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There is currently a lot of public discourse around what an LGBTQ+ ally is and isn’t. We know that our listening audience wants to be allying well and often, and as the political climate in the country continues to put our LGBTQ+ loved ones in the crosshairs, it has become increasingly important that we get our allyship right. This week In the Den, we’re re-airing this important episode from 2024, in which Jen sits down with Sara Burlingame, Executive Director of Wyoming Equality, to talk about ways that we can improve our efforts at being good allies to the LGBTQ+ community.

Special Guest: Sara Burlingame

Sara is the Executive Director of Wyoming Equality, a statewide advocacy group who works to build broad and inclusive communities, shift the hearts and minds of our neighbors, and achieve policy victories. Sara was the only non-Mormon blogger at Feminist Mormon Housewives, before working as a faith organizer with the Human Rights Campaign. A longtime Cheyenne, Wyoming, resident, she loves to spend time with her family reading, watching her sons play baseball, and camping in the most beautiful place on Earth.

Links from the Show:

• Equality Wyoming: https://www.wyomingequality.org/
• Join Mama Dragons today: www.mamadragons.org
• Mama Dragons on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mamadragons
• Mama Dragons on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themamadragons/

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Content Warning: Talk of Suicide

If you are having thoughts of suicide or self harm, please call or text 988, or chat 988lifeline.org

This week, we’re rereleasing an important episode that first aired in 2023. The information contained in this interview is critical for parents of LGBTQ+ children to understand, so we’re sharing it again and hope you’ll listen (or re-listen). Misconceptions and stigma can make suicide hard to understand, but talking about it can make a huge difference. Mama Dragons is committed to keeping the conversation at the forefront of our group to help conquer those misconceptions and help lower suicide rates. In this week’s episode of In the Den, our show’s original host Jen talks with special guest Taryn Aiken Hiatt about factors that impact suicide risk, warning signs of suicidality, and what to do when someone you know is having thoughts of suicide.

Special Guest: Taryn Aiken Hiatt

Taryn is a dedicated advocate with a passion for changing the culture around mental health, suicide and substance use disorders. She is a loss survivor, losing her dad in 2002, and an attempt survivor who lives in recovery today. Taryn founded and is the executive director for the Utah Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. She has testified before congress in Washington DC to increase awareness and support for better access to mental health services and to promote healthy discussions about suicide. She is widely respected throughout the nation for her hard work and dedication to saving lives. Taryn is finishing the Master's in Social Work program at UVU and graduates in May 2024. Taryn believes in the power of human connection and is dedicated to preventing suicide.

Links from the Show:

• Donate to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: www.afsp.org
• Find a local support group through AFSP: https://afsp.org/find-a-local-chapter/
• Volunteer with AFSP: https://afsp.org/advocate-for-suicide-prevention/
• National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/Home
• Join Mama Dragons today: www.mamadragons.org

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We first aired this episode in 2023, but with all of the firestorm around transgender people and their place in society, we wanted to share this interview with our listeners again. American actor and musician Emmett Preciado visits with In the Den’s original host Jen about his experience growing up as a transgender boy in a conservative religion. He candidly talks about a range of topics from transition to his experiences with dating to experiencing Hollywood as a trans man. You won’t want to miss this thoughtful glimpse into Emmett’s life and the wisdom he’s gained through embracing his transgender identity.

Special Guest: Emmett Preciado

Emmett Preciado, formerly known as Emmett Claren, is an American transgender actor and singer-songwriter of Spanish, Mexican, and European descent. He was born in Merced, California, but grew up in Chilton, Wisconsin. Emmett grew up in, and served a full-time mission for, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After briefly attending BYU Idaho, he dropped out to physically transition and to seriously pursue his acting career. Emmett is known for his role as Rowan on Freeform's Good Trouble, Rio Gutierrez on ABC’s The Good Doctor, and has worked with The Trevor Project and The National LGBTQ Task Force.

