A Queer Understanding

What happens when a pastor discovers the Bible doesn't actually condemn homosexuality? For Romel Parks-Weekly, this theological revelation changed everything. After founding a traditional church in 2002 while deeply suppressing his own sexuality, Romel's decision to write a book on homosexuality led him down a path of biblical study he hadn't expected. This episode follows Romel's remarkable journey from a young boy who always knew he was different to a conflicted minister who married a woman despite knowing he was gay to the founder of The Sanctuary Church—a truly affirming space where all are welcome. Contact the hosts of A Queer Understanding https://www.aqueerunderstanding.com/ Like, subscribe, & follow @aqueerunderstanding@aqueerunderstanding@QueerUnderstand

When Dr. Lane Igoudin and his husband Jonathan decided to become parents in early 2000s California, they stepped into a world of uncertainty and prejudice that would challenge them to their core. Dr. Igoudin's memoir, A Family, Maybe: Two Dads, Two Babies, and the Court Cases That Brought Us Together, chronicles how this interracial gay couple navigated the labyrinthine foster care system during pre-equality times, fighting to create a family against daunting odds. https://laneigoudin.com/ #lgbtq #lgbtqia #gay #gayadoption Contact the hosts of A Queer Understanding https://www.aqueerunderstanding.com/ Like, subscribe, & follow @aqueerunderstanding@aqueerunderstanding@QueerUnderstand

Andrea Leigh's remarkable journey from pharmacology to fashion defies easy categorization, making her story one that resonates far beyond the transgender community. In this candid conversation, Andrea reveals how after checking all society's boxes for success—a 24-year career at Pfizer, marriage, amateur athletic achievements, even ranch ownership—she still felt fundamentally unfulfilled, leading to a gender transition that transformed her perspective on authenticity and self-acceptance. The title of her bestselling memoir, "Do You Still Like Football?", comes from her father's first question after she announced her transition plans—a moment that assured both of them that while external packaging might change, her core identity remained intact. Andrea's unique perspective as someone who doesn't fit neatly into expected categories makes her voice particularly valuable in today's polarized conversations about gender, identity, and personal transformation. Contact the hosts of A Queer Understanding https://www.aqueerunderstanding.com/ Like, subscribe, & follow @aqueerunderstanding@aqueerunderstanding@QueerUnderstand

What does true inclusivity look like in today's music classrooms? Bryson Tarbet takes us behind the scenes of his remarkable journey from rural Ohio music teacher to worldwide instructional coach, revealing the profound challenges and unexpected joys of creating spaces where every student belongs. Drawing from his personal experiences as a neurodivergent educator and his professional expertise in music education, Bryson shares candid insights about navigating conservative school environments while staying true to his authentic self. His stories highlight both the progress made and the significant work still needed to ensure classrooms welcome students of all neurological differences and identities. https://www.thatmusicteacher.com/ hello@thatmusicteacher.com https://www.facebook.com/ThatMusicTeacherBlog/ Contact the hosts of A Queer Understanding https://www.aqueerunderstanding.com/ Like, subscribe, & follow @aqueerunderstanding@aqueerunderstanding@QueerUnderstand

Estate planning isn't just for the wealthy—it's essential for anyone who wants to protect their home, assets, and family from probate costs and legal complications after death. And the LGBTQ+ community faces unique challenges that proper estate planning addresses. Oscar Vasquez shares practical insights on how living trusts and other legal documents can save your loved ones time, money, and stress. Visit EstateDocPrep.com and use code QUEER to receive $1,000 off lifetime estate planning services. The first 10 listeners who use this code will receive the discount. Contact the hosts of A Queer Understanding https://www.aqueerunderstanding.com/ Like, subscribe, & follow @aqueerunderstanding@aqueerunderstanding@QueerUnderstand

