We have a rising star in the studio this week: Zion Ova-Dupree -  the winner of Mr. Trans Virginia 2024, and the state representative of Virginia in the Mr. and Ms. Trans USA National Pageant! He is a Monarch, a Thriving Transman of Color, and a young man trying to forge his own path and master his own destiny. We talk with him about his life, family, familial acceptance, his aspirations, and the resilience needed to keep swimming, even if the current is against you. Catch him on stage at Norfolk Pride, Portsmouth Pride, and around the Hampton Roads performance scene. For more information, and to keep up with his work, check out his social media https://www.facebook.com/GCK17 and keep up on the local drag shows at venues like 37th and Zen  The National Mr. and Ms. Trans USA Pageant is November 7th-10th in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. For more information, check out their Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MrAndMissTransUSA/ If you’ll be in Norfolk on June 17th, we’ll be tabling at and participating in the annual Ghent Pride celebration! For more info and to get tickets, visit https://www.ghentpride.com/ If you would like to support the Calos Coalition and help us spread trans joy in the 757, please consider donating or becoming a member at www.caloscoalition.com/donate.  Help us fulfill Trans Wishes and continue to bring family focused fun to gender diverse families. Events April 25th Know Your Rights Workshop @ 757CRCApril 27th Calos DnD Club @ 757CRCMay 2nd Trans Family Dinner Hosted by MASS and Mel Howard from TTMOC,  in Norfolk, VAMay 19 Trans Family DinnerMay 23 T Shirt Making Workshop May 25 Calos DnD ClubJune 17th is the start of Ghent Pride in Norfolk, VA! Calos will be a beneficiary, and will be tabling at the event, along with a bunch of local organizations. Everyone will be there, so make sure you’re there too! Sign up for these events at https://www.caloscoalition.com/events As always, visit www.caloscoalition.com to learn, volunteer, or donate! Visit us on Patreon at www.patreon.com/TalkingTransparency and visit our linktree @ www.linktree.com/talkingtrans

Join us as we chat with Jeremy Rodden, a dedicated activist and community organizer. Jeremy, a former candidate for VA House District 90 and the Chesapeake School Board, co-founded Pride in the Peake, Chesapeake’s annual Pride event. In our conversation, we delve into local politics in Hampton Roads, exploring some of the recent history and nuances of the fight for common sense in Virginia Beach and Chesapeake public schools. Additionally, we dish on the personalities and preferences shaping local government and the school board's adoption of model policies. We also touch on what it’s like parenting despite the challenges that our local governments can sometimes insist on creating. It's a jam packed and very informational episode, and a must listen for anyone who is ready to get involved!   Check out Pride in the Peake, and https://www.facebook.com/prideinthepeake and check out the other city events at https://www.facebook.com/HRPride.  Jeremy is also a volunteer coordinator for the Food Bank of Southeastern Virginia. Check out some of the great work they do and find out how you can volunteer! If you’ll be in Norfolk on June 17th, we’ll be tabling at and participating in the annual Ghent Pride celebration! For more info and to get tickets, visit https://www.ghentpride.com/ If you would like to support the Calos Coalition and help us spread trans joy in the 757, please consider donating or becoming a member at www.caloscoalition.com/donate.  Help us fulfill Trans Wishes and continue to bring family focused fun to gender diverse families.   Events April 25th Know Your Rights WorkshopApril 27th Calos DnD ClubMay 2nd Trans Family Dinner Hosted by MASS and Mel Howard from TTMOC,  in Norfolk, VAMay 19th Trans Family Dinner May 23rd WorkshopMay 25th D&DJune 1st Portsmouth PrideJune 9th Pride in the PeakeJune 17th Ghent PrideJune 21st - 23rd Hampton Roads Pride Sign up for these events at https://www.caloscoalition.com/events As always, visit www.caloscoalition.com to learn, volunteer, or donate! Visit us on Patreon at www.patreon.com/TalkingTransparency and visit our linktree @ www.linktree.com/talkingtrans

