Becoming Visible: Trans Stories

In the 25th episode of "Becoming Visible: Trans Stories!", Susan and Jack sit down with Rachel Hulstein-Lowe is trained as a clinical social worker and has been a clinician in private practice in the Boston area since 2010. Through play, talk and humor, she helps anxious kids, teens and parents gain insight and empowerment. In addition, as the parent of a nonbinary teen, she has both personal and professional experience supporting trans, nonbinary, and gender-expansive youth and adults live their most confidently authentic lives.  Rachel is the creator of The AFFIRM Program, a 6-month transformational process to shift your parenting from anxious to empowered using tools that will support and ground you so that you can support your kid’s gender journey.  For more information about The AFFIRM Program, check out Rachel's website at rachelhlowe.com

https://www.rachelhlowe.com/affirm-information-request

This podcast was made possible by a grant from the South Dakota Humanities Council, a state program of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Adult 18+ Queer Community Members: Are you an LGBTQ+ individual who is 18+ and wants to make both medical and mental health care more inclusive?   

TAKE THE SURVEY NOW

This survey will take 15 to 20 minutes of your time. Your identity matters, and so does your physical and mental health. 

Disclaimer: Your privacy is important to us. All survey responses will be kept confidential and anonymous. 

Content Warning: Due to the nature of this survey, the questions may be heavy or triggering. Please make sure you are in a safe space before you begin, and take care. 

Resources:
https://www.transformationprojectsd.org/

There are so many great resources available if you happen to be struggling with suicidal thoughts. You can head to the Trevor project.org Or you can call and text 988 and you will be connected to trained counselors that will listen understand how your problems are affecting you provide support and connect you to the resources needed if necessary.

Hosts: Jack Fonder & Susan Williams

Producer: Susan Williams

Audio Engineer: Cheese

Graphic Design: Carly Schultz

Music: Niklas Peters
Niklas is a musician, artist, and organizer based in occupied Očhéthi Šakówiŋ land. They are a founding member of the South Dakota Women and Trans Musicians Network. When they are not creating music or art, Niklas can be found hiking or camping, walking their dog, or enjoying a meal with friends. They work as a Campaign Coordinator for Clean, Renewable Energy for the Western Organization of Resource Councils. (Website - Instagram)

In our 24th episode, Susan and Jack sit down with Cole, a transgender man who grew up in South Dakota and navigated the complexities of coming out to his family while in college. Now an adult, Cole shares why he chose to stay in the state, the challenges of being a trans man in the workplace, and how recent legislative actions and the current administration are making it harder to sustain his career.

A quick note: After recording, we discovered an issue with Susan’s microphone, so her audio may sound different than usual. We appreciate your understanding!

This podcast was made possible by a grant from the South Dakota Humanities Council, a state program of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Adult 18+ Queer Community Members: Are you an LGBTQ+ individual who is 18+ and wants to make both medical and mental health care more inclusive?   

TAKE THE SURVEY NOW

This survey will take 15 to 20 minutes of your time. Your identity matters, and so does your physical and mental health. 

Disclaimer: Your privacy is important to us. All survey responses will be kept confidential and anonymous. 

Content Warning: Due to the nature of this survey, the questions may be heavy or triggering. Please make sure you are in a safe space before you begin, and take care. 

Resources:
https://www.transformationprojectsd.org/

There are so many great resources available if you happen to be struggling with suicidal thoughts. You can head to the Trevor project.org Or you can call and text 988 and you will be connected to trained counselors that will listen understand how your problems are affecting you provide support and connect you to the resources needed if necessary.

