Katie tells Jaimie about how she went from not wanting kids to ending up with 10 of them. As a queer mom who built her family through fostering and adoption, Katie shares her journey of embracing a queer identity while married to a man, and navigating the unique challenges of parenting a big family. Together, they dive into themes of love, chosen family, and the deep connections that come with fostering and adoption. Katie also talks about her work with Camp Quest, a summer camp dedicated to critical thinking and inclusion. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about creating safe spaces and empowering young minds. 🏳️‍🌈Thanks to California Cryobank - use code loveislove (https://www.cryobank.com/), and our ⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠ supporters. 🏳️‍🌈We want to hear from you! ⁠⁠⁠ thequeerfamilypodcast.com⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠thequeerfamilypodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠IG⁠⁠⁠/⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠/⁠⁠⁠FB⁠⁠⁠/⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠/⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠: @thequeerfamilypodcast 🏳️‍🌈Key Takeaways:🏳️‍🌈  * Katie Hladky-Grant's journey underscores the intersectionality of queer identity and foster care, highlighting how LGBTQIA individuals often excel in nurturing environments for adopted and fostered children. * The complexities of balancing personal identity, family dynamics, and the societal perceptions of queer relationships provide enriching perspectives on modern family structures. * Camp Quest serves as a beacon for encouraging critical thinking and individuality among children, standing in opposition to traditional gender and heteronormative segregation. * This episode intricately discusses the role of foster care within the LGBTQIA community, advocating for more inclusive and expansive definitions of family and parental roles. * Jaimie and Katie’s dialogue illustrates the broader implications of chosen family and community, emphasizing the strength and resilience often found in non-traditional family settings. 🏳️‍🌈About The Guest(s)🏳️‍🌈 * Katie Hladky-Grant is a queer foster parent and Camp Quest leader from Ohio, dedicated to supporting vulnerable children and fostering critical thinking in youth education. 🏳️‍🌈Resources mentioned in the episode:  * Camp Quest - an organization focused on promoting critical thinking and fostering an accepting environment for children. www.campquest.org  * The founding executive director of Camp Quest, Amanda Metskas, co-authored Raising Freethinkers, which includes a chapter about Camp Quest and reflects their secular humanist approach to youth development. You can explore the book here. 🏳️‍🌈We want to hear from you! 🏳️‍🌈 - Call us and leave a voicemail or text: 646-470-1840 - Email: thequeerfamilypodcast@gmail.com IG/Twitter/FB/TikTok/YouTube: @thequeerfamilypodcast - Website: https://www.thequeerfamilypodcast.com/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thequeerfamilypodcast/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ovariestalk/ - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thequeerfamilypodcast - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNhon0J_IfFovDUAzS9v2WQ 🏳️‍🌈Order the #ITOCT book Amazon, IndieBound, Audible🏳️‍🌈 https://amzn.to/3F9qRUc 🏳️‍🌈Buy our merch here🏳️‍🌈 https://bit.ly/TQFPmerchandise 🏳️‍🌈Edited by Jerson Barajas. Theme song: Tiffany Topol\ Logo art: Daneen Stevenato🏳️‍🌈 The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional advice. While we chat with amazing organizations, The Queer Family Podcast isn’t responsible for any decisions or actions taken by listeners based on the content of the show. Always consult with a trusted professional for your specific situation! 🎙️ Episode Chapters: 0:00 Fostering Hope and Identity Through Queer Family Narratives 3:29 Queer Family Podcast and Helen's Imaginary Sobriety Journey 4:37 Queer Woman's Journey to Motherhood Through Adoption and Fostering 7:32 Navigating Queer Identity and Catholic Upbringing 12:53 A Journey of Self-Discovery and Love Across Identities 18:29 From Academia to Parenthood: A Journey of Transformation 19:49 Navigating Foster Care, Adoption, and Family Dynamics 27:11 Fostering Amidst Opioid Crisis and Family Challenges 29:59 The Hidden Impact of Childhood Trauma on Families 32:27 Challenges and Triumphs in Foster Care and Family Dynamics 35:57 Navigating Kinship and Foster Care Systems for Better Resources 37:29 Expansive Family Bonds and Unconventional Adoption Journeys 43:11 Queer Philosophy in Foster Care and Chosen Families 49:49 Creating Inclusive Camps for Queer and Non-Religious Youth 53:49 Transformative Summer Camps Offer Safe Spaces for Identity Exploration 56:47 Struggling With Identity in a Normative Christian Camp 58:04 The Transformative Power of Summer Camps for Kids and Parents 59:17 Queer Theory, Rosie O'Donnell, and Podcast Community Engagement

