Queer Parenting Powerhouse: 8 Inclusive Podcasts for LGBTQ+ Families
Welcome to the world of queer families and alternative parenting! This space is more than just about raising our kiddo outside traditional parenting norms. Itβs about embracing all the diverse identities and family structures that make our lives unique. Today, we also explore the valuable role of LGBT podcasts in supporting our journey.
In todayβs world, children and families are often expected to fit into specific roles and norms. As queer parents, we challenge these expectations by celebrating different identities and experiences. We want our kids to explore who they are without being boxed in by gender roles or societal expectations. This means encouraging them to follow their interests, express themselves freely, and embrace their unique family dynamics. Our goal is for them to grow up knowing their choices are valid and that their family is beautiful just as it is.
This isnβt just about breaking away from labels. Itβs about creating an environment where everyone can truly be themselves. Itβs about supporting the journey to discover and celebrate unique identities.
Who I Am and Why This Blog Matters
Hi there! Iβm the voice behind βLesbian in the Treehouse.β Welcome to a space where the unique journey of my queer, polyamorous family unfolds. Coming from my experience as a lesbian and my partnerβs experience as transgender, this blog goes beyond just our personal story.
As an LGBT family, my goal is to celebrate all alternative family structures and provide insights, support, and a sense of community for families like ours. Whether youβre a queer parent, exploring polyamory, or simply seeking an inclusive space, youβll find stories here that resonate.
In our home, love and acceptance are at the core of everything we do. Through gender-creative parenting, we allow our children to define their own identities and explore all parts of their personalities and interests.
As a polyamorous family, we celebrate the uniqueness and validity of all family forms. We find joy and richness in loving and caring for multiple people. We also cherish the collective support from our community in raising our child, providing love and guidance that extend beyond just two parents.
Through this blog, I share our experiences, from the everyday joys to the challenges we face as an LGBT, polyamorous family. I aim to create a supportive environment where parents of all identities can find inspiration, comfort, and encouragement. This is a space for those who celebrate and embrace gender diversity and non-traditional family structures.
Join us as we navigate this adventure, and together, letβs honor the beautiful diversity of all family forms.
The Importance of Resources and Community
On our journey, finding resources that support and guide us has been crucial. While this blog is one way to share information, there are many other ways for people to learn and grow. LGBT podcasts have always been my go-to resource for taking in information while doing the dishes or heading to work on my morning commute.
Finding good LGBT podcasts can be a lifeline for families like ours. They offer valuable insights, practical advice, and a sense of community. Listening to others navigating similar paths provides comfort and encouragement, reminding us that we are not alone.
Here are eight LGBT podcasts that dive into queer parenting, gender creativity, and inclusivity. Each brings something unique to the table, helping you and your family thrive in a world that values diversity. Note that some of these podcasts are no longer producing content, but their backlog of episodes is rich with information and stories.
βGender Storiesβ by Alex Iantaffi
If youβre curious about the complexities of gender, βGender Storiesβ is a must-listen. The host, Alex Iantaffi, is a therapist who has a deep understanding of how gender connects with different identities and experiences.
Alex explores the ways gender can interact with different aspects of life. While the podcast isnβt solely focused on parenting, it often explores family dynamics and how to raise children inclusively.
Alexβs expertise as a therapist, combined with their personal insights, makes βGender Storiesβ a valuable resource. Itβs perfect for queer parents and allies who want to learn more about supporting gender diversity within their families and communities.
βHow to Be a Girlβ by Marlo Mack
Marlo Mackβs podcast, βHow to Be a Girl,β is a heartfelt journey into her life as a mom raising a transgender daughter. It offers an intimate glimpse into the everyday experiences and emotions of a family navigating the world with a gender-nonconforming child.
Through Marloβs storytelling, youβll be drawn into her world. She shares her familyβs challenges and triumphs, offering deep empathy and understanding.
Each episode provides a personal and touching perspective, making it a comforting and inspiring listen for those on a similar path. βHow to Be a Girlβ is a beautiful reminder of the strength and love that come with parenting a child who is part of the LGBT community and expands traditional gender norms.
βThe Longest Shortest Timeβ by Hillary Frank
βThe Longest Shortest Time,β hosted by Hillary Frank, is an award-winning podcast about parenthood in all its forms. While the show no longer produces content, it is a treasure trove of stories about non-traditional families.
Hillaryβs podcast is filled with engaging interviews and narratives that explore the many different experiences of being a parent. Each episode shines a light on the varied aspects of family life that often go unnoticed.
The podcast covers a broad range of topics, highlighting the unique challenges and joys faced by diverse families, including LGBT families. From adoptive and blended families to those navigating unconventional paths, it offers a rich blend of family stories.
Hillaryβs warm and thoughtful storytelling makes βThe Longest Shortest Timeβ a must-listen. Itβs perfect for anyone interested in understanding the diverse experiences of modern parenting.
Check out Hillaryβs other podcast, βHere Lies Me.β Itβs a fictional podcast about middle school drama.
