The Parent Advocate Podcast

In this episode Lizette and Stephen talk about the distractions and deflection around Trump’s health, share stories of feeling out of control, commiserate about calls from parents in crisis and finding space. We give it up to this week’s ally, the man who called JD Vance a “couch f*cker” and drag Ro Khanna, Pete Buttigieg, Gavin Newsom and Malcolm Gladwell for switching their stances on support fo...

In this episode of the Parent Advocate, Lizette and Stephen play catch-up and bring each other up to speed on things happening in their respective neck of the woods. They talk policed sidewalks in Florida, the apathy surrounding the widespread detention of immigrants, and we get an update on The Dads .

In this episode of the Parent Advocate, Lizette and Stephen interview dual gender cross-dresser, Savannah Hauk, and talk about appreciating duality, finding acceptance and the importance of connecting with one’s true self. In Today’s Topics, we address the United Nations, Stonewall and ICE. Finally, in Allies & Assholes we celebrate NFL Bears QB Caleb Williams for unapologetically rocking pain...

In this inaugural episode of the LGBTQ Politicians Hall of Fame, Stephen and the self-appointed executive producer, third co-host and younger brother, Anthony, review the top LGBTQ+ politicians making a difference.

In this episode of the Parent Advocate, Lizette and Stephen bring back last week’s guest, Kate Okeson and continue their discussion about the Skrmetti decision, Trump’s Big B*llsh*t Bill, and having difficult conversations with friends, families and colleagues. In Today’s Topics, we talk about Florida forcing a transgender teacher to misgender themselves in the classroom, and UPenn capitulating to...

In this episode of the Parent Advocate, Lizette and Stephen interview queer advocate and educator Kate Okeson, who shares her path from community organizing to spearheading New Jersey's 2019 LGBTQ-inclusive curriculum law, emphasizing the vital role of intersectional advocacy. In Today’s Topics, we talk defiant Trans flags at the Stonewall Monument, the harms from the recent SCOTUS Skrmetti d...

In this episode of the Parent Advocate Lizette and Stephen unpack the Supreme Court’s recent decision in the United States vs Skrmetti decision, which allowed Tennessee’s ban on gender affirming care for transgender youth to take effect, and the implications of that decision for trans kids and their families.

In this special Pride edition of the Parent Advocate, Stephen is joined by the show’s self-appointed executive producer, third host and younger brother, Anthony to talk about the inaugural LGBTQ+ Entertainer Hall of Fame, highlighting Elliot Page, Angelica Ross, Laverne Cox, Gena Rocero, Alan Cumming, Colman Domingo, Nicole Maines, Janelle Monáe, Freddie Mercury, and Billy Porter.

In this episode of the Parent Advocate, Lizette and Stephen are joined by trans scholar, writer, producer and historian, Susan Stryker. They talk about discovering who they were in a Dear Abby column, growing up trans in the ‘90s, their path to recording and forging a path to capture and preserve trans histories. In Today’s Topics, we cover the Trump administration pulling funds from LGBTQ suicide...

In this episode of the Parent Advocate, Lizette and Stephen interview Emmy and Peabody Award-winning journalist and visionary founder of TransLash Media, Imara Jones. We talk about growing up Black and bougee in Atlanta, working in the Clinton Administration, and traveling the globe as a journalist, storyteller and activist. In Today’s Topics, we discuss Planned Parenthood in AZ resuming services,...

In this heartwarming and inspiring episode, Stephen and Lizette welcome a truly special trio — Michelle, Andy, and 10-year-old Violet DuMont — to the Parent Advocate Podcast! The conversation dives deep into what it means to parent with unconditional support, how schools are navigating attacks on LGBTQ+ rights, and how Violet’s bright spirit shines through it all. Violet shares her dreams, her ins...

In this special episode of the Parent Advocate, recurring guest host, Anthony Chukumba helps us celebrate a few LGBTQ+ athletes serving as possibility models for trans and nonbinary youth, including Greg Louganis, Megan Rapinoe, Chris Mosier, Daniela Ryf, Schuyler Bailar, Lia Thomas, and Brittney Griner.

In this episode of the Parent Advocate, Lizette and Stephen speak with father and son duo, Eric and Doug about origin stories, supporting trans children, and following our children’s lead. In Today’s Topics, we cover SCOTUS taking up a challenge to conversion therapy bans, the Texas attempts to criminalize gender affirming healthcare, federal officials placing trans women in men’s prisons, and Rep...