Megan and Greyson join Jaimie to talk about their journey to parenthood. They discuss using a known donor, at-home insemination with a Frida Fertility kit, and navigating family planning as an LGBTQIA couple in Florida’s challenging political climate. Megan highlights disability representation in parenting, while Grayson shares stories of his transition and military service, offering a powerful narrative of love, resilience, and identity. 🏳️‍🌈Thanks to California Cryobank - use code loveislove (https://www.cryobank.com/), and our ⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠ supporters. 🏳️‍🌈We want to hear from you! ⁠⁠⁠ thequeerfamilypodcast.com⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠thequeerfamilypodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠IG⁠⁠⁠/⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠/⁠⁠⁠FB⁠⁠⁠/⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠/⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠: @thequeerfamilypodcast 🏳️‍🌈Key Takeaways:🏳️‍🌈  * Megan and Greyson are embarking on a new journey as expectant parents while tackling unique challenges posed by their backgrounds, including transgender identity and cerebral palsy. * Their story highlights the intricacies of family planning for LGBTQIA families, including the use of known donors and personal insemination kits like Frida Fertility. * Grayson’s transition in his 30s adds depth to discussions about representation, acceptance, and the ongoing fight for transgender rights in today's socio-political climate. * The couple shares their strategies for navigating a healthcare system not fully adapted to their needs, emphasizing the importance of personalized care. * Megan showcases resilience, advocating for visibility an 🏳️‍🌈About The Guest(s)🏳️‍🌈 * Megan and Grayson: Megan and Greyson are proud expectant parents hailing from Tallahassee, Florida. Megan is an inspiring advocate for people with disabilities, working full-time and studying simultaneously while managing cerebral palsy. Greyson is a transgender male who bravely transitioned in his 30s. He served as a veteran in the U.S. Military during "don't ask, don't tell" and currently works with the Florida Department of Corrections. Their journey together reflects resilience, love, and the power of family. 🏳️‍🌈Resources mentioned in the episode:  * Frida Fertility: An at-home insemination kit used by Megan and Grayson. * Mosey Baby: Another option for at-home insemination kits mentioned in the episode. * @heyginasena : Referenced as a social media influencer providing actionable steps for LGBTQIA rights advocacy. 🏳️‍🌈We want to hear from you! 🏳️‍🌈 - Call us and leave a voicemail or text: 646-470-1840 - Email: thequeerfamilypodcast@gmail.com IG/Twitter/FB/TikTok/YouTube: @thequeerfamilypodcast - Website: https://www.thequeerfamilypodcast.com/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thequeerfamilypodcast/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ovariestalk/ - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thequeerfamilypodcast - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNhon0J_IfFovDUAzS9v2WQ 🏳️‍🌈Order the #ITOCT book Amazon, IndieBound, Audible🏳️‍🌈 https://amzn.to/3F9qRUc 🏳️‍🌈Buy our merch here🏳️‍🌈 https://bit.ly/TQFPmerchandise 🏳️‍🌈Edited by Jerson Barajas. Theme song: Tiffany Topol\ Logo art: Daneen Stevenato🏳️‍🌈 The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional advice. While we chat with amazing organizations, The Queer Family Podcast isn’t responsible for any decisions or actions taken by listeners based on the content of the show. Always consult with a trusted professional for your specific situation! 🎙️ Episode Chapters: 0:00 Celebrating LGBTQIA Families Amidst Political Uncertainty 3:36 Urgent Legal Preparations for LGBTQ+ Rights and Protections 7:21 Love, Transition, and Parenthood 11:28 Transition, Acceptance, and Challenges in Conservative Environments 20:22 Life with Disability, Transition, and Family Building 26:32 Alternative Paths to Parenthood Amid Financial Constraints 30:20 Queer Fertility Challenges and Legal Hurdles in Florida 35:32 Parenthood with a Known Donor and Disability Concerns 41:45 Pregnancy Success and Car Purchase on the Same Day 46:33 Pregnancy Challenges and Healthcare Concerns for Women with Disabilities 55:06 Journey to Parenthood and Overcoming Challenges The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional advice. While we chat with amazing organizations, The Queer Family Podcast isn’t responsible for any decisions or actions taken by listeners based on the content of the show. Always consult with a trusted professional for your specific situation!

