In this episode of the Parent Advocate, Lizette and Stephen interview Emmy and Peabody Award-winning journalist and visionary founder of TransLash Media, Imara Jones. We talk about growing up Black and bougee in Atlanta, working in the Clinton Administration, and traveling the globe as a journalist, storyteller and activist. In Today’s Topics, we d…

In this heartwarming and inspiring episode, Stephen and Lizette welcome a truly special trio — Michelle, Andy, and 10-year-old Violet DuMont — to the Parent Advocate Podcast! The conversation dives deep into what it means to parent with unconditional support, how schools are navigating attacks on LGBTQ+ rights, and how Violet’s bright spirit shines…

In this special episode of the Parent Advocate, recurring guest host, Anthony Chukumba helps us celebrate a few LGBTQ+ athletes serving as possibility models for trans and nonbinary youth, including Greg Louganis, Megan Rapinoe, Chris Mosier, Daniela Ryf, Schuyler Bailar, Lia Thomas, and Brittney Griner.…

In this episode of the Parent Advocate, Lizette and Stephen speak with father and son duo, Eric and Doug about origin stories, supporting trans children, and following our children’s lead. In Today’s Topics, we cover SCOTUS taking up a challenge to conversion therapy bans, the Texas attempts to criminalize gender affirming healthcare, federal offic…

Buckle up for an eye-opening episode of the Parent Advocate as Stephen and Lizette welcome clinical psychologist and interfaith minister Dr. MaryBeth Napier. In this powerful interview, Dr. Napier shares her 25-year journey providing gender-affirming care and the challenges she's faced navigating the ever-changing political landscape. Today's Topic…

In this episode of the Parent Advocate podcast, Lizette and Stephen speak with transgender and gay activist Landon Richie of the Transgender Education Network of Texas and talk about his passion for advocacy, the HERO campaign, finding joy in difficult times, and what hope looks like. In today's topics we cover Trump's EOs, backlash against Target …

In this episode of the Parent Advocate, Lizette and Stephen are joined by the unofficial executive producer, third co-host and Stephen's younger brother, Anthony Chukumba, and talk about nine LGBTQ+ books including Page Boy, by Elliot Page, Hijab Butch Blues by Lamya H, The Bold World by Jodie Patterson, American Teenager by Nico Lang, No Ashes in …

In this season's final episode of the Parent Advocate podcast, Stephen Chukumba, Lizette Trujillo (and a special surprise guest) recap this year's most memorable Allies, like Sarah McBride, Will Ferrell and Vivian Wilson, and forgettable Assholes, including the Trump campaign, the Heritage Foundation, and Elon Musk.…

In this episode of the Parent Advocate, Lizette and Stephen speak with Garden State Equality Department of Training and Trans Resiliency trans activist, Aisling MacDonald, and talk surviving addiction, assault, and mental health struggles, mutual aid, and navigating systems of support. In today's topics, we cover Nancy Mace's campaign against Sarah…

In this Transgender Awareness Week episode of the Parent Advocate, Lizette and Stephen interview Sundance Official Selection star and trans activist, Daniel Trujillo, and talk Trans Prom, being featured in a short, advocating at the state capitol and favorite bands. IN today's topics, we talk Trump's batshit crazy cabinet picks, the resistance by D…

In this post 2024 election episode of the Parent Advocate, Lizette and Stephen are joined by Boston clinical therapist Rachel Hulstein-Lowe, and unpack the election results, what it means for the mental health of trans and gender expansive children, and the importance of hope and finding joy in difficult circumstances. In today's topics we talk abo…

On this special 2024 Election Edition of the Parent Advocate, Stephen and the unofficial third co-host, Anthony, chop it up and rant about Tuesday's election results, their fears for another Trump terms, what the election says about America, and their commitment to keep fighting.By Stephen Chukumba

In this episode of the Parent Advocate, Lizette and Stephen are joined by actor, author and activist, James Rose, and talk Hedwig and the Angry Inch, being targeted by Trump and Desantis in anti-trans ads, and their debut memoir, sorry i keep crying during sex due out next year. In today's topics, we cover trans wrestler Mack Beggs lawsuit against …

