Outspoken Voices - a Podcast for LGBTQ+ Families artwork

Outspoken Voices - a Podcast for LGBTQ+ Families

65 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 35 ratings

The Outspoken Voices Podcast is created by Family Equality, with a new episode delivered every month. With help from invited guests, we address discuss essential topics for LGBTQ+ families, or members of the LGBTQ+ community who are thinking about starting a family.

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Episodes

LGBTQ+ Parents and Allies Navigating Race in Schools

February 04, 2022 14:00 - 55 minutes - 38.3 MB

Join Family Equality for an important conversation about navigating race in the Texas school system, with special guests Stacey and Cheralyn Stevenson, Melanie Maine, Jackie Juarez, and Sonya Parker Goode, facilitated by Luna Malbroux. In this hour-long “roundtable” discussion, these amazing advocates share their experiences as LGBTQ+ parents and allies raising children of color in Texas—from deciding which neighborhoods to live in to advocating for their children in school and everything in...

Author, Poet, and Activist: Sunu Chandy

November 02, 2021 04:00 - 40 minutes - 27.7 MB

In this episode host Emily McGranachan and co-host Dakota Fine meet with Sunu Chandy and discuss her recently completed book of poetry My Dear Comrades. On the pod, Sunu reads three poems and gives careful thought to her work and life as a lawyer, mom, wife, daughter, and outspoken member of the LGBTQ+ community. We discuss: being the child of immigrants, fertility issues, adoption, misassumptions about identity, and being a parent and a caretaker. About Our Guest Sunu is an activist, c...

An Open Book: LGBTQ+ Inclusivity in Children's Books with Alli Harper at Ourshelves

August 09, 2021 13:00 - 39 minutes - 27.2 MB

Whether you're searching for your child's first picture book or striving to diversify your neighborhood library, it's not always easy to discover books that represent diverse families in a loving and respectful way. In today's episode, we're joined by Alli Harper, founder of Ourshelves: Diverse Book Boxes for Children, to talk more about the impact of diverse storytelling and how we can come together to advocate for more LGBTQ+ representation in #KidLit. About Our Guest Alli Harper is the ...

An Open Book: LGBTQ+ Inclusivity in Children's Books with Alli Harper at Ourshelves

August 09, 2021 13:00 - 39 minutes - 27.2 MB

Whether you're searching for your child's first picture book or striving to diversify your neighborhood library, it's not always easy to discover books that represent diverse families in a loving and respectful way. In today's episode, we're joined by Alli Harper, founder of Ourshelves: Diverse Book Boxes for Children, to talk more about the impact of diverse storytelling and how we can come together to advocate for more LGBTQ+ representation in #KidLit. About Our Guest Alli Harper is the ...

Intersecting Identities 2.0

April 01, 2021 12:00 - 48 minutes - 33.5 MB

LGBTQ+ families, adoption, and identities intersect in many ways. Previous guest Nishta and Tatiana return to discuss how adoption factors into their family stories and how discrimination and unequal systems for parental recognition continue to harm our families. Learn and laugh with these two rockstar parents of color, from the south, in multiracial families. About our guests Tatiana Quiroga is the Director of Family Equity and Diversity for Family Equality, and also previously served as ...

LGBTQ+ Adoption & Foster Families

December 16, 2020 12:00 - 41 minutes - 28.8 MB

Matthew Ramsey shares his story of fostering to adopt 2 brothers with his husband. Matthew offers wise and insightful advice for anyone considering adoption and for all parents who want to make sure their kids feel loved and supported. They also discuss the work Family Equality is doing to ensure that as many kids in the child welfare system as possible can find loving homes.  This episode is Episode 33 of the Today We Tried Podcast by Colugo.

Our (Queer) History

November 12, 2020 11:00 - 35 minutes - 24.2 MB

LGBTQ+ history is part of our family stories. We’ve been creating and recreating family forever. This episode author Sarah Prager tells us more about a few beautiful and complex LGBTQ+ families from history (and today). 

