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What does it mean to be there for someone you love when you don't agree with their decision? When a child or loved one comes out as LGBTQ, it is natural to experience struggles and questions. Love doesn't mean instant agreement or abandoning your beliefs. Joe and Rya offer advice for parents seeking to preserve relationships while navigating unfamiliar territory. If you’ve ever wondered...

Internalized homophobia can feel like carrying around a weight that no one else can see. But what if you could learn to set that weight down? From grounding yourself in scientific research to mastering the "lockout" technique, Joe and Rya outline seven practical ways to cultivate your own self-acceptance. The path to authenticity opens up when we give ourselves permission to grow at our...

What if we could worry less and live more fully? Joe and Rya explore practical strategies that help us break free from the grip of excessive worry. Most of our worries never materialize. What if we could channel that energy into activities that truly enhance our peace of mind? Create a more balanced life by mindfully choosing what to consume - from news to social media. Discover a more peaceful, p...

Rejection is one of the most universal yet misunderstood experiences, capable of leaving deep emotional scars that shape how we see ourselves and others. Whether you’re struggling to heal from a recent rejection or simply want to better understand this common human experience, this episode can help you turn pain into resilience. Joe and Rya discuss the four treatments for rejection offered by auth...

For LGBTQ+ individuals and their families, the journey toward healing can feel overwhelming. Is it possible to restore connection and understanding after feeling betrayed and hurt by a loved one? This episode explores important principles of healing and reconciliation. Through them, families can move from estrangement to deeper bonds. Whether you're seeking to repair a fractured relationship...

In 1996, New Testament scholar Richard B. Hays wrote the definitive text on New Testament Ethics for the Evangelical Christian church. In the chapter on homosexuality, he wrote, "same-sex relationships are a tragic distortion of God's created order." Now, twenty-eight years later, he confessed that he got it wrong. And it's sending shockwaves through the church. This is his sto...

What if the secret to happiness isn’t about finding it but clearing the path for it to flourish? It's time for a fresh perspective on the pursuit of happiness. Uncover the seven terrible habits and mindsets that hold us back. Let's shift the focus from chasing an ideal to creating space for authentic contentment. This episode provides inspiring insights that point the way toward a more f...

What if your business could be a force for inclusivity, equality, and economic growth—all at the same time? Whether you’re a business owner, an ally, or simply curious about how diversity drives success, you'll want to learn about the inspiring work of the LGBT Chamber of Commerce. From combating discriminatory legislation to fostering partnerships between small businesses and major corporati...

What does it take to make workplaces truly inclusive for LGBTQ+ employees? Drawing on personal stories and practical advice, this conversation explores how you can foster authenticity and respect at work. With just a little thought about how to build inclusive spaces where everyone feels valued, each of us can find ways we can ensure our workplaces are not just diverse but genuinely affirming. Sen...

What can parents do to create a home where LGBTQ+ children feel truly safe and affirmed? Joe and Rya explore the transformative power of unconditional love and acceptance, revealing how even small acts of rejection can leave lasting scars. By prioritizing communication, affirmation, and inclusivity, we can ensure that our loved ones feel valued and free to express their authentic selves. Joe and R...

The LGBTQ+ experience is often shaped by discrimination, microaggressions, and minority stress. Joe and Rya examine how these challenges intersect with body image concerns and the personal struggles of LGBTQ people. Navigating a world that frequently misunderstands or marginalizes queer identities requires a healthy dose of resilience. This episode gives tips for finding that resilience. Send us F...

Struggles with identity and acceptance can weigh heavily on both LGBTQ individuals and allies. Questions of identity can create difficult emotional challenges, from internalized homophobia and transphobia to the anxiety of coming out. External struggles like family rejection and social isolation can also cause difficulties. So how can we overcome those negative emotions? Joe and Rya offer practica...