In this episode of the Parent Advocate, Lizette and Stephen continue in the "work" theme, interviewing fellow parent of trans kids, Heather Postelwait, and discuss raising two trans kids in conservative Arizona, life as a former Mormon seeking spirituality, teaching middle graders, book reviews and reading clubs. In today's topics, we talk a new CD…

In this episode of the Parent Advocate, Lizette and Stephen are joined by Jose Trujillo and discuss Lizette's recent experience in her friend group and how sometimes you need to cut a transphobic b*tch off! We also get into the sometimes complicated relationships we've had with family and friends, and discuss the advice we've given parents at odds …

In this episode of the Parent Advocate podcast, Lizette & Stephen interview Kym and Mike Hoffman, parents of a trans daughter and facilitators of TRANSpirational family support group, and talk raising a trans child, creating spaces for kids to see themselves reflected, and the importance of affirming our children. In today's topics, we talk Project…

In this episode of the Parent Advocate, Lizette & Stephen interview Hazel & Christoph Heinzer, parents of two nonbinary kids in Tuscon, AZ, and talk about the Gender Liberation March, leaning into their advocacy, and learning from their kids. In Today's Topics, we discuss the NH school board which allowed a trans girl to play soccer defying state l…

In this Epic Rant: Sade Edition of the Parent Advocate, Lizette and Stephen chop it up about the beating of a trans teen Jayden Tzaczyk in Dogtown, Sade's new track and ode to her son Izaak Theo, Young Lion on the forthcoming Red Hot album, Donald Trump's unconvincing attempt to distance himself from Project 2025, and the upcoming Gender Liberation…

In this episode of the Parent Advocate, Lizette and Stephen chat with Indivisible Chicago's Laura Tanner and talk Hillary Clinton's loss to Donald Trump, text banking for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, learning about transphobic colleagues, and finding joy. In today's topics, we cover Donald Trump's weird belief that trans kids are getting operations …

In this Epic Rant: DNC Edition of the Parent Advocate Podcast, Lizette and Stephen talk about Stephen’s experience at the 2024 Democratic National Convention, the historic moments and missed opportunities for trans representation. Lizette celebrates a major legal victory in Arizona for transgender youth, while also addressing disheartening news fro…

In this episode of the Parent Advocate podcast, Lizette & Stephen interview, Harvard, Yale and Stanford educated author of Free to Be: Understanding Kids & Gender Identity, Dr. Jack Turban and get into the myth of rapid onset dysphoria, sports bans and supporting parents and families in transition. In today's topics, we discuss the French lawsuit a…

In this episode of the Parent Advocate, Lizette & Stephen interview trans youth activist, Mya Figueroa (and her parents) talk cheerleading, starting high school and convincing Arizona State Senators to abandon their misguided anti-trans bills. In today's topics, we cover the Planned Parenthood lawsuit, Washington State Senator Emily Randall, Valent…

In this episode of the Parent Advocate Podcast, "A Family Affair," Lizette and Stephen chat up DOJ attorney Sonia Murphy, and talk about advocacy, the Gender Cool Project, and parenting a trans youth. In today’s topics, we highlight a significant ruling on the Biden administration's Title IX sex discrimination rule, a federal court's support of an …

In this episode of the Parent Advocate, Lizette & Stephen interview queer nonbinary historian & author, Lydia Otero, and they spill tea on growing up queer in the Southwest, coming of age queer in LA, and run-ins with Madonna. In today's topics we talk Alpa Phi Alpha's proposed ban on trans men becoming brothers, a slap down for Moms for Liberty, t…

In this episode of the Parent Advocate, Lizette and Stephen switch places with self-appointed executive producer and third co-host, Anthony Chukumba, who grills them on what brought them to advocacy, their proudest moments, best (and worst) guest, and tips for parents of TGNC youth.By Stephen Chukumba

