Transparently Speaking

Send us Fan Mail
Episode 129 begins with updates from Joy on the journey towards her daughter's desired surgery, and continues with examples from both Diana and Joy of how anti-trans narratives are seeping into the language and beliefs of our allies.   This episode also includes Diana's frank recognition of our culturally normative language of "boy/girl" at birth, which perpetuates that an individual's gender is the same as their sex assigned at birth.  Ultimately, Diana and Joy reflect on their exhaustion and the shift in how often and in which situations they choose to speak up and educate others.
If you’re taking something away from our podcast, we’d appreciate it if you’d take a moment to provide us with a review; the more listeners and reviews, the more people we can reach and support.
As always, feel free to reach out to us at transparentlyspeakingpodcast@gmail.com.

Send us Fan Mail
Insurance says surgery is covered at 18, but the process tells a different story. In this episode, one mom breaks down what she's learned chasing gender-affirming surgery access for her daughter, including a wait list that pushes actual surgery closer to age 20, and international options she's researching in parallel, with hopes of having it done before college. The conversation also digs into the surprising challenge of changing a name, even one chosen since birth, and a tense blood draw at a lab tied to a hospital system that once pulled back trans care.
If you’re taking something away from our podcast, we’d appreciate it if you’d take a moment to provide us with a review; the more listeners and reviews, the more people we can reach and support.
As always, feel free to reach out to us at transparentlyspeakingpodcast@gmail.com.

Send us Fan Mail
In this episode, Diana and Joy explore “gender noise” — the background thoughts many transgender people experience about safety, bathrooms, being outed (and general thoughts as they navigating the current environment). They reflect on how this "noise" may show up differently as their trans kids grow up, and they also reflect on their current experiences navigating healthcare, health insurance, school, and the delicate balance between protecting their kids and respecting their independence. As another school year approaches, Diana also shares her challenges in respecting Dinah's wishes about disclosure while also wanting to protect and advocate for him.  
If you’re taking something away from our podcast, we’d appreciate it if you’d take a moment to provide us with a review; the more listeners and reviews, the more people we can reach and support.
As always, feel free to reach out to us at transparentlyspeakingpodcast@gmail.com.

Send us Fan Mail
In this episode, Joy and Diana share their progress in searching for medical care for their transgender kids after their previous providers stopped providing care in January. Joy shares details about her first meeting with Samantha's new provider, and Diana talks about taking Dinah out of state for care. Diana also shares insights and updates about her road trip home with Clark and frustration with antiquated language discovered in Clark's medical records.
Please note that this episode contains language and words of suicidal ideation.  It's powerful language reflecting the helplessness in considering not having access to care.  
If you’re taking something away from our podcast, we’d appreciate it if you’d take a moment to provide us with a review; the more listeners and reviews, the more people we can reach and support.
As always, feel free to reach out to us at transparentlyspeakingpodcast@gmail.com.

Send us Fan Mail
Diana and Joy catch up on a summer full of both medical logistics and hard moments. Diana walks through the challenge of scheduling Dinah's first blood draw around needle anxiety, and the added caution hospitals are showing around gender-affirming care even as federal pressure on Medicaid and Medicare funding appears to be easing. Joy shares a surprisingly smooth visit to Planned Parenthood for overdue care, followed by a birthday night out that turned painful when a headlining comedian's set leaned hard into transphobic jokes met with audience laughter. The two also talk through Samantha's recent breakup, her choice to stay closeted with friends, and the family's early research into international options for bottom surgery given current U.S. age restrictions on the procedure.
If you’re taking something away from our podcast, we’d appreciate it if you’d take a moment to provide us with a review; the more listeners and reviews, the more people we can reach and support.
As always, feel free to reach out to us at transparentlyspeakingpodcast@gmail.com.