Podcasts about Mama Dragons

In this episode of The Peaceful Parenting Podcast, is a conversation with Rebecca Minor, a gender specialist who works with queer and trans youth and their families. We discuss the cost of not affirming kids' identities, how we can raise our kids in an affirming environment, and how we can support and advocate for LGBTQ+ kids out in the world! We talk about: 4:40 Statistics for kids who don't have loved ones affirming their identities 8:45 How can we raise kids in an affirming environment, before we know their identity? 13:07 How to advocate for your LGBTQ+ child 17:40 How to handle unsupportive people in your life (family, friends, etc.) 21:38 How to handle the hostile environment against LGBTQ+ people and families  25:30 Take your kids to family friendly PRYDE events!   Download the episode transcript HERE    Resources mentioned in this episode: Dealing with Non-Affirming Family Members: PFLAG's guide for families: https://pflag.org/resource/guide-to-being-a-supportive-parent/  Gender Spectrum's resources for caregivers: https://genderspectrum.org/articles/family-resources  Rebecca's blog: www.genderspecialist.com/blog   Who to Call, Write, or Donate To: Trans Youth Emergency Fund: https://southernequality.org/tyep/  Transgender Law Center: https://transgenderlawcenter.org ACLU Action: https://www.aclu.org/action or https://www.aclu.org/writing-your-elected-representatives Trans Lifeline: https://translifeline.org Raising Trans Kids: What to Expect When you Weren't Expecting This https://amzn.to/4e0XWT1  Organizations for people of faith who are supporting LGBTQ+ kids:  The Real Mama Bears https://www.realmamabears.org/   Free Mom Hugs https://freemomhugscanada.ca/ Mama Dragons https://www.mamadragons.org/   Connect with Sarah Rosensweet:   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahrosensweet/  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/peacefulparentingfreegroup YouTube: Peaceful Parenting with Sarah Rosensweet @peacefulparentingwithsarah4194 Website: https://reimaginepeacefulparenting.com   Join us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/peacefulparenting  Newsletter: https://reimaginepeacefulparenting.com/newsletter  Book a short consult or coaching session call: https://book-with-sarah-rosensweet.as.me/schedule.php   

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This is a replay of an important episode. Celeste and Jen join me on the podcast to talk about supporting LGBTQ kids, specifically if you're part of a religion or way of living that does not affirm them. Celeste is the executive director of Mama Dragons, which was created by Gina Crivello. Gina gathered a small group of Latter-Day Saints (Mormon) mothers together as they navigated supporting their LGBTQ children in a culture that was not affirming.  Since then, Mama Dragons has grown to become a leader in affirming parent education and offers support to more than 9,000 members worldwide. We cover: [6:50] What is Mama Dragons [11:50] How Jen found out her son was gay, and what she did to navigate it [15:20] The physical effects of coming out of ‘fight, flight of freeze' mode [19:10] The difference affirming parents make, and how you can affirm a child [22:10] Parenting practices to adopt  [24:30] What Jen wishes she knew about raising a gay son [26:30] What Jen has learned working with Mama Dragons  [29:10] The impact of growing up in a religious setting [31:50] The importance of doing your own research and not getting caught up in misinformation [33:10] Why people so threatened by the idea of LGBTQ people [38:35] Advice both Celeste and Jen would give to their younger parent self Download the episode transcript HERE Resources mentioned in this episode: Free ‘How to Stop Yelling' Course: https://reimaginepeacefulparenting.com/resources Join us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/peacefulparenting  Learning program Parachute – https://parachute.mamadragons.org/  Get free Parachute courses using the code PEACEFULPARENTING Connect with Sarah Rosensweet: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahrosensweet/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/peacefulparentingfreegroup Website: https://reimaginepeacefulparenting.com/ Join us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/peacefulparenting Newsletter: https://reimaginepeacefulparenting.com/newsletter Book a short consult or coaching session call: https://book-with-sarah-rosensweet.as.me/schedule.php 

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

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

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

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

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

When a group of Mormon women had their LGBTQ children come out to them, they realized that their culture and religion had not prepared them to be supportive. So they formed an organization to help educate and empower other Idaho parents, despite the state's hostile politics. Jen Blair is part of the Mama Dragons group, and is joining host Lindsay Van Allen to share how they're supporting families in the Treasure Valley.  Mama Dragons will have a booth at Boise Pride this weekend. Click here for more info on the event.  Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you'll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morning. Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find more info HERE. Reach us at boise@citycast.fm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Send us a Text Message.A recurring concern that we hear from parents when their child comes out as LGBTQ+ involves family, and more specifically the fear of losing the possibility of future family. Parents are sometimes worried when they find out they have a queer child, because they feel like they're losing their chance to be a grandparent, or they just really knew their child would make a great parent, but they don't think they'll get to actually experience parenthood as a queer person.  So, in an effort to dispel that myth that LGBTQ+ people don't have families, our guests today join guest host Shauna Jones to talk about their experiences as queer parents. Special Guest: Guy BerryessaGuy grew up mostly in conservative Provo, Utah, the fourth of four boys, and attended schools in Provo and briefly in Bangkok, Thailand, before attending college at BYU.  He came out at 26 to his father and a year later, after a year of volunteer service in Nigeria, to his mother (who immediately threw up!) and almost everyone else. His parents eventually became great, supportive allies. Guy and Trey, his husband of 26 years, moved to San Francisco in 1997. They adopted their first child in Germany in 2002 and a second in San Francisco in 2010.  They currently live primarily in Hawaii, but are often back to their San Francisco home, as their elder daughter attends Sonoma State. Special Guest: Sean Childers-GraySean Childers-Gray is a transgender man who grew up in Kearns, Utah, and co-founded a charity drag troupe called the Salt City Kings. He has a BA in graphic arts from Stevens-Henager and holds an MFA in media design. He has served as the President of Ogden Pride since 2020. In October 2021, he was honored with the Equality Utah Impact Award for Advancing Transgender Equality. Sean is a graphic designer and writer. He and his wife Sara are raising two queer teenagers, two huskies, and a cat named Todd. As an Educator in Higher Ed for over 15 years, Sean finds advocating for his students at Davis Tech College a priority as he continues his work for the LGBTQ+ community at large.Special Guest: Emily EnglishEmily is a writer, teacher, and grant program specialist who lives in Bellingham, Washington.  She is passionate about the rights and lives of young queer people.  She adores her 5 boys and considers being their mother to be one of the great joys of her life.  In her free time, she journals, writes, reads, and loves to go on adventures to odd and obscure places.Links from the Show:Join Mama Dragons today at www.mamadragons.org Mama Dragons on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mamadragons Mama Dragons on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themamadragons/ In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Send us a Text Message.In a perfect world, all parents would be prepared to welcome news of a queer child with love and affirmation. As we all know, we aren't there yet, and sometimes one parent is ready to do what has been shown to be best practices while another isn't. Good and loving parents often have some learning and unlearning to do, and it can be challenging when parents aren't on the same page. In today's episode, guest host Wendy VonSosen visits with special guests Brooke Caldwell, Lisa Dame, and Julia Bernards about what to do when parents disagree. Special Guest: Brooke CaldwellWith a background in education and administration, Brooke now works in the commercial real estate industry. She was an early member of the Mama Dragons group. Brooke loves sushi, soccer, traveling, and advocating for the LGBTQ+ community and other marginalized groups. She's a social justice warrior and loves big.Special Guest: Julia BernardsJulia is a licensed marriage and family therapist, researcher, writer, presenter, and mother. Three of her four children identify as LGBTQ+,  and she passionately loves, accepts, and supports them. Julia's PhD research focused on LDS parents' process in coming to accept a transgender child. Through that research, Julia was immersed in many families' sacred stories, and she is dedicated to sharing their words and the understandings that came from them. She has given presentations around the country and loves working with LGBTQ+ individuals and their families in therapy.Special Guest: Lisa DameLisa has been an ally for the LGBTQ+ community starting in 2013 when her oldest daughter officially came out.  She joined Mama Dragons in 2014 and found her own support and friendship among women with similar life journeys.  She has been on the Board of Mama Dragons for the last 7 years, which continues to be a sustaining part of her advocacy. In 2020, Lisa decided to go back to school to become a Clinical Mental Health Counselor and joined Flourish Therapy as an intern in 2021 and then became an employee as an Associate therapist in 2022. She currently enjoys her life of seeing clients, walking her dog, spending time with family and being outside in nature through hiking, playing sports and gardening.Links from the Show:Join Mama Dragons today at www.mamadragons.org Mama Dragons on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mamadragons Mama Dragons on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themamadragons/ In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

In this podcast episode, hosts Deborah Linder and Liz Rivera discuss the challenges and support systems for families with LGBTQ children, particularly focusing on the organization Mama Dragons. The episode begins with a brief introduction and proceeds to explore how Mama Dragons evolved from a small group of mothers to a significant support network. Special guest Jen Blair, host of the Mama Dragons podcast 'In the Den,' shares insights about reassuring parents when their child comes out and the importance of creating an inclusive and supportive environment at home. Jen emphasizes the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ youth in foster care, noting that they are overrepresented in the system and often face higher risks of self-harm and mental health issues. The discussion highlights the crucial role of mothers in protecting and advocating for their LGBTQ children, especially in conservative or religious communities where acceptance might be more challenging. Throughout the episode, various strategies for fostering a supportive environment are discussed, including the importance of educating parents, building a community of allies, and promoting positive dialogues about LGBTQ role models. Jen also underscores the significance of religious and community support, and how organizations like Mama Dragons and the Family Acceptance Project help families navigate these complexities. The conversation covers the benefits of proactive parenting and the necessity of providing LGBTQ youth with mentors and role models. Finally, the episode touches on the importance of Pride Month as a celebration of LGBTQ identity and the value of pride events for visibility and acceptance. The hosts encourage anyone, regardless of their current understanding, to seek education and join the support networks available. The episode concludes with a call for more foster parents, especially those who can provide supportive homes for LGBTQ youth. Full Transcript Want to learn more about becoming a Foster Parent? 

