Unconditional Love and the Voyage Beyond Gender Norms with shawndeez, Ph.D.

Discover the power of love and acceptance as I am joined by the insightful shawndeez, Ph.D., to explore the journey of parenting LGBTQ children. Through our conversation, we unearth the intricacies of identity, acceptance, and the transformative self-discovery that not only reshapes the lives of LGBTQ individuals but also their loved ones. Hear the touching stories that cut across the fabric of spirituality, gender, and the path toward embracing one's true self, offering a glimmer of hope and guidance for those supporting queer and trans family members.The episode traverses the emotional landscape that parents navigate as their children reveal their gender identities, delving into the delicate balance of protecting and accepting, and the profound realization that unconditional love can deepen through understanding and awareness. We discuss the importance of patience, education, and dialogue in fostering a family environment where differences unite rather than divide. With shawndeez's personal narratives serving as a backdrop, the discussion highlights the healing potential of open-hearted acceptance within the family dynamic.Listen as we contemplate the societal impacts of gender fluidity, and how fostering joy within the lives of trans individuals can lead to a culture of thriving. Whether you're a parent, a friend, or simply someone seeking understanding, this episode is a beacon of hope and guidance in the quest for a more inclusive world.About our Guest:shawndeez, Ph.D. (they/them) received their doctorate in UCLA’s Department of Gender Studies. While at UCLA, they created and led courses on Trans Magic, Queer & Trans Muslim Feminisms, and QTPoC Resistances while simultaneously serving on the Trans Wellness Team, a collective of medical doctors and mental health providers working to provide gender-affirming healthcare to trans students across the UC system. shawndeez’s dissertation research explored how queer, trans, and nonbinary individuals engage with the spiritual as a form of resilience, healing, and possibility. They are now a full-time public speaker, spiritual guide, and workshop facilitator, offering spiritually-conscious spaces for queer/trans people to lean into their joys. shawndeez is currently most excited for their newest adventure – offering one-on-one support for parents and elders of trans and gender non-conforming people who seek guidance in reimagining their relationship with their child. If you are interested in learning more, please visit their website shawndeez.com.SOCIALS: ig - @drshawndeezwebsite: https://www.shawndeez.com/the specific page for parent support work: https://www.shawndeez.com/work/parentsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawndeez/email address: shawndeez@ucla.edu Connect with Heather:The Perfect Holiday Gift! Give a copy of Heather's new book, Parenting with Pride. Get Your *free*

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Do you have a child, teen, or young adult who is lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or any other beautiful sexual orientation or gender identity? Do you feel alone in your effort to support them on their journey or navigate your own? Heather Hester from Chrysalis Mama is here to transform the conversation around loving, raising, and empowering an LGBTQIA+ teenager as well as being a supportive ally to all LGBTQIA+ people. Since 2017, when her son embraced his sexual orientation as a young gay man, Heather and her family have felt every emotion, and have experienced dozens of situations ranging from heartwarming and humorous to terrifyingly life-threatening. She and her husband initially felt alone and overwhelmed, moving her to want to support others traveling a similar path. She discusses taboo topics and works to erase stigmas surrounding the coming out process and parenting an LGBTQIA+ teen. Heather's shows are both interview and solo offering a wide range of fascinating guests as well as her own episodes where she shares wisdom, stories, and strategies. Sitting in the top 1.5% of all podcasts, Just Breathe is relatable, educational, and warm. Heather's approach is based on four pillars - to Embrace, Educate, Empower, and Love - and most of all, to reinforce to all LGBTQ people, their families, and their allies that they are not alone!