Advertise on podcast: Gender Stories

In this compelling interview, Dr. Alex Iantaffi interviews transgender pioneer and Minnesota State Representative Leigh Finke. They discuss cross-movement solidarity, the recent militarized occupation of Minnesota by ICE during Operation Metro Surge, the impact of the current political violence on trans communities, especially trans women, and on Leigh herself, and the importance of community organizing and political engagement in the fight for all our civil rights. Leigh Finke is honored to serve as State Representative for District 66A. Prior to holding office she worked as a journalist, media creator, and documentary filmmaker. In 2022, she became the first out trans woman elected to the Minnesota Legislature. During her first two terms in office, Leigh has advocated for 2SLGBTQIA+ equality, abortion rights, prison justice, and environmental equity. She chairs the House Reproductive Freedom Caucus and serves as Co-Vice Chair of the Judiciary Committee. In her personal time, Leigh enjoys writing, painting, traveling, skateboarding, and organizing community events, and exploring Minnesota’s parks with her kids. A few invitations and takeaways from the episode: Cross-movement solidarity is essential because our liberation is tied to one another.Trans, Two-Spirit, nonbinary, and/or gender expansive people are part of and belong in all communities.Engage in local and state elections to support 2SLGBTQ+ rights.Build community networks for mutual support and safety.Advocate for policies that protect civil rights and gender-affirming care, especially for minors.Educate yourselves and others about the systemic nature of injustice and resistance.Find out more about Leigh Finke at the following links: https://www.leighformn.com/about  https://linktr.ee/leighformn24  https://www.instagram.com/leighformn/  Instagram: GenderStories Hosted by Alex Iantaffi Music by Maxwell von Raven Gender Stories logo by Lior Effinger-Weintraub

Dr. Alex Iantaffi geeks out about Shakespeare, gender, and the power of theatre with Beks Roen, founder of Roguish Goblin Stories, an online queer art library where enbies and aspecs are the main characters. Alex and Beks discuss the joy of Shakespeare in the park, the power of exploring gender through acting, and the importance of queer representation.   Beks Roen (they/he) helps trans/aspec folks and allies who feel isolated and powerless to find chosen family through queer fantasy and Shakespeare. They run Roguish Goblin Stories (RGS), an independent, community-supported online queer art library. Roen’s goal for RGS is to grow it into a streaming platform that supports multiple queer artists full-time, freeing them to focus on the art they were born to share. RGS just launched their first Investor opportunity so, if you're passionate about supporting trans artists, and want a deep, personal connection to the positive impact you're making, you can join them here at this link.    RGS is about to release new episodes for their podcast "Our Lives Aren't That Interesting!" You can check it out here on YouTube.   They're also looking for aspec guests for their podcast, "An Aspec Guide to Shakespeare." If you know someone who's an aspec Shakespeare artist or scholar, they’d love to interview them! Email them directly at beks [at] beksroen [dot] org  Find out more about Roguish Goblin Stories and Beks Roen at the following links:  Website: beksroen.org/rgs Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roguishgoblinstories/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFQcPRsnqPpUuo79L7tOQQA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584362608360 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@roguishgoblinstories Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/roguishgoblinstory.bsky.social Instagram: GenderStories Hosted by Alex Iantaffi Music by Maxwell von Raven Gender Stories logo by Lior Effinger-Weintraub

