Some things about LGBTQ+ life will never change, and that's actually good news. When everything feels uncertain, we need to know what's worth fighting for. How can we separate the noise from what actually matters? The good news is that some things hold steady no matter what happens next. And we have good reasons to anticipate changes for the better. If you're tired of feeling anxious about the future, this episode offers genuine reasons for hope. Send us a text Support the show

When people carry secret shame about the ways they are different from everyone around them, it affects their entire sense of self. This shame gets passed down through culture that teaches rigid ideas about what's acceptable. There's nothing wrong with being exactly who you are. Joe and Rya talk about why so many people struggle with feeling abnormal. We shouldn't have to dim our authentic personalities just because some people don't connect with us. Being normal simply means being true to you...

What happens when lawmakers create a bathroom law that forces men into women's restrooms and women into men's restrooms? Texas Senate Bill 8 claims to protect women's privacy, but the reality is far more complicated. This law forces schools, libraries, airports, and government buildings to become surveillance systems or face massive fines. The legal framework in Texas now creates the exact scenarios it claims to prevent. Joe and Rya break down why even supporters of the law's intent should be...

A new segment where Joe & Rya discuss a current topic. This week is the new Texas Senate Law 8. Listen to the FULL EPISODE on Monday Send us a text Support the show

Have you ever noticed how the word "normal" gets turned into a weapon? People use it to make LGBTQ+ folks feel like something's wrong with them just for being different. They act like statistics prove morality, as if being in the minority makes you broken. But here's the thing. Why should any of us have to be "normal" in the first place? It's time to stop letting that word control who gets to live authentically. Send us a text Support the show

You've been hurt by the church. Maybe you walked away years ago, or maybe you're still trying to make it work in a place that tells you who you are is wrong. The wounds run deep. Spiritual abuse often comes wrapped in Scripture. Two-thirds of Christians report experiencing spiritual abuse. That means you're not alone in this pain, even when it feels isolating. Is it even possible to trust a religious community when the last one broke you? Mother Julie Hendrix, an Episcopal priest who understa...

With rights under threat and uncertainty everywhere, choosing thankfulness can feel like denial. But what if gratitude isn't about pretending everything is fine? Learning to find thankfulness is more than just emotional comfort, it's survival strategy. Joe and Rya look at why gratitude matters more than ever when times are hard. They redirect our focus to things the LGBTQ community still has that nobody can take away. Send us a text Support the show

History shows us that divided movements stay powerless. But the pattern never changes: together we stand, divided we fall. Right now many factors are fracturing the rainbow coalition that built everything from Stonewall to marriage equality. Meanwhile, opponents of LGBTQ+ rights are smirking from the sidelines as they watch our community tear itself apart. In this episode, Joe and Rya discuss how to stop the infighting to build a unified coalition. Send us a text Support the show

Are you as accepting as you think you are? Most parents believe they're supportive of their LGBTQ family members. But when put to the test, many discover significant gaps between their intentions and their actual level of acceptance. This ten-question assessment reveals where you stand on the acceptance scale and identifies the specific areas where you can strengthen your connection with LGBTQ loved ones. By the end this episode, you will be able to: Uncover blind spots you didn't know existe...

Are you wondering if it's the right time to share your LGBTQ+ identity with family, friends, or your community? The decision to come out is deeply personal. Timing matters more than you might think. Whether you're feeling pressure to come out or wondering if you should wait, this practical checklist provides the clarity you need to make the decision that's right for your unique situation. Send us a text Support the show

Why do loving, supportive parents still lose their LGBTQ children? The answer isn't what most families expect. Learn how to recognize the hidden patterns that destroy family relationships before it's too late. Understanding these dynamics will change how you approach every difficult family conversation. These principles are important for all of us, whether you're a parent trying to reconnect with an estranged child or an ally who wants to help others navigate these painful situations. Discove...

Do you hear the term "non-binary" and feel confused or overwhelmed? What does it actually mean? How do pronouns work when someone uses both he and they? Eos, who leads a local transgender support group, breaks down the real experience of non-binary identity beyond stereotypes. This conversation covers the practical questions families need answered. "Accepting" isn't the same as "affirming." Small changes in language can make the difference between a child feeling supported or invisible. For t...

Have you ever poured your heart into loving someone only to discover they don't feel loved at all? This happens frequently in LGBTQ+ families where parents think they're being supportive, but their child feels misunderstood or invalidated. When someone you care about shuts down completely, your instinct might be to defend how much you've done for them. Instead, there are four specific strategies that can help draw people out of emotional withdrawal and back into connection. These tools ...

The Supreme Court is hearing cases right now that could fundamentally reshape what it means to be LGBTQ in America. States are passing laws that ban medical care for transgender youth, restrict which sports teams kids can join, and , and allow therapists to practice conversion therapy on minors. Former US Attorney Jim Santelle has good news for you. There are specific, practical actions that actually move the needle. Your voice matters more than the headlines suggest. Send us a text Sup...

Most parents think, "Don't confuse them," "They're too young," "Let them figure it out themselves." These all sound like reasonable approaches. But the research reveals a shocking truth. Families that stay silent about LGBTQ issues actually harm their children. Too many well-meaning parents choose quiet over conversation. What feels like protection is actually the very thing putting kids in danger. Send us a text Support the show

Tired of feeling powerless while politicians make decisions that affect your life? Your voice carries more weight than you realize. Especially at the local level where real change happens fastest. Most people stop at voting. But the smartest advocates know that ongoing communication with representatives is where the actual influence lies. Local politicians are accessible and responsive. They are desperate to understand their constituents' needs... but only if you show up and speak up. Joe and...

When your child comes out as LGBTQ+, suddenly you have questions you never expected to face. Did you cause this somehow? Will they ever truly be happy? What if this is just a phase and you're enabling something harmful? These are the 2 AM thoughts that keep us awake at night. Joe and Rya tackle the deepest parental fears head-on. They address the guilt and the secret wishes that maybe this wasn't happening at all. You don't have to have all the answers, just love. Send us a text Support the s...

Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated today at a college speaking event in Utah. Regardless of where you stand politically, murder is never the answer to disagreement. In this special episode, Joe and Rya give us their personal response to the news. Send us a text Support the show

Understanding the difference between supportive curiosity and invasive questioning isn't just about avoiding awkwardness. Many of us want to ask questions about LGBTQ experiences. We care deeply and want to show genuine interest, but the fear of saying something wrong keeps us from asking authentic questions. The truth is, some questions that feel perfectly reasonable in our minds can actually hurt the people we're trying to support. Even worse, we might be asking those questions right now wi...

It's our third year anniversary of Trandescendant Podcast! And boy, do we have a shocking episode for you. We decided to expand our podcast from two to three generations. And this might surprise you, but Rya has a transgender son. This is his story. You might expect that having a transgender parent would make the journey easier for a transgender child, but the reality is far more complex. Each person's path to authenticity looks different, even within the same family. Kelly shares how college...