Today we're talking transparently with Gabe Harrell, a local comedian and improv comedy actor and frequent participant in the 48-hour film festival. Today, we're diving into his story, his recent travels, and his burgeoning career in filmography. We talk about comedy, thriving, and the individual process of reconciling identity.  Plugs Check out his film team profits oF DOOM. You can watch their winning film "Fear of Discovery" at https://youtu.be/pel6RXzOBUw?si=fpuaclVKv0MSQlzb     Salem Sirene has assistant directed and associate produced with profits oF DOOM. Her and Isabel Astrum run "Nocte Covina Burlesque". Their next burlesque show is Saturday May 11th, Doors at 830pm, Showtime 9pm at the Venue on 35th in Norfolk. Check out Anna Sosa from profits oF DOOM's traveling show "Every Brilliant Thing" https://www.vastage.org/ebttour    For bookings contact Gabe at gabejames93@gmail.com, or check him out on instagram @gabrieljameswonders    For information and bookings for profits oF DOOM Theoutpostcommunication@gmail.com Writeprofitsofdoom@gmail.com    It's official: we'll be tabling at and participating in the annual Ghent Pride celebration during Pride Month in Norfolk, VA! For more info visit https://www.ghentpride.com/ Calendar April 18th Trans Family Dinner (hosted at Old Dominion University)April 25th Know Your Rights WorkshopApril 27th Calos DnD ClubMay 2nd Trans Family Dinner hosted by MASS and TTMOCMay 19 Trans Family DinnerMay 23 T Shirt Making Workshop May 25 Calos DnD ClubJune 17th Ghent Pride! Sign up for these events at https://www.caloscoalition.com/events As always, visit www.caloscoalition.com to learn, volunteer, or donate! Visit us on Patreon at www.patreon.com/TalkingTransparency and visit our linktree @ www.linktree.com/talkingtrans

On todays’ episode we are talking transparently with Amy Newsom, our friend and a staff member at the 757 Creative ReUse Center. We talk about parenthood, homeschooling, values and beliefs, and briefly discuss the so-called “Protect Kids Act” in California. With Amy joining us as a friend, you can expect the conversation to take some intriguing turns. It's official: we'll be tabling at and participating in the annual Ghent Pride celebration during Pride Month in Norfolk, VA! For more info visit https://www.ghentpride.com/ To donate to the Shelby "Lexus" Scholarship, you can email Tarena Williams at TWilliams@Southeasterntranscenter.org.   Sources https://www.huffpost.com/entry/california-anti-trans-movement_n_6601f8aae4b0269c5d2cfbf7 Calendar April 18th Trans Family Dinner (hosted at Old Dominion University)April 25th Know Your Rights WorkshopApril 27th Calos DnD ClubMay 19 Trans Family DinnerMay 23 T Shirt Making Workshop May 25 Calos DnD ClubJune 17th Ghent Pride! Sign up for these events at https://www.caloscoalition.com/events As always, visit www.caloscoalition.com to learn, volunteer, or donate! Visit us on Patreon at www.patreon.com/TalkingTransparency and visit our linktree @ www.linktree.com/talkingtrans

Today, we're talking with Heather St. Amand, a political consultant and Field Strategist for Progressive, Democratic candidates in both Virginia and Florida. We talk about the political landscape, how she got into organizing, what her experiences in Florida, and what we can do to avoid that in Virginia, or at least what steps are being taken.   If you're in the Hampton Roads Area on March 29th, come out to the Trans Day of Visibility event to honor the legacy of Shelby Lexus Walker, starting at 11 AM at the Southeastern Transgender Resource Center To donate to the Shelby "Lexus" Scholarship, you can email Tarena Williams at TWilliams@Southeasterntranscenter.org. Calendar April 21st - Trans Family Dinner April 25th - Gender Affirming Makeup Workshop April 27th - Calos D&D Club May 19 Trans Family Dinner May 23 T Shirt Making Workshop  May 25 Calos DnD Club   Sign up for these events at https://www.caloscoalition.com/events As always, visit www.caloscoalition.com to learn, volunteer, or donate! Visit us on Patreon at www.patreon.com/TalkingTransparency and visit our linktree @ www.linktree.com/talkingtrans

Today, we're having an open and candid conversation with De Sube and Tracey Swinarsky, long-time trans activists in Hampton Roads and the founders of the Transgender Assistance Program of VA. We'll be discussing activism, the inception of TAP VA, the significance of Trans Day of Visibility, cross-cultural organizing, the plot to destroy public education, the history and importance of the trans family and community, and much more! If you're in the Hampton Roads Area on March 29th, come out to the Trans Day of Visibility event to honor the legacy of Shelby Lexus Walker, starting at 11 AM at the Southeastern Transgender Resource Center To donate to the Shelby "Lexus" Scholarship, you can email Tarena Williams at TWilliams@Southeasterntranscenter.org. Calendar March 17th - Trans Family Dinner March 23rd - Calos D&D Club March 28th - Financial Literacy Workshop April 21st - Trans Family Dinner April 25th - Gender Affirming Workshop April 27th - Calos D&D Club Sign up for these events at https://www.caloscoalition.com/events As always, visit www.caloscoalition.com to learn, volunteer, or donate! Visit us on Patreon at www.patreon.com/TalkingTransparency and visit our linktree @ www.linktree.com/talkingtrans

