Today's guest is Kai Van Keith, trans advocate, activist and educator.  Kai will share part of her journey to living in her authentic gender and sexuality and will dig into some of the  nuances of gender and sexuality.   Below is a list of transgender specific resources and general resources on gender and sexuality.

Trans Lifeline is a non-profit dedicated to the well-being of transgender people. The hotline is staffed by transgender people for transgender people.   This is a FREE helpline run by volunteers and supported by the community.  https://www.translifeline.org
US: (877) 565-8860 & Canada: (877) 330-6366

Gender Spectrum works to create gender sensitive and inclusive environments for all children and teens.   Their website is filled with education, concepts of gender and sexuality, on-line programs and groups and other useful resources.  https://www.genderspectrum.org

The Trevor Project Coming Out Handbook for LGBTQ Young People is designed to help young people explore their identity, what it might be like to share that identity with others, and tools and guiding questions to help them think about what coming out means to them.  https://www.thetrevorproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Coming-Out-Handbook.pdf

The National Center for Transgender Equality is a national social justice organization devoted to ending discrimination and violence against transgender people. They provide education, advocacy, and resources on national issues of importance to transgender people including self-help guides for various aspects of transitioning, “Know Your Rights” guides and resources to improve understanding of the transgender experience. https://transequality.org

For more LGBTQ+ resources visit the North Idaho Pride Alliance website: https://www.nipridealliance.com/resources

www.jstratton.com

Welcome, to “Opening the Heart” podcast and our second of four "LIVING OUT LOUD” podcasts dedicated to the North Idaho Pride Alliance.  In this episode, I am pleased to welcome Lizzie Welker to the show.  Lizzie is the former President for the North Idaho College Gender and Sexuality Alliance.  She will be talking about her passion for working with LGBTQ youth, leadership and unique challenges for LGBTQ youth.

Resources mentioned in this discussion:

Trevor Project National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health (2019) 
(https://www.thetrevorproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/The-Trevor-Project-National-Survey-Results-2019.pdf)

Heritage Health LGBTQ Counseling (Individual and Group Counseling call Melinda Soltys, LMS Contact Melinda at [email protected] or 208-769-4222.

Rainbow Squad - LGBTQ Community Youth Club, graded 6-12.  Contact Denise Neuhjar at [email protected]

More local LGTBQ recourses can be found at nipridealliance.com

www.jstratton.com

Welcome, to a special episode of the “Opening the Heart” podcast.  “LIVING OUT LOUD” is the first of four podcasts dedicated to the North Idaho Pride Alliance.  June is LGBTQ Pride Month, a month when we remember those brave LGBTQ elders who have gone before us to pave the way, and a month that we celebrate the victories and milestones of our community.  We celebrate who we are are and our powerful truth!  Today my guest is a dear friend of mine and one of those people who helped pave the way for the LGBTQ community in north Idaho.   I am pleased to welcome Kathy Colton to the show.   

www.jstratton.com

On Opening the Heart podcast, you will hear stories from everyday people who have impacted my life, inspired numerous people and who live in their truth.   This podcast is a work in progress…just like me!

www.jstratton.com