Have you ever wondered about the inner workings of a non-profit organization? In this fascinating episode, we tackle the hard truths about the Trevor Project, an organization that has made an outstanding contribution to LGBTQ+ youth by providing suicide prevention and crisis intervention services. Stemming from an Academy Award-winning short film, the origins of this organization are inspiring, yet its current state raises some serious concerns. From lack of diversity in leadership to employee mistreatment, we delve into the complex issues that often plague rapidly growing organizations.Buckle up as we take you on a journey through the tumultuous times within the Trevor Project. We shed light on the story of Amit Paley, the former CEO, whose leadership, while expanding the organization, fell short in valuing its employees. The narrative then steers towards the hopeful yet eventually disappointing shift in leadership, pointing out deep-seated systemic issues within the organization. Finally, we pivot to the pressing concern of diversity, or lack thereof, in the Trevor Project’s executive team. The repercussions this has had on the LGBTQ+ community they serve is hard-hitting. Yet, amidst these issues, we remain hopeful. The partnership with the 988 LGBTQ+ section of the national suicide prevention hotline, although leading to layoffs and longer call times, signifies a step forward. We also highlight alternative resources such as the Rainbow League, HUD Exchange, and Daisy, reinforcing that the mission of supporting LGBTQ+ youth in crisis continues, even if the Trevor Project struggles to fulfill it. Listen in, and let's continue the vital conversation around supporting our LGBTQ+ youth in crisis.InstagramTikTokFacebookWant to see the video? Check us out on YouTube.

Journey with us as we unravel the seemingly complex world of binders and their profound impact on the transgender and non-binary community. We dive headfirst into personal experiences, revealing the unspoken nuances that come with the use of binders, from discomfort to panic attacks. But it's not all doom, as we turn the page to discuss viable alternatives like trans tape and snug undershirts. We're not leaving any stone unturned as the conversation steers towards the potential harm of using ace bandages, drawing from personal experiences in our shared quest for safe and comfortable gender expression.Sometimes, the path to finding the right binder can feel like navigating a minefield. As we share pointers on purchasing binders, we emphasize the significance of quality and right fit. Hear us out on why it might be worth looking for secondhand options, especially those from empathetic trans individuals or companies attuned to the needs of the queer community. We even spotlight some dubious players in the market like Bindly, emphasizing the need for thorough research before any purchase. Sprinkle in some trivia about the first American TV show featuring a recurring gay character, and you've got yourself a comprehensive guide to promoting queer consumer safety and fostering a welcoming environment for all.InstagramTikTokFacebookWant to see the video? Check us out on YouTube.

What if your favorite local café, bookstore, or boutique could transform into more than just a business, but a haven of acceptance and safety for the LGBTQ+ community? Welcome to our enlightening exploration of the Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative (SIGBI), a powerful movement partnering with Yeagermeister to create safe spaces in smaller cities and rural communities. We'll guide you through the fascinating journey, highlighting the significant efforts of the four co-owners of the Stonewall Inn, while stressing the importance of allies in the LGBTQ+ movement.Ever wondered what it takes for a business to earn the SIGBI Safe Spaces certification? We break down the intricacies of this process, detailing the required training, donations, and the establishment of gender-neutral bathrooms. We also shine a spotlight on the vibrant queer history, including the iconic Cosmopolitan drink, a symbol of pride within the LGBTQ+ community. As we conclude, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the vital role played by SIGBI, particularly in places often overlooked by mainstream media. So join us, as we engage in this vibrant conversation on LGBTQ+ safety, acceptance, and history.InstagramTikTokFacebookWant to see the video? Check us out on YouTube.

Ever wondered how the interplay of language shapes our identities and how we perceive others? Join our illuminating conversation with Kit, as we journey through the fascinating evolution of 'queer', from its roots in 16th-century old English to its modern significance as a symbol of resilience and defiance in the LGBTQ+ community. We examine Oscar Wilde's infamous trial, shining a light on how it further entrenched 'queer' as a term of insult, and marginalized the LGBTQ+ community. The journey continues as we delve deep into the empowering potential of reclaiming terms with historically oppressive origins. With Kit's insights, we reinforce the importance of embracing our roots and harnessing our inner power for liberation. Emphasizing the impact of celebrating our individual and collective victories, we discuss the song 'Centuries' by Fall Out Boy, co-written by a non-binary person, which pays tribute to the indefatigable queer activist Marsha P. Johnson. Tune in for an engaging exploration of language, queer identity, and the ongoing struggle for empowerment and acceptance.InstagramTikTokFacebookWant to see the video? Check us out on YouTube.

