Transgender School

In this episode, we are thrilled to be joined by author Lilah Sturges. She is happily married to her wife and has two lovely grown daughters. Lilah wrote the first two graphic novels in the award-winning and critically acclaimed Lumberjanes world and several other titles for Vertigo (DC Comics) and Marvel.Her latest work, The Science of Ghosts, which will be published on June 18th by Legendary Comics, tells the story of a transgender forensic parapsychologist who studies ghost behavior to solve crimes and showcases a creative new spin on stories with trans characters. We were lucky enough to be given an advanced reader copy and we so enjoyed discussing how much we loved the book and what parts of it fascinated us most.Throughout our conversation, Lilah tells us about how she got into graphic novels, her evolution as a writer, and her unique approach to transgender identities in her latest work. She also shares her coming out story, the challenges she and her family went through, and the story behind #transpizza.In addition, Lilah shares her thoughts on grief in the trans community, her process of creating the main character’s traits in The Science of Ghosts, transphobia in media, and much more.In This Episode, You Will Learn:Becoming a graphic novel writer (5:10)Lilah talks about how much of her personal experiences are reflected in "The Science of Ghosts" (10:20)Lilah shares her coming out story (14:00)Transgender people and grief (18:50)Lilah talks about #transpizza (25:00)Lilah, Jackie, and Bridget discuss transphobia (31:20)Connect with Lilah Sturges:WebsiteInstagramGet "The Science of Ghosts" on Bookshop.orgLilah's booksSubscribe to Lilah's newsletterConnect with Jackie and Bridget:Transgender Support: Becoming a True Ally Video Course on VimeoTransgender School Patreon Membership with all exclusive contentTransgender School on MediumInstagramWebsite FacebookCommunity Facebook GroupYouTube

What are the potential consequences of restricting access to puberty blockers and hormone replacement therapy for trans youth?Last June, the UK's National Health System (NHS) decided to suspend the provision of puberty blockers to transgender youth in gender identity clinics. This decision moves in the opposite direction of US policies in blue states, where trans individuals are gaining more rights and access to healthcare.In today's episode, we discuss the implications of the UK's NHS healthcare policies for transgender youth and compare them with the more progressive approaches adopted in many states in the US. We explore the role of medical professionals in shaping these policies and the challenges trans youth face in accessing essential healthcare services.Additionally, we delve into the statements made by the Vatican condemning gender fluidity as we shed light on the intersection of religious beliefs and LGBTQ+ rights.In This Episode, You Will Learn:The differences between UK and US healthcare approaches regarding LGBTQ+ rights (3:20)How NHS's decision impacts transgender youth (4:20)What is the role of medical professionals in forming policies (7:00)About the Vatican's stance on gender fluidity and trans-affirming care (10:10)The implications of conservative attitudes within religious institutions (16:00)The impact of religious beliefs on transgender acceptance (21:00)Resources Mentioned:Episode 8 - Medical Care for Transgender Youth with Dr. Johanna Olson-KennedyConnect with Jackie and Bridget:Transgender Support: Becoming a True Ally Video Course on VimeoTransgender School Patreon Membership with all exclusive contentTransgender School on MediumInstagramWebsite FacebookCommunity Facebook GroupYouTube

Do shifting attitudes towards LGBTQ+ rights reflect broader trends in the American political landscape?As the 2024 elections approach, the intricate dance between political agendas and voter inclinations, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ rights, intensifies. As citizens, can we do anything to contribute to the greater good? Yes, we can start conversations. In today's episode, we analyze the results of a poll and survey conducted by the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), illuminating the upcoming election's complex landscape. From voters' motivation regarding candidates' stances on transgender issues to the complexities of LGBTQ+ support for Biden and Democratic candidates, we ponder the deeper undercurrents in what we believe is a presidential election that can change it all. In This Episode, You Will Learn:Jackie shares some results of GLAAD's poll (1:30)What voters think about Republicans’ efforts to bar transgender-affirming care for youth (4:00)Why the Democratic Party is losing support from non-white voters (7:40)Why Republicans "can't stop" talking about transgender people (9:30)About the critical importance of the 2024 elections (12:40)Resources Mentioned:Democrats' events, volunteers, and petitionsConnect with Jackie and Bridget:Transgender Support: Becoming a True Ally Video Course on VimeoTransgender School Patreon Membership with all exclusive contentTransgender School on MediumInstagramWebsite FacebookCommunity Facebook GroupYouTube

