Demystifying the Transgender Journey

Episode 32: Teaching By Example: Tommy's Story of Expression and Visibility

Tommy’s Transgender Journey: From History Teacher to DC Activist | Demystifying the Transgender Journey

In this episode of "Demystifying the Transgender Journey," hosts Lynn Murphy and Wendy Cole interview Tommy, a semi-retired high school history teacher, musician, and trans visibility advocate. Tommy shares growing up in a wealthy, conservative family, first experimenting with women’s clothing around age 10–11, and not finding accurate representation until adulthood, when media portrayals often linked trans people to violence. She recounts early experiences seeking gender-affirming items in New York City, joining the Tiffany Club/Trans Community of New England in the early 1990s, and how support groups and the First Event conference provided safety and community. Tommy discusses marriage, parenting, secrecy and compartmentalization, accidental outings to her wife and later her children, and the strain that hiding placed on family life. After her marriage ended in 2015, she came out at work, planned her transition around a sabbatical, and began living full-time as a woman in 2018, returning to teach in 2019 and noting changes in student relationships and a small number of transphobic complaints. She describes later being blackballed from further school jobs by a transphobic administrator and moving to Maryland to be near family, where she supports trans and non-binary people, engages in Maryland advocacy, and promotes visibility in Washington, DC, including visits to congressional offices. Tommy reflects on the realities of womanhood, the importance of representation, current anti-trans rhetoric and policy fears, and her hope that trans progress will endure despite backlash. Music remains a lifeline throughout her story, from punk bands to her country singer alter ego Alison Young, including albums that reference the trans experience.

 

For more information about Tommy:

https://www.alisonyoungcountrymusic.com 

 

For more information about this project:

https://www.thetransgenderjourney.com

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/demystifying-the-transgender-journey/id1799458202

https://www.facebook.com/thetransgenderjourney

https://womenwhopushthelimits.com

 

To contact Wendy:

MeetWendyCole.com.

https://www.facebook.com/wendycolegtm

https://www.youtube.com/@wendycole8326

https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-cole-gtm

 

Episode 31: Karen Kendra Holmes: Advocacy, Service, and the Journey to Authenticity

Demystifying the Transgender Journey: Karen Kendra Holmes Shares Her Inspiring Story

Join hosts Lynn Murphy and Wendy Cole on another enlightening episode of Demystifying the Transgender Journey as they welcome Karen Kendra Holmes. Karen discusses her personal journey of transitioning, starting her journey in 2010 at the age of 53. She shares the challenges she faced in her professional life as a federal employee and volunteer, and how she became a respected advocate and trainer for the transgender community. Karen emphasizes the importance of education and understanding, and how her work with law enforcement and various organizations aims to bridge the gap between communities. This heartfelt conversation highlights the importance of authenticity, service, and grace in fostering a more compassionate world. Don't miss this empowering episode, and be sure to like, share, and subscribe!

 

For more information about Karen Kendra Holmes:

https://www.kkholmes.com/

https://www.pgcmls.info/butterflyproject

 

For more information about this project:

https://www.thetransgenderjourney.com

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/demystifying-the-transgender-journey/id1799458202

https://www.facebook.com/thetransgenderjourney

https://womenwhopushthelimits.com

 

To contact Wendy:

MeetWendyCole.com.

https://www.facebook.com/wendycolegtm

https://www.youtube.com/@wendycole8326

https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-cole-gtm

Episode 30: Reincarnation as Robin: A Story of Transitioning Later in Life

Robin's Journey: Transition, Triumph, and Embracing a Second Life

 

In this episode of Demystifying the Transgender Journey, hosts Lynn Murphy and Wendy Cole introduce Robin, a remarkable woman who transitioned at the age of 67. Robin shares her profound and emotional story of transitioning, the loss and joy it brought, and her journey to self-acceptance. From kayaking epiphanies to life-changing decisions, Robin opens up about her experiences, including her relationships and her embrace of both sides of life. Join us for an inspiring conversation that touches hearts, opens minds, and challenges perceptions.