Think you've got a handle on pronouns? What if I told you there are eight gendered pronouns in the English language and the singular 'they' dates back to the 14th century? Prepare to have your mind blown as we walk you through the complexities of pronouns, gender identity, and the fascinating realm of neo pronouns. We're not just talking he, she, and they - we're delving into the lesser-known pronouns that play a crucial role in representing those outside the binary gender categories. Plus, we're breaking down the intricacies of gender identity and how it doesn't always match up with the sex assigned at birth.But this podcast isn't just about the language, it's about respect and understanding too. We talk about why it's so important to ask for someone's pronouns and how doing so creates an environment that validates their identity. Trust us, the singular 'they' can be a tricky pronoun to navigate, and we've got some tips to make it easier. Oh, and if you thought this was all heavy discussion, brace yourself for a twist - we're spicing things up with a fun exploration into the origin of edible underwear! So buckle up, because this episode is going to be a rollercoaster ride of enlightenment, insight, and a few hearty laughs.InstagramTikTokFacebookWant to see the video? Check us out on YouTube.

Are you ready to delve deep into the heart of Halloween and its profound connection to the LGBTQ+ community? Embrace the liberation that this beloved holiday brings to the queer community, allowing for a celebration of self-expression, diversity, and freedom of identity without judgment. Marvel at the historical significance, where we expose the shocking truth about the three-article laws that once restricted the use of masks and disguises in public spaces, and ruminate on the potential dangers of these laws being weaponized against the LGBTQ+ community in the future.Get ready to dance through the vibrant history of Halloween parades and their role as an emblem of queer joy and resistance. We’ll whisk you away to the bustling streets of Greenwich Village during their iconic Halloween Parade and introduce you to the adult-only revelry of Fantasy Fest in Key West. Experience the audacious joy from the Bitches Christmas event in Philadelphia during the 1950s and 60s, a pivotal celebration that paved the way for future generations.Finally, let’s have some fun and get creative with your costume ideas this Halloween. Whether you're taking inspiration from Alan of the Barbie movie, embodying queer-coded Disney villains, or even dressing up as the Babadook, a bizarrely celebrated queer icon, we’ve got you covered. As we end the show, we’ll share our favorite Halloween movies where the "freaks" get to win and wish you all a safe and queer Halloween. Tune in for a dose of history, celebration, creativity, and most importantly, queer joy.InstagramTikTokFacebookWant to see the video? Check us out on YouTube.

Prepare to have your understanding of LGBTQ+ history forever changed as we challenge the myths and truths surrounding two pivotal figures: Marsha P Johnson and Sylvia Rivera. We promise that you'll gain a whole new appreciation for their contributions to the community, their roles in the Stonewall riots and the lasting impact they've had. We'll reveal how their advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights began long before Stonewall and the significant role they played in founding the Gay Liberation Front and Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR). Our tribute touches on the often overlooked homeless LGBTQ youth who were a driving force in the fight for rights.The next part of our exploration takes us from Stonewall to the very first Pride March. We'll discuss how this event was not merely a protest, but a joyous celebration of identity, resilience, visibility, and progress. We break down the importance of the Christopher Street Liberation Day, and pause to reflect on the significance of Sylvia Rivera's speech. Finally, we engage in a critical discussion on the importance of resilience and allyship, particularly in the face of targeted attacks on the trans community. Join us as we shed light on the importance of these historical events and reiterate why unified human rights are essential for progress.InstagramTikTokFacebookWant to see the video? Check us out on YouTube.

Imagine the night when the LGBTQ+ community stood up and made their voices heard on Christopher Street. Welcome to our journey through history, where we'll unravel the pivotal moments of the Stonewall Uprising, a turning point for the LGBTQ+ rights movement. By the end of this episode, you'll understand the significance of the Stonewall Inn as a symbol of resistance and community, and how the struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community catalyzed a powerful movement for change. We'll also explore the role of the mafia, the blackmailing of rich LGBTQ+ individuals, and the revolutionary act of simply gathering and drinking.As we journey through the second half of our discussion, we'll demystify the historic night of the Stonewall riots and the individuals that played key roles. We'll challenge myths and share stories that have emerged from the uprising, shaping our perspective of the event and its legacy. We'll take you back to the uncertain climate leading up to the riots, and the struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community in 1961. Tune in to this rich and riveting discussion, as we honor the resilience and courage of those who paved the way for the LGBTQ+ rights movement.InstagramTikTokFacebookWant to see the video? Check us out on YouTube.

