In this raw and unflinching episode, we unpack the connections between trauma, manipulation, and political allegiance. We explore how patterns of control, gaslighting, and coercion—hallmarks of domestic abuse—can mirror the dynamics within extreme political movements. This episode is for anyone trying to understand the deep psychological hooks that keep people trapped in harmful systems, even when they don’t realize it. Expect honest conversations, critical reflections, and tools for recognizing trauma where it hides.

Shout out @OutFrontMagazine for their support and partnership!

www.outfrontmagazine.com

When co-parenting doesn't just break down but communication with your child’s other parent is impossible due to tactics of coercive control and narcissistic abuse, the challenges are amplified—especially for parents supporting transgender children. In this episode, we explore practical strategies for maintaining stability, advocating for your child, and moving forward. Drawing on the insights of Dr. Ramani, a leading expert on narcissistic abuse, we discuss setting boundaries, managing emotional triggers, and navigating the unique complexities of identity, affirmation, and safety in families with transgender children. This episode offers compassionate guidance and real-world tools for resilience, recovery, clarity, and protecting both your well-being and your child’s.

More on Alex's story: Holding Trans Hope Through Family Court

Supported and Partnered with Out Front Magazine

Valentina E. Mendoza, or Vale (VAH-Leh), is a Chicana, trans, neurodiverse attorney and grassroots candidate running for Congress in New Jersey’s 7th District. A former Wall Street lawyer who “traded in her white shoes” to build her own scrappy law practice, Vale fights for working people, economic mobility, and marginalized communities. Her campaign is rooted in economic justice, transparency, and joy, with a vision of tearing down systemic barriers and making sure everyone has a seat at the table.

Find Vale Mendoza and more about her on Instagram and TikTok

Donate to Vale's campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/valentina-mendoza-1

Meet E.L. (He/Him/His) E.L. is a community leader, father, husband, minister and columnist for Blaque/Out Magazine.

Find link to Blaque/Out Magazine here!

"Blaque/OUT Consulting is Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Consulting for Non-Profit, Business & Academic institutions nationwide. Audit, Design, Education & implementation services with a focus on Intersectionality. Visit the Blaque/OUT Consulting page to learn more!"

E.L. transitioned "later" in life, as some of us say about ourselves. When it felt right, when it was time, when HE was ready to share that part of him. Being trans is only one part of someone's existence...and E.L. is extraordinary. Tune in to hear about E.L.'s experiences as man in our country right now.

LISTEN NOW!

Connect with E.L. on Facebook

Interested in sponsoring I Swear I'm Real? Email inquiries to:

Alex@CoachAlexVaughan.Com

Meet Myka. Pronouns they/them. Spiritual bad ass. Trans. Nonbinary. Tune in to hear a whole new universe.

www.rocketcitymedium.com

[Updated clarification on the conversation: Myka met with school council board members]

Partnered with Out Front Magazine- OFM (OUT FRONT Magazine) was founded in 1976 by Phil Price. Since then, no other queer media has served the LGBTQ community with such dedication.We are honored to say that OFM remains one of the nation’s oldest continuous-running, independently owned and operated LGBTQ publications. With this honor comes pride and gratitude, as well as responsibility.

We are proud of the journalistic integrity and fortitude that has allowed us to bring a quality product to our readers for more than three decades. We are grateful to those who have made and continue to make it possible, including our dedicated team members. We take our responsibility seriously to provide information, be a forum for communication, and give back to our community through various avenues.

SJ Janjua (they/them) is the founder and consultant of Empowered for Equity Consulting, LLC. They spent several years teaching high school level English in the United States and abroad at the start of their career, and eventually left the classroom in pursuit of a master's degree. They obtained their master's degree in International Education from George Washington University and served as a classroom observer, curriculum developer, and teacher trainer in the years following. Currently they work with schools and organizations on LGBTQ+ inclusion, creating and fostering spaces for belonging, culturally responsive teaching, and more!

Connect with SJ:

IG - @empoweredforequity
LinkedIN - www.linkedin.com/in/sj-janjua-0a9b3a152

Website:

www.empowerforequity.com

Partnered with Out Front Magazine. Reach out to Out Front you're interested in sponsoring us!

Van Ethan Levy who uses pronoun series they and elle for those who speak Spanish. they are an autistic, queer, trans, non binary, 1st generation, Latine/x, Jewish, Egyptian, disabled person who is dually licensed as a mental health therapist, an author, a producer, a director, an app developer, a trainer, educator, advocate, activist and so much more all surrounding on how to create a safer world for all people and not just privileged identities.

GET YOUR TICKET NOW:

DO SOMETHING IDENTITY (IES) 2024 Conference

https://vanethanlevy.com/dsi2024/

Topics covered:

• Affirming Care for Voice and Communication
• Assessment & Letter Writing
• Beyond Survival and Wounding: Creating Nourishing Communities
• Building Self Compassion for Non Cis Folx
• Call to Action on Supporting Trans and Non Binary Folx
• Clinical and Ethical Considerations in Diagnosing, Note-Writing and Record Keeping for Trans/Non Binary Clients
• Discovering Disabled Deviance
• Exploring Autism with Trans Clients
• How to Support Non Cis Folx
• Making Birth Safer for Every Body
• Moving Beyond Biological Essentialism
• Navigating the Legal System as a Trans Non Binary Parent of a Trans Child
• NeuroQueering the Therapy Room: Exploring the Intersection of Trans & Neurodivergent Identity & Development
• Queer and Trans Histories and Futures
• Queering Therapy: Engaging & Re-Defining Poly Dynamics as a Therapist
• Reinforcing Equity, Psychological Safety and Inclusion in the Workplace
• Supporting Autistic Youth

Sponsored by Out Front Magazine!

Ben’s upcoming book, My Child is Trans, Now What?: A Joy-Centered Approach to Support [Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, May 7th, 2024] is a gentle and informative guide for parents of trans youth and offers a judgment-free guide to people across generations, from millennial parents to members of older generations who may not have had previous positive exposure to the trans community.

Ben GREENE is a trans man, transgender advocate, and educator who has spoken internationally on topics surrounding transgender inclusion. After coming out at 15 in small-town Connecticut and giving a popular TEDx talk at Brandeis University, Ben has devoted his career to spreading empathy, education, and storytelling around the trans experience. He has spoken for companies, hospitals, schools, religious organizations, and government entities sharing what it means to be transgender and how to show up as an ally.

He is a fierce advocate for transgender youth, regularly speaking in their defense at the Missouri State Capitol, and when he is not speaking during working hours, he is delivering free presentations to parent support groups around the country and spending hours one-on-one with families of newly out transgender loved ones. He is passionate about educating others from a place of compassion—no matter where they’re starting from, and lives by the catchphrase “the only question I won’t answer is the question you don’t ask”.

Partnered with Out Front Magazine- OFM (OUT FRONT Magazine) was founded in 1976 by Phil Price. Since then, no other queer media has served the LGBTQ community with such dedication.We are honored to say that OFM remains one of the nation’s oldest continuous-running, independently owned and operated LGBTQ publications. With this honor comes pride and gratitude, as well as responsibility.

We are proud of the journalistic integrity and fortitude that has allowed us to bring a quality product to our readers for more than three decades. We are grateful to those who have made and continue to make it possible, including our dedicated team members. We take our responsibility seriously to provide information, be a forum for communication, and give back to our community through various avenues.