer, author and founder of the nonprofit Pride and Joy Foundation.  She talks about surviving conversion therapy and what it was like to come out as a lesbian being a part of the Mormon church. *******About ElenaA Mormon mom of four who lost her marriage, her church, and her community when she came out as a lesbian, Elena's viral TEDx talk on surviving conversion therapy has been viewed 40,000+ times and landed her media and speaking opportunities with ABC, CBS, FOX, Boston's First Event, Seacoast Wellness Series, and THRIVE. Elena inspires her audiences to learn how Emotional Intelligence can improve company morale and productivity, changing members' lives in a practical way.Elena Joy powerfully connects with each of her audiences. She opens their hearts to their own humanity through connection and their own growth through inspiration.Elena Joy Thurston Website:  https://www.elenajoyexperience.com

In this episode, Jonathan talks about his own experiences with his family.  He then has on Raga D'Silva,  Raga is an author,  LGBTQ+ advocate and host.  Raga talks about growing up in India, her family's reaction to her coming out, living your truth and being the love you want to see in the world.*******About Raga Raga is a  successful entrepreneur and Director of Speaking Minds (www.speakingminds.com) – India's largest international speaker-marketing agency. With over 25 years of experience in the creative field, she has worked in senior positions in advertising in India and New Zealand and have been the recipient of several prestigious awards. Globally considered as the expert on corporate speakers and B2B content curation, she is now a much sought-after speaker on the subjects of Unconscious Bias, Diversity & Inclusion, LGBT, Personal Branding and Doing Business in India. As the South Asian Ambassador for Diabetes UK and a social influencer she has appeared on BBC, Sky TV, Channel 4, ITV and TVNZ to share her  personal story and views to help prevent Diabetes. She is also a Trustee on the board of CRY UK.Raga is a mother of twins and divides her  time between London, Mumbai and New Zealand and she considers all three home.Rage D'Silva Website:  https://ragadsilva.comRaga D'Silva Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/totallyoutnow/       

In this episode, Jonathan starts by opening up about his own spiritual practices and a little bit about his  past experiences with religion.  Jonathan then speaks with Blair Bryant Nichols (literary talent manager, coach and consultant) about his experiences with spirituality and what it was like growing up in the Catholic Church.*******About BlairAfter beginning his career representing hundreds of authors from Top 6 publishers, Blair Bryant Nichols moved into the management of founders, entrepreneurs, executives, authors, and celebrities with various work streams, projects, and personal interests, acting as a Chief of Staff, manager, or agent. He has a deep expertise in developing speakers for corporate events, conferences, and other thought leadership opportunities, including internal and external communications. As a manager, coach and consultant he enjoys helping diverse individuals and/or socially-driven companies foster new strategies for operations, communications, business development and partnerships across all appropriate areas to further develop and enhance their bottom line and brand. 

In this episode, Jonathan reveals some sad news about a member of his family and explores the the process of losing a loving and loyal pet.  Jonathan then speaks with Andrea Breanna, who is proudly and openly Transbian (Transgender Lesbian).  Andrea speaks on  her coming out story and the way in which her family handled it as well as what it has been like working in corporate America being Transgender.  Andrea then talks about creating her own loving family, which includes her wife and 4 kids in Brooklyn, New York.*******About AndreaAndrea Breanna is the founder and CEO of RebelMouse. RebelMouse is a creative agency and CMS platform for enterprise brands and media companies. The platform reaches 160 million people monthly. Before launching RebelMouse, Andrea was CTO of The Huffington Post. https://twitter.com/andreabreannany https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreabreanna/

Welcome back to the second season!  This is the first episode in Season 2, where we focus on learning about what love and support looks like for a young, 23yo man, Collin Magness diagnosed with HIV in April of 2020.In addition, we also learn about the importance of asking questions rather than making assumptions.

In this episode, Jonathan closes the loop on the few stories that he shared, revealing the final straw that led to his decision of demoting 18 relatives from family status to blood relative status.  In addition, we meet Dr. Lynda Spann, a Lesbian Couple's Therapist.  Dr. Lynda tells us about her own coming out journey while also providing words of wisdom about coming out to "baby lesbians", other young lesbians, and their partners.*******About Dr. Lynda SpannTo learn more about Dr. Lynda, please check out her website: lesbiancouplesinstitute.com

In this episode, Jonathan speaks further to his experience may not necessarily have been strictly due to his LGBTQ+ status.  In addition, we meet Eloise Morrison, who has recently come out about being the daughter of a gay man. She tells us about the conflict between her love for gay family members and what she learned from the Catholic church.  In addition, she decides to reveal who she is to a few other precious people.*******About EloiseTo learn more about Eloise's story, please read the article: https://beachmetro.com/2021/05/19/guest-column-raising-of-pride-flag-at-st-john-catholic-school-will-have-deep-personal-meaning-for-local-resident/?fbclid=IwAR01xHD5Y8X-2ALjxmzkVRswZY0YCeBakfMMXLObGtkBqNX20vpIKz4ZCRU

In this episode, Jonathan speaks to the mental and verbal abuse that he endured from a former family member.  We meet another LGBTQ "Family"-abuse survivor, Hannah Dhue.  Hannah was raised in an Evangelical household in the midwest and just recently came out to her family after finally getting tired of covering her relationship of nine years.*******About HannahHannah Dhue (she/her/hers) is an entertainment media professional with six years of experience in the business. After graduating Illinois Wesleyan University in 2015, she moved to LA with her partner and began working for one of the leading media service vendors, Deluxe Entertainment. She then moved on to her first major studio position at Sony Pictures in 2017. There, she took on leadership roles in both the womens' and LGBTQ+ employee business resource groups, living out her passion for one day achieving equality within the industry and beyond. She is currently a manager of TV Mastering at Disney, her dream company, where she continues to serve the womens' and LGBTQ+ communities in various volunteer capacities. In her spare time, she enjoys seeing movies or live theater, reading, writing and editing fiction with her partner of nearly nine years.