Dr Alex Iantaffi interviews Eun Bee Yes, the fabulous founder, show director, and producer for Transcendence Cabaret, a trans, genderqueer, two-spirit, and gender expansive drag troupe that centers BI&POC artists in the Twin Cities.  They discuss the importance of representation and mentorship in the drag scene, the evolving nature of drag as a form of artistic expression, and safety concerns in the current socio-political climate. Listen for an uplifting conversation on the nourishing aspects of trans community, queer art, and the transformative power of drag in the face of oppression. Transcendence Cabaret is an amazing troupe with some of the best well-known and up and coming artists in the Twin Cities. They are transgender, genderqueer, gender non-conforming, two spirit and truly all along the spectrum of gender and sexuality. Transcendence Cabaret’s artists are primarily BI&POC and they are one of a handful of transgender troupes who center artists of color on Turtle Island, in the so-called United States. They offer an up and close personal experience and a spotlight on often overlooked talent within the unique drag, music, and art community. Their aim is not only to entertain their audiences, but to push themselves as artists, in a rare opportunity to challenge the perceptions of our communities, and to make art from their heart and soul. You haven’t seen anything yet until you’ve spent an evening with them! Transcendence Cabaret invites you to join them each month in a constantly evolving show. Ready to go above and beyond the binary? Allow them to be your guide! All shows are hybrid and can be enjoyed from anywhere in the world, if you’re not a local.  Find out more about Transcendence Cabaret, including upcoming shows, at the following links:  www.transcendencecabaret.com Facebook- Transcendence Cabaret Instagram- Transcendence Cabaret Instagram: GenderStories Hosted by Alex Iantaffi Music by Maxwell von Raven Gender Stories logo by Lior Effinger-Weintraub

Drs. Mackenzie Steiner and Alex Iantaffi discuss their collaborative program, The Collective Alchemy of Gender Liberation. This is a new, somatic-based program created by trans people for trans people in service to our collective liberation. In this episode, they talk about how the program started, the values it’s rooted in, and how gender is an embodied experience. Mackenzie and Alex also talk about how their collaborative process is heart-centered and based in relationality, rather than product-focused and treating the collaboration as a mean to an end, as is often the case in dominant culture. While the program is by and for trans people, the episode has much to offer to cis folks as well in relation to a deeper understanding of gender and to what a collaborative process centered in decoloniality might look like.   Mackenzie Steiner is a reformed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of clinical experience specializing in attachment, gender identity and socialization, as well as addictions and trauma recovery. For 20 of those years, she worked with veterans facing just about every possible type of concern related to their identities, relationships and mental health, but particularly at the interface of addictions and complex post-traumatic stress. Mackenzie transitioned into private practice at the beginning of 2023 to stretch her wings and be free to practice with communities and in ways unencumbered by organizational constraints. At the heart of her work is building an attuned, compassionate and safe relational base from which to explore the challenging aspects of one’s history and how it intersects with the present moment. Mackenzie accomplishes this through a mosaic of attachment, mindfulness, emotionally and somatically focused approaches as well as parts-work perspectives that she has found most efficiently and humanely promote long-term change and deep healing. And she has found that nature can be a profound ally for this process!  On the more personal side, she is an avid outdoors-person who is most nourished by activities ranging from landscaping to hiking, climbing and backpacking. She is also a seeker of mysteries, having an insatiable curiosity to discover the knowledge and wisdom underlying our physical, psychological, relational and spiritual realities in service of promoting our health and authentic evolution.  Find out more about the Collective Alchemy of Gender Liberation and Dr. Mackenzie Steiner at the following links:  Website: https://www.gender-alchemy.org/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collectivegenderalchemy/ @collectivegenderalchemy  Dr. Mackenzie Steiner’s website: https://naturesmosaictherapy.com/  Instagram: GenderStories Hosted by Alex Iantaffi Music by Maxwell von Raven Gender Stories logo by Lior Effinger-Weintraub

