What happens when the people who should love you unconditionally make that love contingent on denying your authentic self? Actor Paul Cram takes us behind the curtain of his life journey - from growing up in a large Pentecostal family in the Midwest to finding his voice as an artist and openly queer man.

The conversation explores Paul's acting career, including work with Woody Harrelson and Cillian Murphy, while drawing poignant parallels between performing on screen and performing heteronormativity to survive. Paul shares how religious trauma manifested in his life - from internalized shame to suicidal ideation - and the gradual process of liberation through therapy, community, and intellectual curiosity.

https://paulcramactor.com/

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What happens when a pastor discovers the Bible doesn't actually condemn homosexuality? For Romel Parks-Weekly, this theological revelation changed everything. After founding a traditional church in 2002 while deeply suppressing his own sexuality, Romel's decision to write a book on homosexuality led him down a path of biblical study he hadn't expected.

This episode follows Romel's remarkable journey from a young boy who always knew he was different to a conflicted minister who married a woman despite knowing he was gay to the founder of The Sanctuary Church—a truly affirming space where all are welcome.

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When Dr. Lane Igoudin and his husband Jonathan decided to become parents in early 2000s California, they stepped into a world of uncertainty and prejudice that would challenge them to their core. Dr. Igoudin's memoir, A Family, Maybe: Two Dads, Two Babies, and the Court Cases That Brought Us Together, chronicles how this interracial gay couple navigated the labyrinthine foster care system during pre-equality times, fighting to create a family against daunting odds.

https://laneigoudin.com/

#lgbtq #lgbtqia #gay #gayadoption

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Andrea Leigh's remarkable journey from pharmacology to fashion defies easy categorization, making her story one that resonates far beyond the transgender community. In this candid conversation, Andrea reveals how after checking all society's boxes for success—a 24-year career at Pfizer, marriage, amateur athletic achievements, even ranch ownership—she still felt fundamentally unfulfilled, leading to a gender transition that transformed her perspective on authenticity and self-acceptance.

The title of her bestselling memoir, "Do You Still Like Football?", comes from her father's first question after she announced her transition plans—a moment that assured both of them that while external packaging might change, her core identity remained intact. Andrea's unique perspective as someone who doesn't fit neatly into expected categories makes her voice particularly valuable in today's polarized conversations about gender, identity, and personal transformation.

https://a.co/d/fiIN4XJ
therealandrealeigh
https://www.andrealeigh.com/

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What does true inclusivity look like in today's music classrooms? Bryson Tarbet takes us behind the scenes of his remarkable journey from rural Ohio music teacher to worldwide instructional coach, revealing the profound challenges and unexpected joys of creating spaces where every student belongs.

Drawing from his personal experiences as a neurodivergent educator and his professional expertise in music education, Bryson shares candid insights about navigating conservative school environments while staying true to his authentic self. His stories highlight both the progress made and the significant work still needed to ensure classrooms welcome students of all neurological differences and identities.

https://www.thatmusicteacher.com/

hello@thatmusicteacher.com

https://www.facebook.com/ThatMusicTeacherBlog/

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Estate planning isn't just for the wealthy—it's essential for anyone who wants to protect their home, assets, and family from probate costs and legal complications after death. And the LGBTQ+ community faces unique challenges that proper estate planning addresses. Oscar Vasquez shares practical insights on how living trusts and other legal documents can save your loved ones time, money, and stress.

Visit EstateDocPrep.com and use code QUEER to receive $1,000 off lifetime estate planning services. The first 10 listeners who use this code will receive the discount.

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Discovering your authentic self can be a lifelong journey – one that becomes even more challenging when you lack the language to describe who you are. For author Arden Coutts, growing up in rural Nebraska meant navigating feelings of difference without understanding their source, eventually finding expression through poetry and later through crafting queer romantic suspense novels.

Arden takes us through their evolution from writing sad poems as a child to publishing a trilogy of action-packed queer romances that they lovingly describe as "80s action movies, but gay." Their series – Fall Into Midnight, Fall Into Me, and We All Fall – follows different couples across the gender and sexuality spectrum as they battle both internal demons and an external mafia threat.

The conversation delves into Arden's journey of self-discovery – from identifying as bisexual in high school to embracing their identity as transmasc non-binary in adulthood. They share candid insights about family reactions, the challenges of finding community, and their experiences navigating relationships as someone whose gender presentation often confuses potential partners.

Ready to dive into Arden's world of queer romantic suspense? Find their books at ardencoutts.com or on Amazon, and join a community that celebrates authentic representation across the spectrum of gender and sexuality.

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Have you ever wondered how high-achieving professionals and members of the LGBTQ+ community navigate the complexities of therapy? Join us for a compelling conversation with Laurel Roberts-Meese, LMFT, a dedicated therapist and founder of the Laurel Therapy Collective, as she shares insights from her journey. From her early days in San Francisco to establishing a thriving practice in West Los Angeles, Laurel dives into her evolution as a therapist, her passion for EMDR therapy, and her commitment to holistic and narrative approaches that resonate deeply with diverse clients. Through her expertise, you'll learn about the transformative power of therapy tailored to the unique needs of the LGBTQ+ community.

https://www.laureltherapy.net/
https://www.instagram.com/laureltherapycollective/
https://www.facebook.com/laureltherapycollective

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