Today we're talking transparently with Miss Victoria about her journey, faith, and family, and then we share some updates on the situation in Oklahoma surrounding the murder of Nex Benedict, some details from our trip to the General Assembly with our trans sibs and Equality VA, and we discuss the Supreme Court agreeing to hear Trump’s immunity claim. Will our next President be the “for life” kind?  Sources https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-trump-immunity-election-interference-trial-ff4b251967b4f1ae85bd01a0db24931f https://www.reuters.com/legal/us-supreme-court-decide-trump-criminal-immunity-claim-2020-election-case-2024-02-28 Calendar Come join the Community for the Trans Day of Visibility Celebration on March 29th starting at 11am at the Southeastern Transgender Resource Center.  March 17th - Trans Family Dinner March 23rd - Calos D&D Club March 28th - Financial Literacy Workshop  April 21st - Trans Family Dinner April 25th - Gender Affirming Workshop April 27th - Calos D&D Club Sign up for these events at https://www.caloscoalition.com/events As always, visit www.caloscoalition.com to learn, volunteer, or donate! Visit us on Patreon at www.patreon.com/TalkingTransparency and visit our linktree @ www.linktree.com/talkingtrans

Today we're talking transparently with Melissa Lukeson about Virginia Beach School Board Member Mike Callan visit to our Trans Family Dinner in a conversation you will not want to miss!. After that lighter conversation, we discuss the tragic and senseless murder of Nex Benedict in Oklahoma, and discuss the legislation and events surrounding the murder, our feelings, and how we think the community can heal after suffering such a loss.  Sources https://www.hrc.org/news/honoring-nex-benedict-16-year-old-non-binary-high-school-student-who-tragically-died-after-school-beating   https://newrepublic.com/post/179161/oklahoma-nonbinary-teen-nex-benedict-dead Calendar March 17th - Trans Family Dinner March 23rd - Calos D&D Club March 28th - Financial Literacy Workshop  Sign up for these events at https://www.caloscoalition.com/events To sign up for the February 26th Equality Virginia Lobby Day, visit https://secure.everyaction.com/T1cXjyVFl0-_qUBGGO-T6g2 As always, visit www.caloscoalition.com to learn, volunteer, or donate! Visit us on Patreon at www.patreon.com/TalkingTransparency and visit our linktree @ www.linktree.com/talkingtrans

Today we're talking transparently with Cody Conner about his conversation with Virginia Beach School Board Member Mike Callan. There are no sources for this episode because the deets were so juicy we didn't have time to get to an article! You're going to want to hear this one 😉 Calendar February 18th Trans Family Dinner February 22nd Love yourself Card Making Workshop February 24th D and D March 17 Trans Family Dinner Sign up for these events at https://www.caloscoalition.com/events To sign up for the February 26th Equality Virginia Lobby Day, visit https://secure.everyaction.com/T1cXjyVFl0-_qUBGGO-T6g2 As always, visit www.caloscoalition.com to learn, volunteer, or donate!

*UPDATED AUDIO* Sorry for the delay in sharing the long-awaited interview with Dexter Davis. Despite the audio quality issues*, the conversation itself is truly compelling. I encourage you to give it a listen and appreciate the insightful discussion we had. We've fixed the audio issues for the next episode, and will be having Dexter on again in the future.  Links If you're looking for a promotional speaker or other representation based work, find  Dexter Davis at his socials https://www.facebook.com/dextergatekeeperdavis https://www.instagram.com/themenintransition/ https://www.themenintransition.org/ https://www.instagram.com/spectrum_nsu/ and stay tuned for his podcast! Calendar February 18th Trans Family Dinner February 22nd Love yourself Card Making Workshop   February 24th D and D  March 17 Trans Family Dinner Sign up for these events at https://www.caloscoalition.com/events To sign up for the February 26th Equality Virginia Lobby Day, visit https://secure.everyaction.com/T1cXjyVFl0-_qUBGGO-T6g2   As always, visit www.caloscoalition.com to learn, volunteer, or donate!

