Transgender School

Bridget Sampson

An honest, eye-opening, mother-daughter conversation that’s different than most. Join Jackie as she shares her journey to fully becoming the woman she was always meant to be, and hear from her mom Bridget about the mistakes she made, the things she got right, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Together, Jackie and Bridget will discuss current events, welcome guests, and share actions you can take to support trans people.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Top 10 Transgender School Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Transgender School episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Transgender School for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Transgender School episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Secret Lives and Tragic Consequences

Transgender School

12/05/23 • 25 min

Content warning: In this episode, we discuss suicide, online harassment, and death threats.

Today we share two unsettling stories with the common themes of living secret lives and doing things that others would be shocked to discover.

You'll hear about the tragic story of Alabama Pastor and Mayor, Fred 'Bubba' Copeland, who, forced to live his life in the closet, used private social media accounts to present himself as a transgender woman and encourage transgender people to come out and go on hormone replacement therapy. After his secret life was exposed by a conservative news website and he was subsequently subjected to relentless online bullying, he took his life. We discuss the complex issues involved in cases like this and the ways that pressure to suppress one’s identity can lead to dire outcomes.

You'll also hear about a story published in the San Francisco Chronicle, in which a financially successful and apparently mentally stable man made several death threats to an operator from a Mental Health Hotline for LGBTQ+ youth in California. The name and address of this man, who lives in San Francisco, have been identified, but he will not likely face any consequences due to his power and wealth.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

Pastor Fred 'Bubba' Copeland's tragic story (1:30)
The effects of being forced to live a life in the closet (13:20)
Online harassment shouldn't remain unpunished (16:00)
People who spread hate online and showcase a "normal" life on a different platform (17:00)

Resources Mentioned:

Hotline for California's LGBTQ kids got a death threat.

Connect with Jackie and Bridget:

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Authentic Selves: Celebrating Trans and Nonbinary People and Their Families, A Panel Discussion, Part 1 of 2

Transgender School

08/01/23 • 39 min

"I want other parents to know that it could be a life-or-death decision if you don't handle it right. Love your child. Carry the same love you had when they first came out of the womb, and you first saw them."

In today's special episode, we’re joined by Peggy Gillespie, author of "Authentic Selves: Celebrating Trans and Nonbinary People and Their Families." Peggy's book, with a foreword by Jazz and Jeanette Jennings, depicts life stories and portraits of transgender and nonbinary people and their families. We get to know some of the stories in "Authentic Selves" first-hand since we are joined by Lana, Ted, Joseph and Tamira, and Christian, who are featured in the book and also in the award-winning traveling exhibits that Peggy organizes through Family Diversity Projects.

In this first part of our two-part series panel discussion, you'll learn more about Peggy's background and motivation for developing her beautiful works of art, not only for the trans and nonbinary community but for society as a whole. You'll hear a little of Lana’s story and her struggles coming out as a transgender woman within her Caribbean-American culture, and you'll enjoy meeting Ted and hearing about his wonderful rainbow family.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

About Peggy's background and how this extraordinary project was born (3:40)
The importance of starting meaningful discussions with our children (9:50)
A short introduction to the panel's guests and their stories (13:10)
Lana shares her experiences coming out as a transgender woman (24:20)
The moment Ted realized his assigned gender wasn't aligned with who he was (32:00)
About a rainbow family with three dads (35:50)

Resources:

Book: Peggy Gillespie - Authentic Selves: Celebrating Trans and Nonbinary People and Their Families
Family Diversity Projects: a non-profit organization with award-winning traveling photo-text exhibits, co-founded by Peggy Gillespie and Gigi Kaeser

Connect with Jackie and Bridget:

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meet LGBTQ+ Inclusion Author and Speaker, Dr. Kryss Shane

Transgender School

06/06/23 • 49 min

"I believe that when something bothers you, either do something about it or get over it. And I couldn't manage to get myself over it. So that only left me one choice." - Dr. Kryss Shane on why she became an LGBTQ+ ally and advocate.