In this episode of the Parent Advocate, Lizette and Stephen interview queer Star Tribune reporter Nicole Norfleet, and talk Pride, disinformation, objectivity in journalism and Project 2025. In today's topics, we cover the Missouri AG trying to get medical records of trans kids, the White House's clarification on surgery for trans minors, a federal…

In this episode of the Parent Advocate, Lizette and Stephen kinda go off on SCOTUS, Trump, MAGA Republicans, the Heritage Foundation and the steady decline in the country caused by sycophants in elected office.By Stephen Chukumba

In this episode of the Parent Advocate, Lizette and Stephen are joined by queer food artist activist Feng Feng Yeh, talk assimilation, the history of Mexican & Chinese solidarity, and the importance of preserving cultural traditions. In today's topics, we discuss the Supreme Court's taking up a transgender rights case, a new survey revealing that L…

In this episode of the Parent Advocate, Lizette and Stephen interview nonbinary researcher Em Matsuno of the Arizona State University and talk parent support programs, supporting trans youth, understanding what it means to be nonbinary, and a Night of Trans & Nonbinary Joy. In Today's Topics, we discuss the win for abortion rights at the Supreme Co…

In this episode of the Parent Advocate podcast "B6. We Throw Hands!" Lizette & Stephen interview nonbinary Director of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access for housing at the University of Arizona, John-Peter Wilhite. Join them as they talk the lessons he learned working with ACT UP!, the AIDS epidemic and survivor's guilt, the importance of suppo…

Join Lizette and Stephen as they interview trans artist Dante Celeiro and get into the NYC underground ballroom scene, discovering his people on Christopher Street, building a LGBTQ+ performance art space, and finding time to breathe. In Today's Topics, we discuss the deadly sin of Pride per Harrison Butker, the 18 Republican-led states suing the B…

In this episode of the Parent Advocate podcast, Lizette and Stephen interview Rutgers University Associate Dean, Marta Esquilin and we get into racial microaggressions, parenting twins, raising trans masculine children, and the attack on DEI in education. In today's topics, we get into South Carolina’s ban on GAC for TGNC youth, the class action la…

In this episode of the Parent Advocate podcast, Lizette and Stephen speak with fellow parent and children's book publisher nadeen "mothasistah" herring. Join us as we spill the tea on her company blaq noyz, finding common ground for conversation, listening to our trans children and the value of hugs. In today's topics, we get into the United Method…

In this episode of the Parent Advocate, Lizette and Stephen chop it up with Erin Russ of Southern Arizona Senior Pride, and talk Boy Scouts, coming out to their father, fears of being ostracized and finding purpose. In today's topics, we discuss the SCOTUS decision in Idaho, Moms for Liberty saying Americans have a lot in common with Trump, and Ten…

In this special episode of the Parent Advocate podcast, Lizette and Stephen discuss the killing of Diamond Brigman, and the arrest of the killer of Aisha Davis, the lawsuits brought by Stephen Miller's America First Legal, Scientific American's article on the shrinking safe places for trans people and their families, and the reasons we are both vis…

In this episode of the Parent Advocate, join Lizette & Stephen as they talk with scholar activist Stephanie Troutman-Robbins about attacks on reproductive rights, gender and sexuality, finding white allies in the mountains, and re-Imagining the invisible knapsack in higher education. In our today's topics, we talk about the NCAA lawsuit challenging…

In this episodes Lizette and Stephen talk going from education to comedy, cycles of gender expression, wellness and movement with nonbinary educator, movement specialist, doctoral candidate and comedian, Em Bowen. In today's topics, we cover Ohio's thousands of comments to Governor DeWine, a North Dakota judge's ruling that Christian groups don't h…

In this episode of the Parent Advocate podcast, join hosts Lizette Trujillo and Stephen Chukumba as they interview Emeritus member of the Parents for Transgender Equality Council, adjunct professor of Gender and Sexuality Studies andEthnic Studies, Dr. Priya J. Shah. We get down to the history of bathroom and swimming pool bans, successful examples…

