Demystifying the Transgender Journey

Episode 12: The Time is Now: Marzzi Starzzi's Real-World Journey

In this empowering episode of Demystifying the Transgender Journey, hosts Lynn Murphy and Wendy Cole interview the incredible Marzzi Starzzi. Marzzi shares her heartfelt journey of transitioning in her fifties, offering unique insights into her life before and after transition. She discusses her experiences working in a male-dominated field, her battles with addiction, and the pivotal moments that led her to embrace her true self. This episode delves deep into themes of resilience, self-discovery, and empowerment, shedding light on the lived experiences of transgender individuals. Join us for an inspiring conversation that celebrates authenticity and courage.

To contact Marzzi, send a message to TheTransgenderJourney@gmail.com

 

For more information visit: 
www.thetransgenderjourney.com
www.meetwendycole.com
https://www.facebook.com/thetransgenderjourney
www.womenwhopushthelimits.com
https://www.youtube.com/@thetransgenderjourney

 

Episode 11: Be You, Do You: Sam Castle's Story of Transition and Empowerment

In this episode of Demystifying the Transgender Journey, hosts Lynn Murphy and Wendy Cole interview Sam Castle, founder of Be You, Do You Coaching. Sam shares his personal story of understanding his transgender identity from a young age, growing up in a single-parent household with a strong religious background, and overcoming numerous challenges on his journey to transitioning at age 36. He discusses the importance of mental health, the role of therapy and coaching, and the support he's found in both the LGBTQ+ and straight communities. Additionally, Sam offers insights into the cultural challenges faced by transgender people of color and provides advice for employers to create more inclusive environments. Sam's inspiring journey emphasizes the power of authenticity and the need to address past traumas to move forward. He also talks about his coaching practice and the various services he offers to support others on their transgender journeys.

 

For more information visit: 
www.thetransgenderjourney.com
www.meetwendycole.com
https://www.facebook.com/thetransgenderjourney
www.womenwhopushthelimits.com
https://www.youtube.com/@thetransgenderjourney

https://www.beyoudoyoucoaching.com 

Episode 10: Parents’ Guide: Empowering Your Child’s Transition

In this insightful episode of 'Demystifying the Transgender Journey,' host Lynn Murphy delves into the complexities of supporting transgender loved ones with transition mentor Wendy Cole. Wendy, who transitioned at the age of 67, generously shares her personal journey and offers invaluable advice to parents and families on how to unconditionally accept and support their transgender children. She demystifies common misconceptions, highlights the importance of psychological support, and stresses the need for parents to educate themselves and stand up for their children in the face of societal stigmas. Wendy also discusses her coaching programs designed to help families navigate these transitions with empathy and understanding. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation aimed at fostering acceptance and love in every family.

For more information visit:

www.thetransgenderjourney.com

www.meetwendycole.com

https://www.facebook.com/thetransgenderjourney

www.womenwhopushthelimits.com

https://www.youtube.com/@thetransgenderjourney

 

00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome

01:13 Meet Wendy Cole: A Transition Mentor's Journey

02:28 Challenges Faced by Transgender Youth and Families

05:19 Advice for Parents of Transgender Children

09:14 Medical Interventions and Family Dynamics

13:37 Maintaining Relationships and Support Systems

21:53 Wendy Cole's Coaching Programs

26:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Episode 9: Staci Brathwaite: Embracing Her Daughter's Journey

In this episode of 'Demystifying the Transgender Journey,' hosts Lynn Murphy and Wendy Cole converse with Staci, a mother of a transgender daughter who transitioned in her 20s. Staci shares her story of acceptance and love, detailing her daughter's coming out journey, the challenges posed by their Mormon faith, and their family's evolution. The discussion touches on societal misconceptions, the importance of supporting transgender individuals, and the impactful role of gender-affirming care. Staci's insights emphasize listening, loving unconditionally, and self-education for parents and allies. The episode concludes with Staci calling out societal and institutional biases and reaffirming the enduring presence and humanity of transgender people.

Contact Staci at

Pskjba_braithwaite@yahoo.com

or on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/mamadragons

 

Resources: 

Great LGBTQ Books:

*A Walk in My Shoes by Ben Schilaty

*But Jesus: A Conversation by Autumn McAlpin

*Without the Mask by Charlie Bird

*Expanding the Borders of Zion by Charlie Bird

*Bridges by Richard Ostler

He/She/They by Schuler Bailar

Whipping Girl by Julia Serano

Both Sides of the Fire Line by Bobbie Scopa

Awkward Silence by Shani E. McIlwain

Better Allies by Karen Catlin

Stonewall by David Carter

Authentic Selves by Peggy Gillespie

The TRANSlist by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders

Gay Rights and the Mormon Church by Gregory A. Prince

Hiding for My Life by Karen Solt

Symptoms of Being Human by Jeff Garvin

 