In today's episode, we are joined by LGBTQ+ expert and cast member of TLC's "I Am Jazz," Dr. Kryss Shane. Dr. Kryss is an Educator and Consultant and the Author of "Creating an LGBT+ Inclusive Workplace," "The Educator's Guide to LGBT+ Inclusion," "Creating an LGBT+ Inclusive University," and "The Medical Professional's Guide to LGBT+ Inclusion."

Throughout our conversation, Dr. Kryss talks about becoming an LGBTQ+ leading expert, the exhausting yet gratifying job of writing four books in four years, what people are saying about her recommendations for inclusion, and what it has been like to have her books banned. She shared some behind-the-scenes moments from "I Am Jazz" that showcase Jazz and her family's admirable human qualities.

In addition, Dr. Kryss talks about her relationship with the Jennings family before the show aired, provides helpful advice for parents of LGBTQ+ kids, explains how she deals with online hate, and so much more.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

About Dr. Kryss' journey as an LGBTQ+ advocate and leading expert (3:30)
Dr. Kryss talks about the positive feedback she gets about her books (10:20)
What it feels like to have a book banned (12:10)
How it was for Dr. Kryss to make her first appearance on "I Am Jazz" in season 7 (19:00)
Dr. Kryss shares some juicy behind-the-scenes from the show (26:30)
How to support LGBTQ+ kids the right way (38:20)

Connect with Dr. Kryss:

Connect with Jackie and Bridget:

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meet Sander, Brother of Jazz Jennings, from I am Jazz

Transgender School

05/02/23 • 41 min

In today's episode, we are so excited to be joined by the wonderful Sander Jennings. He is a creator, a digital marketing strategy expert, the Head of Marketing at Checkin, a love, positivity, and motivation spreader, an amazing LGBTQ+ ally, and the older brother of Jazz Jennings from TLC’s docuseries, I am Jazz.

Throughout our conversation, Sander was very open about how it was for him growing up as Jazz's brother and how he dealt with being in the public eye. He masterfully cleared up some of the most common misconceptions about transgender people. For example, Sander had this to say about choice: "People don't choose to be transgender, people choose to come out. Yet support and becoming an LGBTQ+ ally is a choice."

In addition, we discuss the need for allies to speak out and/or do what they can behind the scenes, the rewarding side of being an LGBTQ+ ally and advocate, how Sander deals with hate and bigotry online, and so much more.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

What it’s like to be Jazz's brother (3:20)
Being an ally and advocate is a choice (6:30)
Sander’s unique perspective on hate online (10:50)
About social media platforms and their role in stopping hate and bigotry from spreading online (17:10)
How allies can provide more support (23:10)
About Sander’s work as a creator and digital marketing strategist (30:05)

Connect with Sander:

Connect with Jackie and Bridget:

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

LGBTQIA+ Affirmative Therapy & Parenting

Transgender School

11/01/22 • 79 min

LGBTQIA+ Affirmative Therapy & Parenting

What does it actually mean to be an LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist or parent? It may not be what you think. Today we’re honored to welcome Dr. Rebeks Clark Mane and Aba Horthy, highly trained therapists who specialize in this field as well as having their own lived experience as members of the community. The four of us explore this critically important topic with more depth and detail than we’ve ever gotten into before.

What if we lived in a world where the model of responding to coming out (from parents, therapists, and others) was not about how hard life would be as an LGBTQIA+ person, but rather normalized and celebrated the experience and the uniqueness of the individual? This is what Rebeks and Aba teach us about in new, eye-opening ways.

We know that outcomes are significantly more positive when LGBTQIA+ youth and adults are affirmed, encouraged, heard, seen, and believed. But what specifically does that look like? And, what might we be doing unknowingly that’s causing harm, even if we think we’re trying to be supportive?

Rebeks is a transmasculine nonbinary therapist who loves working with folx in the "gray spaces" of identity. Aba is a queer mixed nonbinary therapist passionate about helping clients find and express their authentic selves. Both are Associate Marriage and Family Therapists and LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapists.