Today, Melissa and Thea sit down with Sabrina Scarlet, an accounting student and musician to talk about music, flags, and family!   Donate to our Trans Wish List Fundraiser by following this link   SKS will be playing February 3rd @The Purple Buffalo in North Charleston, SC Check out SKS on Instagram @sksmusic_official Check out SKS on Soundcloud, Bandcamp, and Spotify   On The Calendar: January 25th - Resume Success Workshop (at the Creative ReUse Center) January 27th - DnD Club, and every 4th Saturday (also at the Creative ReUse Center) February’s Trans Family Dinner will be on February 18th To RSVP for any of these, please visit www.caloscoalition.com/events new song, out now!!   Sources: An article on HB 901 from The Advocate “Don’t Display Gay” https://www.advocate.com/politics/florida-dont-display-gay

Today, Cody and Ty sit down with Gray Lyden, the President of the ODU Sexuality and Gender Alliance, the only queer organization on the campus of Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA. We discuss their student led initiatives, school life, queer activism, stereotypical gender roles, if the kids are still "Rocking the Vote", and what it means to be authentically yourself.  If you're a student on campus, check out Blacksphere's R&B Hip Hop Night, February 2nd from 5pm-9pm, and the Black Love Movie Night February 13th 5pm-9pm Also for students, the Aro/Ace Valentines Craft Night is on February 14th 5pm-7pm   Check out ODU SAGA and Blacksphere https://www.instagram.com/odu_saga/   https://www.instagram.com/odu_blacksphere/   Visit our website at www.caloscoalition.com/talkingtransparency and consider supporting us on Patreon or supporting the Coalition at www.caloscoalition.com/donate.

Today, Melissa, Cody, and Thea sit down with Jessica Gurley to discuss parenting, politics, and her work providing a safe space for parents, grandparents, guardians and allies to learn about what their gender-diverse child is experiencing and the best ways to support them.    Visit https://www.757transfamily.com/ to learn more about her work.   Sources https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/dave-chappelle-kicks-off-netflix-203006264.html https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/politics/2023/12/28/dewine-to-decide-on-transgender-medical-care-sports-bill/71917534007/ Visit our website at www.caloscoalition.com/talkingtransparency and consider supporting us on Patreon or supporting the Coalition at www.caloscoalition.com/donate.

Today Melissa, Cody, and Thea sit down with Mel Howard and Amore Harrell from Thriving Transmen of Color to talk about how they met, the wonderful work they are doing, and how you can get involved! Thriving Transmen of Color is an organization with international reach founded and operating here in the 757.    Shout out to Daroneshia Duncan-Boyd with Transgender Advocate Knowledgeable and Empowering (TAKE) and the Owning Our Power: Monica Roberts Freedom Black Trans Leadership Cohort. Thrive Marathon Sundays at 7pm. Join the conversation and express yourself in a safe space for BIPOC transmen.   Thriving Transmen of Color https://www.thrivingtransmenofcolor.org/   Tik Tok and Facebook @officialttmoc Facebook and Instagram @thrivingtransmenofcolor   Get your unisex cross-body “Protect Trans Kids” bag by emailing thrivingtransmenofcolor@gmail.com and support Trans Youth!!!   If you’re in the Hampton Roads area   The TTMOC is starting their “Thriving to Be a Better Version of You” Youth Program in February for youth ages 12-16 who identify as LGBTQIA+. The group meets in person and has support services for parents through 757transfamily. Check out the TTMOC socials for more information.   Also, consider joining us at our Trans Family Dinner on Sunday, January 21st, or come out to the TTMOC “What does it mean to be you” seminar on February 21st 6:30-8:30 at Minority Aids Support Services, 1401 Tidewater dr. Unit 10 Norfolk, VA 23504   Sources   https://wftv.com/news/local/federal-government-takes-aim-trans-medical-coverage-ban/746UX55GAVGXNDV2C73RTKXTJM/   https://ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/politics/2023/12/12/florida-fines-high-school-transgender-student-volleyball   https://www.virginiamercury.com/2023/12/14/va-supreme-court-backs-fired-teacher-who-refused-to-use-transgender-students-pronouns/ Visit our website at www.caloscoalition.com/talkingtransparency and consider supporting us on Patreon or supporting the Coalition at www.caloscoalition.com/donate.