Send us a Text Message.Parents often worry about the future of their children.  And sometimes that intensifies for a bit when their child comes out.  They wonder if their child will be able to find love and relationship.  They wonder if their child will be held back in their careers. Today In the Den, Jen talks with special guests Seth Anderson and Michael Ferguson about their personal experiences of coming out, falling in love, and finding happiness. Listening to their personal narratives is a glimpse into another wonderful example of the health and success that is possible for LGBTQ individuals.Special Guest: Seth AndersonJ. Seth Anderson, PhD, was born in Provo, Utah, and raised in Utah and Arizona. He served a mission in the Russia, Samara mission. He earned a BA in Russian and a BS in Economics from Arizona State University, an MA in History from the University of Utah, and a PhD in History from Boston University. His dissertation explores the origin of gay conversion therapy. (He claims to be working on the book proposal, but that's debatable.) He likes to play piano and go to the gym. He and his husband Dr. Michael Ferguson, were the first same-sex couple married in Utah in 2013.Special Guest: Michael FergusonDr. Michael Ferguson is an Instructor in Neurology at Harvard Medical School, where he directs the Neurospirituality Lab at the Center for Brain Circuit Therapeutics. He also directs Wellness and Self-Discovery programs for first-year students at Harvard College, where he has launched the Crimson Compassion and Earth Compassion initiatives. He is a certified Mindful Self-Compassion teacher and a world leader in the science of spirituality. Dr. Ferguson earned his bachelor's degree at Brigham Young University and his PhD at the University of Utah. He currently serves as the choir director of the Cambridge 1st Ward in Cambridge, Massachusetts.Links from the Show: The Compassion.Science website: https://neuromichael.com/Join Mama Dragons today at www.mamadragons.org Mama Dragons on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mamadragons Mama Dragons on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themamadragons/ In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Send us a Text Message.Words with Friends 12Words with Friends episodes are bonus episodes where different members of Mama Dragons provide definitions for LGBTQ related topics. This episode includes the following definitions:Deadname shared by Roxy Rich in Temecula, CaliforniaBinding shared by Tracey in Edinburgh, ScotlandMisgender shared by Betania in IndianaPronoun Usage  shared by Mel in Southeast IdahoIn the Den is made possible by generous donors like you.Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Send us a Text Message.Pride events happen around the calendar all across the country, but June is officially Pride month, and the entire month is filled with opportunities to celebrate with our LGBTQ+ loved ones. With the party on the horizon, some of us might have questions about how to show up and participate. In this episode of In the Den, Jen sits down with three other moms to tackle some of the most common questions around attending Pride. Special guests Chrysteil Hunter, Dez Weyburn, and Diane Oviatt discuss their experiences with Pride in different parts of the country. Special Guest: Chrysteil HunterChrysteil lives in Mill Creek, Washington, and is a single mom of four incredible adult kids, one 10 year old son, and has a 5 year old grandson. She works full time, one-on-one, with kids on the autism spectrum. She has been a member of Mama Dragons since 2015, serving in many positions, including WA/AK regional coordinator, board member, Director of Education, Director of the D&I Committee, and QPR suicide prevention training instructor. She loves the mountains, road trips, listening to audio books, and, most of all, spending time with her kids.Special Guest: Dez Weyburn Dez is a queer mom of two, birth doula, and massage therapist in Northern Utah. She believes in serving her community and has done so through birth work for over a decade. She also helped run the local postpartum support group and has been a committee member for Davis County PRIDE for the past three years. When she's not building her career or doing volunteer work, she's probably reading to her kids or working on learning Spanish or American Sign Language.Special Guest: Diane OviattDiane is a pediatric oncology nurse in Oakland, California, and a founding member of Mama Dragons. She loves kids and color and cheese. Her idea of a good time is reading restaurant reviews and visiting new bakeries. Links from the Show:Join Mama Dragons today at www.mamadragons.org Mama Dragons on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mamadragons Mama Dragons on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themamadragons/ In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Send us a Text Message.Content Warning: This episodes has mentions of suicidal ideation.In this week's episode of In the Den, Jen visits with special guests Alex and Christy Florence about their individual journeys that led them to meet and eventually marry each other. Alex shares his unique experiences as a Latino adoptee and trans man from a conservatively religious family. Christy talks about her experience as an actively religious mother whose child came out as gay and later trans, and the events that led her to meet and fall in love with Alex. Special Guest: Christy FlorenceChristy was born and raised in Shelley, Idaho. She is a farmer's daughter and was taught to work hard, for which she is grateful. She served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Poland and is grateful for that experience. Christy is the mom of 4 amazing humans, Adam, Zoe, Luke and Isaac. She is married to Alex Florence and has been living in Farmington, Utah for the past 9 years. Christy has been part of the Mama Dragons for almost 10 years. Together, Alex and Christy advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and commit to be a safe space for families in the LGBTQ community.Special Guest: Alex FlorenceAlex was born in Galeana, Mexico, and was adopted by a family in Layton, Utah, where he was raised. Alex knew from a very young age that he was not comfortable in his body. He struggled to make sense of the disconnect his soul had with his body. After navigating through societal, cultural, religious beliefs and his family expectations, Alex finally decided to live authentically and openly when he started transitioning in December of 2011. Alex's journey has since provided many opportunities, including advocacy work, speaking engagements, and serving as President on a non-profit board for one of Utah's oldest non-profit organizations in Salt Lake City. He has helped guide other transgender individuals in their own journey towards authenticity.  Alex and Christy have been married since 2016 and live in Farmington Utah. Links from the Show:Join Mama Dragons today at www.mamadragons.org Mama Dragons on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mamadragons Mama Dragons on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themamadragons/ In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

There are similarities and differences between all of our individual stories as Mama Dragons. We come from diverse religious backgrounds, political parties, family dynamics, and geographic areas. Each of us started at different levels of acceptance, but we all relate to the desire of wanting to protect our children over our own biases. This week, we continue our new series of telling Mama Dragons stories. In this episode of In the Den, we meet Chelsea. Special Guest: Chelsea Hanson (she, her) is a 51 year old teacher and artist currently living in Las Vegas, Nevada.  She grew up in Shelley, Idaho, graduated high school in Conrad, Montana, graduated from Boise State University with a degree in illustration, and spent 2 years studying at a private art academy.  She has also lived in Utah and Oregon.  She has been teaching visual art in the public school realm for 15 years.  She has two awesome, lovely, smart, funny, resilient kids, a 16 year old son and her 20 year old daughter (dragon) who are both the center of her world.  She enjoys playing and coaching tennis, playing guitar, loves music, loves being outdoors, making and building stuff and spending time with her kids.  Links from the Show:Join Mama Dragons today at www.mamadragons.org Mama Dragons on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mamadragons Mama Dragons on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themamadragons/ In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Words with Friends 11Words with Friends episodes are bonus episodes where different members of Mama Dragons provide definitions for LGBTQ related topics. This episode includes the following definitions:Homophobia shared by Clare in EnglandTransphobia/Transmisia shared by Sarah M. in Fargo, North DakotaTERF shared by Connie W. in Canberra, Australia NOT Pedophilia  shared by Yani Vega, Puerto RicoIn the Den is made possible by generous donors like you.Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at mamadragons.org. Words with Friends 11Words with Friends episodes are bonus episodes where different members of Mama Dragons provide definitions for LGBTQ related topics. This episode includes the following definitions:Homophobia shared by Clare in EnglandTransphobia/Transmisia shared by Sarah M. in Fargo, North DakotaTERF shared by Connie W. in Canberra, Australia NOT Pedophilia  shared by Yani Vega, Puerto RicoIn the Den is made possible by generous donors like you.Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

In this episode of In the Den, Jen joins three moms whose trans kids came out and transitioned as young adults. They'll answer a handful of frequently asked questions regarding the unique experiences of parenting an adult trans child.Special Guest: Chrysteil HunterChrysteil Hunter lives in Mill Creek, Washington, and is a single mom of four incredible adult kids, one 10 year old son, and has a 5 year old grandson. She works full time, one-on-one, with kids on the autism spectrum. She has been a member of Mama Dragons since 2015, serving in many positions, including WA/AK regional coordinator, board member, Director of Education, Director of the D&I Committee, & QPR suicide prevention training instructor. She loves the mountains, road trips, listening to audio books, and most of all, spending time with her kids.Special Guest: Chrisann ToelupeChrisann Toelupe is a married mom of four living in a rural Utah town.  She has been affiliated with Mama Dragons since her son came out as gay.  A few years later, another child would come out as transgender.  Through it all, her family has remained close by loving and supporting each other as their authentic selves. When Chrisann is not vacationing in Disneyland, she is watching Disneyland YouTube videos and planning more trips to Disney.  Special Guest: Shauna JonesShauna has been an active member of Mama Dragons since 2015. She hates winter, yet still finds herself living in the state of Idaho. Shauna has a husband, three young adult children (one of whom is transgender), a one eyed black lab, and an exuberant golden retriever puppy. Shauna loves running and all things rainbow.Links from the show:Mama Dragons website: www.mamadragons.org Mama Dragons on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mamadragons Mama Dragons on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themamadragons/ The Family Acceptance Project: https://lgbtqfamilyacceptance.org/ In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Dating these days can be daunting for anyone, but dating as a queer person comes with unique challenges. The parents in our Mama Dragons groups ask a lot of questions about how to help their queer kids with dating when the time comes. In this episode of In the Den, Jen tackles the topic of dating and turns to the experts–four young, queer, Gen Z adults. They discuss their experiences, share ideas, and give advice for how to handle the potential obstacles of dating as young queer people. Special Guest: Trieste Trieste (she/they) is bisexual and lives in Logan, UT with her cat, Stevie. She is about to graduate from USU with a bachelor's degree in Social Work. In her free time, she loves listening to music, crocheting, and catching up on her favorite shows! Special Guest: Rissa Rissa (she/her) is a lesbian from Sandy,  Utah. Rissa loves anything artistic and creative. Right now her favorite medium is poetry, especially writing, reading, and having existential crises over it. Special Guest: JakeJake (he/him) is 21 years old, originally from San Jose, CA. He went to a year of college at Brigham Young University-Idaho. He transferred to Utah State University, and after a year of school, he is finishing up his bachelor's degree in Psychology this May. Jake enjoys music, hiking, chatting, and learning.Special Guest: MayMay (they/them) is a nonbinary bisexual from Albuquerque, New Mexico. They are currently getting their Master's degree in Political Science from Utah State University. In addition to politics, May studies art, and has had a focus on sculpture and oil paint. They love reading, spending time with friends, and avoiding hiking at all costs.Links from the Show: Join Mama Dragons today: www.mamadragons.org In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

This week's episode of In the Den kicks off a new series! There are similarities and differences between all of our individual stories. We come from diverse religious backgrounds, political parties, family dynamics, and geographic areas. Each of us started at different levels of acceptance, but we all relate to the desire of wanting to protect our children over our own biases. So a few times a year, we will be sharing a Mama Dragon's story. Today, we meet Jasmine. Special Guest: JasmineJasmine grew up in California at a time when being gay was illegal.  Her very conservative family made it very clear that there were “normal” people and “sinful” people, who were to be shunned and avoided, if not treated more harshly.  As a very small child she knew she was different but felt her difference was even worse than being gay.   So she spent decades trying to hide and ignore this reality that the world was not ready to accept. All of this dramatically changed about 5 years ago when one of her children came out to her wife as trans.  Fortunately, Jasmine and her wife had grown past a lot of the closed-minded bigotry they had been raised with, and they both loved their children very much.  Even though this went against their religious beliefs they knew they were not going to reject their children.  But accepting their child as trans also meant accepting that trans was valid.  For Jasmine, this brought to the surface all of the decades of pretending.  At the time she knew very little about any LGBTQ topics, but that was about to change.Links from the Show:Jasmine's story on the Mama Dragon blog: https://www.mamadragons.org/post/taught-by-our-children-1 Jasmine's blog: www.j616.org Join Mama Dragons today: www.mamadragons.org Mama Dragons on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mamadragons Mama Dragons on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themamadragons/ In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

