The Reconstructed Man

On this amazing episode, Layne talks with Tyler, a 17 year old high school student from Michigan, who knew he was Trans from the age of 11 and shares what it was like coming out in middle school, who is in his support system, when he got his first haircut and how much has changed since he was able to start hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in 2021. To Tyler, Thanks for reaching out to me and being brave enough to share your story. I'm so proud of you.

Layne talks with Tahtianna "Candy" Fermin about her experience as a Trans woman in America, growing up on the East Coast trying to find her way through coming out as gay - and knowing that wasn't right; realizing she was Trans, being unsuccessful at finding employment and ultimately turning to sex work before turning her life around to become the CEO of Bridges4Lyfe, an ordained minister, model and choreographer. Listen to her incredible story and gain a new perspective on what it's like to be a Trans woman in America from an actual Trans woman. Tahtianna's Bio: A Choreographer, Model , an Ordained Minister; the founder and CEO of Bridges4Life, www.Bridges4Life.org which works to help teens and young adults on the street and in foster care become responsible, self-sufficient, confident and educated adults. Bridges4Life provides housing, preparation for adulthood involved in the SexTrade specifically Black Trans Sex Workers and Sex Trafficking survivors. Tatiana is also CEO and chair president of The National LGBTQ Workers Center's NYC chapter, serving on the Center's National Board as its New York Liaison. A community activist since 2008, Tahtianna has been a Community Follow-Up Worker (CFW) at Housing Works Inc., a recovery coach and patient navigator at The Alliance For Positive Change, amongst other initiatives, as well as speaking at the Presidential debate in 2008 for Barack Obama, Tahtianna was a key element, in the implementation of hormonal therapy through Medicaid. With passion for business, preaching, ministry, social media, and of all things TGNC inclusive. She has both the skill set and professional background necessary to dive deep into the ministry world. As an upbeat, self-motivated team player with excellent communication skills, She envisions an exciting future in the industry. Tahtianna is a WIFE , a Mother , a daughter a sibling and most importantly a minister of our community.

In the Season 3 opener Layne talks with Meeka Webb, Barber extraordinaire and Michigan native about how and when she knew she was part of the alphabet mafia. They talk candidly about the uniqueness of their individual journies within the foundational similarities of being part of the LGBTQ+ community. Find Meek on https://www.thecut.co/ (TheCut App) at Meek Supreme or at https://www.facebook.com/klassykutts/ (Klassy Kutts), 517-482-3212. Interested in being on the show, have an idea or want to connect with Layne? Visit The Reconstructed Man website to get started.

Layne is back for Season 3 of The Reconstructed Man Podcast! Available on your favorite podcast app starting March 2nd! This season is all about sharing the voices, stories and experiences of Trans and LGBTQ+ people who are from or live in Michigan. If that's you, let's connect and control the narrative around our stories. Send me an email at thereconstructedman@gmail.com or fill out the form on the home page of the website: thereconstructedman.com.

Layne goes one-on-one with Trans advocate, Forbes contributor, journalist, columnist and nationally known trailblazer Dawn Ennis. They discuss when and how Dawn came out, what it's like to be a Trans woman in America today and how Trans men fit into this whole equation. Learn more about Dawn at https://lifeafterdawn.com/ (LifeAfterDawn.com).

On this week's show, Layne talks with Damien Lopez, author of the inclusive LGBTQIA+ children's book: I Am a Prince. Damien shares his coming out story and journey to where he is today and both guys talk about the biggest threats and obstacles to the Trans community. Get Your Copy of Damien's Book Here: https://www.iamaprincebook.com/ (www.IamaPrinceBook.com ) Or Pick it up on https://www.amazon.com/Prince-Inclusive-LGBTQIA-Childrens-Book-ebook/dp/B08W9839YS (Amazon) Learn more about Layne and submit show ideas at https://thereconstructedman.com (thereconstructedman.com) or email thereconstructedman@gmail.com!

In this Pride Month episode, Layne goes one-on-one with LGBTQ+ Advocate and fierce Trans Ally Micah Porter. After spending much of his life in the closet and in conservative circles, Micah shares how difficult it was coming out and finding himself. Now, 10 years later, his work with LGBTQ+ youth in sports is changing lives! Learn more about Micah at micahporter.com - catch up on the first episode at thereconstructedman.com!

