The Gender Rebels Podcast

A sense of style can show the world who you are, but how do you figure out your own sense of style? In this episode we answer a listener question from Steph who asks "I am a primarily feminine non-binary individual, born male. How does one go about developing a sense of style for one's new self?  I am trying to learn what feels right for me, but I do not have the education of someone that grew up...

(Content warning: discussion of transphobia.) Internalized transphobia can cause a mess of negative emotions. In this episode we discuss all the dark, inner thoughts that transgender people sometimes grapple with when they feel negatively about other trans people or themselves.  Check out one of John Green's video on Imagining Others Complexly . And YouTuber Vihart's video on realizing other peopl...

What does it feel like when transition is done? A gender transition is a slow process involving myriad steps like hormones, coming out, and even surgery. But what is life like for transgender people who have completed every item on their transition checklist? What does it feel like when you've reached transition's endgame?   Faith's book,  American Transgirl , available now!     Support us on Patr...

How do trans get to be friends with other trans people? Everyone loves friends, especially friends with whom we share common experiences. But transgender people are a small percentage of the total population. How do you find good transgender friends to hang out with so you can talk HRT, surgeries, or coming out?  Faith's book, American Transgirl , available now! Faith met some transfriends at URNo...

  How do hormones really affect the body? Are injectables better than patches or pills? Are there potential dangers? In this episode, the first in a 2-part series, we'll speak with endocrinologist Dr. HD and bombard him with all our questions about hormones, HRT, and how they affect your endocrine system and the rest of your body.  Check out Dr. HD's blog  Hormones Demystified  for lots more great...

  How do hormones really affect the body? Are injectables better than patches or pills? Are there potential dangers? In this episode, the first in a 2-part series, we'll speak with endocrinologist Dr. HD and bombard him with all our questions about hormones, HRT, and how they affect your endocrine system and the rest of your body.  Check out Dr. HD's blog Hormones Demystified  for lots more great...

Who are chasers? Are they as creepy as people say? In this episode we'll dive into the twisted world of chasers, those men who fetishize transgender women and seem to be everywhere on the internet. We'll talk who they are, why they act that way, and most importantly how to deal with them.  Be sure and check out   urnotalone if you've never been there.  Faith found it to be a great resource back in...

How do transgender people go about choosing a new name? In this episode we answer a listener question from Maddie. She asks "How did you ultimately decide on your female name? Did you create a list of names? Was it a painfully obvious choice that you'd known for years? Did you choose something that still had a connection to your male name? Or did you just try on different names until one finally s...

What's it like being non-binary in a world that's far too stuck in the gender binary? In this episode we talk with our friend Avery. They explain the issues non-binary people face shopping for clothes, looking for a job, deciding to physically transition, finding language to express themselves, and fitting in in the fitting in to the LGBTQ community.   Be sure and check out our other episode featu...

It's great when cis people are trans allies. But can you screw up being an ally? Will people think you're trans if you join in the fight? Will you make it too much about you? In this episode we answer a listener question from Sarah who asks "As an ally, I worry about potentially falling into a cultural appropriation trap. Am I sending a transmission through some of these choices? I don't care whet...

  What do you do if you see another transgender person out in the world?  Do you approach, compliment their look, and hope to maybe make a cool, new trans friend? Or should you let them be? In this episode we'll discuss the tricky situation that can happen if you find yourself unexpectedly face to face with another transgender person in the wild.  In this episode we mention  Callen Lorde Community...

We don't always know what gender transition will bring?  Sure, we can anticipate HRT, coming out, a new wardrobe, maybe even surgeries. But what about those things that we just can't anticipate that throw us a bit of a curveball during transition? In this episode, transgirl Faith tells about some surprising things she discovered about herself and the world during transition.  In this episode we me...

Halloween can be an amazing time for transgender people. It can provide an opportunity to dip your toe into coming out and to present how you've always wanted to without fear of judgement or rejection. But, Halloween can also be a time for inadvertently offensive costumes. In this episode we answer a listener question from Shayla, who asks about how to do a feminine-presenting costume without acci...

