In this conversation, Keltie Maguire speaks with shawdeez, Ph.D. (he/they), a queer and trans parent, about their journey to parenthood and the transformative experiences that awaited them on the other side of having a child. shawndeez shares...

• The impact of societal gender norms, both on shawndeez's feelings about parenthood and in how these norms can influence anyone making this decision. (1:27)
• shawndeez's experience navigating the IVF process as a transmasculine person. (11:38)
• The importance of creating a gender-open environment for children that fosters freedom and exploration. (45:54)
• The spiritual awakening that can accompany parenthood, and insights into shawndeez's own spiritual journey through parenthood. (18:15)
• The significance of connecting with nature, and the pursuit of joy and bliss in parenting. (49:54)
• Self-worth and the need to challenge traditional narratives around family and identity.

As mentioned in the show:

Find shawndeez online at: shawndeez.com Find shawndeez on Instagram: instagram.com/drshawndeez/ About shawndeez: shawndeez, Ph.D. (he/they) received their doctorate in UCLA's Department of Gender Studies. While at UCLA, they created and led courses on Trans Magic, Queer & Trans Muslim Feminisms, and QTPoC Resistances while simultaneously serving on the Trans Wellness Team, a collective of medical doctors and mental health providers working to provide gender-affirming healthcare to trans students across the UC system. shawndeez's dissertation research explored how queer, trans, and nonbinary individuals engage with the spiritual as a form of resilience, healing, and possibility. They are now a full time public speaker, spiritual guide, and workshop facilitator, offering spiritually-conscious spaces for queer/trans people to lean into their joys. (I can tweak if needed, let me know). _ Get details on 1-on-1 coaching here: kidsorchildfree.com/coaching Check out our free resources here, or at kidsorchildfree.com/free-resources And don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Kids or Childfree Podcast if you love what you're hearing! You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, or a rating on Spotify. Find us online at www.kidsorchildfree.com. Instagram: www.instagram.com/kidsorchildfree