Demystifying the Transgender Journey

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

Episode 4: Navigating Life's "First Times" After Transitioning at Age 67

In this episode of "Demystifying the Transgender Journey," host Lynn Murphy interviews Wendy Cole, who began her transition from male to female at the age of 67. Wendy shares her experiences of living authentically, including the emotional and physical challenges she faced prior to and during her transition. The discussion also covers her decision to pursue hormone therapy and surgery, the impact on her marriage, and her journey towards self-acceptance. Wendy emphasizes the importance of being selfish and focusing on oneself during such a significant life change. She also recounts her early tests of living as a woman and the transformative power of her first therapy sessions. The episode aims to educate and inspire by sharing the personal stories and struggles of those born transgender.

www.thetransgenderjourney.com

www.meetwendycole.com

www.womenwhopushthelimits.com

https://www.facebook.com/thetransgenderjourney

 

00:00 Introduction and Self-Focus

00:20 Demystifying the Transgender Journey

00:50 Wendy Cole's Transition Story

01:26 Living Authentically as Wendy

02:36 Challenges and Acceptance

05:17 Therapy and Self-Discovery

08:53 Embracing the New Identity

12:14 Learning and Adapting

20:41 Overcoming Excuses and Age Barriers

21:53 Embracing Life at 75

22:39 Living Authentically as Wendy

23:52 Navigating Divorce and Family Dynamics

26:48 Discovering Family Secrets

29:29 Transitioning and New Experiences

32:59 Self-Awareness and Acceptance

37:36 Starting Over in New England

39:24 Advocacy and Public Speaking

39:56 Conclusion and Next Steps

Episode 3: Wendy Cole's Life AFTER Transitioning

In this episode of 'Demystifying the Transgender Journey,' host Lynn Murphy continues the inspiring story of Wendy Cole, who knew from a young age that she was a woman despite being born male. Wendy recounts her struggles with identity, her journey to acceptance, and the transformative role her therapist Stephanie played in her life. Wendy discusses overcoming guilt and shame, navigating the challenges within the transgender community, and the impact of mindset on health. After transitioning and undergoing surgery, Wendy found joy and purpose, dedicating her life to coaching others through their own transitions. Wendy emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance, blending into society, and the power of a positive mindset in overcoming life's challenges. For more information and support, visit meetwendycole.com and thetransgenderjourney.com.

Episode 2: Wendy Cole's Life BEFORE Transitioning at Age 67

In this episode of 'Demystifying the Transgender Journey,' host Lynn Murphy interviews Wendy Cole, who shares her courageous and emotional journey of living 67 years in a man's body despite knowing from a very early age that she was a girl. Wendy talks about the challenges she faced, including family rejection, psychiatrists’ lack of understanding in the 1950s, and the societal stigma. She expresses the intense repression, anxiety, and depression she endured until her eventual transition at 67. Wendy explains the difference between transgender, transsexual, and crossdressers and emphasizes the mental toll of living a repressed identity. She also outlines her coaching program aimed at helping others facing similar struggles. Tune in to hear Wendy's inspiring story and learn more about the transgender experience.

 

For more information go to https://womenwhopushthelimits.com/demystifyingtransgender/