Join Jaimie on the Queer Family Podcast for an inspiring episode with Aspen and Eren, exploring LGBTQIA family dynamics, gender identity, and inclusive parenting. Aspen shares their journey from wanting to parent solo to finding love with Eren and choosing a known donor. Eren discusses their non-binary identity and the challenges of authentic, supportive parenting in a society slow to embrace fluidity. This episode highlights resilience, love, and the importance of representation for LGBTQIA families and future generations. 🏳️‍🌈Thanks to California Cryobank - use code loveislove (https://www.cryobank.com/), and our ⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠ supporters. 🏳️‍🌈We want to hear from you! ⁠⁠⁠ thequeerfamilypodcast.com⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠thequeerfamilypodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠IG⁠⁠⁠/⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠/⁠⁠⁠FB⁠⁠⁠/⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠/⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠: @thequeerfamilypodcast 🏳️‍🌈Key Takeaways:🏳️‍🌈  * Aspen and Eren's family journey highlights the possibilities of building a family outside traditional norms, focusing on love and personal identity. * Transitioning and self-exploration need not fit into a binary definition, and it's natural for one's understanding of self to evolve. * Visibility and representation in media are crucial for normalizing LGBTQIA families and offering support to those navigating similar paths. * Maintaining open, honest discussions about origins and identity fosters a secure, open environment for children. * Books and storytelling serve as effective tools for parents to introduce and normalize diverse identities and orientations to their children. 🏳️‍🌈About The Guest(s)🏳️‍🌈 * Aspen and Eren are a dynamic trans and non-binary couple who bravely share their unique journey of identity, family-building, and self-discovery. Aspen, a passionate advocate for expressing gender fluidity, courageously navigated the process of becoming a parent through home insemination. Bringing vast experiences and resilience, they have crafted a family with Eren, a non-binary partner who embraced their own complex identity and parentage dynamics. Together, they are devoted to creating a supportive environment for their child, enlightened by their diverse journey. 🏳️‍🌈Resources mentioned in the episode:  * Mosie Baby Kit: A tool used by Aspen for home insemination. * Books mentioned include those explaining the LGBTQIA spectrum for children, like "He's My Mom" and the Alphabet book on identities. 🏳️‍🌈We want to hear from you! 🏳️‍🌈 - Call us and leave a voicemail or text: 646-470-1840 - Email: thequeerfamilypodcast@gmail.com IG/Twitter/FB/TikTok/YouTube: @thequeerfamilypodcast - Website: https://www.thequeerfamilypodcast.com/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thequeerfamilypodcast/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ovariestalk/ - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thequeerfamilypodcast - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNhon0J_IfFovDUAzS9v2WQ 🏳️‍🌈Order the #ITOCT book Amazon, IndieBound, Audible🏳️‍🌈 https://amzn.to/3F9qRUc 🏳️‍🌈Buy our merch here🏳️‍🌈 https://bit.ly/TQFPmerchandise 🏳️‍🌈Edited by Jerson Barajas. Theme song: Tiffany Topol\ Logo art: Daneen Stevenato🏳️‍🌈 The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional advice. While we chat with amazing organizations, The Queer Family Podcast isn’t responsible for any decisions or actions taken by listeners based on the content of the show. Always consult with a trusted professional for your specific situation! 🎙️ Episode Chapters: Timestamp Summary 0:00 Exploring Gender Fluidity and Family Building in Queer Lives 3:28 Coping With Election Day Stress and Unexpected Encounters 5:35 Finding Hope and Love Amidst Life's Challenges 8:31 Aspen's Journey to Parenthood and Finding Love 10:07 Unconventional Paths to Parenthood and Friendship Dynamics 13:15 Unexpected Paths to Parenthood and Love 17:25 A Journey of Identity, Acceptance, and Family Dynamics 20:00 Navigating Parenthood Through At-Home Insemination and Supportive Relationships 22:47 Navigating Family Dynamics and Identity Acceptance 25:24 Exploring Identity Fluidity Across Generations 31:54 Raising Queer Families with Open Conversations and Inclusivity 37:55 Home Birth Experience and Legal Challenges for Queer Parents 44:41 Exploring Gender Identity Beyond Traditional Binaries 49:10 Embracing Gender Spectrum and Respecting Individual Identities 51:58 Navigating Parenthood and Identity Amidst Societal Expectations 58:12 Navigating Legal Challenges in Queer Family Parenthood