Throughout our conversation, Rebeks, Aba, and Jackie share parts of their story, their relationship with their families before and after coming out, and the role affirmative therapy (and non-affirmative therapy) played in their journey. They also provide tips and advice for therapists and parents dealing with their kids' transition, how to support queer, nonbinary, and trans kids, and how to avoid disconfirming words and actions that can cause deep trauma.

We also discuss the BIPOC queer, trans, and nonbinary experience, the white supremacist roots of the binary approach to queer representation, the informed consent model for gender affirming surgery, letters needed for surgery and their purpose, the need for cisgender folks to listen and learn with an open mind, gender policing, gender gatekeeping, media representation, the recent episode of The Problem with Jon Stewart called The War Over Gender, and much more.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

What LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapy is (3:54)

The current consent model for hormone therapy and surgery and the problems with it (7:07)

What parents can do when they’re struggling with their kids' transition (18:44)

Change in sexual orientation is entirely normal at any age and for any gender (21:12)

How to avoid the trauma of being disconfirmed for trans and nonbinary kids (30:40)

The damage gender reveal parties cause (43:32)

What trans, queer, and nonbinary people's mental health and suicide rates look like when they are surrounded by love and support (56:43)

Resources:

Horthy & Mane Therapy website

The Problem With John Stuart - The War Over Gender

Connect with Rebeks:

Connect with Aba:

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Being Religious and LGBTQ+ Affirming

Transgender School

04/05/22 • 45 min

Our guest today, Leah, has a potentially life-saving message for two groups of people. She wants LGBTQ+ Christians to know that they don’t have to choose between their faith and fully being themselves. She also humbly asks religious people who are non-LGBTQ+ affirming to reconsider what they’ve learned about what the bible has to say on this topic. According to Leah, Jesus made it clear that the highest commandment is to love God and to love people, and that includes all people.

We are so honored to have Leah on the podcast with us for this critically important and timely conversation. When her daughter came out as transgender two years ago, Leah dove deep into the study of the ways humans have misinterpreted the bible with regard to LGBTQ+ people.

We so appreciate Leah’s honesty and openness about her journey to becoming an LGBTQ+ affirming Christian and her struggles with the contradiction between what she felt was right in her heart and what a lifetime of religious teachings dictated. We talk about Leah's massive commitment to educating herself and how she is continuing her studies while speaking out to spread the message that one can be a devout Christian and also fully LGBTQ+ affirming.

Some Questions We Ask:

Could you talk about the concept of words in a book vs. the intent of the Scripture and faith? (11:04)
We're looking at legislation promoting tearing families apart because the family is affirming their trans child. What are the most important things you want to say to parents? (18:20)
What would you say to other people who are trying to find their voice and figure out how they can speak up and make a difference without getting too far out of their comfort zone? (22:50)

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

Leah's journey and commitment to finding an answer in God (4:54)
Looking at the cultural and historical context to interpret what is written in the Bible (13:46)
The urgency of discussing sexual orientation and gender identity at church (17:26)
Why it is necessary to promote conversations even if they feel uncomfortable for many people (21:54)
The importance of sharing and promoting educational content about the LGBTQ+ community (35:17)

Resources:

Blue Babies Pink website

Geeky Justin website

CannyonWalker Connections website

Church Clarity website

The Reformation Project website

FreedHearts website

Susan Cotrell YouTube channel

Q Christian Fellowship website

Matthey Vines YouTube channel

Books:

Justin Lee -Torn

Matthew Vines -God and the Gay Christian

Kathy Baldock - Walking the Bridgeless Canyon, Repairing the breach between the Church and the LGBT Community

Julie Rodgers - Outlove

Staci Frenes - Love Makes Room

Austen Hartke - Transforming: The Bible & the Lives of Transgender Christians

Colby Martin - Unclobber: Rethinking Our Misuse of the Bible on Homosexuality

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Understanding We Are One: The Next Step in Human Evolution

Transgender School

07/06/21 • 66 min

When it comes to being more empathetic with other humans that are different from us, Lauren Nile feels that she could put together a five-day PowerPoint presentation with 1000 bullet points, yet nothing would be as impactful as experiencing discrimination or harassment first-hand or seeing someone we love go through it. She believes that we need to go out there and be curious and make an effort to get the closest we can to walk in their shoes. Once we see their humanity, it is almost impossible to hold on to the prejudices against them.