Buckle up for an eye-opening episode of the Parent Advocate as Stephen and Lizette welcome clinical psychologist and interfaith minister Dr. MaryBeth Napier. In this powerful interview, Dr. Napier shares her 25-year journey providing gender-affirming care and the challenges she's faced navigating the ever-changing political landscape. Today's Topics tackle the alarming rollbacks of transgender rig...

In this episode of the Parent Advocate podcast, Lizette and Stephen speak with transgender and gay activist Landon Richie of the Transgender Education Network of Texas and talk about his passion for advocacy, the HERO campaign, finding joy in difficult times, and what hope looks like. In today's topics we cover Trump's EOs, backlash against Target for removing their DEI program, the 15 state Attor...

In this episode of the Parent Advocate, Lizette and Stephen are joined by the unofficial executive producer, third co-host and Stephen's younger brother, Anthony Chukumba, and talk about nine LGBTQ+ books including Page Boy, by Elliot Page, Hijab Butch Blues by Lamya H, The Bold World by Jodie Patterson, American Teenager by Nico Lang, No Ashes in the Fire by Darnell L. Moore, Maeve Rising by Maev...

In this season's final episode of the Parent Advocate podcast, Stephen Chukumba, Lizette Trujillo (and a special surprise guest) recap this year's most memorable Allies, like Sarah McBride, Will Ferrell and Vivian Wilson, and forgettable Assholes, including the Trump campaign, the Heritage Foundation, and Elon Musk.

In this episode of the Parent Advocate, Lizette and Stephen speak with Garden State Equality Department of Training and Trans Resiliency trans activist, Aisling MacDonald, and talk surviving addiction, assault, and mental health struggles, mutual aid, and navigating systems of support. In today's topics, we cover Nancy Mace's campaign against Sarah McBride, Matt Gaetz stepping down as Trump's AG n...

In this Transgender Awareness Week episode of the Parent Advocate, Lizette and Stephen interview Sundance Official Selection star and trans activist, Daniel Trujillo, and talk Trans Prom, being featured in a short, advocating at the state capitol and favorite bands. IN today's topics, we talk Trump's batshit crazy cabinet picks, the resistance by Democratic leaders in blue states, and the Departme...

In this post 2024 election episode of the Parent Advocate, Lizette and Stephen are joined by Boston clinical therapist Rachel Hulstein-Lowe, and unpack the election results, what it means for the mental health of trans and gender expansive children, and the importance of hope and finding joy in difficult circumstances. In today's topics we talk about MAGA Republican and AG prospect threatening NY...

On this special 2024 Election Edition of the Parent Advocate, Stephen and the unofficial third co-host, Anthony, chop it up and rant about Tuesday's election results, their fears for another Trump terms, what the election says about America, and their commitment to keep fighting.

In this episode of the Parent Advocate, Lizette and Stephen are joined by actor, author and activist, James Rose, and talk Hedwig and the Angry Inch, being targeted by Trump and Desantis in anti-trans ads, and their debut memoir, sorry i keep crying during sex due out next year. In today's topics, we cover trans wrestler Mack Beggs lawsuit against Senator Ted Cruz, AG Ken Paxton's suit against a d...

In this episode of the Parent Advocate, Lizette and Stephen continue in the "work" theme, interviewing fellow parent of trans kids, Heather Postelwait, and discuss raising two trans kids in conservative Arizona, life as a former Mormon seeking spirituality, teaching middle graders, book reviews and reading clubs. In today's topics, we talk a new CDC report and the GOP spending on anti-trans ads. F...

In this episode of the Parent Advocate, Lizette and Stephen are joined by Jose Trujillo and discuss Lizette's recent experience in her friend group and how sometimes you need to cut a transphobic b*tch off! We also get into the sometimes complicated relationships we've had with family and friends, and discuss the advice we've given parents at odds with their spouses over affirming their gender exp...

In this episode of the Parent Advocate podcast, Lizette & Stephen interview Kym and Mike Hoffman, parents of a trans daughter and facilitators of TRANSpirational family support group, and talk raising a trans child, creating spaces for kids to see themselves reflected, and the importance of affirming our children. In today's topics, we talk Project 2025 architect Corey DeAngelis' gay porn past...