It's common to hear teenagers complain, “My parents just don't understand me.” When your child is LGBTQ, and your experience is that of a straight and/or cisgender person, that may actually be more true than we realize. We surveyed queer youth and gathered their feedback to learn what they most wish their parents understood. Jen sits down with queer and trans therapist Cole Brennan to discuss a handful of the things that LGBTQ teens submitted as potential understanding growth points for their parents. Special Guest: Cole BrennanCole is a queer and transgender mental health therapist Ellie Mental Health in the Denver area,  former bike mechanic and youth outdoor educator, and lover of nature, adventures, and above all, people. Cole works primarily with LGBTQ+ identified youth and adults, and has a passion for helping his clients find their innate love and joy for themselves, their many identities, and the world around them. Cole lives in Denver, Colorado with his partner, two young children, and two equally young pups.Links from the Show:Cole's therapy services: https://www.heartmindtherapydenver.com/ Ellie Mental Health: https://elliementalhealth.com/locations/denver-west-co/ Join the Mama Dragons today: www.mamadragons.org In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org.  Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Mama Dragons supports, educates, and empowers mothers of LGBTQ children, but we also celebrate and acknowledge the importance of affirming fathers. In this episode of In the Den, Jen talks with three dads of LGBTQ kids about their experiences and learned wisdom from raising their queer kids. Special Guest: Lance SweetenLance Sweeten holds a bachelor's degree in engineering and works as a façade designer in Salt Lake City, UT. He's a husband and proud father of four children. His oldest daughter is transgender. He serves as a board member and administrator for the FB group "Dragon Dads," an organization dedicated to educating and supporting fathers of queer kids. Lance works with Equality Utah and the ACLU of Utah, where he actively opposes anti-LGBTQ legislation in the state's house and senate. Recognizing the need for parental support, Lance established the FB group "Shades of Love," which empowers parents and caregivers of LGBTQ+ children. Special Guest: Pat WrightPat has been a part of the Dragon Dads for about five years.  He loves camping, hiking, and adventures all around the world.  He enjoys spending time with all his kids and helping them grow into adults.  He has six kids–four stepkids, two biological kids, one trans son, and one bisexual daughter.  He loves to participate in Pride and volunteer in the community.  Besides volunteering with Project Rainbow and LGBTQ+ group at work he also runs a not-for-profit called Utah Geek Events that puts on events for the tech community in Utah Special Guest: Ralf VonSosenRalf came to the U.S. from Austria in high school. He made his way to Utah where he earned degrees from BYU and the University of Utah. After marrying his high school sweetheart, they moved to the CA Bay Area where they raised four kids. When their third child came out as gay, it shook their conservative Mormon family narrative and launched them on a new journey that included the welcoming of their transgender daughter. Ralf and his wife Wendy recently moved to Salt Lake City, Utah.Links from the Show:Find Dragon Dads on FB: https://www.facebook.com/DragonDads Join the Mama Dragons today: www.mamadragons.org In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Please help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org.  Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Wendy Montgomery returns the podcast as Mike and Doug chat with her all about the Ennegram, a dynamic personality system that identifies nine unique types, each with distinct motivations and behaviors. We discuss how it can be used to:Offer deep insights into personal patterns, childhood woundings and growth opportunitiesGain self-awareness, improve relationships, and enhance emotional intelligenceFoster empathy and effective communicationAnd much more!Previous episodes featuring Wendy:#42: Your Inner Momma Dragon#43: Breaking JesusAbout Wendy:Wendy Montgomery is a Professional Certified Life Coach with the highly-esteemed Life Coach School as well as a trained & accredited iEQ9 Enneagram Educator and Coach. She has been studying the Enneagram for over a decade and is endlessly fascinated with its depth, accuracy and what it tells us about who we are and why we do what we do. It has been a game-changer for her in relationships, parenting, professional settings & self-development. Wendy can tell you just about everything there is to know about the Enneagram and how to implement it into your life for deep and lasting change. She has found no greater tool in understanding herself and others.Wendy is the mother of five children, four of which identify as LGBTQIA+. She and her husband, Tom, have been married for 29 years. She was a lifelong Mormon (LDS) with deep pioneer roots, but left the church in 2018 after a lengthy and tumultuous effort to make the LDS Church more loving and accepting for queer Saints and their families. The story of the Montgomerys and how they navigated this minefield is documented in the Family Acceptance Project's 2012 award-winning short film, "Families are Forever."Wendy has been a vocal national advocate for inclusion and equality for the LGBTQIA+ community for over ten years. Her family was the recipient of several awards for their life-saving work, including the “Voice Ally” award from the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles, the “Let Love Define Family” award from Raise A Child, and the “Tree of Life” award from Affirmation. Interviews and news stories about Wendy, her advocacy, and their family can be found in The Associated Press, Huffington Post, NPR, The Advocate, O Magazine, NY Times, ABCnews.com, Religion Dispatches, Salt Lake Tribune, Deseret News & many more.Wendy is the co-founder of Mama Dragons and has sat on the Board of Directors for both Mama Dragons and Affirmation (the largest international Mormon LGBTQIA+ organization).  She is trained and certified in suicide prevention & awareness through both QPR and the Trevor Project; she facilitates workshops on this important issue around the country. In her work as a national LGBTQIA+ activist, she has worked closely with organizations such as the Family Acceptance Project, The Trevor Project, Affirmation, Mama Dragons, HRC's Equality in Religion, ACLU Arizona, ONE Community, GMCLA, PFLAG National, LoveLoud 2017, Equality Utah, Peculiar, etc.Wendy loves to read, learn new things, practice yoga, meditation and breathwork, and spend time with family & friends. Her favorite place is Sedona, AZ and she visits as often as she can. She lives in Chandler, Arizona with her awesome husband and amazing kids. Links:www.wendymontgomery.comInstagram: WendyMontCoachFacebook: Wendy Montgomery CoachingThreads: WendyMontCoachTikTok: WendyMontCoachYouTube: WendyMontgomeryCoaching

Episode 56–All Things GenderIn this week's episode of In the Den, Jen sits down with special guest Erik VonSosen and her mother Wendy to chat about all things gender related. They cover everything from gender performance, gender expression to gender experience, gender transition, and more.Special Guest: Wendy VonSosenWendy joined Mama Dragons in 2016. She's the mother of 4 grown kids, including a transgender daughter. She and her husband recently relocated to Salt Lake City after living in the San Francisco Bay Area for the last 25 years. Their kids are scattered among California, Utah, and Arizona. When she's not on her computer, Wendy can be found walking her two dogs and trying to get her cat to like her.Special Guest: Erik Charlotte VonSosenErik is a 22 year old writer, fashion designer, and recent college graduate living in Los Angeles. She works hard for the money, fueled by a passion for vintage dresses, transgender advocacy, and sour gummy bears. Links from the Show:Some gender definitions: https://www.hrc.org/resources/sexual-orientation-and-gender-identity-terminology-and-definitions More definitions: https://www.talkspace.com/blog/gender-identity-vs-gender-expression/ More on gender: https://www.apa.org/topics/lgbtq/transgender-people-gender-identity-gender-expression Join Mama Dragons today: www.mamadragons.org In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you.Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org.  Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Words with Friends 10Words with Friends episodes are bonus episodes where different members of Mama Dragons provide definitions for LGBTQ related topics. This episode includes the following definitions:Questioning shared by Maria Fergus in WashingtonButch shared by Kellie in West TexasFemme shared by Michelle in Boise, IdahoAndrogynous  shared by M'Lisa E. in IdahoIn the Den is made possible by generous donors like you.Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

EPISODE 54–Just the FAQs–Moms of Trans Minors In this episode of In the Den, Jen joins two mothers of young transgender children to answer a handful of frequently asked questions regarding actively parenting an underage trans child in today's political climate. Because it isn't currently safe to be a transgender child, and because we don't wish to put trans children or their families at increased risk, we will be using pseudonyms and changing identifying information for this episode's guests to protect their anonymity so that we can discuss these important topics without putting a target on families' backs.When did your child first start talking to you about gender and what did that look like?How did you respond to those early ideas and conversations?Was there a specific point where you knew that this was a real thing?  And what did you do at that point?Did your child experience dysphoria and what did that look like from the outside?What was the first step of transition for your child?What sorts of things came next?What transition related things do you see for your child's future?How has this all been socially for your child and your family?How are the political conversations and current legislation impacting your family?What common myths can you debunk for us?Links from the show:Mama Dragons website: www.mamadragons.org Mama Dragons on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mamadragons Mama Dragons on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themamadragons/ The Family Acceptance Project: https://lgbtqfamilyacceptance.org/ In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

In 2023, a record-breaking 586 bills were introduced across the United States that specifically targeted transgender people and their right to exist. From removing trans people's access to healthcare to their access to public bathrooms, sports, books, or simply the use of their names and pronouns, efforts to erase trans people were intense. The 2024 legislative season is around the corner, and there will undoubtedly be another onslaught of anti-LGBTQ bills up for debate.  Neca Allgood returns to the podcast to talk about the upcoming legislative season with Jen. They discuss the general categories of anti-trans legislation that occur, how to combat misinformation, and ways to make a difference politically. They also discuss the importance of resilience, healthy boundaries, and self-care during difficult times. Special Guest: Neca AllgoodNeca Allgood is the mother of a transgender son. She is a former President of Mama Dragons, a current Mama Dragons board member, and a former board member of Affirmation: LGBTQ Mormons, Families, and Friends. Neca and her husband own a small engineering consulting company. She has a PhD in Molecular Biology.  And Neca has been a powerful political ally to the LGBTQ community for over a decade now.Links from the Show:ACLU Legislation Tracking: https://www.aclu.org/legislative-attacks-on-lgbtq-rightsTrans Equality 2023 Legislation Tracking by State: https://transequality.org/state-action-center Track Trans Legislation: https://www.tracktranslegislation.com/  Southern Poverty Law Center Hate Map: https://www.splcenter.org/hate-map PFLAG newsletters: https://pflag.org/newsletters/ Truth Sandwiches: https://www.pbs.org/standards/blogs/standards-articles/what-is-a-truth-sandwich/ National Center for Lesbian Rights: https://www.nclrights.org/ Sue Robbins website: https://sueinut.com/ GLSEN: https://www.glsen.org/ Equality Federation: https://www.equalityfederation.org/ Join Mama Dragons today: www.mamadragons.org In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you.Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org.  Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

