This is part 1 of a three part series that explores the life of a transgender woman. We're calling her Emma here but this is not her name. She has chosen to remain anonymous to protect her and her family from the harassment so often directed at transgender people today.

To protect her identity, we've digitally altered her voice and appearance but the emotion you will hear is hers..

This part of Emma's story covers her early childhood through what she calls her breaking point.

00:00 Introduction

00:41 Start of Emma's story

01:26 Earliest Memories

03:19 Elementary School

05:58 Junior & Senior High School

06:24 College

09:55 Trying to cope

11:57 Deciding

13:20 Condlusion of part 1

In this episode, we break down the new policy in Shenandoah County Public Schools that bans transgender students from participating in athletics according to their gender identity. Learn why this policy, which claims to "protect girls," could actually harm all female athletes by putting them under a microscope and discouraging participation. It's not just about trans students; it's about creating a hostile environment for any girl who excels.

Here is how to contact the Shenandoah County School Board:

https://www.shenandoah.k12.va.us/en-US/school-board-98fe2482

Here is a link to the current (as of August 2025) policy GBAB/JFHAB:

https://spectrumpodcast.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/policy-jfhab-gbab-privacy-dignity-and-respect-for-all-students-and-parents-in-shenandoah-county-public-schools.pdf

Here is a link to the proposed changes:

https://spectrumpodcastorg.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/2025-07-10-proposed-change-to-section-iii.h.-of-code-jfhab_gbab.pdf

Join us for a conversation with Susie Wilburn. She is the president of the Woodstock, VA chapter of PFLAG. We discuss the history of the local.chapter, what the chapter does and Susie's motivation for becoming involved.

Even if you aren't local to Shenandoah County, this can give you some insight into what P:FLAG is and perhaps encourage you to find your local PFLAG chapter or another local LGBTQ+ organization.

Is This Really Free Speech? Or Just Plain Hate?

In this episode, we take a hard look at disturbing statements made at a recent “pray the gay away” event hosted by an Indiana church, where speakers openly called for violence and death against LGBTQ+ people. We’ll explore how this kind of speech challenges our understanding of “free speech” and whether it crosses the line into hate speech.

We also unpack what the First Amendment really protects, why clear boundaries matter, and why calls for state-sponsored violence — even when cloaked in religious language — are deeply dangerous.

This isn't just about one church. It’s about a growing pattern of extremist rhetoric and the risk of normalizing hate. It’s time to stand up, speak out, and push back against those who would use religion to justify violence and oppression.

We’re not here for clicks or cash. We’re here to create compassion, understanding, and a world where everyone is safe to exist.

Advocate Article:

https://www.advocate.com/news/indiana-lgbtq-church-death-preach

In Episode 23 of The Spectrum, we explore what "coming out" truly means for the LGBT+ community and why it remains such a significant and personal milestone. This episode is designed to help straight, cisgender viewers understand the complexities and importance of coming out, from the first step of self-acceptance to the ongoing process of sharing one's identity with others. Drawing on personal experiences and conversations within the community, the discussion covers the diverse journeys of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals, the evolving challenges they face, and the crucial role of visibility in fostering understanding and acceptance. Whether you're an ally or part of the LGBT+ community, this episode offers valuable insights into why coming out matters and how we can all contribute to a more inclusive world.

In this episode, we examine the mid-year state of LGBT+ rights, starting locally in Shenandoah County and expanding to national and international developments—including rising anti-trans policies, Supreme Court decisions undermining protections, and global rollbacks of LGBT+ freedoms. The second half delivers a hard-hitting critique of the U.S. political system, arguing that both major political parties prioritize power over people and systematically subvert the Constitution through gerrymandering, party-line voting, and weakened checks and balances. The video calls for deep structural reforms, including ranked choice voting and eliminating the Electoral College, while urging voters to hold politicians accountable and reclaim democracy from party control.

In this urgent episode of The Spectrum (recorded June 18, 2025), we break down the devastating news from the Supreme Court. By a 6-3 decision, the Court has upheld Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming care for minors. This isn't just a blow for transgender children in Tennessee, but for those in 25 other states facing similar bans.

We discuss how this decision, much like historical rulings on slavery and segregation, appears to defy logic, legal precedent, and the Constitution itself, seemingly driven by prejudice rather than justice. The potential consequences are dire: families forced to relocate, the risk of unlicensed care, and tragically, an increased risk of suicide among vulnerable youth.

This ruling, alongside other recent Court decisions, signals a worrying trend. The only clear path forward, we argue, is at the ballot box. It's a call to action for progressive politicians to stand firm on their principles and for all of us to ensure no one is left behind in the fight for equality.

Link to CNN coverage:

https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/18/politics/supreme-court-upholds-tennessees-ban-on-gender-affirming-care-for-trans-youth

We’ve streamlined how you can enjoy The Spectrum: now, you can watch on YouTube, listen as an audio podcast, or subscribe through our brand-new website at spectrumpodcast.org. Thanks to open-source software, the audio podcast feed is now generated automatically from YouTube—so you’ll always get the latest episodes, whichever way you listen.

There are now three easy ways to stay updated: subscribe on our website for email notifications, follow us on YouTube, or use your favorite podcast app with our new RSS feed. All options are free, and your email will never be shared.

The Spectrum is ad-free and not-for-profit. Any revenue beyond costs will go to LGBT+ support organizations. Be sure to check out the new website for transcripts, episode links, and more!

Welcome to Episode 19 of The Spectrum! In this special Pride Month episode, recorded on June 6, 2025, we dive into the powerful origins and ongoing importance of LGBT+ Pride.

Join us as we explore:

- What Pride truly means: It's not about arrogance, but about honesty and the unwavering refusal to be ashamed of who you are. We discuss why this concept of pride differs from negative interpretations often heard.

- The historical roots of Pride: Discover the early 20th-century organizations like the Society for Human Rights, the Mattachine Society, and the Daughters of Bilitis that paved the way for LGBT+ rights.

- The catalyst: The Stonewall Uprising: We break down the events of June 28, 1969, in Greenwich Village, New York City, and how a police raid on the Stonewall Inn sparked a new era of gay liberation. Learn about the dangerous context for LGBT+ individuals in the 1960s and the bravery that led to the riots.

- From riots to celebration: How the "Christopher Street Liberation Day" and subsequent marches transformed into the vibrant Pride celebrations we know today, expanding globally.

- The enduring fight for visibility: While significant progress has been made, we discuss the current challenges, particularly for transgender people, and why continued visibility and allyship are crucial.

- Why your support matters: For straight, cisgender allies, learn how you can stand in solidarity with the LGBT+ community and why your voice is more important than ever.

If you want to learn more about the history of Pride, check out these resources:

https://www.history.com/articles/pride-month

https://www.loc.gov/ghe/cascade/index.html?appid=90dcc35abb714a24914c68c9654adb67

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stonewall_riots

https://www.nyclgbtsites.org/site/stonewall-inn-christopher-park/

As we approach the ten year mark of the Obergefell v Hodges Supreme Court decision, my wife, Lauri and I have just celebrated our ten year wedding anniversary.

In this episode I talk about the events leading to our wedding and how it has affected my life. I hope that through sharing this personal story it may help those that don't understand why the right to same-sex marriage is so important understand why it is to those of us that it affects.