This week, we're bringing you a special minisode of Talking Transparency. Due to holiday scheduling conflicts, our regular hosts couldn't join us, so Thea and Ty are stepping in with a brief update and a roundup of noteworthy news articles. In the spirit of the season, we want to wish everybody a happy holidays, and remember: Trans joy triumphs over hate every time. And gay is slay. Don’t be a rat. Sources  Florida Bill Will Prohibit Flying Pride Flags https://www.wptv.com/news/state/florida-bill-would-prohibit-flying-flags-tied-to-sexuality-gender-orientation Gay is Slay, Don't be a Rat https://www.them.us/story/seattle-middle-school-students-anti-lgbtq-moms-for-liberty-to-stop-bullying

On this continuation of the last episode, Melissa, Cody, and Thea start by talking about MTG’s blow up over Jasmine Crockett’s comments at “The importance of protecting female athletics and Title IX” hearing, and go on to discuss the new film Lady Ballers, and an article from the Washington Examiner about Florida’s horrible laws and practices leading directly to the outing of a trans child. We also finally settle the issue of whether sex is, in fact, great.   Sources   https://www.pride.com/gay-movies/lady-ballers-daily-wire   https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2023/12/marjorie-taylor-greene-rages-at-dem-congresswoman-for-calling-out-hate-group-at-anti-trans-hearing/   https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/florida-mother-accuses-district-of-outing-transgender-child-during-sports-probe Links Visit us at https://www.caloscoalition.com/talkingtransparency   Please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/TalkingTransparency Check us out on all the socials by checking out our linktree at linktr.ee/talkingtrans

Now with improved Audio! Hosted By Cody Conner, Melissa Lukeson and Thea Ross. Brought to you by the Calos Coalition, a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit - Donate and support Trans Joy @ www.caloscoalition.com Like, Follow and Subscribe @talkingtransparency Across Socials or visit: https://www.patreon.com/TalkingTransparency linktr.ee/talkingtrans --- Today's Episode - Talking Transparently w/ Thea Ross --- Melissa and Cody sit down with Thea Ross to discuss the Calos Coalition and the local community events for Trans people in the Hampton Roads area. Next week, we'll be releasing Part Two where the trio will be discussing the news and get to the root of the problem with incels.    Intro and Outro Music by SKS (https://soundcloud.com/sksdj)

Hosted By Cody Conner and Melissa Lukeson. Brought to you by the Calos Coalition, a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit - Donate and support Trans Joy @ www.caloscoalition.com Like, Follow and Subscribe @talkingtransparency Across Socials or visit: https://www.patreon.com/TalkingTransparency linktr.ee/talkingtrans --- Today's Episode - Talking Transparently w/ Kim & Mick --- Melissa and Cody sit down with Kim and her son Mick about their experiences with the implementation of Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin’s model policies for transgender students, which were recently adopted by Virginia Beach City Public Schools. Kim shares her experiences as the parent of a transgender teenager, and Mic shares what it is like in VBCPS with his peers, as transgender rights become the headline of the right wing parental rights movement. Governor Youngkin’s model policies are a reversal of former governor Northam’s previous model policies, which honored trans student’s dignity and respect by allowing them to use pronouns and name of choice without parental involvement or permission. Conversely, Governor Youngkin’s newer policy directs students to use school facilities that match biological sex, and require parental notification and approval if a student wants to use a different name and/or pronoun. To understand how ridiculous this policy is, you should know that schools are not required to notify a parent if a student is pregnant, but they are required to notify the parent if a child wants to use they/them pronouns? Hmmm…   Sources:   The Virginia Beach School Board Model Policies https://www.pilotonline.com/2023/10/11/virginia-beach-school-board-adopts-version-of-gov-youngkins-transgender-model-policies/   Florida students stage walkout after reassignment of staff who allowed trans athlete to compete https://thehill.com/homenews/lgbtq/4333338-florida-school-walkout-trans-athlete/   A Daily Wire article on the justified outrage against the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade https://www.dailywire.com/news/non-binary-and-transgender-extravaganza-tens-of-thousand-boycotting-macys-thanksgiving-day-parade-department-store   Op Ed: Parental Rights being “Chipped Away” in California https://www.newsmax.com/michaeldorstewitz/california-newsom-parents/2023/11/03/id/1140888/   Intro and Outro Music by SKS (https://soundcloud.com/sksdj) (This is our first experiment recording a podcast so please excuse the rough audio!)