LGBTQ Sandwich Generation

February 04, 2020 11:00 - 32 minutes - 22.3 MB

Brent Wright is one of 64 million sandwich generation Americans who has simultaneously cared for an aging parent and his kids, all under the same roof.  What made their setup unusual? His mom moved in with Brent and his husband, Sandis, plus their two daughters.  Brent tells us how the dynamics in their family changed when his mom moved in, and how his 7- and 10-year-old daughters help care for their grandma.   This is Episode 185 - LGBTQ Sandwich Generation from the Agewyz Podcast.

COLAGE Community

January 21, 2020 11:00 - 30 minutes - 21.1 MB

Three queerspawn share the history and future of COLAGE and their own stories of finding community. 

2019 Highlights

January 07, 2020 11:00 - 30 minutes - 20.9 MB

2019 was a powerful year for Outspoken Voices. With over twenty episodes released, stories of LGBTQ+ families ranged from trans pregnancy to the perspectives of adopted queerspawn. Listen to some highlights from the year and get inspired for what's to come!

Donor Conceived Queerspawn

December 17, 2019 11:00 - 31 minutes - 21.9 MB

The options for known vs anonymous vs identity-release sperm/egg donors and the ability to contact donor-siblings have undergone big changes in recent years. Today, we’re are coming across people who share DNA through test companies – sometimes accidentally. To share our own experiences and to dig into the realities and ethics of it all, are two fellow donor-conceived queerspawn – Jamie and Lilly! 

Queer Families & the Classroom

December 03, 2019 11:00 - 32 minutes - 22.1 MB

Education touches all our families around the world in very different ways. This episode is dedicated to the ups and downs, challenges and inspiration of pushing for LGBTQ+ inclusive policies and practices in schools, especially early education. Guests Justine Gonzalez and Caitlin Ryan share perspectives as advocates, parents, and educators. 

Listening to Adoptees

November 19, 2019 11:00 - 31 minutes - 21.5 MB

National Adoption Month continues! This episode features a special live taping of Inside Out LGBT Radio. Activist, author, and trans-racially adopted adult child of LGBTQ+ parents, Tony Hynes, hosts a powerful and honest discussion about trans-racial adoption, ethics, and adoptee experiences. He is joined by Schai, adopted internationally by a white single parent, and Beth, a white adoptive parent to two children of color. This powerful and raw conversation is not to be missed. 

Adopted Queerspawn of Color

November 05, 2019 11:00 - 31 minutes - 21.4 MB

November is National Adoption Month! To dive deeper into the experience of adopted queerspawn of color, guests Weston and Kaley share their stories and advice of both foster care and international adoption. Learn about how they found community, ways they discussed their identities at home, and why their voices are so important in the movement. 

Tag-Team Pregnancy

October 15, 2019 10:00 - 31 minutes - 21.5 MB

Some LGBTQ+ parents take turns carrying a pregnancy as they grow their family. What’s that experience like when shared by partners? How can partners support one another as their choices and paths differ? Moms Hideko and Cherie share their stories and advice on everything from being first-time parents to bonding as the non-biological parent. 

Supporting Trans Pregnancy

October 01, 2019 10:00 - 35 minutes - 24.3 MB

Family Equality believes everyone deserves to grow and sustain their family. That includes transgender people who want to have biological children. Two trans dads share their pregnancy journeys. 

Intersecting Identities

September 17, 2019 10:00 - 32 minutes - 22.7 MB

LGBTQ+ families exist at the intersection of many different identities. How can we navigate these many layers in multiracial families? Two LGBTQ+ parents of color, from the south, in multiracial families share their experiences, funny stories, and hope for the future.

Intersecting Identities

September 17, 2019 10:00 - 32 minutes - 22.7 MB

LGBTQ+ families exist at the intersection of many different identities. How can we navigate these many layers in multiracial families? Two LGBTQ+ parents of color, from the south, in multiracial families share their experiences, funny stories, and hope for the future.