Can gender-affirming therapy change people's minds?Transgender kids and their parents often have very different expectations about what gender-affirming therapy will provide. For some parents, the hope is that when their child starts therapy, they’ll realize they aren’t really trans, but instead are gay, confused, or just in a phase. But studies have shown that among transgender kids, less than 3% give up on their transition.In today's episode, Jackie and Bridget unveil a part of Jackie's coming-out story that they haven’t previously discussed publicly. They share details of Jackie's first appointments with the gender affirming therapist who helped and supported her in her transition. In this honest and open conversation, Bridget confesses a secret wish she had in the beginning, which she now realizes was based on delusional thinking. There are valuable lessons to take away from this part of Jackie and Bridget’s story - about unconditional love, acceptance, support, trust, and how allies are made. In This Episode, You Will Learn:Why some parents are reluctant to believe their kids are trans (4:00)Jackie talks about how gender affirming therapy helped her come out (8:20)The importance of keeping trust healthy and robust in families (12:10)How to choose the right gender affirming therapist (16:00)Resources Mentioned:The Trevor ProjectPFLAGEpisode #8 - Medical Care for Transgender Youth with Dr. Johanna Olson-KennedyEpisode #23 - LGBTQIA+ Affirmative Therapy & Parenting with Dr. Rebeks Clark Mane and Aba HorthyEpisode #30 - Meet LGBTQ+ Inclusion Author and Speaker Dr. Kryss ShaneConnect with Jackie and Bridget:Transgender Support: Becoming a True Ally Video Course on VimeoTransgender School Patreon Membership with all exclusive contentTransgender School on MediumInstagramWebsite FacebookCommunity Facebook GroupYouTube

In today's episode, we update you on the concerning trend of states banning trans-affirming care for transgender youth and enacting laws and policies that discriminate against them.As if it weren't an already daunting experience being trans in America, these actions represent a massive blow for trans rights and, unfortunately, force thousands of people to either let go of their hormone treatment or flee their states. Throughout this episode, you'll hear our thoughts on the damage these administrative decisions will cause to the trans community, the housing problem in blue states, the myths about detransitioners, the division these kinds of decisions promote in our country, and much more. In This Episode, You Will Learn:How these new laws and policies affect the trans community (2:00)The terrible situation these new laws and policies put transgender people in (7:20)How we are in the process of dividing ourselves into two countries (11:40)Affirming care saves lives (16:00)Resources:Erin in the MorningConnect with Jackie and Bridget:Transgender Support: Becoming a True Ally Video Course on VimeoTransgender School Patreon Membership with all exclusive contentTransgender School on MediumInstagramWebsite FacebookCommunity Facebook GroupYouTube

Though right-wing talking heads try to manipulate suicide rate statistics, the data proves that the number one cause of self-harm and destructive behavior in the LGBTQ+ community is a lack of family acceptance. Kids who come out as transgender are not confused, are not in a phase, are not following a fad, and are not trying to rebel against their parents. From conversion efforts to more subtle forms of non-affirming communication, there is no question that the damage done can be significant and can often be avoided with a little education and effort. LGBTQ+ kids need and deserve our respect, support, and love. In this episode, we talk about what to do and say, as well as what not to do and say when your child (or any child) trusts you enough to come out as transgender, at any age. You'll hear about the critical importance of family and community acceptance, statistics that show how destructive the lack of support can be for transgender youth, and how some of the most well-intended questions can cause deep wounds for trans kids. We also discuss the mistakes Bridget made when Jackie came out and the challenges they faced. We learn ways to support transgender kids, support and respect their privacy, the ways to ensure affirming care for them, and much more. In This Episode, You Will Learn:About how Jackie's story began six and a half years ago (3:30)What statistics teach us about self-harm and destructive behaviors in the LGBTQ+ community (6:00)Why family acceptance is crucial (11:00)Being trans is definitely not a phase or a way of being rebellious (17:00)Jackie shares tips and ideas to grant affirming care for trans kids (24:00)What do our trans kids really need from us (28:00)Resources:Family Acceptance Project - San Francisco State UniversityWhat to Do When Your Kid Comes Out as Transgender by Bridget Sampson on MediumConnect with Jackie and Bridget:Transgender Support: Becoming a True Ally Video Course on VimeoTransgender School Patreon Membership with all exclusive contentTransgender School on MediumInstagramWebsite FacebookCommunity Facebook GroupYouTube