The Season 2 Premiere of The Reconstructed Man Podcast! Layne talks about current events including the anti-Trans legislation sweeping the nation and shares what Pride means to him! Season 2 also features amazing guests every other episode including Micah Porter, LGBTQ+ Advocate, Damien Lopez, Author of I Am a Prince Book and award-winning journalist Dawn Ennis. Learn more about The Reconstructed Man podcast at www.thereconstructedman.com. Email your questions and comments to: thereconstructedman@gmail.com!

Layne and Daniel discuss some of the most important lessons they learned about being Trans. Despite having vastly different experiences, the hosts reveal something unexpected about their choices. https://youtu.be/S6CVxGvwM38 (Watch now on YouTube.)

Layne and Daniel share their personal experiences dating, coupling and honoring their trans identies with others. How to approach difficult conversations, when is the right time to disclose your gender identity, and the joys of trans relationships are all discussed. Trans Dating Resources https://rainbowresourcecentre.org/files/GetReal-RRC.pdf (LET'S GET REAL: A Question And Answer Guide for Dating Trans Folks) https://blog.gotinder.com/genders/ (Tinder #AllTypesAllSwipes) https://youtu.be/Gas-kL_AjSQ (Living and Dating as a Trans Man) (video) https://youtu.be/_CmmVbIioI0 (Watch now on YouTube).

In this new, monthly segment called Q&A, Layne and Daniel take 30 minutes to answer as many questions as they can about trans-related issues. If you have a question you would like Layne and Daniel to answer, connect by email at layneanddaniel@gmail.com or find them on https://www.facebook.com/thereconstructedman/ (Facebook), https://www.instagram.com/thereconstructedman/ (Instagram) or https://twitter.com/theRMpodcast (Twitter). You can also learn more by visiting https://www.thereconstructedman.com (The Reconstrcuted Man website). This month's questions: 1. Has anyone been so dysphoric that you don't think you can handle it? 2. How do you feel about being referred to as “a Trans” or “a Transgender”? 3. If you could change one thing about being Trans, what would it be? 4. Is anyone else at that point where they realize it doesn't matter what other people think “manly” or “masculine” should be? 5. Scenario Question: I'm trying to figure out how to come out to my mom. She said some pretty transphobic stuff when a friend of mine came out, but that was 10 years ago and it seems like her views have changed. (Another friend came out and she was happy for her, used correct pronouns etc). Does anyone have any advice? Or some kind words?

Layne and Daniel share their many 'coming out' stories which include hilarious, beautiful and painful moments and the lessons they have learned from them. For the LGBTQ+ community, coming out is a life-long process, presenting infinite opportunities to evolve and may even become an unusual kind of art form. Resources: https://transequality.org/know-your-rights (Know Your Rights) - Center for Transgender Equality https://www.thetrevorproject.org/trvr_support_center/coming-out/ (Coming Out: A Handbook for LGBTQ Young People) - The Trevor Project https://www.glsen.org/activity/coming-out-resource-lgbtq-students (Coming Out: A resource for LGBTQ Students) - GLSEN https://www.hrc.org/resources/coming-out (Coming Out Resources) - Human Rights Campaign https://www.matthewshepard.org/coming-out-resources/ (Coming Out Resources) - Matthew Shepard Foundation https://pflag.org/tags/comingout (Coming Out Resources) - PFLAG https://pflag.org/sites/default/files/Be%20Yourself%20One%20Page_2019.pdf (Be Yourself)

Looking for some exceptional films that capture the Trangender experience in an authentically documented way? Layne and Daniel discuss two of their favorite films and why these are critical examples of uplifting the Trans community. http://www.disclosurethemovie.com/ (Disclosure (2020)): An in-depth look at Hollywood's depiction of transgender people and the impact of those stories on transgender lives and American culture. Available on Netflix. https://www.imdb.com/video/vi857456153?ref_=tt_pv_vi_aiv_1 (Click to watch the Disclosure trailer) https://www.netflix.com/title/81031652 (Transformer (2017):) In the summer of 2015, former US Marine and world record weightlifter Matt "Kroc" Kroczaleski was publicly outed as being transgender. Transformer is a 2017 Canadian documentary film directed by Michael Del Monte, featuring competitive bodybuilder Janae Kroc coping with both the physical and social processes of gender transition after coming out as a trans woman. Available on Amazon Prime, Apple TV and Netflix https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGxUG3cC9Mw (Click to watch Transformer Trailer)

