Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated today at a college speaking event in Utah. Regardless of where you stand politically, murder is never the answer to disagreement. In this special episode, Joe and Rya give us their personal re...

Understanding the difference between supportive curiosity and invasive questioning isn't just about avoiding awkwardness. Many of us want to ask questions about LGBTQ experiences. We care deeply and want to show genuine interest, but the fear o...

It's our third year anniversary of Trandescendant Podcast! And boy, do we have a shocking episode for you. We decided to expand our podcast from two to three generations. And this might surprise you, but Rya has a transgender son. This is his s...

Have you ever tried to have an important conversation with a family member only to watch it explode into an argument you never wanted? Most people think there are only two choices when something needs to be addressed: stay silent and let resent...

What happens when the conversations that matter most feel impossible to have? Too many families avoid difficult talks until relationships reach a breaking point. They think they're protecting each other when they're actually making everything w...

Have you ever noticed how some of the most hurtful rejections come wrapped in language that sounds accepting? Coded phrases hide judgment behind politeness, creating what feels like acceptance but actually delivers conditional love with strings...

The global landscape of LGBTQ+ rights reveals dramatic contrasts that might surprise you. While places like Iceland, Canada, and the Netherlands boast acceptance rates above 90%, over 30 countries in sub-Saharan Africa still criminalize LGBTQ+ ...

Is it better to stop hiding who you are, or are there times when staying private is the better choice? This question divides even the most supportive allies and LGBTQ+ advocates. From teenagers navigating hostile family situations to adults man...

Real people are losing access to healthcare, having their gender markers erased, and watching their rights disappear with each new executive order and state law. While some allies post supportive messages online, many don't grasp the depth of f...

Thousands of Christian parents feel trapped between two impossible choices: fully supporting their LGBTQ+ child or staying faithful to their religious beliefs. This devastating dilemma tears families apart and leaves both parents and children f...

We know that many LGBTQ+ critics are tired of being painted as hateful bigots when their heart is in the right place. We understand your position because we believed exactly what you believe now, and we can explain why we changed our minds with...

What if the real story about LGBTQ+ futures isn't what's dominating your social media timeline? While headlines focus on legislative battles and political backlash, the actual data reveals a dramatically different trajectory for 2026 and beyond...

Have you ever noticed how shame quietly shapes your life even though it doesn't actually belong to you? Shame isn't something we're born with—it's learned through societal messages, family dynamics, and religious teachings that told us we shoul...

Have you ever thought someone had your back, only to find them missing when you actually needed support? The difference between someone who says they're an ally and someone who truly shows up can be the difference between feeling safe and feeli...

Rya marks her 10-year transition anniversary by sharing the hard-won wisdom that only comes from a decade of living authentically. These surprising discoveries reveal how to navigate the unexpected emotional challenges that no one prepares you ...

Does visibility truly matter when your community feels isolated? Pride Month isn't just parades in big cities—it's survival in small towns, cautious celebration in suburbs, and bold expression in urban centers. Participating in Pride activities...

Have you ever felt like no one else understands what you're going through? Support groups offer more than just friendly faces—they provide crucial knowledge sharing, emotional validation, and the relief of not having to explain your experiences...

Have you ever feared that accepting your LGBTQ+ loved one might compromise your deeply-held values or beliefs? Many parents, relatives, and friends struggle with this exact tension, feeling forced to choose between their principles and their re...

Mental health professional Michael Larkey joins Joe and Rya to discuss the hidden culprit behind our nagging self-criticism. Why do we feel like we're never good enough? Why do we struggle with accepting ourselves or the ones we love? Especiall...

How do we respond when politics becomes personal? Representative Sarah McBride made history as the first openly transgender person elected to the United States Congress. She recently gave an insightful interview with The Atlantic where she shar...

Sometimes the most powerful thing you can say is nothing at all. Knowing when to use silence can completely transform difficult family conversations. While silence can feel uncomfortable at first—even like surrender—it actually demonstrates rem...

When a child comes out as LGBTQ+, parental instincts shift into "fixing" mode. We approach with good intentions, believing we know what's best. Moving from fear to freedom means releasing our vision for our children and embracing their truth. W...

Have you ever wondered who's truly in charge of your happiness? The real power to transform your life isn't held by external circumstances but lies within you, waiting to be reclaimed. It's time to reject conventional wisdom about where fulfill...

What makes a parent respond with love when their child comes out? When Rya transitioned, Joe's immediate thought wasn't about changing her—it was about preserving their relationship. His values created the foundation for unconditional acceptanc...

Have you ever felt cornered in a conversation about LGBTQ+ issues? Too often, we find ourselves on the defensive, scrambling to respond to accusations and misconceptions. But what if you could flip the script with just four simple words? Joe an...