Happy Pride, my friends! A couple of weeks ago, I had the absolute honor to moderate a panel of LGBTQIA+ leaders who were collaborating in support of The Pride and Joy Foundation as they had an incredible conversation about how to support our LGBTQIA+ youth during Pride month (and all year long!) When the conversation was over, I asked Executive Director of the Pride and Joy Foundation founder (and past SMA guest), Elena Joy Thurston, if we could share the recording of this conversation as a podcast episode. I just knew our community would love to learn from these leaders. I’m so grateful Elena said “YES!” And shout out to her producer Jessica Whipple who brilliantly edited our conversation so it could be used as podcast content.  

On the panel, we have:

Junior Mintt (she/her), a “Black Transwoman, Drag Preacher, and Businesswoman”

Kalyela Josephs (they/she), a “Queer Spiritual coach” whose work has focused on helping families of color understand how to integrate LGBTQ+ culture into their family culture.  

Rae McDaniel (they/them) recently released their groundbreaking book, “Gender Magic”. They are also a licensed therapist supporting individuals and families with gender transition.  

Elena Joy (she/her), an ExMormon mom of four kids who has also been featured in the award-winning documentary “CONVERSION”, has a viral TEDx talk, and is now the volunteer Executive Director of Pride and Joy Foundation. 

C Rizleris (they/them), a contributing writer for the Pride and Joy Foundation, as well as a member of the Transgender Task Force Committee for the city of Greensboro, NC.

Listen in to hear this panel discuss:

• What drag is and what it is not
• How we can engage in healthy and supportive conversation around gender identity with our youth
• How to talk about non-supportive friends & family about gender identity
• How you can use Pride Month to increase your allyship with the LGBTQIA+ Community
• How to create safety & well-being for our youth all year long - beyond Pride month
• The best ways to engage rural conservative communities in Pride Month activities 
• How can you support your youth with various intersectionalities (IE: ethnic background, neurodivergence, etc) during Pride month

Links mentioned:

• Podcast: Out of Queeriosity 
• Book: Gender Magic by Rae McDaniels
• Connect with Kalyela: kalyelaj.com
• Connect with Rae McDaniel: rae-mcdaniel.com
• Connect with Elena and/or Support the Pride and Joy Foundation: https://www.prideandjoyfoundation.com/
• Connect with C Rizleris: crizleris.com/
• Pride and Joy Foundation on IG
• Elena Joy Thurston on IG
• Junior Mintt on IG
• Rae McDaniel on IG
• C Rizleris on IG
• Jessica Whipple on IG

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