Hormone therapy is a powerful gender-affirming experience for Transgender people and the transformation we undergo is truly life-changing. It is important to be aware of the potential changes that may occur, both good and bad, so we can respond to our transition in the best way possible. Layne and Daniel walk you through, The Reconstructed Man's Guide to Taking Testosterone to help others prepare and plan for their own journeys on T.  https://www.thereconstructedman.com/resources (The Reconstructed Man's Guide to Taking Testosterone) Health Insurance Resources: https://transequality.org/health-coverage-guide (National Center for Transgender Equality - Health Coverage Guide) Online Trans/Queer Healthcare Providers: Plume: https://getplume.co/ (https://getplume.co) Folx Health: https://folxhealth.com/ (https://folxhealth.com)

Puberty… a most awkward and uncomfortable time for everyone. But for Trans kids, puberty is particularly painful and can be downright devastating. In this episode, Layne and Daniel get real, vulnerable and humorous (because... you have to) about things like chest binding, menstruation, dating and finding your outlets and support community. Get ready to get uncomfortable.     https://www.glsen.org/ (GLSEN) is an invaluable support network for LGBTQ+ K-12 students and schools. Be sure to check out their awesome https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/gradeschool/school/Pages/Back-to-School-Tips.aspx (Back To School Tips).   Experiencing anxiety, depression or having suicidal thoughts? Reach out to https://www.thetrevorproject.org/ (The Trevor Project) to talk to someone immediately. Available by phone, text, and chat (Text START to 678-678). https://pflag.org/ (PFLAG) is a great support for families, friends and other allies. https://www.glaad.org/ (GLAAD) works primarily through entertainment, news and digital media. They also provide an extensive collection fo resources and publications. Places to check out for Trans* products:  https://www.gc2b.co/pages/gc2b-binders?_pos=1&_sid=71d083e28&_ss=r (gc2b Transitional Apparel) https://transguysupply.com/collections/ftm-binders (Transguy Supply) https://www.ftmessentials.com/collections/binders (FTM Essentials) https://helloclue.com/articles/cycle-a-z/chest-binding-tips-and-tricks-for-trans-men-nonbinary-and-genderfluid (Chest Binding Tips)

In this powerful episode, Layne's dad and sister talk about what it's been like to negotiate Layne's https://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/news/local/2017/10/05/layne-ingram-gender-transition/699838001/ (very public transition), how they feel about having a Trans child and sibling, and how their family's philosophy to lead with love gets them through even the most challenging moments. Watch the filmed podcast https://youtu.be/u7bFg6e7RBw (here) https://www.thereconstructedman.com/ (www.thereconstructedman.com) layneanddaniel@gmail.com ABOUT THE PODCAST: Welcome to The ReConstructed Man, a filmed podcast exploring Trans issues—and more—from a Trans Masculine perspective, hosted by Layne Ingram & Daniel Thurman. Through real, emotional, and hilarious conversations, Layne & Daniel share their personal stories, interview guests and go deep into the often missed, often purposefully ignored stories of the transgender and trans adjacent community.  We welcome anyone—Cis, Trans and everyone in between—who is interested in important conversations around our ever evolving and fascinating world of gender identity and ways in which we can contribute to a ReConstructed and more inclusive society.  This project was born out of a desire to amplify the visibility of the FTM Trans experience, engage an active community of allies, and to embrace and uplift our beautiful Trans* community. Please share with anyone you know who may benefit from this work. ABOUT DANIEL: Daniel is a Transgender man, former high school and college drop out, healthy survivor of childhood trauma and life-long poet who is today, an educator, college administrator, social justice activist, inspiring public speaker, and now host of The ReConstructed Man Podcast.  He started his transition in the early 1990s, well before Transgender identity was well known and support services existed. Yet, his understanding of who he knew himself to be originated very early in his life. Lacking familial and community support or awareness, Daniel found his way through some very dark times and has since dedicated his life to positively model and represent the Trans Masculine experience. ABOUT LAYNE: Layne Ingram is an out-and-proud Transgender man with a passion for raising awareness of and supporting the Trans community, specifically youth and teens. He is a strong advocate for people being exactly who they are and living their lives as authentically as they can.  He graduated from the University of Michigan in 2002 with his bachelor's in communications after a standout, four-year career on the women's basketball team. He was then drafted to the WNBA's Sacramento Monarchs. Over the course of his professional career, Layne has worked in the non-profit, professional sports and higher-education sectors and is also an accomplished public speaker and national presenter.   Layne made the decision to transition in 2016 and hasn't looked back since.    ​Connect with him! Twitter: https://twitter.com/The_Right_Layne (@The_Right_Layne) Read his blog: https://therightlayne.blog/ (therightlayne.blog) 