Lauren Nile is an Author, Keynote Speaker, Organizational Development Trainer, Consultant, and Retreat Facilitator. Her primary goal in working with groups is to increase participants' self-awareness and emotional intelligence. She is a former VoiceAmerica.com and The Wisdom in The Middle host. Lauren was named one of the 2019 Outstanding Voices of Palm Springs and received the 2019 Greater Palm Springs Pride Spirit of Stonewall Advocate of the Year Award. Lauren holds a BA in Philosophy from the University of New Orleans, an MA in Philosophy from the University of Connecticut, and a JD from Cornell University School of Law.

In this episode, we had a wonderful conversation about oppression, acceptance, and empathy. Lauren shared her brilliant take on intersectionality and enlightened us with her kind wisdom. We discussed our society's ongoing transformations and what is missing to reach equality. Lauren also shared her experience coming out to her family, how they reacted, and her experience as an LGBTQ community member in the late '70s.

Some Questions We Ask:

Could you tell us a bit about you, your experience, and your life? (7:30)
We would love to hear about how coming out was for you. (17:20)
How do we educate young people to avoid sticking to beliefs that won't let them accept others with a different sexual orientation than theirs? (24:30)
What is the intersectional nature of your experience around race and sexual orientation? (32:45)
What can we do to be advocates for the LGBTQ community? (44:06)

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

Lauren describes how it was to grow up in the segregated South as a Black person (9:05)
We need to be curious; that is how the world changes (15:01)
The impact of not being accepted by their families for trans people (22:05)
Lauren shares her priceless view on intersectionality (32:27)
Lauren's list of 9 essential items to be an advocate for the LGBTQ community (44:07)

Resources:

Lauren N. Nile website
Book: Lauren N. Nile - RACE: My Story & Humanity's Bottom Line
The Faith of Humanity Podcast with Lauren Nile
What I Want White People To Know And Do - Lauren N. Nile
Race And Racism: Going to the Core Workshop - Lauren N. Nile and Bridget Sampson
The Family Acceptance Project, San Francisco State University
Book: Isabel Wilkerson - The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration

Connect with Lauren:

Connect with Jackie and Bridget:

Jennifer and Blue Chapman: A Story of Love, Learning, and Mutual Respect Between Parents and Kids

Transgender School

04/06/21 • 51 min

Most children can recognize and label stereotypical gender groups between the ages of 18 to 24 months. They also categorize their own gender at about age 3. As gender stereotypes are usually reinforced, kids might choose to behave in the most rewarding way, according to the gender they perceive as the one they should express. Gender and expression are related, and still, gender identity is not always suggestive of a gender expression, and children's gender expression is not always indicative of gender identity. As parents, we must reduce our interference to none and elevate our support to the maximum; even the slightest indication that we get it can mean the world to them.

In this episode, we had a fantastic conversation with Jennifer Brookings Chapman, host of the Parentingology podcast, Organizational Psychology Doctorate, business owner, and mother of 9-years-old Blue Chapman, who transitioned at age 4. Jennifer kindly shared her experience and some details of Blue's transition and how it was for her and the rest of the family.

Following his older brother Cade, Blue decided to become an actor. He got a part on the show Council of Dads, where he played the role of a transgender boy. Jennifer related how it was for her and Blue to be broadcasted for such a massive audience and the impact she believes more shows with stories like that would have in our society.

