Transparently Speaking

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Diana and Joy share their ongoing frustration with the ever increasing barriers to gender-affirming care, as shrinking access to providers and continued uncertainty leave families feeling increasingly powerless. Diana reflects on Clark’s interest in teaching guitar and her concerns about protecting him from discrimination, while Joy shares news of a "first date" for Samantha ahead of Homecoming. They also explore the power of language and pronouns as Diana shares insights from the linguistics book Wordslut: A Feminist Guide to Taking Back the English Language by Amanda Montell.  Diana also provides updates on the adjustment to Shawn’s return to his birth name. 

If you’re taking something away from our podcast, we’d appreciate it if you’d take a moment to provide us with a review; the more listeners and reviews, the more people we can reach and support.

As always, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].

Send us Fan Mail

When a trans son says his country doesn't want him in it, what do you say? This episode explores belonging, parental fear, and letting kids find their own way, plus the records that can follow trans young adults, from background checks to Selective Service. It closes with an update on a new name at school and why understanding the why makes change easier.

If you’re taking something away from our podcast, we’d appreciate it if you’d take a moment to provide us with a review; the more listeners and reviews, the more people we can reach and support.

As always, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].

Send us Fan Mail

Episode 129 begins with updates from Joy on the journey towards her daughter's desired surgery, and continues with examples from both Diana and Joy of how anti-trans narratives are seeping into the language and beliefs of our allies.   This episode also includes Diana's frank recognition of our culturally normative language of "boy/girl" at birth, which perpetuates that an individual's gender is the same as their sex assigned at birth.  Ultimately, Diana and Joy reflect on their exhaustion and the shift in how often and in which situations they choose to speak up and educate others.

If you’re taking something away from our podcast, we’d appreciate it if you’d take a moment to provide us with a review; the more listeners and reviews, the more people we can reach and support.

As always, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].

Send us Fan Mail

Insurance says surgery is covered at 18, but the process tells a different story. In this episode, one mom breaks down what she's learned chasing gender-affirming surgery access for her daughter, including a wait list that pushes actual surgery closer to age 20, and international options she's researching in parallel, with hopes of having it done before college. The conversation also digs into the surprising challenge of changing a name, even one chosen since birth, and a tense blood draw at a lab tied to a hospital system that once pulled back trans care.

If you’re taking something away from our podcast, we’d appreciate it if you’d take a moment to provide us with a review; the more listeners and reviews, the more people we can reach and support.

As always, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Diana and Joy explore “gender noise” — the background thoughts many transgender people experience about safety, bathrooms, being outed (and general thoughts as they navigating the current environment). They reflect on how this "noise" may show up differently as their trans kids grow up, and they also reflect on their current experiences navigating healthcare, health insurance, school, and the delicate balance between protecting their kids and respecting their independence. As another school year approaches, Diana also shares her challenges in respecting Dinah's wishes about disclosure while also wanting to protect and advocate for him.  

If you’re taking something away from our podcast, we’d appreciate it if you’d take a moment to provide us with a review; the more listeners and reviews, the more people we can reach and support.

As always, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].

Send us Fan Mail

Diana and Joy catch up on a summer full of both medical logistics and hard moments. Diana walks through the challenge of scheduling Dinah's first blood draw around needle anxiety, and the added caution hospitals are showing around gender-affirming care even as federal pressure on Medicaid and Medicare funding appears to be easing. Joy shares a surprisingly smooth visit to Planned Parenthood for overdue care, followed by a birthday night out that turned painful when a headlining comedian's set leaned hard into transphobic jokes met with audience laughter. The two also talk through Samantha's recent breakup, her choice to stay closeted with friends, and the family's early research into international options for bottom surgery given current U.S. age restrictions on the procedure.

If you’re taking something away from our podcast, we’d appreciate it if you’d take a moment to provide us with a review; the more listeners and reviews, the more people we can reach and support.

As always, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Joy and Diana share their progress in searching for medical care for their transgender kids after their previous providers stopped providing care in January. Joy shares details about her first meeting with Samantha's new provider, and Diana talks about taking Dinah out of state for care. Diana also shares insights and updates about her road trip home with Clark and frustration with antiquated language discovered in Clark's medical records.

Please note that this episode contains language and words of suicidal ideation.  It's powerful language reflecting the helplessness in considering not having access to care.  

If you’re taking something away from our podcast, we’d appreciate it if you’d take a moment to provide us with a review; the more listeners and reviews, the more people we can reach and support.

As always, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].

Send us Fan Mail

Diana sits down with Aidan, founder, and Johnny, CEO, of TransFamilies — an organization that has spent over two decades building community and support for parents and caregivers of gender-diverse, transgender, and non-binary children.

Aidan shares how TransFamilies came to exist, what it looks like to walk into a support group for the first time, and why the organization meets families wherever they are in their journey — no acceptance required at the door. Johnny speaks to how TransFamilies is evolving to meet the current moment, including new offerings like a grandparents group, a faith and family group, and a members-only community forum.

If you've ever felt like you're navigating this alone, this episode is for you.

Learn more and find out how to join at transfamilies.org.

If you’re taking something away from our podcast, we’d appreciate it if you’d take a moment to provide us with a review; the more listeners and reviews, the more people we can reach and support.

As always, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].

Send us Fan Mail

In our 5th Annual Pride Month letter, Diana and Joy speak directly to their children, to transgender youth, and to every family navigating a world that continues to make trans existence extremely challenging.  They reflect on fear and exhaustion while reminding listeners that history has always moved forward because brave, resilient humans refuse to disappear. Pride is not only a celebration of diverse existence, it is resistance, hope, and the quiet courage of continuing to be exactly who you are. To our trans community: We see you. We love you. And we’re standing with you. 

If you’re taking something away from our podcast, we’d appreciate it if you’d take a moment to provide us with a review; the more listeners and reviews, the more people we can reach and support.

As always, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].

Send us Fan Mail

Diana shares an encouraging update after a virtual consultation with a new gender-affirming care provider. Joy & Diana discuss what makes a provider stand out, the therapist letter process, and the real barriers they continue to navigate on the path to care.

If you’re taking something away from our podcast, we’d appreciate it if you’d take a moment to provide us with a review; the more listeners and reviews, the more people we can reach and support.

As always, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].