Transvox

This week Gillian and Jenny discussed their personal interests, cultural topics, and the upcoming election, with a focus on the influence of social media and online communities. They also explore the significance of the Ikea shark, the fame of Mr. Beast, and the controversy surrounding David Tennant's advocacy for trans rights. Additionally, they delved into their admiration for various video content creators, their own creative projects, and personal matters, while expressing optimism about the future.

They discuss the recent positive events surrounding the Muslim pride parade and the Bridgerton series, focusing on their cultural significance and the role of popular culture in reflecting and influencing society. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by marginalised communities, including representation in the arts and in positions of power, and the impact of government policies on these issues. They found hope in the growing visibility and acceptance of trans culture and the positive influence of prominent individuals using their platforms to advocate for these causes, while expressing concern about the negative impact of certain public figures' comments.

Hope you enjoy and find this useful.

You can donate to support the work on the podcast or to help build the ‘hardship fund’ at @BeyondReflections - to help those who are financially challenged but still need support

You can submit questions to [email protected]

The Transvox podcast has dropped - This week Gillian chats to Katie Munday following their podcast a few weeks ago.

Katie and Gillian discuss the complexities of gender identity, specifically the challenges and debates surrounding trans and gender diverse identities. Gillian reflected on the evolution of attitudes towards trans issues, from early medicalisation to a recent resurgence of interest driven by financial convenience in the health sector. They both underscored the intricacies of these issues, particularly in relation to the binary gender system and its limitations.

They discuss the challenges and hierarchies present in various marginalised communities, with a particular focus on the issues of legitimacy within queerness and transness. They discuss the pressure to conform to societal gender norms and the privileges that come with assimilation into heteronormativity. The conversation highlights the experiences of trans people who feel they must assimilate to the opposite gender to be accepted and the challenges faced by marginalised groups.

They discuss the complexities of the concept of 'queerness', emphasising the need for a more inclusive and adaptive approach to organising a diverse community. They highlight the potential for exclusionary judgment and hierarchy, and propose a 'fluidic process' to describe the evolution of their community.

They emphasise the importance of community and advocacy within these communities, with Gillian expressing her desire for more advocacy from those with more experience.

Hope you enjoy and find this useful.

You can donate to support the work on the podcast or to help build the ‘hardship fund’ at @BeyondReflections - to help those who are financially challenged but still need support

You can submit questions to [email protected]

This week Gillian chats to regular guest, Joseph Harwood and they continue their conversations around image, makeup, esteem and confidence.

They delve into the complexities of choosing the right makeup foundation, the challenges of finding the right balance between professional and natural looks, and Joseph's tips on enhancing eyelashes and nails.

They discuss the importance and complexities of choosing the right makeup foundation. Joseph emphasises that the formulas for foundations have significantly improved due to technological advancements, and the variety of options available from different countries. Joseph also highlighted the importance of considering skin tone variations throughout the year due to factors such as sun exposure and hair colour.

Joseph shared his approach to makeup, emphasising the importance of finding one's colour palette and using complementary colours to enhance features. He also shared a trick he uses to ensure symmetry, which involves comparing one's reflection in a mirror to the image on a webcam for a more accurate view.

They discuss the challenges of finding long-lasting nail products, with Joseph expressing his frustration with the frequent chipping and peeling of polishes. He shared a tip about using vitamin E capsules as a cuticle oil to help strengthen nails. The conversation touched on potential hormonal causes for nail and hair issues, with Joseph speculating a link to testosterone and menopause. Joseph also shares his approach to contouring, advocating for a more subtle and natural-looking approach rather than harsh lines.

Joseph also shares his excitement about his upcoming makeup collection, which includes a range of brushes, an eyeshadow kit, a skin-illuminating cream, and a collaboration with the nail brand Bright and Base.

A huge range of tips and ideas are shared with access to further resources and ideas.

Hope you enjoy and find this useful.

You can donate to support the work on the podcast or to help build the ‘hardship fund’ at @BeyondReflections - to help those who are financially challenged but still need support

You can submit questions to [email protected]

This week Jenny and Gillian answer a listener question around whether it is possible to reconcile being religious as well as being trans+.

Jenny suggests that faith and religion are separate, but most organised religions have a poor track record of supporting the trans community. They both agree on the idea that trans people can exist within religious communities, but that the religious doctrine itself often opposes trans identities.