Links from the Show:

Emmett on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@emmettpreciado

Emmett on IG: https://www.instagram.com/emmettpreciado

Emmett on FB: https://www.facebook.com/emmettpreciado/

Emmett on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyx59LUSE0uhgqDSF0MzipA

Early documentary with Emmett: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zzyroz1OgSA

New article about Emmett: https://www.emmettpreciado.com/p/news.html

Emmett’s website: https://www.emmettpreciado.com/

Emmett’s top surgery reaction video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hofq-y2WHHo&ab_channel=EmmettPreciado

Emmett dueting with himself pre-transition: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72Na68cO3_I&t=9s&ab_channel=EmmettPreciado

Join Mama Dragons here: www.mamadragons.org

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We often hear the phrase, “Love makes a family,” and while it's true that love is the most important ingredient in creating family, for many of our LGBTQ+ kids and beloveds, love also needs to be accompanied by access to reproductive medical support. So today, we’re diving into what it really means to create family—from science to love to justice. Sara sits down with reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Jacqueline Gutmann to discuss the avenues available for creating family in queer partnerships.

Special Guest: Dr. Jacqueline N. Gutmann

Dr. Jacqueline N. Gutmann (she/her) is a Reproductive Endocrinologist at RMA of Philadelphia and has devoted her career to helping people create their families of choice. She has published numerous articles and has lectured extensively on topics including LGBT family building, third party reproduction, fertility preservation including egg freezing, and the use of complementary and alternative medicine in fertility treatment. She has held numerous leadership positions in local and national professional organizations and is on the medical advisory boards of several patient advocacy groups. She is the recipient of many awards, though the one she values most is the Joyce M. Vargyas, M.D. Visionary Award from Path2Parenthood, for her impact in the fields of fertility, reproductive health, and family building within the LGBTQ+ community. Dr. Gutmann completed her medical education, residency and fellowship at Yale University. She also serves as a Clinical Associate professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Thomas Jefferson University.

Links from the Show:

• More about Dr. Gutmann: https://rmanetwork.com/staff/jacqueline-n-gutmann/
• Jefferson OB/GYN: https://www.jeffersonhealth.org/locations/obgyn-center-city
• Join Mama Dragons here: www.mamadragons.org

In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org.

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In the Den this week, Sara and special guest Garrett Garland talk about what it means to create in queer joy and not just survival. They discuss the importance of visibility, the responsibility of queer creatives in shaping culture, and how parents, allies, and communities can better support LGBTQ+ youth in finding their voice and claiming space. This isn’t just a conversation about art — it’s a conversation about power, authenticity, and what happens when we give queer kids the permission and the tools to imagine big.

Special Guest: Garrett Garland

Garrett Garland is a California Bay Area resident who studied at the University of Santa Cruz and Sciences Po. in Paris. Drawing from his extensive travels abroad this is his first novel. He currently resides with his husband Sam next to the sea in Half Moon Bay. Their long walks on the beach and their love of the ocean are where he draws most of his inspiration. The ocean is home but Paris is Garrett’s home town.

Links from the Show:

• Garrett’s website: https://www.garrettgarland.com/
• To Never See Heaven audiobook: https://www.garrettgarland.com/audiobooks
• To Never See Heaven in print: https://www.garrettgarland.com/store
• Join Mama Dragons today: www.mamadragons.org

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As parents of queer kids, we want our children to live boldly and truthfully, to become their most authentic selves, not just accepted, but celebrated, for who they are. We want that same freedom and fullness of self-expression for every member of our families. So often trans and nonbinary people’s stories are told only through the lens of their struggles and challenges, including their political battles for legal rights, but trans and nonbinary people live rich and fulfilling lives full of joy and community too. Today In the Den, Sara sits down with special guest Joey Morelli, contributing author to Authentic Selves: Celebrating Trans and Nonbinary People, to offer a window into the real lives, joys, and resilience of trans and nonbinary people—and the families who stand proudly beside them.

Special Guest: Jozeppi A. Morelli

Jozeppi A. Morelli is an Indigenous transgender queer man who is a retired law enforcement officer/911 World Trade Center First Responder from New York City. He has been initiated into the Hopi Sand Clan since 2021. In his retirement, he has found a second career being a gender educator. Author and public speaker, Jozeppi is one of the authors in the new book and exhibit: Authentic Selves: Celebrating Trans and Nonbinary People created by Peggy Gillespie of Family Diversity Projects and published by Skinner House Books. He has been promoting the Authentic Selves photo exhibit and book across the country on radio shows, podcasts, and at in-person events.