  Street harrassment and unwanted sexual advances are awful. In this episode we answer a lister question from Amy who asks "When it comes to creepy guys hitting on you, how do you deal with the dual feelings of 'Omg, maybe I'm a woman now?' with 'Omg, guys are fucking scum!'" We'll talk harrassment, unwanted sexual advances, and tips to help keep you safe from this awful type of social interaction...

Social media can be a tricky place for transgender or queer people. This week we answer a listener question from Rachel. She asks about running multiple accounts on Facebook when you're not fully out or using a new name when you've not changed it legally. So how are transgender people to navigate Facebook and other social media avenues?  Make sure your Facebook profile is 100% private  and that no...

Coming out is hard, and a non-supportive situation only makes it harder. In this episode we answer a question a lot of listeners have asked: How do you come out when your family, friends, co-workers, and neighborhood may not be supportive? To get some insight from someone who did just that, we talk with Brooke Guinan. She's the first openly transgender firefighter in the FDNY, the New York City Fi...

How do you know you're transgender or ready for transition? In this episode we answer a question a lot of listeners have asked. Do the thoughts and feelings I have make me transgender? What if I'm not ready for that? Am I really transgender enough to transition? Other trans people I've seen seem so much more advanced than me. On this episode we'll discuss how to deal with dysphoria and questions a...

  What does it mean to be a "part time" transgender person? In this episode we'll discuss the difference between being part time and full time. We'll talk what it means to live part time and discuss the costs and benefits of being out only some of the time to only some of the people in your life.    If you are thinking about harming yourself, please, please, please reach out for help by calling th...

What can hormone replacement therapy (HRT) really do? In this episode we answer a listener question from Sabene. She asks "Once I start on female hormones, will there really be a 'fat redistribution?'  Will those fat cells in my belly call a moving company and haul ass down to my ass?". We'll discuss HRT, body shape and whether HRT will really let your cells haul ass around your body.  Here's the...

Transition can be scary. Transgender people face fear of rejection, fear of loneliness, fear of poverty. They fear for their safety. In this episode, we answer a listener question from Sabene who asks "How do you combat and overcome that fear? I am really struggling with that right now. I mean, it's almost pathological. And so I'd love to get your points of view and your experiences.  I have to ge...

Coming out at work is a major step in transition. How does one even start?  In this episode, we'll discuss some ways to help your workplace transition go smoothly, peacefully, and as stressfree as possible. We'll talk planning, working with your organization and supervisor, dealing with problems and more.  Check out Faith's Guide to Coming Out at Work . Here is Faith's coming out memo/email that w...

  What does it mean to have a non-binary gender identity?  In this episode, we talk with Avery who identifies as non-binary/genderqueer. We talk with them about the joys and frustrations of being non-binary, what it's like coming out, how fluid a concept gender really is, how we can all help make the world a friendlier place for non-binary folks and more.  Loved this little comic, but didn't want...

How can an LGBTQ person figure out what label really works for them?  In this episode, we answer a listener question from Sasha. She asks "Faith, you've mentioned several times that you spent many years identifying as a cross dresser and some time identifying dual gender. I'm wondering if you could share more about that time of your life and what that experience was like for you." Faith tells the...

Creating a new look isn't cheap, especially if your goal is to be more feminine. This week, we answer a question from listener Zoelle who asks "What are some feminizing tips for looks and clothing for someone who can't afford clothes or accessories?" In this episode we'll share some great ways to feminize your look for free and for super cheap. Because no matter the contents of their pocket book,...

The best way to  rid yourself a nasty case of beard is electrolysis. To get the skinny on this procedure, we talk to Sara, a transgender woman who's personally had thousands of hairs ripped out of her face thanks to the magic of science. We'll talk about the costs, the effects, the pain (ouch), and what to expect when you go in for your electrolysis appointment.    Support us on Patreon  to help u...