Hosts: Jack Fonder & Susan Williams

Producer: Susan Williams

Audio Engineer: Cheese

Graphic Design: Carly Schultz

Music: Niklas Peters
Niklas is a musician, artist, and organizer based in occupied Očhéthi Šakówiŋ land. They are a founding member of the South Dakota Women and Trans Musicians Network. When they are not creating music or art, Niklas can be found hiking or camping, walking their dog, or enjoying a meal with friends. They work as a Campaign Coordinator for Clean, Renewable Energy for the Western Organization of Resource Councils. (Website - Instagram)

In the 22nd episode of Becoming Visible: Trans Stories, Susan and Jack learn all about Willow, a transgender woman originally from Howard, SD who is in her last year at Dakota State majoring in CyberSecurity who is heading into AmeriCorps next year.  Willow shares her struggle with internalized transphobia, getting an Autism diagnosis and transitioning in a small town.

This podcast was made possible by a grant from the South Dakota Humanities Council, a state program of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Adult 18+ Queer Community Members: Are you an LGBTQ+ individual who is 18+ and wants to make both medical and mental health care more inclusive?   

TAKE THE SURVEY NOW

This survey will take 15 to 20 minutes of your time. Your identity matters, and so does your physical and mental health. 

Disclaimer: Your privacy is important to us. All survey responses will be kept confidential and anonymous. 

Content Warning: Due to the nature of this survey, the questions may be heavy or triggering. Please make sure you are in a safe space before you begin, and take care. 

Resources:
https://www.transformationprojectsd.org/

There are so many great resources available if you happen to be struggling with suicidal thoughts. You can head to the Trevor project.org Or you can call and text 988 and you will be connected to trained counselors that will listen understand how your problems are affecting you provide support and connect you to the resources needed if necessary.

Hosts: Jack Fonder & Susan Williams

Producer: Susan Williams

Audio Engineer: Cheese

Graphic Design: Carly Schultz

Music: Niklas Peters
Niklas is a musician, artist, and organizer based in occupied Očhéthi Šakówiŋ land. They are a founding member of the South Dakota Women and Trans Musicians Network. When they are not creating music or art, Niklas can be found hiking or camping, walking their dog, or enjoying a meal with friends. They work as a Campaign Coordinator for Clean, Renewable Energy for the Western Organization of Resource Councils. (Website - Instagram)

In our latest episode of Becoming Visible: Trans Stories, we’re live from the Prism Community Center with an inspiring guest, Demeter (she/her).

From political activism in South Dakota to studying philosophy, religion, and classical studies, Demeter shares her incredible journey of self-discovery, her experiences navigating gender identity, and the power of family support. 

Tune in to hear about her advocacy work, life as a dog mom to her Husky-German Shepherd mix Persephone, and why she hates being called the "gay best friend." Listen now and join us for an empowering conversation!

This podcast was made possible by a grant from the South Dakota Humanities Council, a state program of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Adult 18+ Queer Community Members: Are you an LGBTQ+ individual who is 18+ and wants to make both medical and mental health care more inclusive?   

TAKE THE SURVEY NOW
This survey will take 15 to 20 minutes of your time. Your identity matters, and so does your physical and mental health. 

Disclaimer: Your privacy is important to us. All survey responses will be kept confidential and anonymous. 

Content Warning: Due to the nature of this survey, the questions may be heavy or triggering. Please make sure you are in a safe space before you begin, and take care.

Resources:
https://www.transformationprojectsd.org/

There are so many great resources available if you happen to be struggling with suicidal thoughts. You can head to the Trevor project.org Or you can call and text 988 and you will be connected to trained counselors that will listen understand how your problems are affecting you provide support and connect you to the resources needed if necessary.

Hosts: Jack Fonder & Susan Williams

Producer: Susan Williams

Audio Engineer: Cheese

Graphic Design: Carly Schultz

Music: Niklas Peters
Niklas is a musician, artist, and organizer based in occupied Očhéthi Šakówiŋ land. They are a founding member of the South Dakota Women and Trans Musicians Network. When they are not creating music or art, Niklas can be found hiking or camping, walking their dog, or enjoying a meal with friends. They work as a Campaign Coordinator for Clean, Renewable Energy for the Western Organization of Resource Councils. (Website - Instagram)

Get ready to dive into enlightening conversations with Jack & Susan on their latest podcast episode featuring Jordyn, a young diesel mechanic, passionate gamer, and proud transgender woman. Tune in as they tackle pressing topics such as transphobia, TERFs, politics, and beyond.