 

For more information about this project:

https://www.thetransgenderjourney.com

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/demystifying-the-transgender-journey/id1799458202

https://www.facebook.com/thetransgenderjourney

https://womenwhopushthelimits.com

 

To contact Wendy:

MeetWendyCole.com.

https://www.facebook.com/wendycolegtm

https://www.youtube.com/@wendycole8326

https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-cole-gtm

Episode 29: No One Transitions Alone: Dr. Diana Sorrentino's Advice for Parents and Partners

Demystifying the Transgender Journey: Transgender Healthcare and Family Dynamics with Dr. Diana Sorrentino

In this enlightening episode of Demystifying the Transgender Journey, hosts Lynn Murphy and Wendy Cole dive deep into the complexities of the transgender experience with renowned gender identity expert Dr. Diana Sorrentino. Explore the importance of empathetic familial support, the unique challenges faced by transgender individuals, and gain insights into gender diversity from neurobiological, physiological, and psychological perspectives. Dr. Sorrentino shares her extensive research and personal experiences, discussing the significant roles of parents, siblings, partners, and the broader community in the journey of gender affirmation. Don't miss this valuable discussion that aims to counter misinformation and provide a factual understanding of the transgender experience.

 

Demystifying the Transgender Journey with Staci Braithwaite: https://youtu.be/FDjokJoRSD4?si=Ci2wxB4_wizw0AcK

 

"The Handbook of Complex Trauma and Dissociation in Children" https://www.routledge.com/The-Handbook-of-Complex-Trauma-and-Dissociation-in-Children-Theory-Research-and-Clinical-Applications/Gomez-Hosey/p/book/9781032388908

Dr. Sorrentino is a member of:

World Professional Association for Transgender Health – WPATH

Gay Lesbian Medical Association – GLMA

Outcare – LGBTQ+ Healthcare

Author of "Transgender Families: Helping Parents and Families Understand Gender Diversity and Being Transgender Because No One Transitions Alone".

https://www.amazon.com/Transgender-Families-Dr-Diana-Sorrentino/dp/B0DLQHVX8Y

Host of "Paradoxes of Gender Podcasts" – academically focused on CE requirements for medical and behavioral healthcare professionals working with gender diverse and transgender individuals, families, and allies.

https://paradoxesofgender.com/

paradoxesofgender@earthlink.net

LinkedIn:  Dr. Diana Sorrentino, Ph.D.

Podcast: https://paradoxesofgender.com/podcasts-1

 

For more information about this project:

https://www.thetransgenderjourney.com

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/demystifying-the-transgender-journey/id1799458202

https://www.facebook.com/thetransgenderjourney

https://womenwhopushthelimits.com

 

To contact Wendy:

MeetWendyCole.com.

https://www.facebook.com/wendycolegtm

https://www.youtube.com/@wendycole8326

https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-cole-gtm

Episode 28: One Hair at a Time: Maria DeNicola Fosters Physical and Emotional Transformation in the LGBTQ Community

Demystifying the Transgender Journey with Maria DeNicola: Empowerment, Advocacy, and 40+ Years of Support

 

In this episode of "Demystifying the Transgender Journey," hosts Lynn Murphy and Wendy Cole introduce Maria DeNicola, a celebrated electrologist and laser hair removal specialist with over 43 years of experience. Maria shares her heartfelt journey of supporting the transgender community through her business, Senza Pelo Med Spa in Phoenix, Arizona. She provides deep insights into her advocacy efforts, her nonprofit work, and her enduring commitment to empowering transgender individuals. Join us for an inspiring conversation about compassion, respect, and the humanization of the transgender experience.

Visit our website at thetransgenderjourney.com for more information.

