Room For Us

How do kids and teens feel about queerness in 2022? Is it different from when we were growing up? On this ep, we find out. We share stories from two queer 15-year-old listeners: Yara from Belgium and Tess from Netherlands. They tell us about their experiences discovering their sexuality, being queer at school, and the disconnects between their peers and their family. We learn how 8th graders in Vancouver are talking about queerness and the questions they have. Plus, a *very* special interview with Sar's 8-year-old nephew, Knox! We still have so much progress to make, but let's just say: this generation knows what's up. Are you a queer youth with a story to share? DM us @girlxgirlpodcast or shoot us an email at [email protected]!

Trigger warning: trauma, sexual assault, depression. This is a very special episode with our very good friend, Cayla Meredith! Cayla is a pansexual trauma and sexual assault survivor who now coaches other survivors on their path to healing. In this conversation, Cayla shares her very personal experience with trauma, starting in her early childhood. She gets candid about what happened to her and how it impacted her as an adult — from rock bottom moments to revelations. We explore how Cayla's sexual trauma factored into her discovering her queerness and coming into her sexuality. Plus, what inspired her to launch the Move to Heal Project and how we can all move through trauma by connecting to our bodies. Cayla is unbelievably brave, resilient, and optimistic and we were SO honoured that she shared her story with us. If you're a trauma survivor or simply someone who wants to heal through movement, follow Cayla @caylameredith and connect with her by DM to find out how you can work with her. And remember friends: you're not alone. We're always here to talk. Love you guys.

Why does being queer feel so *spiritual*? We find out on this episode, thanks to Jane Lyon — energy healer, coach, and your new spiritual bestie. As a gay girl who spent most of her life closeted, Jane tells us how Buddhism and spirituality helped her come into her sexuality and come OUT to the world. She explains the basics of spirituality (from Reiki to chakras) and how it is deeply connected to the queer experience. We learn how spiritual practice, like yoga and meditation, can help you regulate your emotions and lean into freedom. Plus, why spirituality sometimes gets an *eye roll* in today's culture. If you're intimidated by spirituality, don't worry — Jane is all about making it approachable, accessible, and easy to understand. That's why we took SO MUCH away from this conversation, and we know you will too. Want to work with Jane or listen to her podcast? Find her on IG @janeof801 and search Lyoness Podcast wherever you get your pods!

Trigger Warning: depression, suicide, anxiety, trauma, abuse. Today, we're joined by a true powerhouse and inspiration: Alyy Patel. A trailblazing LGBTQ+ scholar, activist, writer, and influencer, Alyy has pioneered Canadian research on queer South Asian women's issues. Alyy is gay, gender-fluid, and Indo-African Gujarati. Throughout their career, Alyy has accomplished so many firsts for South Asian women, including being the first South Asian speaker at Toronto's Dyke March. Oh, and did we mention they're only 25? We sit down with Alyy to pull back the curtain and find out what goes into being a true trailblazer. Alyy gets candid with us about their struggles with mental health and abuse, and how it led them to dive deeper into activism. We learn all about Alyy's thriving non-profit organization — the Queer South Asian Women's Network — and how it's creating a safe space for queer Indian women around the world. Most of all, we talk about the complex relationship between South Asian culture and queerness. And how all of us (with the help of leaders like Alyy) can continue to foster openness and inclusion. Want to join the Queer South Asian Network? Follow @QSAWnetwork and learn more at www.qsawnetwork.com. Keep up with Alyy @alyypatel or www.alyypatel.com.