Discovering your authentic self can be a lifelong journey – one that becomes even more challenging when you lack the language to describe who you are. For author Arden Coutts, growing up in rural Nebraska meant navigating feelings of difference without understanding their source, eventually finding expression through poetry and later through crafting queer romantic suspense novels. Arden takes us through their evolution from writing sad poems as a child to publishing a trilogy of action-packed queer romances that they lovingly describe as "80s action movies, but gay." Their series – Fall Into Midnight, Fall Into Me, and We All Fall – follows different couples across the gender and sexuality spectrum as they battle both internal demons and an external mafia threat. The conversation delves into Arden's journey of self-discovery – from identifying as bisexual in high school to embracing their identity as transmasc non-binary in adulthood. They share candid insights about family reactions, the challenges of finding community, and their experiences navigating relationships as someone whose gender presentation often confuses potential partners. Ready to dive into Arden's world of queer romantic suspense? Find their books at ardencoutts.com or on Amazon, and join a community that celebrates authentic representation across the spectrum of gender and sexuality. Contact the hosts of A Queer Understanding https://www.aqueerunderstanding.com/ Like, subscribe, & follow @aqueerunderstanding@aqueerunderstanding@QueerUnderstand

Have you ever wondered how high-achieving professionals and members of the LGBTQ+ community navigate the complexities of therapy? Join us for a compelling conversation with Laurel Roberts-Meese, LMFT, a dedicated therapist and founder of the Laurel Therapy Collective, as she shares insights from her journey. From her early days in San Francisco to establishing a thriving practice in West Los Angeles, Laurel dives into her evolution as a therapist, her passion for EMDR therapy, and her commitment to holistic and narrative approaches that resonate deeply with diverse clients. Through her expertise, you'll learn about the transformative power of therapy tailored to the unique needs of the LGBTQ+ community. https://www.laureltherapy.net/ https://www.instagram.com/laureltherapycollective/ https://www.facebook.com/laureltherapycollective Contact the hosts of A Queer Understanding https://www.aqueerunderstanding.com/ Like, subscribe, & follow @aqueerunderstanding@aqueerunderstanding@QueerUnderstand

What if history was more colorful than you've ever imagined? Join us on A Queer Understanding as we sit down with Neil Laird, an accomplished documentary filmmaker and TV producer. Neil's journey is as fascinating as the stories he tells. Discover how his passion for cinema and history have converged into a mission to correct the misrepresentations of same-sex love in media through his creative ventures, including his comedic novels and engaging TikTok content. https://bit.ly/PrimeTimePompeii https://bit.ly/PrimeTimeTravelers https://imdb.to/3YV5fok https://bit.ly/NeilLairdTikTok https://www.instagram.com/gay_history/ Contact the hosts of A Queer Understanding https://www.aqueerunderstanding.com/ Like, subscribe, & follow @aqueerunderstanding@aqueerunderstanding@QueerUnderstand

Dr. Amy Herrick's story is a remarkable testament to the power of vulnerability and self-discovery. Professionally spanning genetics, chemistry, software engineering, and management, Amy's journey is a rich tapestry of personal growth and transformation. Throughout this discussion, we unravel the complexities of identity and gender, examining how they begin at birth and evolve under the influence of both inherent traits and societal norms. Amy shares insights that push against traditional definitions of femininity and masculinity, using historical and cultural examples to highlight the fluidity of these concepts. Her reflections offer a fresh perspective, shedding light on how gender and identity have been understood historically and how these understandings continue to evolve today. https://www.amethysta.io/ https://genderidentitytoday.com/ https://genderidentitytoday.com/podcast/ https://www.instagram.com/amethystaherrick/ https://www.facebook.com/amethystadings https://www.tiktok.com/@amethystaherrick Contact the hosts of A Queer Understanding https://www.aqueerunderstanding.com/ Like, subscribe, & follow @aqueerunderstanding@aqueerunderstanding@QueerUnderstand

What if the darkest times of your life could become your greatest strengths? Dr. Joshua Caraballo, an I-O psychologist, joins us to share his extraordinary journey of resilience and transformation. Through his memoir, "I'm Not Dead . . . Yet: How I Turned My Misfortunes Into Strengths," Joshua offers an unfiltered look at overcoming mental health battles, addiction, and cancer while embracing his queer identity. His story serves as a beacon of hope, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community, as he reveals strategies for self-acceptance and the dismantling of harmful societal narratives. https://www.drjosh.solutions/ https://www.facebook.com/DrJoshSolutions https://www.instagram.com/dr_josh_solutions/ Contact the hosts of A Queer Understanding https://www.aqueerunderstanding.com/ Like, subscribe, & follow @aqueerunderstanding@aqueerunderstanding@QueerUnderstand

