As we near the end of Pride month, we want to keep looking for ways to strengthen our commitment to our LGBTQ loved ones. This episode gives a checklist for maximizing the good and minimizing the harmful in our relationships. Let's show those who closest to us that we are ALL IN. Send us a Text Message. Support the Show.…

Being an ally means more than just being accepting our gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, or other sexual- or gender-non-conforming loved one. We want to become fully affirming. How do we learn to stand proud of our LGBTQ+ friends and family? The way to grow is to keep learning. The more we know, the more we become true advocates and suppo…

You've heard from the Dad. You've heard from the Daughter. But you've never heard from the Mom... until now. In this episode, she shares her earliest struggles to accept the news that her adult child came out as transgender. At first the shock was overwhelming. But she found a deep well of strength to bring her through. If you or someone you know i…

For over a decade, John Paulk was the most visible spokesperson for conversion therapy. He gave his testimony on Oprah, 60 Minutes, and everywhere he could about how God had changed him from gay to straight. But inside, it was just fake-it-till-you-make-it. What happens when you finally admit to yourself that your entire ministry has been nothing b…

We need to tell people that myths are just that. When we do not challenge ideas that have already been debunked, we allow falsehoods to perpetuate . Don't buy into the misinformation. This episode gives a taste of some of the misleading views about gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people. Be a voice of positivity in the world. Send us a Text…

Maggie Williams joins us for a one-year update about her transition. A year ago, we explored the similarities and differences with Rya's transition. But this past year has brought some important milestones on her journey. You won't want to miss her unexpected story. Check out Maggie's transgender art installation project at thetransperience.com Sen…

When we hear transgender stories, we often encounter tragic elements and tales of difficult experiences. We frequently learn how gender dysphoria drives trans people to give up everything. But what about uplifting trans experiences? What happens when the popular kid comes out? In this episode, Elliott shares his inspiring story about how positive h…

Joe has mentioned on this podcast in the past how he had a drinking problem. We wanted to explore the ways alcohol affected his life, and what brought him to the decision never to have another drink. Whether you have a healthy relationship with alcohol or you struggle with abusing alcohol or other drugs, you will benefit from hearing his story. Sen…

We like to think we know what we're talking about. But the people who disagree with us think they are just as correct we think we are. How do we know who is right? When it comes to preserving relationships, sometimes it is more important to accept when we are wrong than it is to recognize when they are. Joe and Rya share ways to discover our own bi…

Everyone is different. Everyone is a minority, and minorities are good. Let's end the stigma against LGBTQ people being weird or odd. Committed allies understand that the majority is comprised of a combination of minorities. We are all queer in some form. The happiest people embrace our authentic differences and celebrate one another for who we are…

A year ago, we shared an update about the podcast and where things were headed. Now, one year later, the TranDescendant community has grown exponentially. Joe and Rya paint their vision for where the podcast is headed for the coming year. Plus, a CRITICAL ANNOUNCEMENT you won't want to miss! Send us a Text Message. Support the Show.…

Send us a Text Message. Support the Show.द्वारा Trandescendant Podcast

One of our most powerful episodes yet! In our March 11 podcast, we went through the verses that anti-LGBTQ people use to say that it is wrong to be gay. We provided an approach that allows you to affirm LGBTQ people while still following the Bible. In this episode, we take the argument a step further, demonstrating why it is absolutely wrong to con…

Did you know that Rya is not the only transgender person in the family? Shortly after her transition, another younger member of the family also transitioned. Heather shares the heart wrenching story of how she was rejected by her mother before winning the battle for acceptance. She offers advice on how she ultimately found peace with her own gender…

Society does not have any written rules for how men or women behave. The social aspect of gender is simply "how things are done." But what happens when someone is sending the "wrong" signals? Rya describes her journey as a transgender woman learning to navigate a new set of social rules. From there, Joe and Rya discuss how gender functions in gener…

This episode starts by examining honestly the main reasons why some believers feel they must reject gay relationships to follow the Bible. It's not a lack of sincerity. But interpretation is a value judgment. The surface reading of the text is not necessarily the best reading. The Bible is a collection of statements from many viewpoints. Each state…

If you're in that place of searching right now, this episode will help you along your way. Rya shares her journey of how she continually weighed the positives and negatives and how agonizing the decision was for her. When enough of the answers converge, there comes a point when you can finally accept who you are inside. Everyone's story is differen…