In the Den is one year old! To celebrate a full year of episodes, we're turning the spotlight back onto our intrepid host Jen Blair.  Mama Dragons Executive Director Celeste Carolin guest hosts and asks Jen about her experiences of having a child come out as gay and finding Mama Dragons in its earliest years of existence. We hope you enjoy this chance to get to know Jen better and to glimpse the source of her endless passion for creating a better world for parents of LGBTQ children. Special Guest: Jen BlairJen has been a member of Mama Dragons since January 2014. She has a husband, four amazing kids, and one pet--a plastic skeleton dog that sits on her porch during the month of October. Originally from Utah, Jen currently lives in Idaho. When not practicing yoga or reading, she's often having lively conversations with strangers on the internet. Special Guest Host: Celeste Carolin Celeste Carolin studied business at Harvard Extension School and is currently earning a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from NCU. As a queer (lesbian) cisgender woman, she has worked with LGBTQ youth and non-profits for the past 10 years. Celeste has served in Mama Dragons leadership since 2016 and currently serves as the Mama Dragons Executive Director. She lives just outside Seattle with her lovely partner Jamie, extended family, grand kiddos, and their pup Jackson Blue. Both Celeste and her partner come from non accepting religious roots, which fuels Celeste's passion for understanding and serving the intersectionality of faith and parenting LGBTQ children. Links from the Show:Join Mama Dragons today: www.mamadragons.org In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you.Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org.  Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Content Warning: Frank discussion of death by suicideIn this week's episode of In the Den, Jen sits down with fellow Mama Dragons Julie Turnbull and Alyson Paul Deussen to talk about their lived experiences as mothers surviving the loss of their sons to suicide. In this vulnerable discussion, they honestly share the difficult moments of parenting a suicidal child and the journey of grief that their lives took when their child died by suicide. We hope their insights help other parents who are facing the same unthinkable parenthood journey of loss. Special Guest: Julie Turnbull Julie Turnbull has been involved in LGBTQ ally spaces since 2014 when she joined the Mama Dragons FB group. In January 2015, her gay son Tyso, died by suicide, and Mama Dragons became the space for her to find support in her grief. She was also motivated to turn her grief into action, so she became more involved in Mama Dragons. In 2017, she was elected as the 2nd president of Mama Dragons. In 2018, she served as Mama Dragons President. Under her leadership, Mama Dragons received non-profit status and formed a 501c3. Currently she is serving as the podcast guest coordinator for In the Den with Mama Dragons podcast. Julie is self-employed and manages her own rental properties. She lives in Snohomish, Washington with her partner. She is the mother of 6 (5 living) and the grandmother of 4.Special Guest: Alyson Paul DeussenAlyson began her journey with the LGBT community in 2012 with her then newly out son, Stockton. Tragedy stuck in 2016 when Alyson lost Stockton to suicide. Since then, she has continued to share their story in an effort to bring awareness (#standingforstockton #ichooselove). She has been involved with Utah's LGBTQ Suicide Prevention Workgroup, I'll Walk With You, Affirmation, and Mama Dragons. Presently, Alyson is working with the Love Loud organization, Flourish Therapy, and has helped create sexual health training for parents.  Alyson and her husband George are board members with the UofU Caring Connections: A Hope of Comfort in Grief Programs.  The mission is to provide evidence based bereavement care for grieving persons. Alyson and her husband George have three kids, three grandkids, and currently live in North Salt Lake, UT. They enjoy doing humanitarian work, snow skiing, water skiing, soccer, and traveling. Links from the Show: Resources for Survivors of Suicide Loss: https://sprc.org/tools/resources-survivors-suicide-loss/Alyson and Stockton Al Jazeera America interview: http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2015/6/30/mama-dragons-make-life-easier-for-gay-mormon-children.html#:~:text=The%20Mama%20Dragons%20offer%20one,families%20and%20are%20sometimes%20suicidal.Standing for Stockton website: https://www.standingforstockton.com/ Join Mama Dragons here: www.mamadragons.org Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Content Warning: Talk of SuicideIf you are having thoughts of suicide or self harm, please call or text 988, or chat 988lifeline.orgMisconceptions and stigma can make suicide hard to understand, but talking about it can make a huge difference. Mama Dragons is committed to keeping the conversation at the forefront of our group to help conquer those misconceptions and help lower suicide rates. In this week's episode of In the Den, Jen talks with special guest Taryn Aiken Hiatt about factors that impact suicide risk, warning signs of suicidality, and what to do when someone you know is having thoughts of suicide. Special Guest: Taryn Aiken Hiatt Taryn is a dedicated advocate with a passion for changing the culture around mental health, suicide and substance use disorders.  She is a loss survivor, losing her dad in 2002, and an attempt survivor who lives in recovery today. Taryn founded and is the executive director for the Utah Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. She has testified before congress in Washington DC to increase awareness and support for better access to mental health services and to promote healthy discussions about suicide. She is widely respected throughout the nation for her hard work and dedication to saving lives. Taryn is finishing the Master's in Social Work program at UVU and graduates in May 2024. Taryn believes in the power of human connection and is dedicated to preventing suicide.Links from the Show: Donate to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: www.afsp.org Find a local support group through AFSP: https://afsp.org/find-a-local-chapter/ Volunteer with AFSP: https://afsp.org/advocate-for-suicide-prevention/ National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/Home Join Mama Dragons today: www.mamadragons.org In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you.Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org.  Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Content Note: this episode contains descriptions of a child's coming out from the perspective of a parent, who is candid about her own homophobia. This story is shared with the consent of the (now adult) child, but some of the parent's early conceptions of the queer community are admittedly uneducated. In this episode, Elle shares an earnest conversation with Jen Blair, who shares her journey as the mother of a gay son. Jen's family spent decades in the LDS church, and by most standards were a typical Mormon family. When her son came out 10 years ago, she found herself at a complete loss for information, and with a singular mission: to love her son the same as she had been loving him before he came out. Jen shares her story of rebuilding community with and for her family in this episode of Hoorf!Subscribe to Hoorf! Radical Care in a Late Capitalist Heckscape wherever you listen to your favorite podcast:Apple | Spotify | Google | YouTubeBecome a Patron:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hoorfpodcast/membershipConnect with Elle Billing:Website: www.hoorfpodcast.com / www.elleandwink.comInstagram: instagram.com/hoorfpodcastSupport the show

Words with Friends 9Words with Friends episodes are bonus episodes where different members of Mama Dragons provide definitions for LGBTQ related topics. This episode includes the following definitions:WPATH shared by Becky J. from Salt Lake City, UtahROGD shared by Pannay G. from WisconsinSRS/GCS shared by Melissa H. from GeorgiaSOGIE  shared by Heather G. from Southern IdahoIn the Den is made possible by generous donors like you.Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

In this week's episode of In the Den, Jen sits down with Emmy award-winning transgender filmmaker Asher May-Corsini as he discusses his experiences of pursuing a career in the American film industry. He shares some of his favorite memories in making the Mama Dragons documentary, and how that experience changed him forever. He also offers insights into what brings him fulfillment as a filmmaker and where he finds queer joy in his life. Special Guest: Asher May-CorsiniAsher is a New York City native who fell in love with film after watching The Wizard of Oz as a child. He spent most of his adolescence with a camera in his hand, attending film school after film school. While his career has taken him on beautiful and unexpected adventures, he always believes that the best is yet to come. Asher has worked in media for over ten years and has a track record of proven successes in branded content and documentary film. Asher has established himself as a big-picture thinker and is known as someone who can be leaned on for creative ideation and problem-solving.Asher has received tremendous acclaim for his varied work in the industry. His talent spans all production facets, from pre-production to field production to post-production. As a transgender man, Asher focuses much of his attention on LGBTQ+ issues and uses his platform to amplify LGBTQ+ people and their stories. Asher still spends his free time with a camera in his hand, waiting for the magic to happen.Links from the Show:Asher's website: https://www.maycorsini.comGreat Big Story's Mama Dragons Documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34J95Ev3wy4Asher on IG: https://www.instagram.com/maycorsini/ Documentary on Club Q: https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/news/video/club-found-love-lost-loved-100049217Join Mama Dragons today at: www.mamadragons.org In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you.Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org.Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Words with Friends episodes are bonus episodes where different members of Mama Dragons provide definitions for LGBTQ related topics. This episode includes the following definitions:Intersex shared by Becky JohnsonSex shared by Pam TheronGender shared by Barbara ProudfootEndosex  shared by Rhonda HillIn the Den is made possible by generous donors like you.Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Words with Friends episodes are bonus episodes where different members of Mama Dragons provide definitions for LGBTQ related topics. This episode includes the following definitions:Nonbinary, shared by Shauna from Idaho, USABigender, shared by Marnie Lobban from Australia Agender, shared by Mel Fraze from CaliforniaGender Diverse, shared by Zane Bates from ColoradoIn the Den is made possible by generous donors like you.Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Words with Friends episodes are bonus episodes where different members of Mama Dragons provide definitions for LGBTQ related topics. This episode includes the following definitions:Asexual (Ace) shared by Marie Mulling from TexasAromantic (Aro) shared by Roxana Reguera from CaliforniaAllosexual shared by Tracey Anne from ScotlandDemisexual shared by Amy HutchissonIn the Den is made possible by generous donors like you.Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at mamadragons.org.Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Words with Friends episodes are bonus episodes where different members of Mama Dragons provide definitions for LGBTQ related topics. This episode includes the following definitions:Gender Identity shared by Julie Turnbull from WashingtonGender Dysphoria shared by Arlo Dennis from FloridaGender Presentation shared by Pannay Guigley from WisconsinStealth/Passing  shared by Lisa Renaud from Ontario, CanadaIn the Den is made possible by generous donors like you.Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at mamadragons.org.Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

During many of our episodes, we drop the name of our organization–Mama Dragons. We answer questions that are asked in our groups, and we discuss the themes that most often show up by those who seek support. However, some people might get connected to the podcast but not understand who the Mama Dragons are. This week, we're going to talk about where Mama Dragons came from, where we are now, and allow listeners to better understand who we are as an organization and why we do what we do. Special Guests: Yvette Barrus Zobell, Neca Allgood, Julie Turnbull, Wendy VonSosen, Celeste Carolin, and Cameo Sherman.Links from the show: History of Mama Dragons: https://www.mamadragons.org/history-of-mama-dragonsAbout Mama Dragons: https://www.mamadragons.org/about Mama Dragons Programs: https://www.mamadragons.org/programs Shop Mama Dragons: https://www.mamadragons.org/shop-2 Mama Dragons fundraising: https://www.mamadragons.org/s-projects-basic In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you.Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org.  Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

CONTENT WARNING: This episode includes talk of suicide, self harm, and suicidal ideation.It's a very special Just the FAQs episode at In the Den, because we have a panel made up entirely of licensed therapists to answer some of our most frequently asked questions regarding parenting an LGBTQ child. Jen brings back past podcast guests Dianne Piggott, Cole Brennan, and Laura Skaggs, and asks them to share their wisdom from working as therapists for LGBTQ clients, as well as being members of the queer community themselves. A lot of LGBTQ people are at high risk of self-harming and other maladaptive behaviors including suicidal ideation. Can you talk a little about this reality and what families can do to help mitigate those risks?How can parents get out of their own panic and shame in order to be more effective in helping their kids who are struggling?An issue that comes up a lot for our members is the idea that their child is continuously being tossed to and fro in a culture that doesn't always understand them. Do you have good ideas about helping build resiliency?Do you have ideas that you suggest to families of things that can help ease the discomfort or pain of dysphoria?How on earth should parents safely navigate the world of sleepovers with their queer kids?The rates of autism are really high in the transgender community. I know that nobody really knows why this is, but given your personal experience with this client population, do you have insights that might help parents know if they should be checking for one if the other is present? Links from the show:Mama Dragons website: www.mamadragons.org Mama Dragons on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mamadragons Mama Dragons on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themamadragons/ The Family Acceptance Project: https://lgbtqfamilyacceptance.org/ In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you.Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Words with Friends episodes are bonus episodes where different members of Mama Dragons provide definitions for LGBTQ related topics. This episode includes the following definitions:Cisgender shared by Clare McFaddenAFAB shared by Melissa HardinAMAB shared by Heather GoodingTwo Spirit  shared by Sheri ProctorIn the Den is made possible by generous donors like you.Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Join Dr. Cami Hurst and Jen from Mama Dragons in this cross-over episode from In The Den. Cami and Jen talk about how to educate children of all ages about consent, and how to talk to your kids about safe sex.

