The Joy Tuck Club

Send us a text

Ready to get the inside scoop on the recent Doctor Who special controversy? Stay tuned as we, your hosts Rachel and Phoebe, react to the backlash regarding the inclusion of a transgender character. We'll navigate the choppy waters of representation in media, and discuss whether there's ever a "right" way to include transgender characters.
Prepare to dive deep into the less-discussed implications of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). We'll approach this topic with personal tales and raw honesty, exploring phenomena like the surprising shift in temperature sensitivity, changes in libido, and the drastic physical transformations. Get ready to shed the unnecessary guilt and societal pressures as we stress the importance of unique transitioning journeys - reminding listeners that HRT is not a compulsory element.
But there's more! We're digging into the frightening developments around transgender rights and conversion therapy in both the UK and US. We'll unpack the anti-trans sentiments that surfaced during the recent GOP debates, the misinformation being spread about transgenderism and the lonely plight of anti-trans activist Graham Linehan. Additionally, we'll delve into the topic of trans women in amateur sports. Lastly, we'll share our two cents on the topic of bottom surgery, the role of gender identity clinics, and the importance of self-affirmation in the transition process. Don't miss this enlightening, in-depth exploration.

Support the show

—
Visit The Joy Tuck Club online at redandfreckles.com for transcripts, commentary, community, news, and much, much more.
Meanwhile, you can always find red+freckles (Rachel & Phoebe) on

Twitter/X: @twodamptrans
Instagram: @twodamptrans
and
Bluesky: @twodamptrans.bsky.social

The Joy Tuck Club is written, produced, and edited by red+freckles, of Two Damp Trans Ltd, UK.

Send us a text

Ever found yourself puzzled and curious about gender dysphoria? Let us, Rachel and Phoebe, be your guides on this journey, taking you through the complexities of this condition, its symptoms, common misconceptions, and varied treatment options. Drawing from the well of our personal experiences, we offer a uniquely empathetic perspective on the discomfort often associated with gender dysphoria.
Navigating the labyrinth of GD, we examine the profound significance of clothing, and how it impacts our relationship with intimacy. We recall childhood memories – narratives of joy and fear tied to expressing our gender identities, share personal anecdotes, unravel the nuances of our identities and the complexities of navigating public and private spaces.
In light of recent events, our discussion extends to the election of a transgender homecoming queen and the reactions she faced. We shine a light on heroes like Dylan Mulvaney and the Trevor Project, who tirelessly work towards making a difference in the LGBTQ community. We close out our conversation with a Q&A, providing practical advice on managing dysphoria and ensuring bathroom safety for trans individuals. Sharing our stories, our struggles, and our triumphs, we aim to create a safe space for dialogue and understanding. So, join us, not just to learn, but to grow with us.

Support the show

—
Visit The Joy Tuck Club online at redandfreckles.com for transcripts, commentary, community, news, and much, much more.
Meanwhile, you can always find red+freckles (Rachel & Phoebe) on

Twitter/X: @twodamptrans
Instagram: @twodamptrans
and
Bluesky: @twodamptrans.bsky.social

The Joy Tuck Club is written, produced, and edited by red+freckles, of Two Damp Trans Ltd, UK.

Send us a text

“When the sunlight strikes raindrops in the air, they act like a prism and form a rainbow. The rainbow is a division of white light into many beautiful colours. These take the shape of a long round arch..."
If you ever have gender affirming vocal surgery, you'll probably become more than a little familiar with this quotation. It's the start of the Rainbow Passage, a standard recitation used to measure the before and after results for patients who undergo this incredibly delicate yet massively life-changing procedure.
For most trans people, the question of whether or not to have such a surgery depends on many personal factors as well as overall transition goals. And there are usually more questions than readily-available answers.
If such thoughts send a small quaver through your own voice, it might be time to join us at The Joy Tuck Club, as we sit down with one of the world's most renowed voice feminising surgeons, Dr Chadwan Al Yaghchi of the London Voice and Swallowing Clinic. You can contact him via the details provided at lvsclinic.com.
In this interview you'll learn more than you probably ever thought you'd need to know, including choosing a surgeon, how to get the most out of your initial consultation, the questions to ask, preparation for the surgery, the recovery timeline, as well as the benefits but also some of the other changes to your voice that may negatively impact your life at work, home, and play.
We also talk about the need for therapy after surgery, and the importance of this type of surgery in easing at least one of the difficulties in getting through a typical day.
This is the first in our series of interviews with leading gender affirming health care professionals from around the world including surgeons, therapists, and more.