Gillian expresses her belief that one's sense of spirituality doesn't necessarily require an organised religion or specific belief system, while Jenny agreed and noted that many trans and non-binary people exist within various religions, including Hinduism. Both agreed that the incompatibility between religion and trans identity might be more of a societal perception than a reality, and that the challenges arise when religions do not accept trans people.

Jenny brought up the contrasting hierarchies in various religions, using Iran's recent legislation on gender change as an example. They acknowledge the existence of inclusive and exclusive spaces within religions, with Jenny emphasising the importance of individual interpretations and fundamentalist adherence.

They also touch upon the idea of Taoism and its approach to gender identity, as a contrast to Western concepts. Both agree on the importance of having faith in oneself to navigate the challenges of being true to one's identity.

They conclude that there is compatibility between spirituality, faith and being trans+, but that certain religions could have different interpretations that might challenge trans people.

Hope you enjoy and find this useful.

You can donate to support the work on the podcast or to help build the ‘hardship fund’ at @BeyondReflections - to help those who are financially challenged but still need support

You can submit questions to [email protected]

This week Jenny and Gillian discuss the concept of ‘service’ vs volunteering and celebrate the work of volunteers.

They reflect on the value of voluntary work, particularly in the context of mental health and social good. Jenny shares her experience as a trustee of a charity, highlighting the positive impact it has had on her personal wellbeing and sense of purpose. She also mentions the variety of people she has met through her volunteering. Gillian, reflecting on her past experience with a cancer charity, notes the benefits of volunteering for older people, those with neurodivergent situations, and those looking to gain work experience. They both agree on the importance of commitment and responsibility in volunteering roles.

Jenny and Gillian chat over the potential of encouraging volunteering as a way to improve society. They explore the idea of implementing policies such as flexible working requests and volunteer leave to enable employed individuals to engage in public good activities. They also highlight the benefits of senior management teams in large organisations volunteering with smaller charities, and the various ways people can find volunteer opportunities. The discussion concludes with the need for more awareness and support for volunteering, emphasising the inherent altruism of society and the potential for positive change.

Hope you enjoy and find this useful.

You can donate to support the work on the podcast or to help build the ‘hardship fund’ at @BeyondReflections - to help those who are financially challenged but still need support

You can submit questions to [email protected]

Hope you enjoy and find this useful.

You can donate to support the work on the podcast or to help build the ‘hardship fund’ at @BeyondReflections - to help those who are financially challenged but still need support

You can submit questions to [email protected]

This week in Mental Health Awareness Week they talk about the impact of constant negative news and social media on mental health. They also discussed article in Gay Times written by Ruth Mason, director of services at Galop, which offers tips for managing social media for mental health.

They discuss the idea that users can take control of their feeds by choosing who to follow, and that avoiding negativity in the media is a challenge. They also discuss the importance of setting boundaries, such as avoiding news before bedtime and limiting exposure to certain apps or outlets. Lastly, they touch on the challenges of listening to certain types of radio content and the benefits of podcasts as a more considered alternative.

They also highlight the significance of being visible as a member of the trans community as a form of resistance. Both agreed that asserting one's right to exist is a crucial act of resistance that allows one to better serve their community.

Hope you enjoy and find this useful.

You can donate to support the work on the podcast or to help build the ‘hardship fund’ at @BeyondReflections - to help those who are financially challenged but still need support

You can submit questions to [email protected]

The Transvox podcast has dropped - This week, following some heavier subjects, the discussion turns to Eurovision. Jenny and Gillian chat about the link between the LGBTQIA+ community and the music event. They also discuss the number of icons and role models that exist in the wider music scene and discuss how the arts can be a safe haven and an accepting place for people from all types of background.

Gillian chats a little about her own past in the Arts and how it helped avoid some of the trauma and loneliness experienced by Jenny.

As this is meant to be a lighter episode, there is deliberately no discussion of the political issues or political climate surrounding the event this year.

Hope you enjoy and find this useful.

You can donate to support the work on the podcast or to help build the ‘hardship fund’ at @BeyondReflections - to help those who are financially challenged but still need support

You can submit questions to [email protected]

This week, something of a rant...! Gillian and Jenny discuss concerns about proposed changes to the NHS constitution and their potential impact on the transgender community, as well as strategies to promote trans rights and increase visibility. They also examine the actions of organisations in response to changing public attitudes towards the LGBT community, the challenges of the current political climate, and the impact of the far-right's rise in Germany. Lastly, they address the importance of mobilising to counter what they see as a misguided decisions.