Words with Friends episodes are bonus episodes where different members of Mama Dragons provide definitions for LGBTQ related topics. This episode includes the following definitions:Bisexual shared by Marnie LobbanPansexual shared by Tracey Anne from ScotlandLesbian shared by Steph Leanne from MississippiPregnancy (queer potential)  shared by Shauna Jones from IdahoIn the Den is made possible by generous donors like you.Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at mamadragons.org.Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

In this episode of In the Den, Jen brings back past guests Lori Davis, Shauna Jones, Neca Allgood, and Laura Skaggs to answer some frequently asked questions regarding parenting an LGBTQ child. What do I do if my partner/co-parent isn't supportive of my child?Why does my child say they are a boy but wear dresses and makeup? What's the difference between gender identity and expression?How do I protect my child, both physically and emotionally?How do I respect my child's reality without “outing” them as we move through the world?Links from the show:Mama Dragons website: www.mamadragons.org Mama Dragons on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mamadragons Mama Dragons on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themamadragons/ The Family Acceptance Project: https://familyproject.sfsu.edu/More Family Acceptance Project: https://lgbtqfamilyacceptance.org/In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you.Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

It can be a confusing and even frustrating experience for parents when their LGBTQ child changes how they label their identity. It's important to understand that it is very common for LGBTQ young people to find a label for themselves and to later change that label to something else down the road. What does label changing mean, and how can we fully support our children when we don't understand certain labels? Does changing labels mean that it's all really just a phase? In this week's episode of In the Den, Jen talks with Elizabeth Johnson about the importance and usefulness of labels within the LGBTQ spectrum of experience and why those labels might change along the way.  Special Guest: Elizabeth JohnsonElizabeth Johnson is a widowed mom of four adult children (three of whom are bisexual), a transgender son-in-law, a non-binary "bonus kiddo,"  and one grandson. She has been active with Mama Dragons since 2020 as a member of the marketing team, and was part of the education team that developed the first Parachute course, Intro to Understanding Your LGBTQ Child. She lives in Michigan where she is active in choir, community theater, and her local Optimist Club. Links from the show: Elizabeth's Mama Dragons article on labels: https://www.mamadragons.org/post/why-does-my-child-keep-changing-their-labels Join MamaDragons today at www.mamadragons.org In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you.Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Words with Friends episodes are bonus episodes where different members of Mama Dragons provide definitions for LGBTQ related topics. This episode includes the following definitions:Labels, shared by Clare McFadyen from EnglandQueer, shared by Barbara Proudfoot from South Africa Gay, shared by Roxana Rich from California, USATransgender, shared by Pannay from Wisconsin, USAIn the Den is made possible by generous donors like you.Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Nothing has the potential to create beautiful memories or deeply hurt feelings quite like family gatherings. Family is central for many of us, but having and supporting an LGBTQ child may open your family up to situations of conflict and discomfort when it comes to family interactions. In this episode of In the Den, Jen talks with therapist Laura Skaggs about possible scenarios that may be encountered, and healthy strategies to navigate interactions and events with family that will help ensure inclusion and support for your LGBTQ child. Special Guest: Laura SkaggsLaura Skaggs is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in treating spiritual trauma at the intersection of LGBTQ+ experiences and religion. Laura earned her master's degree in marriage and family therapy at San Diego State University with an emphasis in LGBTQ+ mental health within conservative religious social contexts. She went on to serve for two years on the board of directors of Affirmation: LGBT+ Mormons, Families, and Friends with a focus on responding to spiritual trauma and suicide prevention. Laura is also the co-creator of CWEERS Empowerment groups: a practice designed to help LGBTQ+ individuals and their supporters confront social discrimination and internalized stigma. Laura is the mother of two daughters and presently sees clients full time in Provo, UT, as part of Flourish Therapy.Links from the show: Flourish Therapy:  https://flourishtherapy.org/ Family Acceptance Project: https://lgbtqfamilyacceptance.org/ In the Den episode around the Family Acceptance Project: https://inthedenwithmamadragons.buzzsprout.com/2082774/11981957-the-family-acceptance-project-the-impact-of-family-on-lgbtq-individuals Join MamaDragons today at www.mamadragons.org In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you.Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at mamadragons.org. You can also add “Mama Dragons” as your charity of choice on Amazon Smile or through the Amazon App.Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

In this episode of In the Den, Jen joins past guests Lori Davis, Shauna Jones, and Neca Allgood to answer a handful of frequently asked questions regarding parenting an LGBTQ child. How can I be sure my child's identity isn't just a phase, and could I cause harm by supporting them if it is?How can I help my child come out to extend family when they're ready?How do I prepare my child for the difficult questions that people will ask them?Why do I feel so sad?Why can't they choose an easier path?How do I know if I'm providing enough appropriate support for my child while I'm still trying to learn and process through my own generational teachingsSpecial Guests: Lori DavisLori is a mother to four boys. Parenting her third son Zach, who had a gender nonconforming childhood and now identifies as gay, sent her on a journey looking for support and resources. She found Mama Dragons when Zach was a teen.  The support and education there helped her to affirm and celebrate her son. Lori has previously served on the board of Mama Dragons and is currently serving on the PFLAG SLC board.Special guest: Shauna JonesShauna has been an active member of Mama Dragons since 2015. She hates winter, yet still finds herself living in the state of Idaho. Shauna has a husband, three young adult children (one of whom is transgender), a one eyed black lab, and an exuberant golden retriever puppy. Shauna serves on the board of Affirmation: LGBTQ Mormons, Families, and Friends, providing support for parents of queer children and running the youth conference portion of the annual Affirmation International Conference. Shauna loves running and all things rainbow.Special Guest: Neca Allgood Neca Allgood is the mother of a transgender son. She is a former President of Mama Dragons, a current Mama Dragons board member, and a former board member of Affirmation: LGBTQ Mormons, families, and friends. Neca and her husband own a small engineering consulting company. She has a PhD in Molecular Biology. Links from the show: Family Acceptance Project: https://familyproject.sfsu.edu/Join Mama Dragons today at www.mamadragons.org  In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you.Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Words with Friends episodes are bonus episodes where different members of Mama Dragons provide definitions for LGBTQ related topics. This episode includes the following definitions:Orientation shared by Zane Bekayci Bates, a non-binary trans-masculine parent from Colorado Klein Sexual Orientation Grid shared by Laura from CaliforniaHomosexual/Heterosexual shared by Becky from UtahInternalized Homophobia  shared by Melissa Hardin from GeorgiaIn the Den is made possible by generous donors like you.Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at mamadragons.org. If you have a short story, feedback, or any comments we would love to hear from you at 562-344-5010.Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

In this episode, Celeste and Jen join me on the podcast to talk about supporting LGBTQ kids, specifically if you're part of a religion or way of living that does not affirm them.   Celeste is the executive director of Mama Dragons, which was created by Gina Crivello. Gina gathered a small group of Latter-Day Saints (Mormon) mothers together as they navigated supporting their LGBTQ children in a culture that was not affirming.    Since then, Mama Dragons has grown to become a leader in affirming parent education and offers support to more than 9,000 members worldwide.   We talk about: [6:50] What is Mama Dragons [11:50] How Jen found out her son was gay, and what she did to navigate it [15:20] The physical effects of coming out of 'fight, flight of freeze' mode [19:10] The difference affirming parents make, and how you can affirm a child [22:10] Parenting practices to adopt  [24:30] What Jen wishes she knew about raising a gay son [26:30] What Jen has learned working with Mama Dragons  [29:10] The impact of growing up in a religious setting [31:50] The importance of doing your own research and not getting caught up in misinformation [33:10] Why people so threatened by the idea of LGBTQ people [38:35] Advice both Celeste and Jen would give to their younger parent self   Resources mentioned in this episode: Free ‘How to Stop Yelling' Course: www.sarahrosensweet.com/yelling  Join us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/peacefulparenting  Learning program Parachute - https://parachute.mamadragons.org/  Get free Parachute courses using the code PEACEFULPARENTING   Connect with Mama Dragons On Instagram On Facebook On Twitter On YouTube https://www.mamadragons.org/    Connect with Sarah Rosensweet   On Instagram On Facebook https://www.sarahrosensweet.com  Book a short consult or coaching session call  

