Transgender School

Gender-affirming care saves lives. It'll be hard to think about anything else once you've listened to today's episode. Fear, isolation, self-harm, self-hatred, and frustration are some of the feelings many trans people feel all the time, and it only gets better when they can come out.In our last episode, Sophia Alexander shared her thoughts on the manosphere and the political landscape in America. Today, she opens up in the most vulnerable, genuine, inspiring, and brave way to share her story and how she came to embrace her trans identity.You'll hear about Sophia's difficult childhood, growing up surrounded by violence against LGBTQ people in a traditional family and an even more conventional society, and lacking not only the support from like-minded people but also the resources to reach them. You'll also hear about the dark places Sophia has gone to, the ways that coming out and transitioning improved her mental health, her thoughts on what the future looks like for trans people in the military, and much more.In This Episode, You Will Learn:About Sophia's challenging upbringing (3:50)What lack of gender-affirming care can do to people (14:10)Why Sophia decided to join the military (19:20)Sophia's post-military life and her decision to transition (27:00)When being trans becomes a "social liability" (35:00)The torturing feeling of being trans and not transitioning (43:10)Connect 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

Misinformation spread by politicians and other influential public figures, the growing polarization among young people, and widespread political cynicism are key elements contributing to our increasingly divisive political landscape.In today's episode, our dear friend Sophia Alexander shares her perspective on the US political landscape just a few months before the 2024 elections. Sophia is a former US Navy Electronic Warfare Specialist and is politically active in her local community. Despite her impressive achievements as a Navy veteran and student leader, she struggled with her gender identity for years. Embracing her true self was a pivotal moment in her life, leading to self-acceptance and empowering her to advocate for others. You'll hear Sophia's thoughts on Republicans' strategies to derail the transgender movement by unearthing old and divisive issues like bathroom bills and trans athletes, and the influence of media and talking heads from dark corners of the internet in promoting these kinds of discussions. Sophia also addresses fear-mongering tactics used to scare the common folk about trans issues, the manosphere's selective appetite when it comes to addressing mental health issues, the myths about "mutilating children" often overused by the far right to confuse people, and much more.Make sure to tune in for next month’s episode with Sophia to learn more about her life, including beginning and stopping her transition multiple times because of external pressures and expectations.In This Episode, You Will Learn:A bit about Sophia's background (1:20)Transgender issues and political distractions (6:20)Why Republicans are so attached to transgender issues (13:40)Sophia addresses the myths around detransitioners (15:50)How cynicism on political issues and misinformation impact young people (19:00)Sophia explains why local politics and community engagement are crucial (26:50)Protect the kids. Sophia talks about why the far right loves that type of rhetoric (31:30)Connect 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

Imagine keeping who you really are hidden for 62 years, knowing deep inside that you are not the person that others see.  Can you feel the pain of what it would be like to be unable to live as your true self because you could lose everything?On today’s episode, we welcome back our dear friend, Alicia Arballo, who was kind enough to be our guest on episodes 18 and 19 two years ago.  Having transitioned at 62 years old, Alicia has taught us and many others so much about what it was like to have the courage to finally let the world know that she’s a woman.We’re thrilled to share with you that Alicia has published a moving, beautiful book of poetry called Transition. Her poignant poems about the heartbreaking realities of coming out as transgender and the euphoria of living authentically moved us deeply and we couldn’t wait to talk with Alicia about them.We’re also incredibly grateful to Alicia for being willing to read us a few of her poems, which we know can be very emotional, and we invite you to share that emotional journey with us, as there is so much to learn from it.Alicia is a natural storyteller who has been writing poetry since she was a little girl, yet it wasn't until her transition that she felt the urge to share the feelings, sensations, challenges, and joys of her journey with us all.In This Episode, You Will Learn:About Alicia's passion for telling stories (5:10)"Christine." The importance of representation (12:50)"Checkout Counter." Daily, trivial moments for some, unforgettable for others (17:50)"Joyce." The anxiety and relief of showing up as we really are (29:20)"Dead name." The pain of rejection (34:00)Resources:Get a copy of Alicia Arballo's book, TransitionConnect 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 caused Vice President Kamala Harris's sudden surge in popularity after Joe Biden stepped down and endorsed her as the Democratic candidate for president? And how can her unexpected candidacy shift the dynamics of the 2024 presidential race?The political landscape has changed dramatically. Harris’s candidacy brings renewed energy and hope to many, thanks to her firm stance on LGBTQ+ rights and progressive policies, and the record-breaking funds she raised so quickly are a testament to it.In today's episode, we discuss the positive impact of Biden's withdrawal from the presidential race and Kamala Harris's subsequent nomination. We also delve into Harris's impressive career achievements, which justify her rapid popularity on social media and her robust record on LGBTQ+ rights. You'll also hear why it is crucial to support a candidate who understands diverse experiences, who can advocate effectively for LGBTQ+ rights, and who is willing to lead the fight for equality and justice in the current political climate.In This Episode, You Will Learn:About Kamala Harris's rapid ascension in popularity (2:30)Kamala Harris's record and impact on LGBTQ+ rights (4:40)A bit about Kamala Harris's commitment and dedication to justice and equality (10:00)Why we must support Kamala Harris (13:30)Resources Mentioned:Become a volunteer for Kamala Harris's campaignMobilize.usConnect 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

