In this inspiring episode of Together Moving Forward, I sit down with Olympic medalist and world champion figure skater Eric Radford. Beyond his incredible achievements on the ice, Eric is also a talented musician and composer.

We dive into his journey from childhood challenges to coming out at the peak of his career and explore themes of self-love, resilience, and staying grounded despite success.

Join us as Eric shares personal stories, lessons learned, and the key message he hopes to leave with our listeners.

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

In this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Violet, a trans woman, skater, and community leader who is deeply involved in creating safe and inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals in skateboarding. She opens up about her journey, her transition, the challenges she has faced, and the incredible support she found within the queer community.

Violet shares how she went from struggling with housing insecurity to becoming a mentor and advocate, giving back to the same community that once lifted her up. We discuss resilience, identity, and the importance of representation in traditionally male-dominated spaces.

Her story is powerful, inspiring, and a true testament to the strength of community. Tune in for an episode filled with honesty, passion, and a reminder that we are never alone in our struggles.

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

In this episode, I sit down with Messy Margaret, a Toronto-based drag artist, performer, and producer. From discovering drag in 2020 to building her own production company, Messy shares her journey of self-acceptance, resilience, and creating a platform for queer representation.

We dive into childhood struggles, the power of community, and what it truly means to embrace yourself. Messy gets real about finding purpose, challenging expectations, and showing up for the next generation of queer youth.

She opens up about turning her art into a full-time career, navigating self-doubt, and the importance of lifting each other up in the queer community. Her story is a powerful reminder that there’s no time limit on success, and that living unapologetically is the greatest way to fight back.

Her website: https://www.messyproductionscanada.com

Instagram profile: https://www.instagram.com/messymargaretqueen/

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

In this powerful episode of Together Moving Forward, I sit down with Laura Moore, a trailblazer whose journey is a testament to resilience, authenticity, and the importance of living life on your own terms. From discovering her identity as a lesbian in a time when acceptance was scarce to pioneering queer representation in figure skating, Laura opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped her path.

She shares the story of her deep and enduring love with MaryAnn, as well as the struggles and triumphs of coming out later in life. As a former fashion design professor and a lifelong artist, Laura also reflects on the evolving landscape of identity, community, and the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights.

With humor, wisdom, and raw honesty, Laura reminds us that self-acceptance is a journey, not a destination. Whether you’re navigating your own identity, seeking inspiration, or simply looking for an uplifting story, this episode is for you.

Tune in for a conversation filled with insight, courage, and the reminder that we all have the power to shape our own stories.

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

In this episode, MinJun shares his journey of embracing his uniqueness, discussing the challenges he faced while coming out, particularly in a traditional Asian household.

MinJun opens up about the struggle of balancing his identity with societal expectations, emphasizing the importance of self-love and acceptance.

He reflects on his childhood, how figure skating helped shape his resilience, and the impact of his supportive coach, Stef, during his coming-out process. He also explores his inspirations from the movie Wicked and its songs.

Through personal experiences and self-reflection, MinJun offers advice on the significance of treating each other with love and respect, especially in these difficult times for our community.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about overcoming adversity, building resilience, and finding strength in being your true self.

Instagram profile: https://www.instagram.com/leeminjunnie/

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

In this very first episode of the Together Moving Forward Podcast, meet your host Stef Vachon, a French-Canadian living in Montreal, a former professional figure skater, creative soul, proud gay dad, and resilient survivor. Stef opens up about the life experiences that shaped him: growing up queer in a world surviving bullying and trauma, and how his return to the ice and the arrival of his child became pivotal moments in his life, reshaping his journey.

This episode sets the tone for what’s to come: real, raw, and heart-centered conversations about healing, identity, and the beauty of transformation. Stef also shares how he found the courage to lace up his skates again at 55 years old after decades away, and how the ice became a symbol of reclaiming his passion, his identity, and celebrating his resilience.

One of the most profound turning points in Stef’s life was the arrival of his son, a joyful and transformative event that changed everything for the better. Becoming a father brought new meaning, purpose, and love into his world, reinforcing his belief in resilience, growth, and the power of chosen family.

Whether you're part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community or simply someone who believes in the power of storytelling and resilience, this episode will remind you that no matter where you’ve been, it’s never too late to move forward together and learn to love and respect yourself with pride.

https://togethermovingforwardpodcast.com

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

Launching soon! April 09-2025.

Welcome to the Together Moving Forward Podcast!

Finally loving and respecting ourselves.

Join host Stef Vachon, a French-Canadian living in Montreal, as we create a safe space for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and our allies.

This podcast is dedicated to sharing stories of resilience, love, and self-acceptance, empowering each listener to embrace their true selves.

Together, we will foster understanding, celebrate our journeys with pride, and unite in the belief that everyone deserves respect and love. Through open dialogue and storytelling with special guests, we seek to inspire compassion, raise awareness, and promote an inclusive society where all differences are embraced. Ultimately, we aim to connect with as many people as possible from all around the world, because at the end of the day, we are all equally human. Let’s celebrate ourselves and uplift one another!

SHARE THIS PODCAST and spread the good news!

Solidarity beats hate. The more we unite, the stronger we become.

https://togethermovingforwardpodcast.com

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