Are you using the wrong words without knowing it? Despite all the best intentions, if we use the wrong vocabulary in talking about LGBTQ issues, we can unintentionally alienate ourselves from the very people we were trying to support. Allies can become a closer part of the group simply by using the language of the community. Once you decide to beco…

Coming out of the closet brings a newfound freedom. But it can also be accompanied by great loss. Rya tells her story of coming out, and the loss she experienced. Together, she and her dad explore how the first few stages of grieving can affect a person who has decided to come out. They discuss ways to find hope in the midst of the pain of loss. Se…

Joe tells his journey towards becoming totally accepting towards Rya after she transitioned. How did he feel after the son he thought he had now was presenting as his daughter? They tell the story of the difficulties the family had in coming to a place of acceptance. They look at ways their story can help others when a loved one comes out as gay or…

What does it mean to "act gay?" We often find ourselves embodying stereotypes. But those stereotypes do not define us. They are often the byproduct of living authentically. It's easy for outsiders to focus only on the mannerisms and never see the real person. The truth about being LGBTQ is that we have the same hopes and dreams as anyone else. Matt…

Joe's granddaughter Maya returns to discuss how younger generations are slowly beginning to view orientation and gender as a non-issue. Topics include changes to expectations and gender norms among teenagers and early twenty-somethings. Next, the conversation shifts to younger students, exploring the ways Junior High children are approaching LGBTQ+…

We like to believe that love and commitment are enough to make a marriage work. But what happens when one partner comes out as LGBTQ+? Is divorce ever the right option? Rya speaks from the heart about her difficult journey coming out to her wife as a transgender woman, and her wife's own struggle at suddenly facing a spouse who could no longer be t…

This episode is everything you've always wondered about "the surgery" but were afraid to ask. Or maybe you weren't afraid to ask, and some poor trans person had to remind you that we don't talk about those things in polite society. Either way, this episode has all your answers. We discuss the various types of surgeries on offer, the history of surg…

Recent debacles involving the school board in Bucks county, Pennsylvania prompted Joe and Rya to have a discussion about how we should approach cultural conflict. When we make a negative display of ourselves, those on the other side can paint us as villains. We end up working against our own society. When others begin to see us as a threat, we lose…

Do you believe in love at first sight? Roy and Matthew do. The first time they met, they knew they belonged together. But for each of them, telling friends and family about a new partner also meant coming out as gay. To their surprise, they never anticipated the sense of freedom that would come with being their most authentic selves. Start the year…

We often contemplate resolutions we can make to improve our lives. Coming off of last week's episode about cultivating self-esteem, Joe and Rya provide seven actionable habits you can implement into your life right now to help you live a more positively. Here are seven actions to strengthen your self-image. It's your privilege and your responsibili…

We all have experiences in our lives that tax our self-esteem. It's too easy to let other people's opinions of us make us feel ashamed. We can allow those negative emotions to bring us down...or we can take intentional steps to counteract them and to cultivate positivity. Send us a Text Message. Support the Show.…

As a society, we must always watch out for the marginalized among us. LGBTQ+ elders are among the most vulnerable. Yet most of us have never stopped to consider the unique challenges of aging LGBTQ+ seniors. How can we act with compassion and love towards those who have gone before us? Send us a Text Message. Support the Show.…

There are a lot of ways that people communicate that they are considering suicide. What you may think is only a mood swing may in fact be an indication of something much deeper. Signals could be anything from verbal comments to changes in routine. Our LGBTQ+ loved ones are most at risk. Do you know what to watch for? Are you ready to interpret the …

Have you considered forming a support group for LGBTQ+ people and allies? Joe and Rya approached a national organization, PFLAG, about starting a local chapter in their community. The discussion centers on what makes people come, what entices them stay, and what keeps it welcoming. Send us a Text Message. Support the Show.…

November 20 is the Transgender Day of Remembrance. There is still so much violence against transgender people because of transphobia and misunderstanding. Joe and Rya offer suggestion for how each of us can make a difference. Send us a Text Message. Support the Show.द्वारा Trandescendant Podcast

You wanted a nice, happy time together with your family. But Uncle George just can't let things be! And Casey is manufacturing new things to be offended by. With the holidays coming up, we want to minimize potential arguments between people who don't always see eye-to-eye. It's not easy, but there are ways to create an environment that fosters love…

Some people don't want an actual dialogue about LGBTQ people, they just want a debate. How do you avoid that trap? Anyone who has had their gay or lesbian loved ones' identities dismissed will find a wealth of insight about how to respond. Some people expect answers but are not asking in good faith. And some questions are not appropriate to ask. Le…