Cindy Wang Brandtβs βParenting Forwardβ
Cindy Wang Brandtβs podcast, βParenting Forward,β is dedicated to helping parents raise kids with modern, progressive values. She shares her journey of healing from religious trauma and moving towards a more inclusive way of parenting.
In her podcast, Cindy talks about important topics like creativity, social justice, and how to support kids in being their true selves. She shares her own story of leaving behind strict religious beliefs to become more open-minded and accepting.
Cindy explains things clearly, making hard topics easy to understand. Each episode gives useful advice that parents can use right away to help their kids grow up happy and confident.
βParenting Forwardβ is perfect for anyone who wants to raise kind, open-minded, and confident kids. Cindyβs tips are especially helpful for parents who are healing from religious trauma and want to create a more loving and inclusive family.
βOutspoken Voices: A Podcast for LGBTQ+ Familiesβ by Family Equality
βOutspoken Voicesβ is a podcast that spotlights the diverse lives of LGBTQ+ families. Produced by Family Equality, it features stories and advice from families with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.
Each episode highlights different family structures, whether itβs same-sex parents, adoptive families, or families blending different identities. βOutspoken Voicesβ celebrates all forms of queer inclusivity, showing how love and family come in many shapes and sizes.
This podcast is a valuable resource for parents raising children in LGBTQ+ households. It provides a sense of community and support, helping families navigate the unique challenges and joys of queer parenting.
If youβre looking for guidance and a connection to a supportive community, βOutspoken Voicesβ is perfect. It helps you connect with others who are on similar journeys, offering insights and encouragement along the way.
βGender Revealβ by Molly Woodstock
βGender Revealβ is a podcast that explores the wide world of gender beyond male and female. Hosted by Molly Woodstock, the show explores how different gender identities shape our lives and families.
Molly talks with various guests, including activists, artists, and parents, to give listeners a deeper look into what gender really means. Each episode broadens the conversation about gender and its many forms.
This podcast is great for anyone who wants to learn more about gender and how it impacts everyday life. Itβs a helpful resource for parents, educators, and anyone curious about gender diversity.
βGender Revealβ makes understanding the complexities of gender easier and more inclusive.
Casey OβRoartyβs βJoyful Courageβ
βJoyful Courage,β hosted by Casey OβRoarty, focuses on mindful parenting and creating a nurturing environment for teens. This podcast offers practical tips and heartfelt advice on how to support kids as they discover and express their own identities.
Casey covers many topics, from managing teen emotions to fostering open communication. She discusses how parents can support their teens in exploring their personal interests and passions, even when they challenge traditional norms. She offers strategies for encouraging kids to pursue what makes them happy, whether itβs joining a dance class or starting a new hobby.
Her insights help parents raise confident, compassionate kids. Caseyβs guidance is rooted in love and understanding, making it easier for families to embrace their childrenβs individuality and differences.
βJoyful Courageβ is an excellent listen for anyone wanting to foster acceptance and support in their home. Itβs a valuable resource for parents who aim to nurture their childrenβs unique identities with care and mindfulness.
βRad Child Podcastβ by Seth Day
The βRad Child Podcast,β hosted by Seth Day, helps parents, teachers, and caregivers support children in exploring their own identities. Seth covers various topics, including gender creativity, racial diversity, and inclusivity.
In each episode, Seth shares practical tips for raising empathetic and open-minded kids. He covers how to introduce children to different cultures, discuss LGBTQ+ identities and family structures, and foster respect and understanding. Sethβs approach helps kids celebrate
diversity and embrace who they are.
His goal is to help children grow into confident individuals who respect and understand different identities. βRad Child Podcastβ is an excellent resource for anyone looking to foster a love for diversity and inclusivity in their kids.
This podcast is a perfect choice if you want to nurture a sense of respect and acceptance in your children.
Wrapping It Up: Navigating Queer Parenting Together
Raising children is challenging, especially when teaching them to be loving, kind, and inclusive in todayβs world. It can often feel like hitting a brick wall. However, creating a space where kids feel that their identity and family are valid and valued is incredibly rewarding. Itβs about letting kids be themselves without limits.
For my partner Eli and me, this journey is deeply personal. It reflects our values and experiences as a non-traditional family. As we continue to raise our kiddo in this exciting space, weβre excited to share our path and the insights weβve gained.
Itβs about creating an environment where everyone in the family can truly be themselves. We embrace diverse identities and challenge societal expectations. This approach fosters acceptance and understanding.
Resources like LGBT podcasts are invaluable for families like ours. They provide not only information but also community and support. Whether navigating healthcare, finding inclusive schools, or seeking stories from other non-traditional families, these podcasts offer a wealth of knowledge and encouragement. They remind us weβre not alone and that many ways exist to build loving and inclusive families.
These resources are more than just listening materialβtheyβre lifelines. They blend personal stories, expert advice, and community support. They help families navigate the unique challenges and joys of queer parenting.
Ultimately, our goal is simple: to raise a child who knows they are loved, valued, and free to be themselves. We hope this blog and these LGBT podcasts inspire and support you on your journey.
Join us in celebrating the diversity and individuality that make our families truly special. Dive into these LGBT podcasts and start your own journey of exploration and understanding today!