What happens when your personal identity clashes with the beliefs you were raised with? Join us as Kyliegh Weathers, a former Mormon and now a Certified Attachment Coach, shares her extraordinary journey of self-acceptance and growth. Growing up as a lesbian in a conservative religious environment, Kyleigh opens up about the challenges she faced and how these experiences shaped her mission to foster healthier relationships through her coaching business, Queerly Attached. This episode is a heartfelt exploration into the world of attachment styles, especially within the LGBTQ+ community, where societal pressures and religious trauma often complicate relationship dynamics. Kyleigh also produces the podcast Exmo Lesbo KC Homo. https://queerlyattached.net/ https://queerlyattached.net/podcast/ https://www.instagram.com/queerlyattached/ https://www.tiktok.com/@queerlyattached Contact the hosts of A Queer Understanding https://www.aqueerunderstanding.com/ Like, subscribe, & follow @aqueerunderstanding@aqueerunderstanding@QueerUnderstand

Heather Gibbons shares her transformative journey from the corporate world to founding INMO Creative, a marketing agency driven by a passion for social impact. Influenced by Simon Sinek's "Find Your Why," she unpacks how experiences across various industries have fueled her commitment to making a positive impact. Her story underscores the power of meaningful work inspired by personal loss and health challenges, setting a compelling example for those seeking purpose-driven careers. Heather shares candid reflections on navigating sexual orientation in the workplace, the challenges of queer parenthood and the significance of informed voting to protect these rights, the importance of allies, and the pivotal moments, like the George Floyd protests, that shaped her advocacy journey. Her experiences remind us of the potential we have to stand up and make a difference, one small gesture at a time. https://www.instagram.com/inmo_creative/ https://www.facebook.com/inmocreative/ Contact the hosts of A Queer Understanding https://www.aqueerunderstanding.com/ Like, subscribe, & follow @aqueerunderstanding@aqueerunderstanding@QueerUnderstand

Addison Moore, a dynamic Black and non-binary activist, shares their transformative journey from Georgia to Washington, D.C., reshaping the landscape of inclusive entrepreneurship and advocacy. You'll hear how Addison overcame a challenging childhood to own Dolly Queens Moving, a venture dedicated to serving the LGBTQ community, and their ambitions to expand into specialized remodeling and handy skills. Learn how Addison channels their passion for mutual aid and youth leadership through innovative approaches. Join us as we explore the critical role of youth in civic engagement as Addison highlights their work with Justice + Joy to inspire Gen Z to embrace local political participation. Addison offers fresh insights into the diverse challenges young people face, from economic inequity to reproductive justice, urging the vital need for their voices in crafting a fairer society. IG: @thatkiddaddison addisonmoore3812@gmail.com Contact the hosts of A Queer Understanding https://www.aqueerunderstanding.com/ Like, subscribe, & follow @aqueerunderstanding@aqueerunderstanding@QueerUnderstand

What happens when a talented writer and illustrator channels personal struggles into powerful stories? Mark Julien, the acclaimed Canadian author behind the LGBTQ graphic novels "Just in Case and the Closet Monster: Hope" and "Becoming Able," joins us to share his inspiring journey. Mark opens up about the deeply personal motivations that led to his debut book, which serves as a heartfelt conversation with his late father. His tale of coming out to his family is as touching as it is humorous, showcasing the warmth and eventual acceptance he found, particularly through his mother's loving relationship with his husband, Stacy. Join us for a compelling conversation that celebrates the power of authentic storytelling and its impact on the LGBTQ community. https://markjulienillustration.com/ Contact the hosts of A Queer Understanding https://www.aqueerunderstanding.com/ Like, subscribe, & follow @aqueerunderstanding@aqueerunderstanding@QueerUnderstand

We talk to Mayor Wojahn about being the first openly gay Mayor of College Park and the work he's done for LGBTQ rights. Contact the hosts of A Queer Understanding https://www.aqueerunderstanding.com/ Like, subscribe, & follow @aqueerunderstanding@aqueerunderstanding@QueerUnderstand