Struggles with identity and acceptance can weigh heavily on both LGBTQ individuals and allies. Questions of identity can create difficult emotional challenges, from internalized homophobia and transphobia to the anxiety of coming out. External struggles like family rejection and social isolation can also cause difficulties. So how can we overcome those negative emotions? Joe and Rya offer practical advice to build self-love, a supportive network, and strength in connection. 

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

How can we help the “Scrooges” in our lives become more inclusive of the LGBTQ+ community? We can use A Christmas Carol as a framework to explore practical, research-backed strategies for changing hearts and minds. Each of Scrooge's encounters suggest concrete steps for fostering empathy by sharing personal stories and guiding people toward a more inclusive future. Whether you're confronting ignorance or encouraging reflection, this episode provides essential tools for allies to help bridge the gap between resistance and acceptance.

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

So much of what we learn about others comes from the media we consume. Listen in on Joe and Rya's conversation about how allies can educate themselves on LGBTQ experiences by engaging with film and television. They share some of their favorite queer movies and reflect on the power of media to foster empathy and understanding. The discussion offers accessible recommendations for those looking to broaden their perspective, while also exploring the emotional impact of LGBTQ narratives. It’s a warm and personal look at how media can shape both awareness and connection. 

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

What can we learn from the pivotal moments in LGBTQ history in the U.S.? This episode explores key events that have shaped the fight for equality and civil rights within the U.S. government. From the Lavender Scare to the Stonewall Riots, and through landmark legal cases like Obergefell v. Hodges, they reflect on the challenges and triumphs of the LGBTQ movement. This episode highlights the importance of understanding the past to protect the progress made. We must always remember that the struggle for equality is ongoing and deeply relevant today. 

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

From 1981 to 1999. she lived in constant fear of being outed, knowing that discovery could end her career in an instant. In honor of Veteran's Day, Monica Skarban returns to the podcast to share her personal story of serving in the U.S. Air Force as a closeted gay woman. She watched firsthand as friends were dishonorably discharged after being exposed. Despite serving with dedication as a nurse across the globe, from Germany to Saudi Arabia during the Gulf War, she was forced to hide her true identity. Monica recounts the pain of living under "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" and how the threat of being found out hung over every relationship. Monica’s story is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices so many were forced to make in silence. 

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

For those struggling with the recent election results, this episode offers a bit of encouragement. Joe and Rya share their thoughts on the outcome and present a perspective you probably haven't heard. 

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

The mid-twentieth century was a defining moment in LGBTQ history, marking the beginning of a long and difficult fight for equality. Joe and Rya retell the stories of Frank Kameny and Jamie Shoemaker, two key figures whose lives were forever changed by the persecution of LGBTQ individuals. Kameny’s activism helped ignite the struggle for LGBTQ rights. Once the fight for progress began, there was no going back. Through courage and resilience, the LGBTQ community finally refused to be silenced.

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Imagine if computer AI could help you discover your true identity—perhaps even before you understood yourself. From personalized health care for trans individuals, to tools that aid in gender exploration, "Artificial Intelligence" is transforming the LGBTQ+ community. We live in a time of exciting possibilities for progress. But is there also a dark side?

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

In this episode, Rya and Joe have a heartfelt discussion about how AI is transforming society, with a focus on its potential impact on the LGBTQ community. They explore how AI functions, its growing role in various fields like healthcare and creative work, and the ethical concerns surrounding data usage and misinformation. The conversation touches on the differences between AI and human intelligence, highlighting both the benefits and challenges of integrating AI into our daily lives. Ultimately, they reflect on the future of AI, questioning its influence on culture and the broader implications for society. 

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

In the second half of their interview with John Paulk, Joe and Rya continue to explore the complexities of his journey out of the ex-gay movement. Rya shares her experience attending a Love Won Out conference as a closeted trans woman in the '90s, while John opens up about the "dirty little secret" within the ex-gay community—that no one actually changes. They discuss the evolving attitudes within the church, with even his son's Campus Crusade group accepting LGBTQ individuals. John reflects on whether being born gay matters, concluding that God’s love is all that counts. He also addresses how the family dynamics have changed between him and his two sons as well as him and his ex-wife.

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show