Ever wondered how our understanding of gender and neurodiversity shapes our personal identities and societal experiences? Our guest's unique journey uncovers how these elements interplay in the discovery of their non-binary identity. They share how their experience starkly contrasts with their sister's, reflecting our society's evolving attitudes towards the LGBTQIA+ community. Additionally, they shed light on the role of chiropractic in dealing with the root causes of dysfunction and how their identity is an expression of universal intelligence.Venturing into the realm of queerness and human experience, our guest navigates us through the challenges they faced - from negative reactions to public affection with their partner to the process of coming out to their family. They bring to the fore the disparity in acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community across the tri-state area. Moreover, they introduce us to the concept of 'queer joy', distinguishing it from general happiness and emphasizing its role in their resilience against negativity. So, join us in this intriguing conversation as we explore the intersection of queerness, gender, neurodiversity, and the human experience.InstagramTikTokFacebookWant to see the video? Check us out on YouTube.

Drawing on personal experiences, we delve into our respective journeys to self-discovery, tracing back to the mid-90s when we first grappled with the realization of our gender and sexual preferences. We fondly recall the group at 19 that served as a sanctuary in our quest for self-acceptance. This episode is an earnest recollection of the courage it took to embrace our identities in an era where being openly gay was synonymous with adversity. We reflect on the mental toll of concealing our true selves and the liberation that acceptance brought.Delving into the complexities of gender identity and fluidity, we navigate our experiences within the LGBTQ+ community and the strides we've made to foster self-acceptance. We exchange anecdotes on being queer in a world that's still learning to accept and understand us, emphasizing the significance of communal support and championing queer businesses. We discuss our quest for safe spaces, accountability, and the importance of understanding pronouns. As we recount our journeys, we hope to empower you to embrace your identity, celebrate your victories, and find strength in your resilience.InstagramTikTokFacebookWant to see the video? Check us out on YouTube.

Have you ever wondered about the complexities of gender identity from a first-hand perspective? Today, we'll unfurl the intricacies of this journey as we sit down with a brave guest, a trans man, who shares his raw and heartfelt journey towards understanding his identity. He reveals the struggles and triumphs he's encountered on this path, bringing to light the unique challenges of living as a trans man in different states, and the haunting impact of transphobia. His narrative emphasizes the necessity of a cisgender companion in certain situations, the hardships he had to endure without personal space, and the poignant reality of being a trans person in today's world.Stepping into the second part of our conversation, we will navigate through the significance of all-gender restrooms and the sense of acceptance they imbue. We'll examine the fetishization of trans men within the community and the act of creation in relation to the trans experience. Drawing from our guest's experiences, we'll understand the challenges trans men face in intimate relationships. Our talk underscores the essence of respect, sensitivity, and the integral role of language in shaping identities and leaving lasting impact.We'll conclude our dialogue by stressing on the gravity of respecting gender pronouns, understanding the thin line dividing tolerance and acceptance, and the reactions invoked by forced use of specific pronouns. Our guest reveals his darkest moments and the strength he found to stay resilient, offering wise words to everyone, irrespective of their gender. Be a part of this powerful conversation as we delve deep into the strength within, unraveling the importance of language in creating an open, accepting space for all.InstagramTikTokFacebookWant to see the video? Check us out on YouTube.

Ever ask yourself how life, trauma, and identity intersect to shape our journey? This episode promises to take you through an emotive personal account of our guest, who navigated through pivotal life events such as parental divorce, cancer, and queer identity revelation. Inspired by the Avengers movie, they courageously embraced their queer identity, only to encounter sexual abuse that drove them into concealing their femininity. Our narrative unfolds further as we delve into the complexities of gender exploration and abusive relationships. Highlighting the crucial role of recognizing the humanity of those around us, our guest shares their tumultuous transition into identifying as trans at the age of 19. They also recount the emotionally manipulative relationship they found themselves in, which prompted a profound questioning of their identity and a confrontation with past traumas. Join us as we redefine concepts of femininity and masculinity and how these concepts can inform our identities and actions. Our guest shares a remarkable tale of survival during homelessness, drawing upon both masculine and feminine traits. The episode culminates in a meditation on resilience, honesty, and the growth we can glean from life's multitude of hurdles. Experience a heartfelt conversation filled with bravery, discovery, and the critical importance of self-acceptance. Don't miss out!InstagramTikTokFacebookWant to see the video? Check us out on YouTube.