In this episode, Jonathan speaks to being physically and verbally attacked by one of his siblings with only one of the 18 former family members coming to his defense.  We then meet "Sarah" and her struggles with coming out at 13 and her journey over the course of the 15 years that followed.

In this episode, Jonathan speaks to his journey coming out to his father after getting his car stolen from a boy he met outside of a club.  We then meet Grant Keller, a Vietnam vet with a traumatic childhood, who shares about his journey to acceptance for his late gay son, who died in a car accident.About Grant KellerGrant was born in downtown Los Angeles in 1948 and grew up in Mar Vista and Venice."My childhood was filled with the trauma of physical abuse and neglect. My dad was an alcoholic and my mother was psychotic.”"My mom kicked dad out when I was eight and I was put in Catholic school soon afterwards. They taught me many strange things, including homophobia.”"My mom was a single mother with three children returning to work in the mid 1950's. She was overwhelmed and didn't have much time for us. I was the oldest so I helped raise my brother and sister. I tried to become an adult at eight. My sister called me the good daddy.”"I joined the Navy in 1967, right after Venice High School, and was trained in Aviation Electronics. I married my high school sweetheart and went to Vietnam. When I joined my squadron they took one look at my size and assigned me to loading 500 pound bombs on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier.”"I experienced several traumatic events, including a flight deck fire, and losing a buddy to jet exhaust. A few days before the birth of my children, I was exposed to Agent Orange in Da Nang, South Vietnam, in a night mortar attack, and narrowly missed being blown up in an aircraft explosion. I did finally make my way back to Los Angeles.” "My first sight of my twins, Anna-Lisa and Aaron, transformed me. I devoted my life to raising them properly, so they would always know they were loved. I didn't know how, but would figure it out.” "I returned to ditch digging full time and went to night school to study engineering. Ten years later I graduated with honors from Loyola Marymount University with a bachelor's degree in engineering. Later I graduated from USC with an engineering master's degree. I worked as an aerospace engineer for 40 years and became an engineer/scientist specializing in research and development.” "I raised my twins with love and respect, and they were beautiful and smart children. They asked to move back to the Westside so they could graduate from Venice High like their parents. When they graduated from high school, Aaron came out. I was completely clueless but I loved both of my children, so I set myself to figuring it all out."

In our second episode, we talk to another Black Executive who also identifies as gay, Rudy Scott.  We learn about an intersectional perspective from Rudy as an immigrant, Black, and gay male.Born Rudolph Scott, Rudy immigrated from Jamaica as a small kid and grew up in Brooklyn, NY.  Rudy talks about his strict upbringing and some of the challenges with acceptance from his blood relatives, his experience as a gay, Black executive, and how he defines family.

In our first episode, we meet Andy Sanchez, a Mexican immigrant and author, who shares about his journey and how he had to redefine his definition of family as an LGBTQ individual.About Andy SanchezAndres, they/he is a Mexican poet, author of, This Body. He migrated to the U.S. at the age of 5 and grew up in Southern California and Las Vegas, NV. Andrés moved to Los Angeles, California 7 years ago. It was here that he began to get involved with the poetry community. In October 2018, Andrés was accepted into the Community Literature Initiative Program (CLI), and became a participant in the 6th cohort of students. His book, This Body was released on December 16, 2020 and remains on the popular list on the World Stage Press website (www.worldstagepress.org). Andres now teaches for CLI and will proudly see his first cohort of students complete the program in June 2021. Earning a Seat at the Table I always wanted to be invited to the table. Mothers putting their hands in masa. Fingertips tender from holding the stems of chiles and turning tomatillos for salsa verde that I enjoyed as a child. As I coughed through the fumes, my mom would say “vete a jugar”—lgo play.Women bonding, meal prepping over the heat off a four burner stove. Laughing and sipping on cerveza in between breaks to wipe the sweat from their forehead and upper lip. Listening to their conversations was wisdom wrapped in corn leaves savory and spicy, meaty and fruity.All a good balance for how to stay strong amongst the men. The men, sitting outside huddled over a cooler full of cheap intoxicating cans. More water than alcohol. Laughing about their escapades as young men.   Reminiscing about the women that got away, too afraid to admit, maybe, they were just too ordinary for their liking,trying to outdrink each other.Acting like fools when 4.4% alcohol went to their heads. All lessons of “masculinity” I want to stay away from. I am invited to the table now. Cerveza to my left, curses rolling off my tongue, hand on knife chopping onions. No children to teach these lessons tobecause I am still unlearning the damages of patriarchy. Still searching for healing in the food that nourished my body as a child. I partake in conversations that bring me closer to my roots. For questions or inquires please about the show please email: info@redefiningfamily.org

Finally, a podcast focused on blood relatives vs true family for LGBTQ individuals!Does your family say “I Love You” yet it feels empty? You're not alone. I and many others in the LGBTQ+ community have faced this reality.  I'm Jonathan Wilson, and I'm excited to explore how and why we must overcome this obstacle in my new podcast Redefining Family. On the show, I spotlight stories of resilience as guests share how they've redefined what family really means. Each week I meet with inspirational souls to provide insights and tools that may help you on your family journey (to redefine your family.)