Layne & Daniel share their very different stories of when they first knew they were Transgender and recap Transgender Awareness Week which leads up tohttps://www.glaad.org/tdor ( Transgender Day of Remembrance, November 20th each year). Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is a https://transrespect.org/en/tmm-update-tdor-2020/ (time to honor and remember the trans*, nonbinary and gender-variant individuals) murdered every year due to transphobia and hatred. TDOR was created in memory of https://www.hrc.org/events/transgender-day-of-remembrance (Rita Hester), a trans woman, who was brutally murdered in November of 1998.  Learn More about https://www.glitsinc.org/ (GLITS) and Ceyenne Doroshow, https://www.gq.com/story/ceyenne-doroshow-glits-founder-profile (The Godmother of the Moment) and https://www.glitsinc.org/donations (DONATE) Watch the filmed podcast https://youtu.be/u7bFg6e7RBw (here) https://www.thereconstructedman.com/ (www.thereconstructedman.com) layneanddaniel@gmail.com ABOUT THE PODCAST: Welcome to The ReConstructed Man, a filmed podcast exploring Trans issues—and more—from a Trans Masculine perspective, hosted by Layne Ingram & Daniel Thurman. Through real, emotional, and hilarious conversations, Layne & Daniel share their personal stories, interview guests and go deep into the often missed, often purposefully ignored stories of the transgender and trans adjacent community.  We welcome anyone—Cis, Trans and everyone in between—who is interested in important conversations around our ever evolving and fascinating world of gender identity and ways in which we can contribute to a ReConstructed and more inclusive society.  This project was born out of a desire to amplify the visibility of the FTM Trans experience, engage an active community of allies, and to embrace and uplift our beautiful Trans* community. Please share with anyone you know who may benefit from this work. ABOUT DANIEL: Daniel is a Transgender man, former high school and college drop out, healthy survivor of childhood trauma and life-long poet who is today, an educator, college administrator, social justice activist, inspiring public speaker, and now host of The ReConstructed Man Podcast.  He started his transition in the early 1990s, well before Transgender identity was well known and support services existed. Yet, his understanding of who he knew himself to be originated very early in his life. Lacking familial and community support or awareness, Daniel found his way through some very dark times and has since dedicated his life to positively model and represent the Trans Masculine experience. ABOUT LAYNE: Layne Ingram is an out-and-proud Transgender man with a passion for raising awareness of and supporting the Trans community, specifically youth and teens. He is a strong advocate for people being exactly who they are and living their lives as authentically as they can.  He graduated from the University of Michigan in 2002 with his bachelor's in communications after a standout, four-year career on the women's basketball team. He was then drafted to the WNBA's Sacramento Monarchs. Over the course of his professional career, Layne has worked in the non-profit, professional sports and higher-education sectors and is also an accomplished public speaker and national presenter.   Layne made the decision to transition in 2016 and hasn't looked back since.    ​Connect with him! Twitter: https://twitter.com/The_Right_Layne (@The_Right_Layne) Read his blog: https://therightlayne.blog/ (therightlayne.blog) 