How can we help the “Scrooges” in our lives become more inclusive of the LGBTQ+ community? We can use A Christmas Carol as a framework to explore practical, research-backed strategies for changing hearts and minds. Each of Scrooge's encounters suggest concrete steps for fostering empathy by sharing personal stories and guiding people toward a more inclusive future. Whether you're confron...

So much of what we learn about others comes from the media we consume. Listen in on Joe and Rya's conversation about how allies can educate themselves on LGBTQ experiences by engaging with film and television. They share some of their favorite queer movies and reflect on the power of media to foster empathy and understanding. The discussion offers accessible recommendations for those looking...

What can we learn from the pivotal moments in LGBTQ history in the U.S.? This episode explores key events that have shaped the fight for equality and civil rights within the U.S. government. From the Lavender Scare to the Stonewall Riots, and through landmark legal cases like Obergefell v. Hodges, they reflect on the challenges and triumphs of the LGBTQ movement. This episode highlights the import...

From 1981 to 1999. she lived in constant fear of being outed, knowing that discovery could end her career in an instant. In honor of Veteran's Day, Monica Skarban returns to the podcast to share her personal story of serving in the U.S. Air Force as a closeted gay woman. She watched firsthand as friends were dishonorably discharged after being exposed. Despite serving with dedication as a nur...

For those struggling with the recent election results, this episode offers a bit of encouragement. Joe and Rya share their thoughts on the outcome and present a perspective you probably haven't heard.  Send us Fan Mail Support the show

The mid-twentieth century was a defining moment in LGBTQ history, marking the beginning of a long and difficult fight for equality. Joe and Rya retell the stories of Frank Kameny and Jamie Shoemaker, two key figures whose lives were forever changed by the persecution of LGBTQ individuals. Kameny’s activism helped ignite the struggle for LGBTQ rights. Once the fight for progress began, there was no...

Imagine if computer AI could help you discover your true identity—perhaps even before you understood yourself. From personalized health care for trans individuals, to tools that aid in gender exploration, "Artificial Intelligence" is transforming the LGBTQ+ community. We live in a time of exciting possibilities for progress. But is there also a dark side? Send us Fan Mail Support the sho...

In this episode, Rya and Joe have a heartfelt discussion about how AI is transforming society, with a focus on its potential impact on the LGBTQ community. They explore how AI functions, its growing role in various fields like healthcare and creative work, and the ethical concerns surrounding data usage and misinformation. The conversation touches on the differences between AI and human intelligen...

In the second half of their interview with John Paulk, Joe and Rya continue to explore the complexities of his journey out of the ex-gay movement. Rya shares her experience attending a Love Won Out conference as a closeted trans woman in the '90s, while John opens up about the "dirty little secret" within the ex-gay community—that no one actually changes. They discuss the evolving a...

Our good friend of the podcast, John Paulk, returns in this important episode. John is a former leader of the ex-gay movement who has since renounced conversion therapy and embraced his true identity. He gives a first-hand account of why conversion therapy is so hurtful. He discusses the lack of evidence supporting the idea that anyone can truly change their sexual orientation and the deep persona...

Many well-meaning allies unknowingly cause harm by not recognizing their own ignorance. Joe and Rya explore how even the most supportive allies can miss the signals that they are pushing their loved one away and don't know it. Good intentions are not enough. What does it take to educate yourself? Using sales analogies from their shared business experiences, Joe and Rya provide insights on how...

Joe and Rya take a deep-dive into the ways LGBTQ people can learn to accept themselves through play. They discuss Rya's childhood love for Dungeons & Dragons, a game which is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024. They explore how role-playing games and other childhood hobbies offer queer individuals a safe space for self-discovery and expression. The role of the Role can be a gamechan...

Is mental health therapy really worth the investment, especially when navigating complex LGBTQ experiences? In this episode, Joe and Rya consider common skepticism about therapy's value, addressing concerns over cost and effectiveness. Through personal reflections on seeking therapy before coming out, Rya illustrates how professional guidance can offer invaluable tools for communication and f...