CONTENT WARNING: Mention of SuicidalityJen chats with guests Shauna Jones and Lori Davis about some of the mistakes parents may make when their child comes out. They share some of their own personal missteps, and talk about what to do when you don't get it right. From learning new vocabulary to adjusting pronouns, there are a lot of ways to fall short of perfection, and Jen, Shauna, and Lori have an honest conversation about ways to move forward after mistakes are unavoidably made. Special Guest: Shauna Jones Shauna has been an active member of Mama Dragons since 2015. She hates winter, yet still finds herself living in the state of Idaho. Shauna has a husband, three young adult children (one of whom is transgender), a one eyed black lab, and an exuberant golden retriever puppy. Shauna serves on the board of Affirmation: LGBTQ Mormons, Families, and Friends, providing support for parents of queer children and running the youth conference portion of the annual Affirmation International Conference. Shauna loves running and all things rainbow.Special Guest: Lori Davis Lori is a mother to four boys. Parenting her third son Zach, who had a gender nonconforming childhood and now identifies as gay, sent her on a journey looking for support and resources. She found Mama Dragons when Zach was a teen.  The support and education there helped her to affirm and celebrate her son. Lori has previously served on the board of Mama Dragons and is currently serving on the PFLAG SLC board.Links From the Show:Join Mama Dragons at www.mamadragons.org Family Acceptance Project: https://familyproject.sfsu.edu/In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you.Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at mamadragons.org. If you have a short story, feedback, or any comments we would love to hear from you at 562-344-5010.Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Join Jen and guest Neca Allgood in this inaugural episode of In the Den as they talk about what to do when your child first comes out to you. They'll discuss common mistakes and how to avoid them. They'll also cover what to do when you don't get things right the first time.  It's an important conversation for parents with LGBTQ children of any age. Special Guest: Neca AllgoodNeca Allgood is the mother of a transgender son. She is a former President of Mama Dragons, a current Mama Dragons board member, and a former board member of Affirmation: LGBTQ Mormons, families, and friends. Neca and her husband own a small engineering consulting company. She has a PhD in Molecular Biology. Links From the Show:Comprehensive, inclusive, shame-free sex ed can be found at Planned Parenthood https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/for-educatorsIn the Den is made possible by generous donors like you.Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at mamadragons.org. You can also add “Mama Dragons” as your charity of choice on Amazon Smile or through the Amazon App.If you have a short story, feedback, or any comments we would love to hear from you at 562-344-5010.Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Have you heard of Mama Dragons? Are you curious who we are? And why in the world we're adding yet another podcast to the podcasting world? Join us in the den and we'll get you all caught up so you can save yourself a comfy seat on the sofa for our upcoming episodes!Connect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

Having my own struggles with mental health since my teen years I'm grateful for a different world my children are growing up in. In this episode I address how doubts and either the allowing or denying of them can affect mental health. September is also suicide prevention month. As mentioned in the episode, here are the show links: FREE QPR (suicide prevention) training offered by Mama Dragons (https://www.mamadragons.org/suicide-prevention-training) and Lift & Love (https://www.liftandlove.org/qpr-training); Fight Like a Mother Podcast: https://www.fightlikeamotherpodcast.com/podcast-1/episode/19e4336b/044-in-the-trenches-ocd-and-religious-scrupulosity-with-jill-freestone; 7 common signs of denial: https://www.mentalhealthcenter.org/denial-what-you-need-to-know/

Here we go . . . we are joined by Sara Urquhart to talk all things Mormonpalooza! Who is ready to celebrate with us on Oct 1?!But first, Sara vulnerably and powerfully shares her journey inside and outside of the mainstream LDS church. She also shares some of her psychedelic experiences, including her first experience with ayahuasca.Sara is a force of nature! We can't wait for you to listen.  Oh . . . and Steve joins us too.About SaraSara Urquhart founded and runs SaraU Productions, an event management company producing events like Shift Gathering, Mormonpalooza, Summer Revival and many others. She founded and managed Alt Summit for nine years. As the co-founder of the Divine Assembly, Sara has a hand in the building of that community. She graduated from BYU with a degree in Political Science and spent the next three decades sitting on and running non-profit boards. Sara has worked for campaigns on the national, state and local levels–winning and losing. She has a masters degree in Emergency Management from Jacksonville State University. Sara currently volunteers as the Vice Chair of Mama Dragons, as a board member for Salt Lake Acting Company and for CIT Utah.SaraU ProductionsAbout MormonpaloozaWebsiteInstagram: @mormonpaloozaMormonpalooza is a reimagining and reclaiming of our Mormon culture and heritage. A full day of celebration, including:Fireside (11am - 3pm):  Discussions on healing, spirituality and the human connection will fill the day.Roadshow (4pm - 8pm):  Comedy and music featuring talented performers and live bands!Stake Dance (9pm - midnight): Dance, party, and play into the night with old friends and new connections. Be authentically who you are, dancing and playing in a way that feels right to you.Location will be at The Clubhouse in downtown SLC. Tickets onsale now! Hurry and get yours before they are all gone (limited to 400 guests).Mormons on Mushrooms – Ways to ContributeOur podcast is supported by our amazing listeners and magical community. If you'd like to energetically contribute to what we're creating, there are several ways to do so:Join our CommunityBecome a PatreonSend a Contribution (buy us a booch)!Purchase Mormons on Mushrooms Merchandise

We try our best to save replays for only our most beloved and timely episodes, and this episode featuring Marion and Rachel from Mama Dragons is more important than ever. With anti-gay and anti-trans legislation cropping up all across our country, we felt re-sharing their powerful stories during PRIDE Month was more important than ever.

What's up y'all of little faith and welcome to the 7th episode of season 2 of TFP. I'm your hostess, not your Moses, Mat Hayes, and if I'm still giving you episodes, it means that I am still looking for answers. Today I have got 2 of the Mama Dragons on to talk about what they're doing for LGBTQ children and their mothers. You may have heard of this amazing organization, but if not, it's a non profit based in Utah that started as a handful of moms and now serves over 8000 mothers, impacting countless youth. Mama Dragons' focus is on education programs and safe online spaces where mothers can learn and connect with other Mama Dragons traveling similar paths as they learn accepting and affirming parenting practices that can help prevent LGBTQ youth suicide and self-harming behaviors, depression, and homelessness.Celeste Carolin and Anne Eliason are joining us today to talk about how they got involved with the organization.  Celeste is the executive director of Mama Dragons. She comes from a business and leadership background, and has worked with LGBTQ youth and non-profits for the past decade. She and her partner, Jamie, live just outside Seattle and have both come from non-accepting religious backgrounds. This fuels Celeste's passion for understanding and serving the intersectionality of faith and parenting LGBTQ children. Anne is the director of PR and events and came to Mama Dragons after being referred to the organization following her child coming out as trans. From the moment her daughter came out to her, she has been working to help other mothers navigate the waters of supporting and loving their queer children. We all deserve to have a Mama Dragon in our corner and I'm excited to share this conversation with you. Welcome to the show Mama Dragons!

Meet Celeste Carolin! Celeste is the Executive Director of Mama Dragons and a long-time friend of Jill's. Tune in to hear her journey of coming to terms with her sexuality and the lessons that she learned about love, self-acceptance, and community support.

We're back with Wendy and Tom to discuss even more magic. We dive into their "candy flipping" experience, the power of ritual, memorializing our breaks, ennegrams, and so much more! Their story is so powerful and can't wait for you to hear more of it!About Wendy and Tom:Wendy and Tom Montgomery are the parents of five children, four of which identify as LGBTQ+. They were lifelong Mormons with deep pioneer roots, but left the church in 2018, after a lengthy and tumultuous effort to make the LDS Church more loving and accepting for queer Saints and their families. The story of the Montgomerys and how they navigated this minefield while staying active in the Mormon faith was documented in the Family Acceptance Project’s 2012 award-winning short film, "Families are Forever." Wendy and Tom have been vocal advocates for inclusion and equality for the LGBTQ+ community (especially with an LDS background) for almost 10 years. Their family was the recipients of several awards for their life-saving work, including the “Voice Ally” Award from the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles, the “Let Love Define Family” Award from Raise A Child, and the “Tree of Life” award from Affirmation. Interviews and news stories about Wendy, her advocacy, and their family can be found on The Associated Press, Huffington Post, NPR, The Advocate, ABCnews.com, Religion Dispatches, Salt Lake Tribune, and Deseret News. Wendy is the co-founder of Mama Dragons and has sat on the Board of Directors for both Mama Dragons and Affirmation (the country’s largest Mormon LGBTQ+ organization).  She is trained and certified in suicide prevention & awareness through both QPR and the Trevor Project; and facilitates workshops on this important issue around the country. She has worked closely with organizations such as the Family Acceptance Project, The Trevor Project, Affirmation, Mama Dragons, HRC’s Equality in Religion, ACLU Arizona, ONE Community, GMCLA, PFLAG National, Peculiar, etc. Tom runs a marketing company he founded in 2000 and is a thoughtful and talented writer on LGBTQ+ Mormon issues, whose work can be found at nomorestrangers.org. Their family lives in Chandler, AZ. 

We are so excited joined by Wendy and Tom Montgomery as we discuss their LGBTQ+ advocacy, leaving the Mormon faith and finding healing through plant medicine. We hit on so many topics:Our Inner Mama DragonsFinding the Divine Feminine within usHow Mormon doctrine "backs the assholesLack of hope / future for gay mormonsUsing MDMA as a tool heal relationships and shameHealing from sexual shameTheir first mushroom experienceHoly smokes!! So much magic we had to break it into two parts! Can't wait for you to listen.About Wendy and Tom:Wendy and Tom Montgomery are the parents of five children, four of which identify as LGBTQ+. They were lifelong Mormons with deep pioneer roots, but left the church in 2018, after a lengthy and tumultuous effort to make the LDS Church more loving and accepting for queer Saints and their families. The story of the Montgomerys and how they navigated this minefield while staying active in the Mormon faith was documented in the Family Acceptance Project’s 2012 award-winning short film, "Families are Forever." Wendy and Tom have been vocal advocates for inclusion and equality for the LGBTQ+ community (especially with an LDS background) for almost 10 years. Their family was the recipients of several awards for their life-saving work, including the “Voice Ally” Award from the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles, the “Let Love Define Family” Award from Raise A Child, and the “Tree of Life” award from Affirmation. Interviews and news stories about Wendy, her advocacy, and their family can be found on The Associated Press, Huffington Post, NPR, The Advocate, ABCnews.com, Religion Dispatches, Salt Lake Tribune, and Deseret News. Wendy is the co-founder of Mama Dragons and has sat on the Board of Directors for both Mama Dragons and Affirmation (the country’s largest Mormon LGBTQ+ organization).  She is trained and certified in suicide prevention & awareness through both QPR and the Trevor Project; and facilitates workshops on this important issue around the country. She has worked closely with organizations such as the Family Acceptance Project, The Trevor Project, Affirmation, Mama Dragons, HRC’s Equality in Religion, ACLU Arizona, ONE Community, GMCLA, PFLAG National, Peculiar, etc. Tom runs a marketing company he founded in 2000 and is a thoughtful and talented writer on LGBTQ+ Mormon issues, whose work can be found at nomorestrangers.org. Their family lives in Chandler, AZ. 