How could the Trump-Vance ticket impact the transgender community, their rights, and their access to care?The political climate is fraught with tension as Trump emerges as a significant threat to transgender rights. Considering Trump's anti-LGBTQ+ actions during his presidency and several anti-trans remarks he has made during the current campaign, most of us are living in days of uncertainty and fear.In this episode, we analyze the political landscape as we approach the 2024 United States presidential elections. You'll hear our thoughts on Trump's intention to pass a bill establishing that the US Government will recognize only two genders, the lack of affirming care for trans people if he wins, and Elon Musk's decision to remove X's operations from San Francisco.You'll also hear about the myths around the "trans epidemic among children," why it is crucial to fight for the continuity of gender-affirming care, and more.Important announcements:We will release a special bonus episode tomorrow about Kamala Harris’s campaign, with our thoughts on her qualifications and her history of LGBTQ+ support.Here’s the link to sign up for our live Zoom Transgender Awareness course to learn how to be an even better ally to transgender people on September 28.Resources Mentioned:Fact check: Pamela Paul's Latest Anti-Trans New York Times Article Filled With Disinformation by Erin ReedBook: Caster Semenya - The Race to Be Myself: A MemoirIn This Episode, You Will Learn:About the terrifying assassination attempt against Trump and its effects on the political landscape (2:20)Any option is better than Trump (8:40)Debunking myths about the "epidemic of kids getting gender-affirming surgeries" (11:40)About how trans rights and policies will look under Trump's mandate (13:20)About Trump's intentions of establishing by law that there are only two genders (15:40)Jackie and Bridget on why it is crucial to fight for gender-affirming care (20:50)Connect with Jackie and Bridget:Join us on Zoom on September 28 for our Transgender Awareness courseTransgender Support: Becoming a True Ally Video Course on VimeoTransgender School Patreon Membership with all exclusive contentTransgender School on MediumInstagramWebsite FacebookCommunity Facebook GroupYouTube

The housing crisis in blue states like California, with homes averaging over $700K, disproportionately affects LGBTQ+ individuals. Elevated housing costs limit their access to safe and inclusive communities, forcing them to either remain in less accepting areas or face homelessness. Addressing this issue is crucial for ensuring equitable living conditions for LGBTQ+ folks and other marginalized groups.In today's episode, we analyze the housing crisis in blue states and its impact on LGBTQ+ communities. You'll also hear our thoughts on the institutionalized segregation in the United States after World War II, the limitations of the Fair Housing Act, and the consequences of downzoning.We also unravel myths and truths about the massive number of vacant homes across the United States and discuss several approaches to address this crisis, like vacancy taxes, market-rate housing development, and inclusive zoning policies.In This Episode, You Will Learn:The historical roots of housing segregation (2:30)About San Francisco's residential security map and its long-lasting effects (5:20)The Fair Housing Act and its limitations in enforcing desegregation (9:10)A comparison of historical and current housing production rates in California (15:50)Are there more vacant houses than homeless people in the United States? (19:50)Why we must discuss the need for more affordable, multi-unit housing solutions (22:30)Connect 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 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