Support the show

—
Visit The Joy Tuck Club online at redandfreckles.com for transcripts, commentary, community, news, and much, much more.
Meanwhile, you can always find red+freckles (Rachel & Phoebe) on

Twitter/X: @twodamptrans
Instagram: @twodamptrans
and
Bluesky: @twodamptrans.bsky.social

The Joy Tuck Club is written, produced, and edited by red+freckles, of Two Damp Trans Ltd, UK.

Send us a text

Have you ever wondered what it means to truly be yourself? Join us in a heart-to-heart conversation with Robin, a brave individual who shares her enlightening journey of self-discovery and transition. This captivating episode unfolds Robin's tale of unveiling her true identity during the pandemic; an extraordinary period that had us all locked away in our homes and lost within our thoughts. Robin opens up about her exploration of gender identity, throwing light on the unique opportunities and challenges that the pandemic presented.
Transitioning is a journey, not just a destination - and Robin is here to share every step of theirs. From their first night out presenting as their true self, their medical journey involving private consultations, referrals to the NHS, to their experience of facial feminisation surgery - Robin leaves no stone unturned. Not just that, Robin also talks about her newfound passion - the arts. Post-transition, she discovered a love for performance that has further helped her express her true self.
But what does it mean to transition in a professional environment? As an engineer in a male-dominated realm, Robin takes us through her experience, highlighting the impact of transitioning on her career aspirations. The episode concludes with a meaningful discussion around the importance of community and allies, as Robin recounts personal stories of coming out to friends and family. So, plug in your earphones, make yourself comfortable, and get ready to be inspired by Robin's journey of courage, acceptance, and self-exploration.

Support the show

—
Visit The Joy Tuck Club online at redandfreckles.com for transcripts, commentary, community, news, and much, much more.
Meanwhile, you can always find red+freckles (Rachel & Phoebe) on

Twitter/X: @twodamptrans
Instagram: @twodamptrans
and
Bluesky: @twodamptrans.bsky.social

The Joy Tuck Club is written, produced, and edited by red+freckles, of Two Damp Trans Ltd, UK.

Send us a text

On this transpiration special edition, we get down and dirty with transmasc author Oliver Radclyffe, talking about every aspect of his life, from an upper-class girl breaking gender boundaries, and mother of four, to his eventual coming out at a motorcycle rally, the euphoria of aligning with his gender identity, and the challenges and delights of his ultimate transition journey.
A refreshing and enlightening conversation, this episode delves into the complexities of being trans where even the closest of familial relationships can become steeped in what Oliver describes aptly as a "hostile cis perspective".
From Oliver's first-hand account of his life experiences, we navigate the grey areas of gender norms and the back and forth struggle Oliver had with his personal identity that set his transition back for many years until he hadan epiphany reading a famous book by his now namesake, Radclyffe Hall.
We chat about the societal presentation of non-binary genders and the growing acceptance of breaking away from conventional gender-specific clothing. Oliver also opens up about his ten-year journey of coming out and transitioning, an odyssey that he beautifully captures in his upcoming book, 'Frighten the Horses.'
Our dialogue extends beyond Oliver's personal experiences. It touches upon broader issues affecting the transgender community, such as the anxiety of transitioning, the difficulties in accessing healthcare, and the recent legislation impacting the healthcare rights of trans youth in the United States. This conversation provides an intimate look at the triumphs and challenges faced by the transgender community. Regardless of your sexual orientation or identity, this episode will broaden your perspectives. So, tune in and become a part of this enlightening conversation.

Support the show

—
Visit The Joy Tuck Club online at redandfreckles.com for transcripts, commentary, community, news, and much, much more.
Meanwhile, you can always find red+freckles (Rachel & Phoebe) on

Twitter/X: @twodamptrans
Instagram: @twodamptrans
and
Bluesky: @twodamptrans.bsky.social

The Joy Tuck Club is written, produced, and edited by red+freckles, of Two Damp Trans Ltd, UK.