In this episode, Jordyn shares her unique journey, shedding light on her experiences navigating the world online and in South Dakota as a transgender woman. From her insights on gaming as a powerful platform for connecting with fellow queer individuals worldwide to the heartwarming story of how she met her partner on Discord, prepare to be inspired by Jordyn's resilience and authenticity.

This podcast was made possible by a grant from the South Dakota Humanities Council, a state program of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Adult 18+ Queer Community Members: Are you an LGBTQ+ individual who is 18+ and wants to make both medical and mental health care more inclusive?   

TAKE THE SURVEY NOW

This survey will take 15 to 20 minutes of your time. Your identity matters, and so does your physical and mental health. 

Disclaimer: Your privacy is important to us. All survey responses will be kept confidential and anonymous. 

Content Warning: Due to the nature of this survey, the questions may be heavy or triggering. Please make sure you are in a safe space before you begin, and take care. 

Resources:
https://www.transformationprojectsd.org/

There are so many great resources available if you happen to be struggling with suicidal thoughts. You can head to the Trevor project.org Or you can call and text 988 and you will be connected to trained counselors that will listen understand how your problems are affecting you provide support and connect you to the resources needed if necessary.

Hosts: Jack Fonder & Susan Williams

Producer: Susan Williams

Audio Engineer: Cheese

Graphic Design: Carly Schultz

Music: Niklas Peters
Niklas is a musician, artist, and organizer based in occupied Očhéthi Šakówiŋ land. They are a founding member of the South Dakota Women and Trans Musicians Network. When they are not creating music or art, Niklas can be found hiking or camping, walking their dog, or enjoying a meal with friends. They work as a Campaign Coordinator for Clean, Renewable Energy for the Western Organization of Resource Councils. (Website - Instagram)

Introducing our 20th episode of "Becoming Visible: Trans Stories"! Join us as we delve into the remarkable journey of Danny, a trans mental health therapist specializing in trauma therapy, and hailing from small-town South Dakota. 

Danny shares poignant childhood memories of navigating the turbulent waters of self-discovery before the era of Google. From the challenges of puberty to the relentless pursuit of authenticity, Danny's narrative is both captivating and deeply moving.

But there's more to Danny than meets the eye. Discover the heartwarming layers of his life as a devoted husband, a dedicated father to a spirited toddler, and an unwavering fan of the Kansas City Chiefs. Brace yourself for an emotional rollercoaster as Danny's story unfolds.

#BecomingVisible #TransStories #PodcastEpisode #TransformationProject 

This podcast was made possible by a grant from the South Dakota Humanities Council, a state program of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Adult 18+ Queer Community Members: Are you an LGBTQ+ individual who is 18+ and wants to make both medical and mental health care more inclusive?   

TAKE THE SURVEY NOW

This survey will take 15 to 20 minutes of your time. Your identity matters, and so does your physical and mental health. 

Disclaimer: Your privacy is important to us. All survey responses will be kept confidential and anonymous. 

Content Warning: Due to the nature of this survey, the questions may be heavy or triggering. Please make sure you are in a safe space before you begin, and take care. 

Resources:
https://www.transformationprojectsd.org/

There are so many great resources available if you happen to be struggling with suicidal thoughts. You can head to the Trevor project.org Or you can call and text 988 and you will be connected to trained counselors that will listen understand how your problems are affecting you provide support and connect you to the resources needed if necessary.