Jaimie and guest S. Bear Bergman delve into love, family, and LGBTQIA identity against the backdrop of the 2024 political climate. Bear shares his journey from coming out at 15 to 35+ years of activism and parenting as a queer, trans parent. He opens up about the joys and challenges of inclusive parenting, co-parenting with a known donor, and living progressive values. Bear also introduces his new book, Special Topics in Being a Parent, packed with insights for inclusive parenting. Tune in for a heartfelt, hopeful, and humorous look at modern queer family life. 🏳️‍🌈Thanks to our ⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠ supporters. 🏳️‍🌈We want to hear from you! ⁠⁠⁠ thequeerfamilypodcast.com⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠thequeerfamilypodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠IG⁠⁠⁠/⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠/⁠⁠⁠FB⁠⁠⁠/⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠/⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠: @thequeerfamilypodcast 🏳️‍🌈Key Takeaways:🏳️‍🌈  * Progressive Parenting: Emphasizes the need for inclusive, conscious parenting practices that align with progressive ideals in modern family life. * Transitional Advocacy: Bear shares his journey and the pivotal role of educational and activist work in fostering acceptance and understanding. * Queer Families: Insights into building and nurturing queer families, addressing known donor situations, adoption laws, and the value of community support. * Educational Literatura: Highlights the importance of inclusive literature as seen through Bear's publishing company, Flamingo Rampant. * Resilience and Hope: Encourages finding strength and positivity in community bonds during challenging times, particularly relevant to queer parents and children. 🏳️‍🌈About The Guest(s)🏳️‍🌈 * S. Bear Bergman is a writer, activist, and educator specializing in LGBTQIA+ topics. A queer and trans father, Bear has been involved in activism from a young age. Known for his insightful writing and advocacy, Bear has also established a children's inclusive publishing company, Flamingo Rampant, which focuses on creating literature that celebrates diverse identities in families and communities. 🏳️‍🌈Resources mentioned in the episode:  * S. Bear Bergman’s Website: sbearbergman.com * Bear’s New BooK: Special Topics in Being a Parent https://arsenalpulp.com/Books/S/Special-Topics-in-Being-a-Parent 🏳️‍🌈We want to hear from you! 🏳️‍🌈 - Call us and leave a voicemail or text: 646-470-1840 - Email: thequeerfamilypodcast@gmail.com IG/Twitter/FB/TikTok/YouTube: @thequeerfamilypodcast - Website: https://www.thequeerfamilypodcast.com/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thequeerfamilypodcast/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ovariestalk/ - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thequeerfamilypodcast - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNhon0J_IfFovDUAzS9v2WQ 🏳️‍🌈Order the #ITOCT book Amazon, IndieBound, Audible🏳️‍🌈 https://amzn.to/3F9qRUc 🏳️‍🌈Buy our merch here🏳️‍🌈 https://bit.ly/TQFPmerchandise 🏳️‍🌈Edited by Jerson Barajas. Theme song: Tiffany Topol\ Logo art: Daneen Stevenato🏳️‍🌈 The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional advice. While we chat with amazing organizations, The Queer Family Podcast isn’t responsible for any decisions or actions taken by listeners based on the content of the show. Always consult with a trusted professional for your specific situation! 🎙️ Episode Chapters: 0:00 Celebrating Queer Families and Navigating Political Tensions 6:48 Morning Chaos and Parenting Challenges 10:35 Bear Bergman's Journey as a Queer and Trans Activist 17:56 The Complexity of LGBTQIA+ Inclusivity and Terminology Choices 22:06 Creating a Family Through Love, Determination, and Known Donation 31:52 Intentional Planning and Luck in Queer Parenting 37:54 Navigating At-Home Insemination and Fertility Challenges 40:45 Canadian Birth Certificate Laws and Parental Rights 43:22 Trans Men Navigating Pregnancy and Healthcare Challenges 53:33 Special Topics in Being a Parent: A Queer Parenting Guide 1:02:20 Queer Parenting, Children's Books, and Nostalgic TV Ads