In this encore episode of Profiles in LGBTQ Courage, host Rick Koonce sits down with author and advocate Lori Duron, creator of the widely read blog Raising My Rainbow and author of the book of the same name. In the interview, originally released in February 2021, Lori shares the deeply personal and courageous journey of raising her gender-creative son, CJ, in a world that often struggles to understand difference. From CJ's early love of Barbie dolls and princess dresses to navigating schools, healthcare systems, and public judgment, Lori reflects on how parenting a gender-nonconforming child reshaped her understanding of love, fear, advocacy, and authenticity.

Throughout the conversation, Lori explains what it means to be gender nonconforming, how CJ identifies as male while expressing himself in feminine ways, and why her family chose affirmation over "fixing." She also opens up about the impact on her older son, Chase, the importance of education and legal protections, and the critical role PFLAG played in supporting their family. This episode is an honest, hopeful exploration of parenting with courage and compassion.

Key takeaways include:

• What gender nonconformity really means
• Why affirmation is more powerful than redirection
• How parents can advocate effectively for their children
• The importance of community, education, and support

Listeners are encouraged to reach out, ask questions, and seek support as they navigate their own journeys with love and intention.

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For more information, visit the PFLAG Cape Cod website: https://www.pflagcapecod.org/podcasts.html

© 2020 - 2025 PFLAG Cape Cod

In this powerful episode of Profiles in LGBTQ Courage, host Rick Koonce sits down with trailblazing Irish leader and LGBTQ advocate Katherine Zappone to explore her extraordinary journey through love, loss, politics, and social change. Born in Seattle and later becoming an Irish citizen through her marriage to Ann Louise Gilligan, Katherine reflects on how their partnership sparked one of Ireland's most transformative human rights movements. Together, they helped catalyze the landmark 2015 referendum that legalized same-sex marriage by popular vote—an unprecedented achievement in a deeply Catholic country.

Katherine also discusses her groundbreaking tenure as Ireland's Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, where she confronted the devastating legacy of mother-and-baby homes and brought her concerns directly to Pope Francis. She shares profound insights on courage, leadership, activism, and grief—including the loss of her wife and soulmate in 2017.

Her new memoir, Love in a Time of Politics, weaves together personal and political history, demonstrating how hope and determination shape social progress.

Takeaways:

• How personal love became a catalyst for national transformation
• What Ireland teaches us about democracy and moral courage
• Insights on leadership, advocacy, and resilience
• How grief reshaped Katherine's public and private life

Listeners who feel inspired by Katherine's story are encouraged to reach out, share their reflections, and continue conversations that drive LGBTQ equality forward.

Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability.

For more information, visit the PFLAG Cape Cod website: https://www.pflagcapecod.org/podcasts.html

© 2020 - 2025 PFLAG Cape Cod

In this episode, host Rick Koonce interviews award-winning photojournalist Julia Cumes, whose work shines a light on marginalized communities around the world. Born and raised in apartheid-era South Africa, Julia witnessed the power of images to expose truth and inspire change. Her career has been shaped by a commitment to social justice and storytelling through the lens of her camera.

Julia shares how her projects—from documenting Cape Cod's transgender community to capturing the stories of immigrants, women in India's Devadasi system, and Hawaii's cowboys—help challenge stereotypes and humanize those often unseen. Her portraits not only celebrate individuality but also foster empathy and understanding in divided times.

Listeners will gain insight into how photography can serve as both art and activism—connecting people across boundaries and transforming hearts one story at a time.

Key Takeaways:

• How photography can drive social change and human connection
• The importance of visibility for marginalized communities
• Storytelling as a path to understanding and inclusion

Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability.

For more information, visit the PFLAG Cape Cod website: https://www.pflagcapecod.org/podcasts.html

© 2020 - 2025 PFLAG Cape Cod