31. CN LESTER – trans
CN is a trans person. We talk about the importance of strategy when it comes to gender education, effects of testosterone on the singing voice, books, and the queer history of opera. [Transcript coming soon.]
30. CASSIE BRIGHTER – Latina woman of trans experience
Cassie is a Latina woman of trans experience. We talk about the subtleties and challenges of inclusive language, internalised transphobia, being the best of both worlds, toxic masculinity as a cult, sex positivity and freeing ourselves from shame, female anatomy, consent, and leaving a legacy. [Transcript coming soon.]
29. JOE – femme boy, non-binary, trans
Joe identifies as a femme boy, non-binary and trans. We also talk about socialisation and reinforcing gender stereotypes, performing gender versus living gender, medical versus social transitioning, mental health struggles, how being willing to get it wrong is better than staying silent when it comes to supporting people, and the benefits of simplifying life. [Transcript coming soon.]
28. RACHEL LAWSON – no gender labels, thank you very much
Rachel is not fond of using gender labels for herself. In her words, she is a woman and identifies as a motorcyclist, a technologist, and many other things. We also talk about being something versus identifying as something, coming out at work, riding a motorbike, travelling solo, and how safety is a relative thing. [Transcript coming soon.]
27. RAY – binary transgender man, FTM, gay
Ray identifies as a binary transgender man, who also happens to be gay. We talk about how feminism includes everyone, why some men need reproductive health care, the difference between male and female banter, approaching the gender journey from a neurodivergent perspective, and the distinction between using labels as part of your identity versus part of your journey or experience. [Transcript available.]
26. ANGUS BROWN (ANNIE) – transgender woman, butch lesbian
Angus (Annie) identifies as a transgender woman and butch lesbian. We also talk about the balance of masculinity and femininity, the evolution of the word ‘lesbian’, that labels can resonate whatever their original meaning, how gender identity influences self-expression, navigating being a teenager again, sexuality and attraction, and that moving from one side of the line of androgyny to the other side is only a small step. [Transcript coming soon.]
25. Reflections (part 1) – discoveries so far
We are reversing roles, so Katy is interviewing Esther as she reflects on conversations she’s had with gender-diverse folks, what she’s learned about gender, as well as her own journey and how she evolved through it. We talk about what it means to Esther to be cisgender, what gender diversity (or a lack thereof) was like growing up, how the podcast is a way of expressing her identity, recovering perfectionism, Vulcan philosophy, and that in the end, we are all more alike than different. [Transcript coming soon.]
24. ALF RAVN – agender, transgender, non-binary
Alf is transgender and identifies as agender and non-binary. We also talk about observing gender from a distance, the obstacles on their transition journey, hormone imbalances and the effects they can have, and asking the question ‘what makes a man a man, and a woman a woman?’ [Transcript coming soon.]
23. ROBIN RICE – parent of a transgender adult
Robin is the mother of two sons, one of whom is transgender, and runs a project called Your Holiday Mom, which is all about offering LGBTQ youth a loving mother’s support between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. We also talk about the journey you go through as a parent as you support your child through their gender journey, the importance of a parents’ acceptance, how gender colours everything we choose for ourselves, our children and our world, and just being who you are. [Transcript available.]
22. HANNAH WATSON – transgender
Hannah is transgender, and although not fond of labels, the terms non-binary and asexual semi-resonate with her as well. We also talk about gender identity versus biology versus sexuality, to what degree gender defines you, why the term ‘gender confirmation surgery’ is a better term than ‘gender reassignment surgery’ and ‘sex change’, conforming to society’s norms, and ‘unconventional’ types of love, attraction, intimacy and relationships. [Transcript available.]