Tune in, and hear Jennifer's supportive, evolved, and loving story of her and her son, Blue.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

The latest news on the Equality Act (5:50)
Jennifer's diverse house and how it helped with Blue's transition (10:48)
The channels Blue chose to communicate his gender choice (15:32)
The importance of not enforcing gender norms on our kids and the impact of little gestures of support (17:25)
Being an ally and the hero complex (24:11)
Loving our kids, diminishing hierarchy, and showing them respect (48:03)

Resources:

Parentingology Podcast

Connect with Jennifer and Blue:

Connect with Jackie and Bridget:

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meet Lilah Sturges, Award-Winning Transgender Author

Transgender School

06/04/24 • 39 min

In this episode, we are thrilled to be joined by author Lilah Sturges. She is happily married to her wife and has two lovely grown daughters. Lilah wrote the first two graphic novels in the award-winning and critically acclaimed Lumberjanes world and several other titles for Vertigo (DC Comics) and Marvel.

Her latest work, The Science of Ghosts, which will be published on June 18th by Legendary Comics, tells the story of a transgender forensic parapsychologist who studies ghost behavior to solve crimes and showcases a creative new spin on stories with trans characters. We were lucky enough to be given an advanced reader copy and we so enjoyed discussing how much we loved the book and what parts of it fascinated us most.

Throughout our conversation, Lilah tells us about how she got into graphic novels, her evolution as a writer, and her unique approach to transgender identities in her latest work. She also shares her coming out story, the challenges she and her family went through, and the story behind #transpizza.

In addition, Lilah shares her thoughts on grief in the trans community, her process of creating the main character’s traits in The Science of Ghosts, transphobia in media, and much more.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

Becoming a graphic novel writer (5:10)
Lilah talks about how much of her personal experiences are reflected in "The Science of Ghosts" (10:20)
Lilah shares her coming out story (14:00)
Transgender people and grief (18:50)
Lilah talks about #transpizza (25:00)
Lilah, Jackie, and Bridget discuss transphobia (31:20)

Connect with Lilah Sturges:

Connect with Jackie and Bridget:

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

LGBTQ+ Rights in the 2024 Election

Transgender School

04/02/24 • 17 min

Do shifting attitudes towards LGBTQ+ rights reflect broader trends in the American political landscape?

As the 2024 elections approach, the intricate dance between political agendas and voter inclinations, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ rights, intensifies. As citizens, can we do anything to contribute to the greater good? Yes, we can start conversations.

In today's episode, we analyze the results of a poll and survey conducted by the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), illuminating the upcoming election's complex landscape. From voters' motivation regarding candidates' stances on transgender issues to the complexities of LGBTQ+ support for Biden and Democratic candidates, we ponder the deeper undercurrents in what we believe is a presidential election that can change it all.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

Jackie shares some results of GLAAD's poll (1:30)
What voters think about Republicans’ efforts to bar transgender-affirming care for youth (4:00)
Why the Democratic Party is losing support from non-white voters (7:40)
Why Republicans "can't stop" talking about transgender people (9:30)
About the critical importance of the 2024 elections (12:40)

Resources Mentioned:

Democrats' events, volunteers, and petitions

Connect with Jackie and Bridget:

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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FAQ

How many episodes does Transgender School have?

Transgender School currently has 49 episodes available.

What topics does Transgender School cover?

The podcast is about Parents, Health & Fitness, Transgender, Lesbian, Trans, Podcasts and Education.

What is the most popular episode on Transgender School?

The episode title '20+ U.S. States Ban Transgender Care' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Transgender School?

The average episode length on Transgender School is 45 minutes.

How often are episodes of Transgender School released?

Episodes of Transgender School are typically released every 28 days.

When was the first episode of Transgender School?

The first episode of Transgender School was released on Feb 2, 2021.

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Transgender School

Bridget Sampson

Top 10 Transgender School Episodes

FAQ

How many episodes does Transgender School have?

What topics does Transgender School cover?

What is the most popular episode on Transgender School?

What is the average episode length on Transgender School?

How often are episodes of Transgender School released?

When was the first episode of Transgender School?

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