"A friend is someone who gives you total freedom to be yourself-and especially to feel, or not feel. Whatever you happen to be feeling at any moment is fine with them. That's what real love amounts to - letting a person be what he really is.” ― Jim Morrison   Jaime Jara (she/her) is a woman who wears many hats. A native New Yorker, she navigates daily life in Florida with her husband, 3 kids, and a plethora of furbabies. She holds a Bachelor's degree with history and sociology concentrations as well as a Master of Science degree in leadership and management. She lends her voice and perspective as a parent of a transgender child to shed light on the challenges faced by the trans community. Jaime is an active member of the national LGBTQ organizations, Mama Dragons and PFLAG, who aim to empower and support parents of LGBTQ children. After a long stint in corporate America, Jaime is putting her graduate degree to good use by starting her second career as a high school educator. She has been a guest speaker in schools, participated on panels and in research studies, and has appeared on television to advocate for transgender acceptance and inclusion. She has penned numerous essays about her journey with her trans child. Jaime aspires to be signing copies of her bestselling novel one day when she finally slows down enough to write it. You can follow her journey with her family on Instagram @Jaidonna19.   In this episode, Jaime and I talk about: How to advocate for safety for LGBTQ+ children How to let your children stand in who they want to be How to listen with an open heart and open mind   Continue the conversation on Instagram @heatherchauvin_ 3 major support groups for parents of LGBTQ+ children: Mama Dragons (mamadragons.org) PFLAG (pflag.org) Mama Bears (realmamabears.org)

What do Anne Hathaway, Disney Jesus, and Prop 8 have in common? They're all included in PM@M's exploration of Mormon Cinema! Join Nick and Dan as they continue discussing the unique aspects of LDS film. Mentioned in this episode: 1. Johnny Lingo 2. Aaron Eckhart, The Dark Knight, and Godly Sorrow Leads to Repentance 3. Jimmy Stewart and Mr. Krueger's Christmas 4. Anne Hathaway and The Other Side of Heaven 5. Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Latter Days 6. Deseret Book, Pretty Darn Funny, and Sheri Dew 7. Breaking Bad 8. Richard Dutcher and God's Army 9. Portrayal of Deity (section 20.6.15) from the LDS General Handbook 10. The Testaments, Bible videos, Finding Faith in Christ, and Simon Dewey 11. The Return of the King 12. Believer, Dan Reynolds, Imagine Dragons, and the 2015 exclusion policy 13. Tyler Glenn and Neon Trees 14. Prop 8 15. John Dehlin, Savannah's testimony, The Trevor Project, Encircle, Mama Dragons, and Tom Christofferson Find more information on our website. Post-Mormon at the Movies is on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Subscribe for regular updates.

With conversations about race being at the front of our minds, and being aware of the incredibly difficult and dangerous reality of being a Black transgender individual, we wanted to bring you a conversation with two people who live this reality. Jaime Jara is an old friend who is very public about the work she and her transgender daughter do for advocacy and normalizing identity, so we get to include her as a White parent’s perspective. Nikole Parker is a Black transgender woman, who is the TransAction Florida Project Coordinator, assisting with Equality Florida's statewide Transgender Inclusion Initiative, and a stakeholder and community relations manager for the onePULSE Foundation, so not only speaks from personal experience but also from all she sees in her work community. We have a bunch of resources listed below. And, do you want books you can read with your kids with transgender, non-binary, and gender-expansive characters? We have a list of titles for elementary and middle-school aged children, so drop us an email and we’ll send it to you!   Questions or comments?  Email hello@dearwhitewomen.com   What to listen for:  Words NOT to use when referring to transgender individuals What it’s like going through the transition process. Distressing statistics, including that 40% of homeless kids are LGBTQ - and 58% of trans kids in unsupportive households die by suicide vs 4% in supportive homes. The growth that comes with being the parent of a transgender child. Specific challenges facing Black transgender individuals, both in society and within the Black community. About Nikole: Nikole Parker is a transgender woman of Black, Puerto Rican & Italian descent. She was born and raised in Orlando, Florida and at the age of 19, left her job and home to begin her transition. After 3 years of black-market hormones, and unsafe lifestyle practices she came back to Orlando to restart her life. Nikole’s passion is advocating for the rights and dignity of the transgender and gender-nonconforming community.Nikole is currently with the onePULSE Foundation as the Director of Stakeholder & Community Relations. Nikole also works for Equality Florida's TransAction Program as a Project Coordinator. She also is the Co-Founder, Director of Operations for Gender Advancement Project(GAP).She has sat on various non-profit boards within the community, including the LGBT+ Center Board of Directors, the Orlando United Assistance Center Advisory Board, TransAction Advisory Council, Spektrum Health Board of Directors and Peer Support Space Board of Directors. In addition to her work with the onePULSE Foundation, Nikole co-leads the work of the Orlando Trans Collective, a collaborative group of transgender and gender non-conforming leaders of color who focus on community building and advocacy efforts for the Central Florida transgender community. In 2018, Nikole was honored with the Humanitarian of the Year award by the Miss Glamorous Pageant. Nikole was also was recognized as one of Watermark's Most Remarkable People of 2018 for her work with the onePULSE Foundation and her ongoing advocacy and empowerment of the transgender community. In 2019, Nikole was recognized by Congressman Darren Soto for LGBT+ Pride Month and her biography was read into the Congressional Record.She hopes to encourage open dialogue on transgender issues and educate individuals from the community on healthy and safe ways to undergo a transition, finding self-care practices and providing resources so black-market hormones and unsafe lifestyles can be avoided. About Jaime: Jaime Jara is a woman who wears many hats. A native New Yorker, she navigates daily life in Florida with her husband, 3 kids, and a plethora of furbabies. She lends her voice and perspective as a parent of a transgender child to shed light on the challenges faced by the trans community. Jaime is an active member of the national LGBTQ organizations, Mama Dragons and PFLAG, who aim to empower and support parents of LGBTQ children. After a long stint in corporate America, Jaime is putting her graduate degree to good use by starting her second career as an educator. She has been a guest speaker in schools, participated on panels and in research studies, and has appeared on television to advocate for transgender acceptance and inclusion. She has penned numerous essays about her journey with her trans child.  Jaime aspires to be signing copies of her bestselling novel one day when she finally slows down enough to write it. You can follow her journey with her family on Instagram @ Jaidonna19. Resources:  PFLAG National Mama Dragons National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network (NQTTCN)  Trans Lifeline - 1-877-565-8860 Human Rights Campaign Stand With Trans Black Trans Advocacy Coalition Trevor Project Lifeline -  1-866-488-7386 GLAAD

In today's episode, Allyson talks with guest Emily Nelson about what NOT to say to parents of LGBTQ+ Youth. Come listen! Current Event: BYU Honor Code Office Stories on Instagram Deseret News Article NY Times article Main Topic: Mormon & Gay on LDS.org Mama Dragons organization Emily & her husband Marc on “Listen, Learn & Love” podcast Emily's FB post about her son coming out  Emily's FB post with the complete list of things not to say  Emily’s husband’s talk about their son & the power of friendship  

In this interview, Brittany and Heather talk to members of The Mama Dragons. The organization works to bridge the gap and offer support for mothers of the conservative faith community who have children who have come out. We spoke with Marion and Rachel and they shared their experiences of raising a gay son and a transgender daughter, respectively. The post 21. Raising an LGBTQ+ Child appeared first on Okayest Moms.

My friend Jill (married mother of 6 children and 4 grandchildren) shares about her son Hunter coming out as gay at age 17 (about 8 years ago). Jill talks about supporting Hunter, getting involved in Mama Dragons, and being an admin for a Facebook group for LDS parents with LGBTQ children (https://www.facebook.com/groups/840081769339272/). Jill has wonderful insights LDS parents with LGBTQ children and for those who want to better support those walking this road. Jill is host of a new podcast called Human Stories where LGBTQ people share their stories. Please check out that podcast at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/human-stories-with-jill-hazard-rowe/id1468623842 Thanks for being on the podcast Jill. Thanks for your example of family, Christlike service, amplifying other’s voices, and saving lives.

Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit: mormonsex.info Natasha Helfer Parker continues her interview with Dr. Daniel Parkinson, a psychiatrist who was raised Mormon and left the church partly due to being gay, and Thomas Montgomery, Mormon father of a gay son and husband to Wendy Montgomery who helped found the Mama Dragons. Both men recently collaborated on some articles they decided to publish on the same day, Utah’s Escalating Suicide Crisis and LDS LGBTQ Despair on Rational Faiths and Rejection and the Family on No More Strangers. They discuss the alarming increase in suicide rates in Utah — a trend that has been apparent since the Church’s involvement in Prop 8, increased focus on anti-gay rhetoric in talks over the pulpit and the “November 5th policy” which specifically calls out homosexual marriage as a sin worthy of excommunication going as far as disallowing children who reside in such marriages to participate in Mormon ordinances. Many from within church activity dismiss this type of “anecdotal evidence” stating that one can not blame the Church or any one reason for something as complicated as suicide. Both interviewer and interviewees challenge this type of thinking and call on leaders and members alike to take note and be alarmed at the harm that is being done to LGBT+ members across the age spectrum. With the April 2017 Ensign having yet another anti-LBGT article being published just this coming month… these types of podcasts sharing valuable information can be life-saving to many within our midst. Please listen. Resources Mentioned During this Podcast: Family Acceptance Project Families are Forever The LGBTQ Mormon Crisis: Responding to the Empirical Research on Suicide Youth Suicide Rates and Mormon Religious Context: An Additional Empirical Analysis Dialogue Mama Dragons Affirmation ALL Arizona Utah’s Youth Suicide Problem interview with Doug Fabrizio Mormon Mental Health Association Mackintosh Family Video ACE Study I’ll Walk With You: Latter-day Saints Encouraging Love for our LGBT Brothers and Sisters This organization has a Facebook group for active LDS parents of LGBTQ children – you can request to join by contacting this website.

Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit: mormonsex.info Natasha Helfer Parker interviews Dr. Daniel Parkinson, a psychiatrist who was raised Mormon and left the church partly due to being gay, and Thomas Montgomery, Mormon father of a gay son and husband to Wendy Montgomery who helped found the Mama Dragons. Both men recently collaborated on some articles they decided to publish on the same day, Utah’s Escalating Suicide Crisis and LDS LGBTQ Despair on Rational Faiths and Rejection and the Family on No More Strangers. They discuss the alarming increase in suicide rates in Utah — a trend that has been apparent since the Church’s involvement in Prop 8, increased focus on anti-gay rhetoric in talks over the pulpit and the “November 5th policy” which specifically calls out homosexual marriage as a sin worthy of excommunication going as far as disallowing children who reside in such marriages to participate in Mormon ordinances. Many from within church activity dismiss this type of “anecdotal evidence” stating that one can not blame the Church or any one reason for something as complicated as suicide. Both interviewer and interviewees challenge this type of thinking and call on leaders and members alike to take note and be alarmed at the harm that is being done to LGBT+ members across the age spectrum. With the April 2017 Ensign having yet another anti-LBGT article being published just this coming month… these types of podcasts sharing valuable information can be life-saving to many within our midst. Please listen. Resources Mentioned During the Podcast: Family Acceptance Project Families are Forever The LGBTQ Mormon Crisis: Responding to the Empirical Research on Suicide Youth Suicide Rates and Mormon Religious Context: An Additional Empirical Analysis Dialogue Mama Dragons Affirmation ALL Arizona Utah’s Youth Suicide Problem interview with Doug Fabrizio Mormon Mental Health Association Mackintosh Family Video ACE Study I’ll Walk With You: Latter-day Saints Encouraging Love for our LGBT Brothers and Sisters This organization has a Facebook group for active LDS parents of LGBTQ children – you can request to join by contacting this website.    