Hosts: Jack Fonder & Susan Williams

Producer: Susan Williams

Audio Engineer: Cheese

Graphic Design: Carly Schultz

Music: Niklas Peters
Niklas is a musician, artist, and organizer based in occupied Očhéthi Šakówiŋ land. They are a founding member of the South Dakota Women and Trans Musicians Network. When they are not creating music or art, Niklas can be found hiking or camping, walking their dog, or enjoying a meal with friends. They work as a Campaign Coordinator for Clean, Renewable Energy for the Western Organization of Resource Councils. (Website - Instagram)

In the 18th episode of Becoming Visible: Trans Stories, Susan and Jack talk with Irene and Sydney to discuss their personal journeys, including Irene's transition later in life.  They share about their meeting at an open mic night and their whirlwind romance, and reflect on the challenges and discoveries they encountered, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery and acceptance. 

Adult 18+ Queer Community Members: Are you an LGBTQ+ individual who is 18+ and wants to make both medical and mental health care more inclusive?   

TAKE THE SURVEY NOW

This survey will take 15 to 20 minutes of your time. Your identity matters, and so does your physical and mental health. 

Disclaimer: Your privacy is important to us. All survey responses will be kept confidential and anonymous. 

Content Warning: Due to the nature of this survey, the questions may be heavy or triggering. Please make sure you are in a safe space before you begin, and take care. 

Resources:
https://www.transformationprojectsd.org/

There are so many great resources available if you happen to be struggling with suicidal thoughts. You can head to the Trevor project.org Or you can call and text 988 and you will be connected to trained counselors that will listen understand how your problems are affecting you provide support and connect you to the resources needed if necessary.

Hosts: Jack Fonder & Susan Williams

Producer: Susan Williams

Audio Engineer: Cheese

Graphic Design: Carly Schultz

Music: Niklas Peters
Niklas is a musician, artist, and organizer based in occupied Očhéthi Šakówiŋ land. They are a founding member of the South Dakota Women and Trans Musicians Network. When they are not creating music or art, Niklas can be found hiking or camping, walking their dog, or enjoying a meal with friends. They work as a Campaign Coordinator for Clean, Renewable Energy for the Western Organization of Resource Councils. (Website - Instagram)

In the 17th episode of Becoming Visible: Trans Stories, Susan and Jack learn all about Boots, a resilient nonbinary individual from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, as they share their powerful journey of self-discovery and survival. Raised in a complex family dynamic, Boots navigates the challenges of growing up in a Jehovah's Witness community, where conformity and ostracization were the norms. With raw honesty, Boots reflects on their experiences of abuse, discrimination, and institutionalization, shedding light on the harsh realities faced by LGBTQ+ individuals within religious and societal structures. Through it all, Boots finds solace in unexpected places, from the quiet moments of the night to the compassionate words of a supportive teacher. Join us as we delve into Boots' narrative, a story of resilience, identity, and the pursuit of acceptance in the face of adversity.

Adult 18+ Queer Community Members: Are you an LGBTQ+ individual who is 18+ and wants to make both medical and mental health care more inclusive?   

TAKE THE SURVEY NOW

This survey will take 15 to 20 minutes of your time. Your identity matters, and so does your physical and mental health. 

Disclaimer: Your privacy is important to us. All survey responses will be kept confidential and anonymous. 

Content Warning: Due to the nature of this survey, the questions may be heavy or triggering. Please make sure you are in a safe space before you begin, and take care. 

Resources:
https://www.transformationprojectsd.org/

For more info on Quilting Allies:
Facebook "Quilting Allies"

There are so many great resources available if you happen to be struggling with suicidal thoughts. You can head to the Trevor project.org Or you can call and text 988 and you will be connected to trained counselors that will listen understand how your problems are affecting you provide support and connect you to the resources needed if necessary.