In this episode of the Parent Advocate, Lizette Trujillo and Stephen Chukumba are joined by Tamilia Valenzuela, a bilingual, disabled, neurodivergent Queer Black Latina' and at-large member of the Washington Elementary School District, and talk cat ears, being doxxed, and her dream for educational opportunities for all kids. In today's topics, we d…

In this episode of the Parent Advocate, join hosts Lizette Trujillo and Stephen Chukumba as they interview nonbinary author Joelle Retener about their upcoming book, Marley's Pride. We find out how she went from diplomatic service with the State Department to homeschooling nonbinary kids in the woods to writing books. In today's topics, we dig into…

In this episode of the Parent Advocate, Lizette Trujillo and Stephen Chukumba interview nonbinary journalist, author and advocate, Nico Lang as they prepare for the release of their upcoming book, American Teenager. We dive into their recent piece on Dave Chappelle and their problematic comedy, writing about the nuanced lives of trans youth, and wh…

In our Transplaining episode Lizette Trujillo and Stephen Chukumba interview Dr AC Goldberg a world renowned intersex/transgender DEIB consultant, Professor and Speech/Language Pathologist, and talk about helping trans youth literally find their voices, standing up to the system, and grappling with institutional bias and discrimination. In Today's …

In episode 2 of season 2, Lizette Trujillo and Stephen Chukumba interview Emmy award winning producer, Nicole Bozorgmir, and talk about becoming a parent, raising trans kids in America, and the importance of joyful defiance in the face of adversity. In Today's Topics, we cover Texas' appeal to the United Nations, the myth of trans regret, and the i…

In our season two opener, join Lizette Trujillo and Stephen Chukumba as we ring in the new year with the newly appointed CEO of the National Black Justice Coalition, Dr. David Johns, and talk Black liberation, letting the babies talk, and taking up space. What would a show be without Allies & Assholes? This week we highlight our ally Arienne Childr…

In the final episode of the Parent Advocate podcast, Stephen Chukumba, Lizette Trujillo (and a special surprise guest) recap this year's most memorable Allies and forgettable Assholes, including Luchina Fisher, POTUS & FLOTUS, Dwyane Wade, Machaela Cavanaugh and the organizers of Trans Prom.By Stephen Chukumba

In episode 31 of the Parent Advocate, join Stephen Chukumba and Lizette Trujillo as we get into LGBTQ muslims calling for a ceasefire at Stonewall, SCOTUS declining to take an appeal banning conversion therapy, a Florida lawsuit over pronouns, and Ohio's gender-affirming care and sports bans headed to the desk of Governor DeWine. Lizette and Stephe…

In episode 30 of the Parent Advocate, join hosts Stephen Chukumba and Lizette Trujillo as they interview the first mother of trans kids, I Am Jazz's own Jeanette Jennings, as we talk about being the parent of the most visible trans kid in America, landing an interview with Barbara Walters and eight seasons on TLC. Listen to today's topics as we dis…

In episode 29 of the Parent Advocate, co-hosts Stephen Chukumba and Lizette Trujillo interview activist and fellow PTEC parent, Debi Jackson. Join us as we talk trolls and being inspired by hate mail, the Problem with Jon Stewart, TransHood, effective comm strategies and fighting for trans equality despite the shenanigans of SCOTUS. In Today's Topi…

In this episode join hosts Stephen Chukumba and Lizette Trujillo as they interview Melanie Willingham Jaggers, the first Black nonbinary Executive Director of GLSEN, and talk about being named to the Out 100 list, making whole children, and creating safe learning environments for kids. We also dig into Raquel Willis's memoir, The Risk It Takes Bloo…

In a very special Episode 27 of the Parent Advocate podcast, we celebrate the Netflix release of the documentary short The Dads, with 'uncle' Anthony Chukumba returning as our guest host to interview two of the film's stars, podcast host Stephen Chukumba and co-host Lizette Trujillo’s husband Jose. Join us as we learn more about their backgrounds, …