In a recent written exchange, a man approached Rya with concerns about his long-term, committed marriage. He and his wife have children and grandchildren. But he is secretly attracted to other men. He doesn't want to tell his wife because he believes it could only end poorly. Will such a conversation really result in disaster? Joe and Rya discuss t…

How do you find your own identity? There are more options than you think. Are you queer? Are you questioning? Or something else? Maybe none of the words really define you. Take the first step toward figuring out how to be the real you. Send us a Text Message. Support the Show.द्वारा Trandescendant Podcast

Churches are like giant families. Just like families, they can sometimes become abusive. When someone is trapped in a toxic system, the have to leave in order for healing to begin. Some church leaders subvert that process by trying to push those who have been wounded to come back to the church by saying, "Well we're not like the church you used to …

It's great to be an ally, but when you're ready to take the next step, how do you go about it? Often, when we try to be most helpful, we end up making things more awkward. Learn how to communicate true sincerity, not just with words, but also with actions. This episode gives tips to point you in the right direction. Send us a Text Message. Support …

Really? Who gets to choose what's best for someone? Who makes the rules? Parents often say, "I only want what's best for you," with the hope that their children will understand their good intentions. But is it really honest care and concern? Is it unsolicited advice? Or is it nothing more than manipulation? Joe and Rya discuss how to tell the diffe…

MUST LISTEN EPISODE. Are you having a difficult time mending a broken relationship? Developing and repairing relationships can feel overwhelming when disagreements separate you. Joe and Rya discuss five ways you can get past what divides you and start to build that bridge. And it's not just theoretical. They discuss conflicting opinions where they …

The most important thing we can do is maintain relationships with the people who are closest to us. And yet, how often do we end up finding ourselves at odds with the people we love the most, especially when we desperately yearn for their approval? It's our responsibility to take the lead. In this episode, we discuss how to set a positive tone to h…

LGBTQ issues can tear families and friendships apart. What if you don't approve when someone close to you comes out? How can you preserve the relationship without compromising your values? Many of our podcasts on Trandescendant are geared towards allies. But not everyone feels they can be an ally in good conscience. This episode is specifically add…

Joe and Rya gave a live presentation about the importance of accepting your gay or transgender loved one. Since it was a large general audience, no one explicitly identified whether they were an ally. We didn't know how well our message would be received. No one expected how emotional it would become. Content Warning: discussions of suicide Send us…

We're going back to school! We asked ourselves how new teachers are being taught. Is the system getting more accepting of LGBTQ students, or are things going backwards? Do you see the school as your defender... or does the system side with the bullies? We had a discussion with our resident expert in the education field, a recent graduate from the e…

Is it better than it used to be to be openly gay in high school? While society has become more open and tolerant, things are far from easy. In this episode we welcome a special guest, our granddaughter and niece, Maya. She describes her experiences as a high school senior, and the strategies she employs to get along with everyone. Just because some…

How do you get along with someone you disagree with? How do you convince them? CAN you even convince them? We live in a society where we tune out the people who disagree with us and create echo chambers where everyone thinks and acts like we do. There is a better way. In this episode, Joe and Rya discuss how to disagree without being disagreeable. …

Chaser, clock, ace, gold star, queerbaiting, and lots more. Do you know what these words mean? In this episode, Rya quizzes her father Joe about the meaning of these terms and other current gay and transgender lingo. If you don't know the meanings, you can feel like you're hearing a whole other language when you're at a Pride event. Listen along an…

You will often hear that religion and LGBTQ+ experiences as mutually exclusive. The most hateful advocates for faith are often the most vocal. But their perspective does not represent most people of faith. A growing majority of faith communities are welcoming LGBTQ+ people with open arms in ways that are both accepting AND affirming. Father Wilson …

So you want to be an LGBTQ ally. What misconceptions have you embraced without realizing it? Despite greater visibility for LGBTQ people, there is still a lot of misinformation about how coming out can affect someone's life. In this episode, Joe and Rya look at the research compiled by AJ Willingham and Scottie Andrew for CNN about common misconcep…

Joe and Rya respond to questions from a listener about the impact on children when parents are LGBTQ+. How does a lack of traditional gender role models affect development? Does having LGBTQ+ parents confuse children's understanding of gender and sexuality? CW: discussion of suicide Research sited: https://www.ncfr.org/policy/research-and-policy-br…