Knowing the history of the LGBTQ community is a way to understand why we need Pride month, why we continue to fight for equality, and basic human rights. 

Tune in and learn all about the transwomen and lesbians who were persecuted in the 1800's, how the feminist movement excluded lesbians, and how Magnus Hirschfeld, a German physician, sexologist, and LGBTQ advocate, carried out the first advocacy for homosexual and transgender rights. Taras also shares his story about Christine Jorgensen, a transwoman who was the first person to become widely known in the United States for having sex reassignment surgery.

LGBTQ+ Resources:

The Trevor Project

Trans Lifeline

PFLAG - Our Trans Loved Ones

National LGBTQ Task Force

You can also find Let's Just Say It on Substack.

Show music provided by Drrrakhan.

All content © 2026 Let’s Just Say It.

There are a lot of myths and misconceptions out in the world about the LGBTQ community and we are here to bust 'em!

Kathy and Taras discuss myths like:

• Lesbians hate men (nope - we just love women - a lot)
• You can always tell when someone is trans (not the case)
• It's easier being a lesbian (let's fact check that)
• Transgender is a mental illness (throw away the DSM)

Tune in and learn why it's important to understand where these myths came from, why people believe them, and how we can educate ourselves and others about the LGBTQ community. 

LGBTQ+ Resources:

The Trevor Project

Trans Lifeline

PFLAG - Our Trans Loved Ones

National LGBTQ Task Force

You can also find Let's Just Say It on Substack.

Show music provided by Drrrakhan.

All content © 2026 Let’s Just Say It.

For the LGBTQ+ community, feeling safe in the communities they live in is essential.

Kathy and Taras share their experiences when showing PDA (public displays of affection) with girlfriends and how they are (at times) super hypervigilant when out in public. Kathy talks about coming out to her parents (in her 20s) and how her older gay sister paved the road for her (it still wasn't easy!). 

Tune in and learn why Taras is now less fearful of showing PDA with his girlfriend, why many LGBTQ+ people "come out" to others more than once in their lives, and how the media covers hate crimes among transgender women and men. 

LGBTQ+ Resources:

The Trevor Project

Trans Lifeline

PFLAG - Our Trans Loved Ones

National LGBTQ Task Force

You can also find Let's Just Say It on Substack.

Show music provided by Drrrakhan.

All content © 2026 Let’s Just Say It.

Taras continues his story by sharing his experience of starting hormone therapy, the physical and emotional changes, and the reaction from family members.

Tune in and learn how Taras became afraid of needles a few months into starting hormone injections, how he mentally adjusted to the changes happening to him, and why he wants people to know when he made the decision to transition he was choosing himself (and encourages everyone to do the same).

LGBTQ+ Resources:

The Trevor Project

Trans Lifeline

PFLAG - Our Trans Loved Ones

National LGBTQ Task Force

You can also find Let's Just Say It on Substack.

Show music provided by Drrrakhan.

All content © 2026 Let’s Just Say It.

Taras and Kathy talk all things dating and being in relationships. You guessed it - the “What does a lesbian bring on the third date?” joke was mentioned.

Tune in and learn what a black cat and golden retriever have to do with the LGBTQ community, how Kathy and a couple of co-workers used dating apps as a competition, and what Taras thinks about pick up lines.

We want to hear from you! Are you dating? Do you use the apps or are you meeting people out in the wild? Have you ever rented a U-Haul after the third date? Inquiring minds want to know - comment below!

Previously published on May 13, 2026 on Substack.

Show music provided by Drrrakhan.

All content © 2026 Let’s Just Say It.

Kathy shares how she knew she was different and had crushes on girls in middle & high school. Growing up in a small town in NY, she didn’t have any LGBTQ+ resources, mentors, or community to help her understand what was happening internally. In 1985, she moved to Syracuse to attend college and ended up feeling even more confused about her sexual orientation.

Tune in and learn how better life became for Kathy when she moved to the San Francisco Bay Area after college, what it felt like for her to be with other gay women in the community, and how she gives back to queer teens where she currently lives.

Previously published on April 22, 2026 on Substack.

LGBTQ+ Resources:

The Gay Center

I Love NY - LGBTQ Resources

NY LGBT Network

Show music provided by Drrrakhan.

All content © 2026 Let’s Just Say It.

In part one of Taras sharing his coming out story, he takes us on his journey from middle school through high school. The gradual progression of discovery and ultimately having the courage to be his true self.

Tune in and learn when Taras had his first female crush, why the police got involved when he shared notes with a female friend, the fear of transitioning, and the absolute joy he felt when his son called him “Dad.”

Previously published on April 8, 2026 on Substack.

LGBTQ+ Resources:

The Trevor Project

Trans Lifeline

PFLAG - Our Trans Loved Ones

National LGBTQ Task Force

Show music provided by Drrrakhan.

All content © 2026 Let’s Just Say It.