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In the transgender community, the suicide rates are alarmingly high, and there is a huge need for mental health support among those who have or are currently, transitioning. 

In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Scottie Jeanette Madden to talk about her journey from girl to boy to woman, and how she now helps others in the transition process through her book and documentary. 

Scottie Jeanette Madden, born Scott James, didn’t make it easy on herself. Like many late-stage trans women, Scottie had made one hell of a guy; husband of 26 years, the only son, the big brother, and legendary adventurer uncle. 

Everything in her life screamed "Alpha Male." With over 30 years in the television production trenches, no one would guess that Scottie, a top survival showrunner who had led über-male productions into the world’s most dangerous jungles, glaciers, and deserts, while engaged in a lifelong battle for her soul.

 All anyone knew was that Scottie, who rose through the technical ranks as a camera operator and editor brought a front-line experience to her work as a writer, director, and showrunner.  

And… she put ALL this, plus a marriage of 26 years on the line when she wrote “Getting Back to Me” from girl to boy to woman in just fifty years, and left behind “white male privilege” to embrace truth, grace, and womanhood. Her gut-wrenching journey of love, acceptance, and honesty became the ultimate survival show. 

In today’s episode we cover: 

• Scottie’s story
• The coping mechanisms she developed in her life
• The stigmas in the LGBTQ+ community
• What gender dysphoria really is 
• Fear, shame, and discrimination
• What dignity means 
• How Scottie worked with her wife during the transition process
• Your chosen family 

We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Scottie. If you want to learn more from her, make sure to visit her website where you can find her and Marcy’s books and information on her documentary, and follow her on Instagram. 

Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! 

Links: 

Connect with Scottie on LinkedIn

Visit the Zuzubean website

Check out Scottie’s YouTube channel

Check out The Screening Room

Watch “What Would My Father Say” 

Follow Scottie on Instagram

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Get in touch: [email protected]

“Gender dysphoria is actually visceral, emotional, intellectual, and physical, and it comes from trying to deny your gender identity.” -Scottie 

“Use this story of hope and optimism and be that. Be that change and be that advocate.” -Marc

“A lot of what drives discrimination is fear and shame within the non-trans community.” -Erik