They highlight the importance of leveraging their presence on social media platforms, enlisting allies, and engaging with the Labour Party for political representation and support. They emphasise the need for allies to be more active and vocal in advocating for these communities and discussed the negative effects of anti-woke ideologies.

Jenny argues that while some companies may be using rainbow washing tactics for cynical reasons, the fact they are doing so at all indicates a shift towards more positive attitudes towards the community.

The conversation underscores the importance of social movements in driving change and the need for strategic campaigning to overcome opposition and maintain progress.

Gillian suggests strategies for influencing allies and suggests that Jenny reach out to local bodies and MPs to voice their concerns.

Hope you enjoy and find this useful.

You can donate to support the work on the podcast or to help build the ‘hardship fund’ at @BeyondReflections - to help those who are financially challenged but still need support

You can submit questions to [email protected]

This week, Gillian and Katie Munday meet up for the latest edition of Transvox. Katie shares their background, including their work in consultancy training, youth work, and coaching wheelchair basketball, and their involvement in cancer service research. They also discuss their personal life, being a mother, wife, and a recent Ph.D. candidate at the University of Portsmouth. The pair also discuss the challenges of balancing multiple responsibilities and the potential benefits of having a diagnosis of ADHD.

Katie shares their research on the experiences of trans and non-binary autistic people, highlighting the overlap between these two minority groups and the lack of research specifically focused on their needs. Katie discusses the challenges faced by autistic trans people, including societal pathologisation and the struggle to find a sense of belonging. Katie also clarifies the concept of neurodivergence, which encompasses any neurological condition that doesn't fit the neurotypical norm.

Katie and Gillian discuss the challenges and potential improvements for creating inclusive environments for people with neurodiverse conditions. Katie emphasises the importance of giving people choice and autonomy, such as providing breakout spaces in group settings and offering various communication options. They both agree that common sense and good practice should be the foundation of these efforts, rather than diagnosing and labeling individuals.

They discuss the lack of representation and inclusion of people with disabilities in society. Katie explains that many disabled people face challenges in accessing community spaces and services, leading to isolation from the broader society. The conversation highlights the intersectionality of disability, gender identity, and neurodiversity, and the complex challenges faced by individuals belonging to these multiple minority groups.

Gillian and Katie discuss the misconceptions surrounding ADHD and the stigmatisation of individuals who are diagnosed with it. Katie emphasises the misogyny that often underpins the blame placed on mothers for their child's ADHD, highlighting the significance of parental blame in heterosexual relationships. They also discuss the genetic component of ADHD and how undiagnosed cases can lead to further shame and internalised ableism.

Finally, the discussion covers the changing dynamics of parenting and family structures, with a focus on the impact of individualism in contemporary society. They also explore the role of new technology and its effects on future generations.

Hope you enjoy and find this useful.

You can donate to support the work on the podcast or to help build the ‘hardship fund’ at @BeyondReflections - to help those who are financially challenged but still need support

You can submit questions to [email protected]

Jenny and Gillian discuss the challenges and considerations for trans individuals getting a new job in the workplace, emphasising the importance of acceptance, open communication, and clear policies. They also explore the importance of dressing appropriately for different work environments, the potential benefits of staying in a job while transitioning, and the need for retraining in some job transitions.

They discuss the importance of dressing appropriately for different work environments, with a focus on the challenges faced by gender-fluid individuals during transition. The conversation also touched on the impact of clothing on remote work setups and the need to consider expected dress codes for specific roles or situations.

They discuss the dynamics of the job interview process and the need for open communication about accommodations required.

They highlight the skills and resilience that trans individuals possess, and emphasise the need for employers to recognise and appreciate these traits. They also discuss the lack of understanding and acceptance for non-binary identities. Both agree on the importance of being authentic and proud of one's identity, despite the challenges this can sometimes present.

Hope you enjoy and find this useful.

You can donate to support the work on the podcast or to help build the ‘hardship fund’ at @BeyondReflections - to help those who are financially challenged but still need support

You can submit questions to [email protected]