Layne & Daniel discuss the https://apnews.com/article/lgbtq-candidates-milestone-election-f33555c8fd1a8d2c31417cc60bf0022c (many extraordinary ‘FIRSTS') that happened as a result of the 2020 Election as well as Trans Trailblazers and reveal their own personal first Trans role models. Just a few of the FIRSTS in this year's election: Kamala Harris - https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/07/us/politics/kamala-harris.html (FIRST woman, POC and person of Indian-American descent to be elected VP) FIRST time a President-Elect https://www.out.com/politics/2020/11/07/joe-biden-includes-lgbtq-community-first-speech-president-elect (specifically spoke about Trans and Gay Americans in an acceptance speech) Delaware elected our https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/03/us/politics/sarah-mcbride-wins-her-state-senate-race-in-delaware-a-landmark-for-transgender-legislators.html (FIRST transgender US senator) Vermont elected its https://www.pridecentervt.org/2020/11/04/rainbow-wave/ (FIRST transgender state legislator) Kansas elected its https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2020/11/04/native-american-transgender-woman-stephanie-byers-history-kansas/ (FIRST transgender legislator), who is also Native American Tennessee elected its https://wpln.org/post/for-the-first-time-tennessee-voters-elect-two-lgbt-state-lawmakers/ (FIRST two openly LGBTQ+ legislators) Georgia elected its https://thegavoice.com/news/kim-jackson-becomes-first-lgbtq-state-senator-in-georgia/ (FIRST openly gay state senator)  https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/04/nyregion/ny-house-torres-jones.html (NY elected 2 openly gay, black men to congress), including the FIRST queer, Afro-LatinX official to serve in the US congress Watch the filmed podcast https://youtu.be/u7bFg6e7RBw (here) https://www.thereconstructedman.com/ (www.thereconstructedman.com) layneanddaniel@gmail.com ABOUT THE PODCAST: Welcome to The ReConstructed Man, a filmed podcast exploring Trans issues—and more—from a Trans Masculine perspective, hosted by Layne Ingram & Daniel Thurman. Through real, emotional, and hilarious conversations, Layne & Daniel share their personal stories, interview guests and go deep into the often missed, often purposefully ignored stories of the transgender and trans adjacent community.  We welcome anyone—Cis, Trans and everyone in between—who is interested in important conversations around our ever evolving and fascinating world of gender identity and ways in which we can contribute to a ReConstructed and more inclusive society.  This project was born out of a desire to amplify the visibility of the FTM Trans experience, engage an active community of allies, and to embrace and uplift our beautiful Trans* community. Please share with anyone you know who may benefit from this work. ABOUT DANIEL: Daniel is a Transgender man, former high school and college drop out, healthy survivor of childhood trauma and life-long poet who is today, an educator, college administrator, social justice activist, inspiring public speaker, and now host of The ReConstructed Man Podcast.  He started his transition in the early 1990s, well before Transgender identity was well known and support services existed. Yet, his understanding of who he knew himself to be originated very early in his life. Lacking familial and community support or awareness, Daniel found his way through some very dark times and has since dedicated his life to positively model and represent the Trans Masculine experience. ABOUT LAYNE: Layne Ingram is an out-and-proud Transgender man with a passion for raising awareness of and supporting the Trans community, specifically youth and teens. He is a strong advocate for people being exactly who they are and living their lives as authentically as they can.  He graduated from the University of Michigan in 2002 with his bachelor's in communications after a standout, four-year career on the women's basketball team. He was then drafted to the WNBA's...