For More Information About Maria DeNicola:

https://senzapelo.com

https://azaai.org/ 

 

For more information about this project:

https://www.thetransgenderjourney.com

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/demystifying-the-transgender-journey/id1799458202

https://www.facebook.com/thetransgenderjourney

https://womenwhopushthelimits.com

 

To contact Wendy:

https://meetwendycole.com/

https://www.facebook.com/wendycolegtm

https://www.youtube.com/@wendycole8326

https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-cole-gtm

Episode 27: Crossing the Line: Emily Embraces Authenticity and Purpose

Demystifying the Transgender Journey: The Story of Emily

Join us for an engaging and heartfelt episode of "Demystifying the Transgender Journey" where our host, Lynn Murphy, and co-host, Wendy Cole, interview the exceptional Emily. With a fascinating life story, Emily opens up about her lifelong journey of transitioning, the challenges she faced, and the powerful lessons learned along the way. As she transitions from pretending to be someone she's not to embracing her true self, Emily shares candid insights about the transgender experience and the importance of human connections. Don't miss this powerful episode filled with unique perspectives, personal regrets, and Emily's extraordinary narrative of growth and self-acceptance.

For more information about Emily:

https://quenyar.wordpress.com/ 

 

For more information about this project:

https://www.thetransgenderjourney.com

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/demystifying-the-transgender-journey/id1799458202

https://www.facebook.com/thetransgenderjourney

https://womenwhopushthelimits.com

 

To contact Wendy:

https://meetwendycole.com/

https://www.facebook.com/wendycolegtm

https://www.youtube.com/@wendycole8326

https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-cole-gtm

Episode 26: Unyielding Strength: Kendra Bardot's Accelerated Transformation

Kendra Bardot's Extraordinary Transgender Journey: Courage, Resilience, and Reinvention

In this powerful episode of "Demystifying the Transgender Journey," hosts Lynn Murphy and Wendy Cole welcome Kendra Bardot, a transgender woman with an extraordinary story of courage and resilience. At age 39, Kendra shares her journey of transitioning, her military service, and how she's channeling her drive into becoming a psychiatrist and researcher. The episode dives deep into Kendra's experiences growing up in a deeply religious home, navigating the challenges of transitioning, and her realization of self-love. Don't miss this enlightening conversation that provides unique insights and fosters understanding of the transgender experience. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories at thetransgenderjourney.com.

 

https://www.instagram.com/kendragothmommy

https://www.thetransgenderjourney.com

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/demystifying-the-transgender-journey/id1799458202

https://www.facebook.com/thetransgenderjourney

https://womenwhopushthelimits.com

https://meetwendycole.com/

https://www.facebook.com/wendycolegtm

https://www.youtube.com/@wendycole8326

https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-cole-gtm

Episode 25: Transgender Youth: Dr. Diana Sorrentino's Crucial Insights for Parents and Families

Supporting Transgender Children: Insights from Dr. Diana Sorrentino | Demystifying the Transgender Journey

 

In this episode of 'Demystifying the Transgender Journey,' hosts Lynn Murphy and Wendy Cole engage in a candid conversation with Dr. Diana Sorrentino, a leading expert on gender diversity and transgender identity. Dr. Sorrentino shares her extensive research and personal experience to help parents understand and support their transgender children. Topics include the impact of social acceptance, the biological and psychological aspects of gender identity, and practical steps parents can take to provide affirmative support. This episode offers valuable insights for families, medical professionals, and anyone eager to learn more about the transgender experience.

Dr. Sorrentino is a member of:

World Professional Association for Transgender Health – WPATH

Gay Lesbian Medical Association – GLMA

Outcare – LGBTQ+ Healthcare

Author of Transgender Families: Helping Parents and Families Understand Gender Diversity and Being Transgender Because No One Transitions Alone.

https://www.amazon.com/Transgender-Families-Dr-Diana-Sorrentino/dp/B0DLQHVX8Y

Host of Paradoxes of Gender Podcasts – academically focused on CE requirements for medical and behavioral healthcare professionals working with gender diverse and transgender individuals, families, and allies.

https://paradoxesofgender.com/

paradoxesofgender@earthlink.net

LinkedIn:  Dr. Diana Sorrentino, Ph.D.

Podcast: https://paradoxesofgender.com/podcasts-1

For More Information:

https://www.thetransgenderjourney.com https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/demystifying-the-transgender-journey/id1799458202 https://www.facebook.com/thetransgenderjourney https://womenwhopushthelimits.com https://www.facebook.com/wendycolegtm https://www.youtube.com/@wendycole8326 https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-cole-gtm