Hosts: Jack Fonder & Susan Williams

Producer: Susan Williams

Audio Engineer: Cheese

Graphic Design: Carly Schultz

Music: Niklas Peters
Niklas is a musician, artist, and organizer based in occupied Očhéthi Šakówiŋ land. They are a founding member of the South Dakota Women and Trans Musicians Network. When they are not creating music or art, Niklas can be found hiking or camping, walking their dog, or enjoying a meal with friends. They work as a Campaign Coordinator for Clean, Renewable Energy for the Western Organization of Resource Councils. (Website - Instagram)

In the 16th episode of Becoming Visible: Trans Stories, Susan and Jack learn all about Beth, a transgender woman from eastern South Dakota and is President of Transaction SD. 

Adult 18+ Queer Community Members: Are you an LGBTQ+ individual who is 18+ and wants to make both medical and mental health care more inclusive?   

TAKE THE SURVEY NOW

This survey will take 15 to 20 minutes of your time. Your identity matters, and so does your physical and mental health. 

Disclaimer: Your privacy is important to us. All survey responses will be kept confidential and anonymous. 

Content Warning: Due to the nature of this survey, the questions may be heavy or triggering. Please make sure you are in a safe space before you begin, and take care. 

Resources:
https://www.transformationprojectsd.org/

There are so many great resources available if you happen to be struggling with suicidal thoughts. You can head to the Trevor project.org Or you can call and text 988 and you will be connected to trained counselors that will listen understand how your problems are affecting you provide support and connect you to the resources needed if necessary.

Hosts: Jack Fonder & Susan Williams

Producer: Susan Williams

Audio Engineer: Cheese

Graphic Design: Carly Schultz

Music: Niklas Peters
Niklas is a musician, artist, and organizer based in occupied Očhéthi Šakówiŋ land. They are a founding member of the South Dakota Women and Trans Musicians Network. When they are not creating music or art, Niklas can be found hiking or camping, walking their dog, or enjoying a meal with friends. They work as a Campaign Coordinator for Clean, Renewable Energy for the Western Organization of Resource Councils. (Website - Instagram)

As we enter into the 2024 Legislative Session in South Dakota, we felt this previous episode would be important to re-release.  In this episode of Becoming Visible: Trans Stories, Susan and Jack speak with Libby Skarin, Campaigns Director with the ACLU of SD.  Libby has worked against anti-trans legislation longer than anyone else we know in the state, and walks us through the last decade of damaging bills coming from SD Legislators and who is behind all of these proposed laws. 

TW: Suicide

Visit the ACLU of SD:
https://www.aclusd.org/

Articles:

• Sioux Falls Argus Leader reporter Morgan Matzen has written a series entitled “Decade of Hate:  South Dakota’s History of anti-LGBTQ+ Policies”.
  Parts 1 & 2 of the series covered the entire front page of Sunday’s paper (July 09, 2023).
  
  How South Dakota's anti-LGBTQ+ bills have grown in the last 10 years (argusleader.com)
  
  https://argusleader-sd.newsmemory.com/?publink=19e967674_134ac59
• Susan Williams wrote this press release on HB1080 becoming law, and  was picked up by South Dakota Standard

https://www.sdstandardnow.com/home/its-executive-director-writes-that-the-transformation-project-offers-support-to-transgender-youth-in-south-dakota-with-new-law-now-in-effect

Resources:
https://www.transformationprojectsd.org/

There are so many great resources available if you happen to be struggling with suicidal thoughts. You can head to the Trevor project.org Or you can call and text 988 and you will be connected to trained counselors that will listen understand how your problems are affecting you provide support and connect you to the resources needed if necessary.

Hosts: Jack Fonder & Susan Williams

Producer: Susan Williams

Audio Engineer: Cheese

Graphic Design: Carly Schultz

Music: Niklas Peters
Niklas is a musician, artist, and organizer based in occupied Očhéthi Šakówiŋ land. They are a founding member of the South Dakota Women and Trans Musicians Network. When they are not creating music or art, Niklas can be found hiking or camping, walking their dog, or enjoying a meal with friends. They work as a Campaign Coordinator for Clean, Renewable Energy for the Western Organization of Resource Councils. (Website - Instagram)