Wonderful Podcasts:

In the Den with Mama Dragons https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-den-with-mama-dragons/id1658677491

*Fight Like a Mother https://www.fightlikeamotherpodcast.com/about-cheryl

*Lift and Love https://www.liftandlove.org/podcast

*Questions from the closet  https://www.alloutintheopen.org/

*Listen Learn and Love https://www.listenlearnandlove.org/podcasts

*Faith Matters https://faithmatters.org/lift-and-love-a-conversation-with-allison-dayton/

Mormon Stories https://www.mormonstories.org/episodes/

 

Helpful Websites:

Mama Dragons – Parachute https://www.mamadragons.org/parachute

The Family acceptance Project https://familyproject.sfsu.edu/

The Trevor Project https://www.thetrevorproject.org/

ACLU with Chase Strangio https://www.aclu.org/bio/chase-strangio

PFLAG https://pflag.org/find-resources/

Encircle https://encircletogether.org/

Human Rights Campaign https://www.hrc.org/our-work/parents-for-transgender-equality-network

 

Episode 8: Bobbie Scopa's Unforgettable Story of Firefighting and Transition

In this episode of 'Demystifying the Transgender Journey,' host Lynn Murphy engages in a profound and insightful conversation with Bobbie Scopa, a transgender woman who transitioned in her 40s after a 44-year career fighting wildfires. Bobbie shares her early life struggles, the secrecy she maintained about her gender identity, and the challenges she faced while masking her true self. She recounts her emotional and mental battles, the supportive and not-so-supportive reactions she encountered, and how her transition ultimately led to a more successful leadership career and an authentic life. The discussion also delves into her experiences working in New York City on The Pile during the aftermath of 9/11, dealing with depression, the role of family, and the importance of empathy and kindness. Bobbie's leadership lessons and her resilience offer an inspiring story for everyone, regardless of their familiarity with the transgender community.

Episode 7: Transgender Myths Busted: Truth Revealed with Wendy Cole

In this episode of Demystifying the Transgender Journey, host Lynn Murphy discusses myths and misunderstandings about the transgender community with Wendy Cole, a transition mentor. They delve into misconceptions such as the notion that being transgender is a choice, the difference between sex and gender, and the false belief that transgender individuals suffer from a mental disorder. Wendy shares her personal journey of transitioning at 67 after knowing she was a girl since age three. By explaining her experiences and addressing stereotypes, Wendy aims to educate and bring clarity to the transgender experience. The episode encourages compassion and understanding, offering guidance to those in the transgender community and educating society at large.

Episode 6: Understanding Transgender Terminology with Wendy Cole

In this episode of "Demystifying the Transgender Journey," host Lynn Murphy discusses the complexities of gender identity and the experiences of transgender individuals with 77-year-old Wendy Cole, who transitioned at the age of 67. The episode explores terminology such as transgender, gender dysphoria, non-binary, and intersex, highlighting the distinction between sex and gender. Wendy shares personal insights into her journey and emphasizes the importance of educating people to counteract misinformation. This episode serves as an eye-opening conversation aimed at educating listeners about the nuances of the transgender community. Listeners are encouraged to visit thetransgenderjourney.com for more information and to share the podcast to foster understanding.

Episode 5: Living Life as the Woman She’s Always Been

Wendy Cole's Journey at 67--Navigating Identity and Transformation

In this episode of Demystifying the Transgender Journey, host Lynn Murphy continues an intimate and enlightening conversation with Wendy, who transitioned at the age of 67. Wendy shares her experiences with imposter syndrome post-surgery, deconstructing male socialization, and the emotional and physical challenges of transitioning later in life. Wendy also discusses her shifting views on religion, dealing with her son’s struggles, and how societal acceptance has evolved. The episode delves into her first experiences of presenting and living as a woman and the nuances of dating and sexual orientation after transitioning. Wendy's story is a candid exploration of authenticity, resilience, and the pursuit of happiness. 

For more information, visit our website, www.thetransgenderjourney.com.

 

00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections

00:24 Welcome to Demystifying the Transgender Journey

00:51 Coping Mechanisms and Personal Growth

01:52 Wendy's Transition Journey

02:22 Deconstructing Male Socialization

03:04 Religion and Family Dynamics

12:37 Challenges with Parenting

15:29 Experiences with Society and Acceptance

16:16 Navigating Legal and Social Hurdles

23:43 Surgery and Recovery

26:11 Innovative Surgical Techniques

27:08 Post-Surgery Recovery

28:40 Living with New Experiences

30:21 Dating and Relationships

36:35 Starting a New Chapter

42:40 Reflections and Future Plans

48:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts