As students head back to school, this episode of The PFLAG LA Podcast takes a closer look at the challenges many teachers, students, and families are facing in today's classrooms.

Writer and longtime educator Sue Granzella joins PFLAG Los Angeles to discuss her new book, "Pushed to the Edge: Teachers' Stories from the Culture Wars." After spending a year and a half traveling across California and speaking with educators, librarians, and students, Sue shares what she witnessed on the front lines of the culture wars unfolding in public schools.

The conversation explores the growing strain between parents and teachers, the impact of anti-LGBTQ+ policies, and why creating classrooms where every student feels seen and supported matters now more than ever.

The episode's Word of the Month is "Gatekeeping," and the Community Spotlight highlights the DTLA Proud Festival, taking place Aug. 28–30 in downtown Los Angeles.

In this episode of The PFLAG LA Podcast, performer, speaker, and Rainbow Labs Program Coordinator BrandElsa Sage Pereira joins PFLAG Los Angeles for a conversation about embracing authenticity, finding joy through self-expression, and creating affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ youth. BrandElsa shares their journey of self-discovery, the importance of chosen family, and how mentorship, creativity, and community can empower young people to thrive.

The episode's Word of the Month is "Gender Non-Conforming," and the Community Spotlight highlights Roll with Rollonda Skate Night, an all-ages LGBTQ+ event at Moonlight Rollerway in Glendale on July 29.

In this episode of The PFLAG LA Podcast, Trevor Norcross joins PFLAG Los Angeles for a conversation about his journey from ally to advocate after his daughter came out as transgender. Trevor shares how his family responded with love and support, the challenges of navigating a changing political landscape, and why he has chosen to speak out on behalf of transgender youth and their families. Trevor is also Vice President of the GALA Pride & Diversity Center in San Luis Obispo.

In honor of Pride Month, this episode’s Person of the Month is Jean Manford, widely recognized as the mother of PFLAG. The Community Spotlight highlights PFLAG Los Angeles’ participation in WeHo Pride and LA Pride this June.

In this PFLAG LA Podcast Max Joshua, joined our hosts for a conversation about her journey of understanding and living as a trans person—from self-discovery and coming out, to navigating healthcare, workplaces, and different cultures.

In our fifth episode of the PFLAG LA Podcast our guest, Max Joshua, joined our hosts for a conversation about her journey of understanding and living as a trans person—from self-discovery and coming out, to navigating healthcare, workplaces, and different cultures.

In this episode of the PFLAG LA Podcast, Bryant Huddleston, Emmy-award winning television producer and writer, discusses misconceptions about fostering and adopting within the LGBTQ community.

Bryant recounts his experience with the LA County foster care system and how that led him to become a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ foster parents and adoptions.

In this episode of The PFLAG LA Podcast, Nereyda (Nena) Hernandez, advocate and mother of transgender student-athlete AB Hernandez, joins PFLAG Los Angeles for a candid conversation about parenting in the public eye.

Amid national controversy over trans youth in sports, Nereyda shares what it has been like to support her daughter through harassment, public scrutiny, and political backlash. She reflects on reexamining her own past beliefs, unlearning fear-based narratives, and choosing to stand beside her child with conviction and love.

The episode’s Word of the Month is “Gender Expansive,” and the Community Spotlight highlights PFLAG LA tabling at the LA LGBT Center Resource Fair on Saturday, March 21 and LA County Library’s Rainbow Parenting & Family Programs.

In this episode of The PFLAG LA Podcast, NiK Kacy (he/they), creator and executive producer of Equality Fashion Week, joins PFLAG Los Angeles for a reflective conversation about belonging, visibility, and sustainability in LGBTQ+ communities.

Kacy speaks candidly about burnout, caregiving, and the pressure many LGBTQ+ people feel to constantly show up for others. The conversation also explores creating inclusive spaces without sacrificing personal well-being, the difference between celebration and sustainability, and why rest and honesty are essential to long-term community care.

The episode’s Word of the Month is "Belonging," and the Community Spotlight highlights the live Dating’s a Drag (King) Game Show at the Harvard and Stone in Hollywood on Sunday, February 8.

This episode is dedicated to the memory of Marsha Aizumi.