In this heartfelt episode of Together Moving Forward, we welcome Ian Catindig, a multi-talented performer, choreographer, and tech professional from San Francisco, California, who shares his incredible journey from the Philippines to the U.S.

Ian opens up about growing up in a challenging environment, navigating racism, abuse, and homophobia, and how he found strength through self-expression and community.

With honesty and vulnerability, Ian reflects on the struggles he faced and the deep belief that kept him moving forward: that a better life was possible. He explores the power of resilience and how he’s found healing through forgiveness, not for others, but for himself.

With humor, warmth, and heart, Ian shows us the importance of uplifting others, defining love on our own terms, and becoming our own greatest advocate. His story is one of reinvention, growth, and authenticity.

This episode is a celebration of strength, identity, and the beauty of creating your own happiness.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this deeply moving and inspiring episode, Lanzz Trilène shares an unforgettable story with raw honesty and heartfelt wisdom. Originally from Martinique and now based in Montreal, Lanzz takes us on a journey from a joyful childhood constrained by religious and cultural silence, to the life-saving decision to leave the island and live openly and fully in Canada.

A proud Black, queer, gender nonconforming parent of twins, Lanzz opens up about the deep, ongoing work of self-love, a journey shaped by queerness, Blackness, parenthood, and resistance. Xe reminds us that healing isn’t linear and that joy and strength can be found in the small moments, in community, and in choosing ourselves again and again.

Now an active voice in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, Lanzz works to create safer, more inclusive spaces for queer families and trans and nonbinary folks. Their voice is bold, loving, funny, and deeply empowering.

“Self-love means recognizing that I am whole, even when I’m still a work in progress.”

This episode is a celebration of becoming, surviving, and thriving on your own terms.

The LGBT+ Family Coalition website: https://familleslgbt.org

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Season 2 of the Together Moving Forward Podcast is here!

After a powerful first season full of inspiring stories from amazing guests, I’m back for a shorter summer season with 6 episodes, taking some time to recharge with my family in beautiful Montreal.

To kick things off, I’ll be reflecting on Season 1 by sharing highlights and personal thoughts on each wonderful guest and the unique stories they brought to the podcast. I’ll talk about what I’ve learned and how this journey has helped me grow both personally and as part of our community.

No matter where you are in the world, together, we create a safe and welcoming space where everyone can feel free to share their stories, find support, and connect with others who truly understand. This podcast is a place of healing, hope, and strength for anyone who has ever felt alone or uncertain on their journey.

By listening and sharing, we’re not only lifting each other up, we’re moving forward together.

Join us, and let’s keep growing, healing, and celebrating the strength and beauty of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, one story at a time.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The journey continues! New voices. Raw truths. Real connection.

In Season 02, join host Stef Vachon, your French-Canadian host based in Montréal, as we continue building a brave, loving and inclusive space for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and its allies. This season, we go even deeper, exploring powerful personal stories, unspoken truths and moments of transformation.

From coming out to coming home to ourselves, our guests open their hearts to share the real, raw and beautiful parts of their journeys. No matter where you are in the world, you belong here, this podcast is for you.

Through open dialogue and courageous storytelling, we aim to empower, heal and unite, one conversation at a time. Because when we tell our stories, we remind others (and ourselves) that we are never alone.

Let’s keep moving forward together and see you all on Wednesday July 16!

SUBSCRIBE NOW and SHARE to uplift, empower and make a real difference in our community!

The more we unite, the stronger we become.

Your follow helps me keep this podcast alive and growing for our community.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the heartfelt season finale of Together Moving Forward, Stef Vachon welcomes Gary, a powerful voice of resilience and advocacy. Coming out in the 1980s, Gary once believed that parenthood was beyond reach for someone like him. But times changed, and so did he. Now a proud gay father and passionate advocate for minority rights, Gary shares his personal story of navigating identity, embracing fatherhood, and standing up for what truly matters.

This episode is about growth, hope, and the unexpected paths life can take when we dare to believe in ourselves. It’s also a moment of reflection and gratitude as Stef closes Season 1 by celebrating the journey so far, and the community that made it possible.

Whether you’ve been here since episode one or you’re just tuning in, this conversation will leave you inspired to keep moving forward, together.

The LGBT+ Family Coalition website: https://familleslgbt.org

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Versión en español abajo.

In this inspiring bilingual episode, Stef Vachon sits down with Vanesa López, founder of Salimos Jugando, an Argentinian organization that uses football as a tool to empower women, girls, and gender-diverse people. Broadcasting from Buenos Aires to the world, this conversation dives into how sports can challenge inequality, create safe and inclusive spaces, and become a powerful vehicle for education and social transformation.

Vanesa shares the story behind the project, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the joy of building a movement rooted in play, community, and purpose.

Get ready for a heartwarming exchange about passion, activism, and the belief that real change often begins on the field.

Salimos Jugando website: https://salimosjugandofutf.wixsite.com/salimosjugando

En este inspirador episodio bilingüe, Stef Vachon conversa con Vanesa López, fundadora de Salimos Jugando, una organización argentina que utiliza el fútbol como herramienta para empoderar a mujeres, niñas y personas de géneros diversos. Transmitiendo desde Buenos Aires al mundo, esta charla se sumerge en cómo el deporte puede desafiar la desigualdad, crear espacios seguros e inclusivos, y convertirse en un vehículo poderoso para la educación y la transformación social.

Vanesa comparte la historia detrás del proyecto, los desafíos que han superado y la alegría de construir un movimiento basado en el juego, la comunidad y un propósito claro.

Prepárate para un intercambio conmovedor sobre la pasión, el activismo y la creencia de que el verdadero cambio muchas veces empieza en la cancha.

Sitio web de Salimos Jugando: https://salimosjugandofutf.wixsite.com/salimosjugando

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Together Moving Forward, I have the pleasure of speaking with Alan Lessik, novelist, Zen practitioner, figure skater, and passionate queer activist. From Berlin, Alan shares his unique journey, blending storytelling, history, and mindfulness to inspire and uplift.

We dive into the power of community, the role of resilience in overcoming life’s biggest challenges, and how the loss of his partner shaped his path. Alan also opens up about the importance of creativity, forgiveness, and making a meaningful impact in the world.

This conversation is a reminder that no matter where we come from or what we face, we have the strength to move forward, embrace our truth, and create our own happiness.

Tune in now and be part of this inspiring journey!

Alan Lessik website: https://alanlessik.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Together Moving Forward, I welcome Maria Roman, a dedicated advocate, activist, and leader in social services for the transgender community. Maria’s journey is one of resilience, strength, and unwavering commitment. Arriving in the United States at just 16 years old, she faced numerous challenges but turned them into opportunities to uplift and empower others. Today, she plays a vital role in the TransLatin@ Coalition, an organization dedicated to advocating for the rights and well-being of trans, gender-expansive, and intersex individuals.

Throughout our conversation, Maria shares the experiences that shaped her, from overcoming personal struggles to becoming a leading voice in the fight for trans rights. She discusses the incredible impact of the TransLatin@ Coalition, the critical initiatives they are currently working on, and the pressing challenges that the trans community faces today. She also offers valuable insights on how allies can contribute to meaningful change and what it takes to be a strong advocate for one’s community.

Join us for this powerful and thought-provoking discussion that sheds light on the importance of advocacy, representation, and hope for a more inclusive future.

The Translatina Coalition website: https://www.translatinacoalition.org

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Together Moving Forward, I welcome Ari Issac from Toronto, Canada, a passionate advocate for self-discovery, the power of community, and someone profoundly shaped by the loss of her father.

Beyond her personal journey, Ari is also a driven entrepreneur who took the bold step of starting her own company. She opens up about the lessons learned while building her business, the misconceptions people may have about her path, and the impact she hopes to make.

Through her work and advocacy, Ari continues to inspire others to embrace their authenticity and believe in their potential. This heartfelt conversation is filled with wisdom, encouragement, and a powerful message for anyone navigating their own journey of self-discovery and empowerment.

Join us for an episode that will leave you feeling inspired, uplifted, and ready to move forward with confidence.

QE TRIVIA website: https://www.qetrivia.io

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Together Moving Forward, host Stef Vachon takes us on a heartfelt journey through the Gay Games, sharing his personal experiences from New York 1994 and Amsterdam 1998. He reflects on how these games reignited his passion for figure skating and gave him a profound sense of belonging within the LGBTQ+ community.

Stef reunites with Charles Sinek, a former Olympic ice dancer who stepped in as his partner at the last minute in 1994. Together, they reminisce about their shared history and discuss the impact of the Gay Games on their lives.

We also welcome Adrian Hyyrylainen-Trett from the Federation of Gay Games, who dives into the mission of the Games, their role in fostering inclusivity, and the exciting plans for Gay Games XII in Valencia, Spain (2026).

This episode is a tribute to the power of sports, resilience, and community. Join us as we celebrate the Gay Games and the incredible stories they inspire!

Federation of Gay Games website: https://www.gaygames.org

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.