Compulsory heterosexuality, who's she? On this episode, we learn about the Lesbian Google Doc: a 30-page guide called "Am I a Lesbian?". Originally posted by an anonymous Tumblr user, the doc earned a cult following for its comprehensive and relatable descriptions of compulsory heterosexuality. AKA: the societal pressure to be straight. Pers tells us about how it all applies to her journey and how her feelings toward men have always been (and continue to be) complex. She even gets real about a recent attraction she felt for a man — and how that doesn't change her identity as a gay woman. Plus, our very first MERCH collection is finally here! 100% of the proceeds from every sale will go to 2 organizations making an impact in the Canadian LGBTQIA+ community: Pflag Canada and Casey House. Shop the collection here: https://tinyurl.com/2p83fepr  Access the "Am I a Lesbian?" doc here: https://www.docdroid.net/N46Ea3o/copy-of-am-i-a-lesbian-masterdoc-pdf#page=19 

Ya girls went from Fefe one week to Keke the next. On this episode, we sit down with the ultra-lovable Keauno Perez from Netflix's Twentysomethings: Austin! Moving into a house with 8 strangers for a reality TV show, Keke had to come out to not only his roommates — but the entire world. Up until that point, only a handful of people knew Keke was gay. We ask him about that process and how it felt to embrace his queerness for the very first time. His first kiss, his first gay bar, his first heartbreak — and how it felt to have all of that FILMED for Netflix. Keke tells us about how he got the show, what it took for him to get there, and where he plans to go next. Plus, his favourite moments with his roomies, his friendship with Natalie, and how it feels to represent the Mexican queer community. Keke is a full blown ray of sunshine, y'all. You're going to love this conversation. Keep up with Keke on IG @keaunoperez and stay tuned for him and Nat's new podcast: Hopeful and Horny!

It's Fefe Fckn Dobson. On this episode, we sit down with the pop punk icon herself. From her unforgettable 2003 debut to her epic Joy era in 2010, Fefe has been a generational staple in pop rock music. Along the way, her and her music have been embraced by the queer community — especially in drag. We ask her about all of it! Her experience as a Black woman in a majority white male genre, how it felt to be a guest judge on Canada's Drag Race, and who she wrote Take Me Away about (spoiler: he brought sexy back). Plus, she tells us about releasing new music for the first time in 8 years, starting with the single Fckn In Love: coming February 25! We were beyond honoured to chat with a true icon, a badass trailblazer, and a champion for the queer community. Guys, it's FEFE FCKN DOBSON!!! Enjoy this fun, open, and fangirl-friendly conversation.

Why is it so hard for us to admit when someone just *isn't* that into us? On this ep, your girls gossip about that strange, fun, but wildly confusing time when you first start seeing someone. It can be so hard to know if someone is into you — and so EASY to make excuses for why they're being distant. We dive into all our theories for why that is. Plus, the added layers of confusion for queer people as they navigate new relationships (especially with people who aren't completely confident in their sexuality yet). And if you're wondering how to know if P or S are into you, we cover that too. Are you struggling with something like this right now? Shoot us a DM @girlxgirlpodcast and we'll remind you how f*cking date-worthy you are. 

Friends, this might be our most vulnerable episode yet. We sit down with Dawna Noble, an LGTBQIA+ relationship expert and coach, to dive DEEP into dating. P talks about the patterns that keep coming up in her love life and asks Dawna how she can break them. S gets real about everything she has been learning and unlearning from past relationships. Dawna explains the differences between queer and straight relationships, and the challenges that can come up for queer couples (no matter their gender). Plus, how the trauma from her ex-wife's infidelity inspired her to build a career around helping other couples in crisis. This was such a lovely, emotional, and open conversation. We hope everyone can take something away from Dawna's expertise — whether you're queer, straight, or somewhere in between. Want to work with Dawna? Connect with her through Instagram DM @dawnanoble! Oh, and don't forget to congratulate her on her recent engagement to her partner!

On this very special episode, we're joined by Queer Eye's Angel Flores! As a powerhouse trans woman, athlete, and activist, Angel stole the spotlight in Season 6 of everyone's favourite Netflix show. We gossip with Angel about her experience on the show, including her favourite behind-the-scenes moments with the Fab 5. We talk about the moment Angel realized she was a woman and how she felt empowered to start her transition journey. Then, we dive deep into trans athletics and why every single trans person — kids included (!!!) — should be able to play sports in an environment where they feel safe, empowered, and included. We were so honoured that Angel took the time to teach us about the experience of being a trans athlete and what we can all do as allies and peers to support the trans community. Want to keep up with Angel? Follow her on IG @_.arkangel_!