Finally, the day no one thought would ever get here–Election Day 2020 has arrived. Layne & Daniel discuss what's at stake for the LGBTQ+ community, the chaos and pain of the last four years and hope for change on the horizon as well as voter mobilization, voter suppression, and the need for marginalized communities to make their voices heard. Watch the filmed podcast https://youtu.be/u7bFg6e7RBw (here) https://www.thereconstructedman.com/ (www.thereconstructedman.com) layneanddaniel@gmail.com ABOUT THE PODCAST: Welcome to The ReConstructed Man, a filmed podcast exploring Trans issues—and more—from a Trans Masculine perspective, hosted by Layne Ingram & Daniel Thurman. Through real, emotional, and hilarious conversations, Layne & Daniel share their personal stories, interview guests and go deep into the often missed, often purposefully ignored stories of the transgender and trans adjacent community.  We welcome anyone—Cis, Trans and everyone in between—who is interested in important conversations around our ever evolving and fascinating world of gender identity and ways in which we can contribute to a ReConstructed and more inclusive society.  This project was born out of a desire to amplify the visibility of the FTM Trans experience, engage an active community of allies, and to embrace and uplift our beautiful Trans* community. Please share with anyone you know who may benefit from this work. ABOUT DANIEL: Daniel is a Transgender man, former high school and college drop out, healthy survivor of childhood trauma and life-long poet who is today, an educator, college administrator, social justice activist, inspiring public speaker, and now host of The ReConstructed Man Podcast.  He started his transition in the early 1990s, well before Transgender identity was well known and support services existed. Yet, his understanding of who he knew himself to be originated very early in his life. Lacking familial and community support or awareness, Daniel found his way through some very dark times and has since dedicated his life to positively model and represent the Trans Masculine experience. ABOUT LAYNE: Layne Ingram is an out-and-proud Transgender man with a passion for raising awareness of and supporting the Trans community, specifically youth and teens. He is a strong advocate for people being exactly who they are and living their lives as authentically as they can.  He graduated from the University of Michigan in 2002 with his bachelor's in communications after a standout, four-year career on the women's basketball team. He was then drafted to the WNBA's Sacramento Monarchs. Over the course of his professional career, Layne has worked in the non-profit, professional sports and higher-education sectors and is also an accomplished public speaker and national presenter.   Layne made the decision to transition in 2016 and hasn't looked back since.    ​Connect with him! Twitter: https://twitter.com/The_Right_Layne (@The_Right_Layne) Read his blog: https://therightlayne.blog/ (therightlayne.blog) 

Welcome to the Reconstructed Man Podcast! FTM Trans men hosts Layne & Daniel discuss why they started the podcast, what it means to be Reconstructed men, how they feel about their own masculinity, and the complexities of masculinity–Trans or Cis–in society today. Watch the filmed podcast https://youtu.be/u7bFg6e7RBw (here) https://www.thereconstructedman.com/ (www.thereconstructedman.com) layneanddaniel@gmail.com ABOUT THE PODCAST: Welcome to The Reconstructed Man, a filmed podcast exploring Trans issues—and more—from a Trans Masculine perspective, hosted by Layne Ingram & Daniel Thurman. Through real, emotional, and hilarious conversations, Layne & Daniel share their personal stories, interview guests and go deep into the often missed, often purposefully ignored stories of the Transgender and Trans adjacent community.  We welcome anyone—Cis, Trans and everyone in between—who is interested in important conversations around our ever evolving and fascinating world of gender identity and ways in which we can contribute to a Reconstructed and more inclusive society.  This project was born out of a desire to amplify the visibility of the FTM Trans experience, engage an active community of allies, and to embrace and uplift our beautiful Trans* community. Please share with anyone you know who may benefit from this work. ABOUT DANIEL: Daniel is a Transgender man, former high school and college drop out, healthy survivor of childhood trauma and life-long poet who is today, an educator, college administrator, social justice activist, inspiring public speaker, and now host of The Reconstructed Man Podcast.  He started his transition in the early 1990s, well before Transgender identity was well known and support services existed. Yet, his understanding of who he knew himself to be originated very early in his life. Lacking familial and community support or awareness, Daniel found his way through some very dark times and has since dedicated his life to positively model and represent the Trans Masculine experience. ABOUT LAYNE: Layne Ingram is an out-and-proud Transgender man with a passion for raising awareness of and supporting the Trans community, specifically youth and teens. He is a strong advocate for people being exactly who they are and living their lives as authentically as they can.  He graduated from the University of Michigan in 2002 with his bachelor's in communications after a standout, four-year career on the women's basketball team. He was then drafted to the WNBA's Sacramento Monarchs. Over the course of his professional career, Layne has worked in the non-profit, professional sports and higher-education sectors and is also an accomplished public speaker and national presenter.   Layne made the decision to transition in 2016 and hasn't looked back since.    ​Connect with him! Twitter: https://twitter.com/The_Right_Layne (@The_Right_Layne) Read his blog: https://therightlayne.blog (therightlayne.blog)