Links from the Show:

• Authentic Selves: https://bookshop.org/p/books/authentic-selves-celebrating-trans-and-nonbinary-people-and-their-families/18955703?ean=9781558968967&next=t
• Dance to Heal interview with Jozeppi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMr8F6HIK8E
• Article about Authentic Selves: https://www.uua.org/pressroom/press-releases/authentic-selves-highlights-joy
• Join Mama Dragons today here: www.mamadragons.org

In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org.

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Today we are tackling a topic that has consumed the country, the news, and social media, and has sparked a political firestorm in recent years—transgender athletes in sports. To date, 26 states have enacted laws banning transgender youth from participating in sports teams consistent with their gender identity. There is so much fear and misinformation around this topic, and today In the Den Sara sits down with the incredible Chris Mosier, the first openly transgender man to earn a spot on a U.S. Men’s National Team. Chris and Sara talk about the reality of trans people in sports and what we can do to better understand and support the trans athletes in our lives and in the country.

Special Guest: Chris Mosier

Chris Mosier is a trailblazing athlete, coach, and founder of TransAthlete.com, the leading resource for transgender inclusion in sport. In 2015, he made history as the first openly transgender man to earn a spot on a U.S. Men’s National Team, a milestone that helped catalyze policy change by the International Olympic Committee on trans athlete inclusion and earned him the title of "the man who changed the Olympics." A decorated multisport athlete, Chris is an eight-time Team USA member, five-time Men’s National Champion, and Men’s All-American. Chris’s advocacy extends far beyond competition. Through his writing, speaking, and policy work, he has influenced trans-inclusive practices at every level of sport—from high school athletics to professional leagues. As one of the most visible voices opposing anti-trans legislation in the U.S., Chris is a driving force in the fight for trans rights and equity. Chris is a Nike-sponsored athlete featured in multiple global campaigns. He also mentors transgender and nonbinary athletes around the world, living by his powerful motto: “Be who you needed when you were younger.”

Links from the Show:

• The TransAthlete website: https://www.transathlete.com/
• Chris’s website: https://www.thechrismosier.com/
• ESPN’s Body Issue 2016 photos: https://www.espn.com/espn/photos/gallery/_/id/16797886/image/1/bodies-want-2016-bodies-want-2016
• Changing the Game documentary: https://www.hulu.com/movie/changing-the-game-71bcd7f5-63b4-485c-b4ee-ed41517484d1

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There is power in preserving the rich, diverse history and culture of LGBTQIA+ people, across generations and backgrounds, promoting creativity, collaboration, and community among queer people, organizations, and allies. Especially in this particular cultural moment, when the lives and stories of our queer community are being targeted and silenced more than ever before, we need to lift up and celebrate the institutions whose mission it is to collect, preserve, and share those stories and histories widely and proudly.

Special Guest: Robert Kesten

Robert Kesten, Human Rights Advocate, is Executive Director of Stonewall National Museum Archives & Library, one of the world’s largest and most significant institutions of its kind, celebrating 50+ years of preserving history and culture in the face of prejudice and hate. Kesten’s human rights advocacy has taken many forms, including writing and producing an award winning documentary on the Holocaust at Concentration Camps in Poland, working on the Ghanaian Constitution, coordinating and producing events leading to Ukrainian independence, producing events for the first AIDS day treatment center in the nation, pushing for the decriminalization of homosexuality in Ukraine, challenging book banning, LGBTQIA+ inclusion in schools and navigating anti-LGBTQ sentiments. Kesten also worked on the West Bank during the Intifada and was brought into Egypt and Tunisia during the Arab Spring to try and establish human rights cities.

Links from the Show:

• https://stonewall-museum.org/
• https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/stonewall-queer-history-exhibit-drexel-20240407.html
• https://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/op-ed/article296353869.html
• https://washingtonpress.com/author/robertkesten/
• https://sfbwmag.com/human-rights-leaders-honored-during-international-human-rights-symposium-at-florida-atlantic-university/
• https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/opinion/columns/your-voice/2023/04/14/lets-act-to-ensure-lgbtqia-are-safe-and-valued-in-florida-schools/70110517007/
• Join Mama Dragons here: www.mamadragons.org

In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org.

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