Parenting is Political

September 03, 2019 10:00 - 32 minutes - 22.4 MB

How do we disrupt patterns of white supremacy and racism at home? Guests Jasmine and Mo of the Parenting is Political podcast join to share their experiences, advice, and compassion. We're in this together. 

Changed by Family Week

July 16, 2019 10:00 - 32 minutes - 22.3 MB

As the host of Outspoken Voices, you've heard Emily share some of her story growing up with LGBTQ+ parents. She is sharing even more of her journey to contact her sperm donor and donor siblings in the podcast, Rashomon. Listen to Season 2, episode 2 of Rashomon to hear Emily and her moms talk about their family journey and how Family Week in Provincetown changed everything. Then go and listen to the rest of Rashomon season 2 for even more of the story! www.rashomonpodcast.com 

The Bi+ Postpartum Experience

July 02, 2019 10:00 - 35 minutes - 24.6 MB

Each person who grows their family through pregnancy has their own journey. Something not as often discussed, the emotional, physical, and personal challenges postpartum.   The research is still growing, but that show patterns in how the pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey uniquely impacts bi+ people. In this episode we discuss personal experiences, the findings of the research, and what we can do together to support bi+ folks.

Answering Tough Questions

June 18, 2019 13:00 - 33 minutes - 23 MB

All parents hear some challenging or confusing questions from their kids at some point. For LGBTQ+ parents and caregivers, the questions can be a bit trickier. How do some parents navigate answering potentially triggering questions with honesty, care, and a dash of humor? Two parents and a queerspawn discuss the funny, random, and probing things kids in LGBTQ+ families say. 

Queering the Campaign Trail

June 04, 2019 10:00 - 33 minutes - 15.6 MB

Running for elected office is exhausting, vulnerable, exhilarating, and unpaid. Two transgender parents who ran for local office in 2018 share their experiences of hitting the campaign trail, families in tow. They'll make you laugh, reflect, and maybe even get involved in your community. 

Co-Parenting Alternative Families

May 21, 2019 10:00 - 31 minutes - 14.6 MB

LGBTQ+ families are formed in many different ways. Parents Jeff and Mayeti were friends who decided to conceive and raise a family together, as co-parents. As a multi-racial family sharing time and homes, they know a thing or two about communication, honesty, and centering their kids. Co-parents, alternative/intentional families have a lot to teach us all. 

Generations of Queerspawn

May 07, 2019 10:00 - 33 minutes - 15.3 MB

Some queerspawn carry with them generations of LGBTQ+ identities – their own, their parents, grandparents, and beyond. These second, third, and even fourth generation queerspawn often carry a beautiful lineage of pride, love, and trauma. What does it mean to come from a direct line of LGBTQ+ people over generations? How can inter-generational dialogues and support change our community?

Trans Dads

April 16, 2019 10:00 - 38 minutes - 17.5 MB

As people are able to come out earlier and technology catches up with LGBTQ+ families, more people are becoming parents after transitioning or coming out as trans or gender nonbinary. Two activists and trans dads talk about their experiences, finding community, and falling in love with their kids. Kris is a brand new dad with a three-week old and Robbie is the veteran dad with a three and one-year-old. Dad jokes are kept to a minimum, we promise. 

LGBTQ Divorce Equality

April 02, 2019 10:00 - 36 minutes - 16.8 MB

Divorce and separation with LGBTQ+ families is complicated and contains so many extra layers of bias, homophobia, transphobia, biphobia, and social expectations. And it impacts the kids, not matter their age. Three queerspawn who have experienced divorce in their families talk about the experience and why we're still fighting to normalize it.   

People with Trans Parents

March 19, 2019 10:00 - 31 minutes - 14.5 MB

Sometimes our parents come out and transition after children are part of a family. The impact that a parent's transition and/or gender identity has on a family can be profound. And it can be a powerful moment of love and truth. Two people with transgender parents (PTP) share their stories and experiences of having parents who transitioned while they middle schoolers. Get ready to learn and be inspired. 