Wendy VonSosen grew up believing that homosexuality was a sin, close in severity to murder. When her young son came out years later, she had some serious soul searching to do but wasn’t sure where to turn. Now, she’s president of Mama Dragons, an organization that supports, educates, and empowers mothers of LGBTQ kids. That’s what I’m talkin’ about!Learn More/Follow:Mama Dragons Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59_EAA6v8JQMama Dragons Website: https://mamadragons.org/Mama Dragons Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themamadragons/Mama Dragons Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mamadragons/

My friend Kelleen Potter shares her journey of her oldest son coming out as gay at age 14 (about 8 years ago) and her third child coming out as transgender who identifies as female (about 4 years ago). Kelleen also has a son on a LDS mission and two younger daughters. Kelleen shares finding resources, therapists (including Lisa Hansen) and community with Mama Dragons. Kelleen talks about why both of her LGBT children have stepped away from the Church and why she is at peace with that decision. Kelleen shares the story of the Heber City Pride flags (https://www.deseretnews.com/article/900074800/lgbt-pride-flags-heber-city-utah-spark-controversy-support.html) and how she feels that has helped her community. Thank you Allison Belnap for your efforts. We also discuss Ben Schilaty’s latest blog post (https://benschilaty.blogspot.com/2019/07/pride-is-opposite-of-shame.html) about the importance of Pride Month. It think it is important to listen to our LGBTQ friends on why Pride Month is needed. Thank you for being on the podcast, Kelleen. You are awesome and you are doing great work.

My friends Willy and Kristy Donahoo, who don’t have any immediate LGBTQ family members, share their story of becoming LGBTQ allies. It started with Willy’s talk in Church (Sept 2015) about owning the ‘visitors welcome’ message at our buildings when he mentioned the need to welcome our gay friends. Willy and Kristy then connected with Encircle (they serve on their advisory board). They talk about the need to proactively ‘act’ to be accepting versus a passive statement of acceptance. In April 2019 Willy and Kristy, wanting to act, purchased 60 pride flags for their neighborhood in Sandy, Utah. They share the remarkable story of encouraging their neighbors (thru social media, letter writing and door-to-door visits) to consider displaying a flag until all 60 flags were claimed and displayed starting on May 27th. Click here for a copy of their letter: https://www.dropbox.com/s/030qh99n2js98sr/Pride%202019%20Neighborhood%20Flag%20Letter%20FINAL_Redacted.pdf?dl=0 and the Mr. Rogers quote: https://www.dropbox.com/s/68tw2n80o077t2d/Mr.%20Rodgers%20Unique.pdf?dl=0 It’s a really cool story. This resulted in Mama Dragons, a group of mothers of LGBTQ children, posting a picture and story on Facebook about the flags https://www.facebook.com/mamadragons/posts/2265960243502364 that went viral including KSL running a story https://www.ksl.com/article/46565141/each-person-is-accepted-unconditionally-sandy-neighborhood-lines-streets-with-rainbow-flags-for-pride-week .But what happened once the flags were up in their neighborhood is the real story. Willy and Kristy share some of these deeply touching and healing stories that occurred as these much needed conversations finally happened. Several of these brought tears to my eyes and hearts were healed and authentic connections made. Willy and Kristy invite you to consider doing this in your neighborhood next year. Thanks Willy and Kristy for being on the podcast and your discipleship. You two are awesome.

A little more than five years ago, the Mama Dragons burst onto the scene. Since that time, the group has grown into a respected and vital support organization for families and their LGBTQ loved ones, especially in the Latter-day Saint community. Now, a new play — titled “The Mama Dragon Monologues: Mormon Mothers of LGBTQ Kids Speak Out" — chronicles these women who often are torn between devotion to their faith and love for their queer children. As Utah celebrates Pride Week, Sue Bergin, who co-wrote the play tapping the real words of Latter-day Saint women, discusses the budding production, which has already had a staged reading in San Jose and is scheduled to have another next month in New York.

When a child comes as as LGBTQIA+ what is a Mormon mother to do? John Larsen talks with some of the founding members of the Mama Dragons, a growing group of women who ferociously defend their queer children.

When a child comes as as LGBTQIA+ what is a Mormon mother to do? John Larsen talks with some of the founding members of the Mama Dragons, a growing group of women who ferociously defend their queer children. Listen to this episode here.

When a child comes as as LGBTQIA+ what is a Mormon mother to do? John Larsen talks with some of the founding members of the Mama Dragons, a growing group of women who ferociously defend their queer children. Listen to this episode here.

When a child comes as as LGBTQIA+ what is a Mormon mother to do? John Larsen talks with some of the founding members of the Mama Dragons, a growing group of women who ferociously defend their queer children. Listen to this episode here.

Join Allyson, Tiffany, and today's Guest Emily Nelson as they discuss what NOT to say to parents of LGBTQ children. They'll also be talking about BYU's honor code office and a spotlight of an inspiring woman. Show Notes: Current Event: BYU Honor Code Office Stories on Instagram Deseret News Article NY Times article   Main Topic: Mormon & Gay on LDS.org Mama Dragons organization Emily & her husband Marc on “Listen, Learn & Love” podcast Emily's FB post about her son coming out  Emily's FB post with the complete list of things not to say  Emily’s husband’s talk about their son & the power of friendship   Inspiring Woman:

SUU APEX Audio Transcript

Jill Hazard Rowe, Is one of the founding members of Mama Dragons, a support group for Mothers with LGBTQIA Children. Jills son came out in 2011 and at the time she was an orthodox member of her LDS faith and thought that being gay was a choice. "She says that to be gay is incredibly difficult, but to be a gay Mormon is impossible." She takes us on her powerful journey of love and realization that God made her son exactly as he should be. Through the support of other mothers, Jill and her friends created the Mama Dragons. A place to give support when other women's children come out. Several thousand women find a soft place to land in this closed group. Women are finding the courage to stand with their LGBTQIA and it's contagious. We believe at the core of the human experience we all need the same thing to survive. LOVE. It's far to easy to forget this when we step out into the world and realize that there are so many expressions of life. It's easy to allow our cultural, religious, and family influences to create barriers towards those who are different. But what we don't always understand, is that the differences are the ingredients that make life go round. If you ever find yourself drowning in the shadow of a tragedy, when help shows up, I promise you will be thankful for whoever offers you comfort. We need to spend more time listening and learning, we need to hear our fellow brothers and sisters, and let them know that they are valuable, worthy, and deserving. We need to stand up for the children who commit suicide because living hurts too much, and support the parents so they can openly love their babies in wholeness and without shame. Join us in this conversation about love, learning, and understanding. For resources and support please visit www.theartofjoy.com www.mamadragons.org https://www.facebook.com/jill.h.rowe

This is a much shorter show than usual, but it's still packed with a lot of great content, such as: Provo Pride Festival recap Dan slays a Mama Dragon ACLU files suit against Michigan for discrimination against same-sex couples seeking to foster or adopt children Bigoted baker in Denver will probably lose SCOTUS case Libertarians don't know what the fuck they're talking about Young girl kept from attending class over religious vaccine exemption ...and more! We'll be back next week with a special in-studio guest, Taylor Grin!   You can find the Godless Rebelution around the Internet at these links: Our Website: http://www.godlessrebelution.com Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/godlessrebelution Podbean: http://www.godlessrebelution.podbean.com Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-godless-rebelution/godless-rebelution iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/godless-rebelution/id872416298 YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/c/GodlessRebelution  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/GodlessRebelution Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/TGRPodcast You can also send us hate-mail, show ideas, questions, corrections, whines, and rants at:  GodlessRebelution@gmail.com ~ OR ~ Send us a text or leave us a voicemail message at: 330-81-REBEL   YOU'RE WELCOME!

On this episode, I tell everybody just how at home I felt at the Sunstone Symposium. Sunstone is a convention for Mormons and non-Mormons to gather together and talk about the hard issues, with presentations by authors, historians, podcasters, and directors of various foundations; some believers, others non-believers. I had the opportunity to totally geek out and interview some authors, historians, and podcasters that I revere and frequently cite as sources for my research. The audio quality isn’t great, but the content is superb. You’ll hear audio clips from Grant Palmer, D. Michael Quinn, H. Michael Marquardt, John Hammond, Lindsay Park, and John Dehlin. For links to their works check the bottom of the show notes.   Show Links: Website http://nakedmormonismpodcast.com Twitter @NakedMormonism Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Naked-Mormonism/370003839816311 Patreon http://patreon.com/nakedmormonism Outro music by Jason Comeau http://aloststateofmind.com/ Show Artwork http://weirdmormonshit.com/ Voicemail Line (864)Nake-dMo (625-3366)   Interviewee links:   Grant Palmer – Insider’s View of Mormon Origins https://www.amazon.com/Insiders-View-Mormon-Origins/dp/1560851570 "My Ah-Ha Moments While Researching Mormon History" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= Michael Quinn – Wiki page with all his books https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D._Michael_Quinn  Michael Marquardt – The Rise of Mormonism 1816-1844 https://www.amazon.com/Rise-Mormonism-1816-1844-Michael-Marquardt/dp/1597814709 Mormon Central https://user.xmission.com/~research/central/   Tyler Glenn Trash – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNqnLdX4TM8   John Hammond – Island Adventures http://signaturebooks.com/island-adventures-hammond/   Infants on Thrones – http://infantsonthrones.com/   Lindsay Hansen Park – Year of Polygamy http://www.yearofpolygamy.com/ Color of Heaven http://feministmormonhousewivespodcast.org/category/color-of-heaven-podcast/   John Dehlin – Mormon Stories Podcast http://www.mormonstories.org/ Open Stories Foundation http://openstoriesfoundation.org/   Sunstone Symposium webpage https://www.sunstonemagazine.com/   The Pulpit Podcast with Joey and Andrew http://pulpit.libsyn.com/ Mama Dragons http://mamadragons.org/ Mark with Lost Mormonism http://www.lostmormonism.com/category/magic/ Jeremy Runnells CES Letter http://cesletter.com/ Rainbow Radio Presents with Dan https://www.facebook.com/events/531518513700585/ Konw the Trut Ministries Podcast https://www.facebook.com/Konw-The-Trut-813666238693097/?fref=ts

The Mama Dragons group consists of almost 1,000 Mormon, post-Mormon, and now never-Mormon women who are dedicated to: 1) Loving their LGBT children. 2) Preventing LGBT youth suicide. 3) Supporting parents of LGBT children to better love and support their children. 4) Rescuing rejected LGBT children from homelessness and abuse. 5) Attending funerals of deceased LGBT youth in support of the surviving families. The Mama Dragons Story Project attempts to collect portraits and autobiographical essays from mothers with LGBT children for their children.

Hollie Hancock holds a panel interview with four amazing Mama Dragons. Joining her are Christy Cottle, Christy Searle, Wendy Montgomery and Vicki Johnson. You can’t get enough of these mothers who are taking their protective instincts beyond their own gay…Read more →