People with Trans Parents

March 19, 2019 10:00 - 31 minutes - 14.5 MB

Sometimes our parents come out and transition after children are part of a family. The impact that a parent's transition and/or gender identity has on a family can be profound. And it can be a powerful moment of love and truth. Two people with transgender parents (PTP) share their stories and experiences of having parents who transitioned while they middle schoolers. Get ready to learn and be inspired. 

Getting Campy

March 05, 2019 11:00 - 31 minutes - 14.6 MB

As Family Week in Provincetown is celebrating 25 years, there are a growing number of LGBTQ+ family summer camp weeks and weekends around the country. Why are LGBTQ+ family spaces important? Are spaces like camps made queer just by us being there? Two parents and attendees of Camp OUT in Michigan join the host for a conversation about how we form LGBTQ+ family spaces and how they are changing. 

From Single to Step-Parent

February 19, 2019 11:00 - 31 minutes - 14.2 MB

Being a parent can be hard. Being LGBTQ+ can be hard. Dating can be hard. For single LGBTQ+ parents, combing all three is a whole other thing entirely. The whole process of dating, becoming a step-parent, and blending a family is hard to navigate. LGBTQ+ families can feel like they're in uncharted waters. How did one family weave their own path? 

Soccer Star & Olympic Queerspawn

February 05, 2019 11:00 - 29 minutes - 13.6 MB

Retired U.S. Women's National Soccer Team player Lori Lindsey joins our host to talk about the politics of coming out in professional sports, growing up with LGBTQ and straight parents, and being second-generation queer. Next time you cheer on your favorite athlete, you may be rooting for an Olympic queerspawn like Lori!

Protest Signs & Strollers

January 15, 2019 11:00 - 32 minutes - 15 MB

There has been a surge of public activism over the past several years. From Black Lives Matter to the Women's March, people are taking to the street across the country. How do families fit into these mass movements? We discuss how and why protesting must be a LGBTQ+ family affair.

Desperately Seeking Queer Characters

January 01, 2019 05:00 - 29 minutes - 13.4 MB

The representation of LGBTQ families in the media has been uneven, at best. Queer families are hungry to see themselves in print and on screen. Guests Sadie Epstein-Fine and Makeda Zook join the host to talk about their sagas of searching for representation (The Ellen Show VHS tapes are still floating around) and creating their own media with their new book, Spawning Generations. 

Up For Debate

December 18, 2018 05:00 - 32 minutes - 14.9 MB

When the rights and dignity of LGBTQ families are up for political debate, youth within our families are harmed...and called to action. Queerspawn activists can be the strongest voices for LGBTQ family rights. Listen to hear inspiring stories of people with LGBTQ parents turned experiences of political discrimination into powerful opportunities to use their voices.

Bisexual Parents Rock

December 04, 2018 05:00 - 30 minutes - 14.2 MB

Bisexual parents are a huge percentage of all LGBTQ parents, yet they continue to face challenges and discrimination from within and without the community. Here we talk about the fierce pride of bi+ people and parents, and how biphobia and bisexual invisibility is compounded by parenthood and having LGBTQ parents.

We Chose Each Other

November 20, 2018 05:00 - 30 minutes - 14.1 MB

This National Adoption Month, meet the Simmons-Cianciotto Family! After years in the child welfare system, twelve-year-old cancer survivor Derrik found his forever home with dads Jason and Courter. The road through foster care and cross-state adoption wasn’t easy for the family. As dad Jason says, they are a powerful example of why LGBTQ parents AND youth shouldn’t be discriminated against in the child welfare system. Through it all they found each other to form their forever family. Today, ...

Latinx Irish Soda Bread

November 06, 2018 05:00 - 32 minutes - 14.8 MB

This National Adoption Month, meet Rosemary Caldwell Llewellyn! Rosemary and her twin brother Robbie were adopted from Peru at six months old. Their adoption was the first second-parent adoption by a gay male couple in the city of Los Angeles. Now a professional social worker, Rosemary reflects on her experiences growing up in a trans-racial adoptive family, her identity, and how her parents supported her through the years.

A Forever Home for Every Child (BONUS EPISODE)

November 01, 2018 04:00 - 30 minutes - 14.2 MB

November is National Adoption Month! Recently we’ve seen a wave of ‘license to discriminate’ bills in ten states that allow foster care and adoption agencies to discriminate against LGBTQ children, youth and qualified prospective parents. The Every Child Deserves a Family campaign promotes the best interests of all children in the foster care and adoption system by increasing their access to loving, stable, forever homes, and works to ensure safe and supportive care for LGBTQ youth seeking f...

Exploring the Queerspawn Legacy

October 16, 2018 04:00 - 31 minutes - 14.4 MB

In the past twenty years there has been an increase in published books by people with LGBTQ parents or featuring their stories. Author and activist Jenny Rain discusses her own journey to telling her story through writing and why sharing queerspawn history is so important for all generations of people with LGBTQ parents and parents themselves. Jenny recently published one of her stories in the new anthology, "Raised by Unicorns: Stories from People with LGBTQ+ Parents", edited by Frank Lowe, ...

Let's Talk About Trauma

October 02, 2018 04:00 - 30 minutes - 13.8 MB

All families can experience trauma, addiction, and health struggles. For LGBTQ parents and their children, layers of stigma, isolation, and fear of discriminatory intervention can cause some to not seek help or feel alone. We're breaking down the taboo on talking about it today.

Biology Doesn't Define Our Family

September 18, 2018 04:00 - 30 minutes - 14.1 MB

Queer people have had to create and recreate family for a very long time. The meaning has changed and biology doesn’t always play a big role, or a role at all. All the same, the experiences of people whose families are a mixture of biological and non-bio ties are complex. 

Grandparents and Advocacy

September 04, 2018 04:00 - 31 minutes - 14.8 MB

Grandparents and beloved elders can have a special place in LGBTQ families. How does one lesbian grandma stay in touch with grandkids, keep up with changing language, and stay motivated for another wave of anti-LGBTQ backlash? Dr. Ronni Sanlo's story of losing custody of her children because of her sexuality through healing and joy in becoming a grandparent will inspire you.

Power in the Telling

August 21, 2018 04:00 - 30 minutes - 14 MB

Telling our family stories can be liberating, uneventful, isolating, and even dangerous. How do we reclaim power in the telling? Why do LGBTQ family legacies matter? In this episode we talk about how we bridge the gaps of our queer homes and the rest of the world.

Outnumbered at Home

August 07, 2018 04:00 - 30 minutes - 14.1 MB

Two teens talk about what it's like growing up in a LGBTQ family and being totally outnumbered at home by parents and siblings who are all of a different gender. What is it really like being a young woman raised by two men or a young man raised by women? Short answer - it's complex and awesome.

Why Second-Parent Adoption?

July 17, 2018 04:00 - 32 minutes - 14.9 MB

Second-parent adoption for LGBTQ families is many things - confirmation, injustice, expensive, and a celebration. What is it, why do lawyers still recommend LGBTQ parents do it, and how does it feel for our families?

From Closet to Comedy

July 03, 2018 04:00 - 31 minutes - 14.4 MB

Elizabeth Collins went from staying quiet about having gay dads while growing up in Texas to telling stories about her family on stage. How does a person go from closet to comedy success?

Trans-racial Adoption & Identity

June 19, 2018 04:00 - 29 minutes - 13.6 MB

When LGBTQ people adopt children of a different race or ethnicity than themselves, what does it mean for both parents and kids?

What's In a Name?

June 05, 2018 04:00 - 26 minutes - 12.1 MB

To start Season 2 of Outspoken Voices, host Emily McGranachan talks with a parent about one of the first questions new LGBTQ parents hear – What will the kid call you?

Season 2 Teaser

May 17, 2018 04:00 - 2 minutes - 1.13 MB

Outspoken Voices is back for Season 2 starting in June! Don't miss new episodes the first and third Tuesday of each month. This Season we're talking about all things LGBTQ family!

Twitter Mentions

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