Drs Dulcinea Alex Pitagora and Alex Iantaffi discuss academic journeys, the complexities of aging as a queer person, and the importance of community and intergenerational connections. They discuss the challenges faced by the queer and trans communities in the current socio-political climate, the experience of being an openly queer therapist, and the impact of capitalism on mental health, while emphasizing the need for self-compassion, joy, and connection in navigating it all.  Dr. Dulcinea/Alex Pitagora is a NY-based psychotherapist and sex therapist (also licensed in NJ, PA, and CO). They have a brick-and-mortar private practice in NYC that includes individual, couples/multi-partner relationship, and poly/leather family therapy, as well as supervision and mentorship. Dr. Pitagora is an out and proud member of the queer, trans, kink, and polyamory communities, and is equally proud to be a former sex worker, as well as an anti-racist/-oppression/-exploitation activist. Dr. Pitagora holds a Master of Arts in Psychology from the New School for Social Research; a Master of Social Work from New York University; a Master of Education and a Doctorate in Clinical Sexology from Widener University; and is an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, CST Supervisor, and CE provider along with their colleague Dr. Jillien Kahn. Dr. Pitagora teaches sexual health at New York University; has published articles and chapters in peer-reviewed journals and books; and presented at conferences on the topics of alternative sexuality and gender diversity. Dr. Pitagora is the founder of ManhattanAlternative.com, a nationwide alternative lifestyle affirmative provider listing; and was a co-founder and -organizer of the AltSex NYC Conference.  Find out more about Dr Dulcinea’s work at the following links:  https://www.dulcineapitagora.com/  https://kinkdoctor.com/  @kinkdoctor    Instagram: GenderStories Hosted by Alex Iantaffi Music by Maxwell von Raven Gender Stories logo by Lior Effinger-Weintraub

Drs Roger Kuhn and Alex Iantaffi discuss the intersection of creativity, gender identity, and spirituality. Dr Kuhn shares parts of his own journey of self-discovery through music and writing, as well as delving into the impact of colonization on gender. They also explore the intersection of somatic work and cultural context, emphasizing the essential need for indigenous perspectives in therapeutic practices.   Dr. Roger Kuhn is a Poarch Creek Two-Spirit Indigiqueer soma-cultural sex therapist, sexuality educator, writer, activist, and musician. Roger’s work explores the concepts of decolonizing and unsettling sexuality and focuses on the way culture impacts and informs our bodily experiences. He is a community organizer of the Bay Area American Indian Two-Spirit powwow, and a board member of the Two-Spirit & Native LGBTQ+ Center for Equity. His first book, Somacultural Liberation, is available in both paperback and audio. His music can be streamed on all digital platforms.    Find out more about Dr Roger Kuhn and follow his work at the following links:    www.rogerkuhn.com  Instagram: @rkoughenr Instagram: GenderStories Hosted by Alex Iantaffi Music by Maxwell von Raven Gender Stories logo by Lior Effinger-Weintraub

Dr Alex Iantaffi talks with Tristan Katz about conscious marketing, social justice, and how to navigate the intersection of personal integrity and professional practices. They explore the complexities of marketing in the so-called “wellness space”, the importance of engaging in critical thinking, the responsibilities that come with online visibility, and the role of social media in shaping cultural narratives.   Tristan Katz (they/he) is a business consultant, conscious marketing strategist, and equity-inclusion facilitator with a lifelong commitment to human rights and justice. Tristan supports individuals and organizations in aligning their values with their messaging through an intersectional, anti-oppression lens. Tristan’s work centers authenticity, relationship, and accessibility, and they’ve collaborated with authors, educators, and cultural leaders as well as organizations like Stanford University, HubSpot, Portland Public Schools, and Port of Portland. Currently, Tristan serves as COO and Director of Programming at Fruition Growth Network. He is also a longtime yoga student, Yoga Journal game-changer (2021), and former board member of Accessible Yoga. At the core of everything Tristan offers is the belief that marketing can be a tool for connection, truth-telling, and cultural change—not just sales.  Find out more about Tristan and follow their work at the following links:    https://www.katz-creative.com/  https://instagram.com/tristankatzcreative  Instagram: GenderStories Hosted by Alex Iantaffi Music by Maxwell von Raven Gender Stories logo by Lior Effinger-Weintraub

Dr. Alex Iantaffi speaks with Dean Spade about his life-long work in queer and trans liberation, the challenges of writing about relationships, and the importance of emotional awareness and conflict resolution in relationships and movement building.   Dean Spade has been working in movements for queer and trans liberation, anti-militarism, and police and prison abolition for the past 25 years. He’s the author of Normal Life: Administrative Violence, Critical Trans Politics, and the Limits of Law, and Mutual Aid: Building Solidarity During This Crisis (and the Next) the director of the documentary “Pinkwashing Exposed: Seattle Fights Back!.” His new book is Love in a F****d Up World: How to Build Relationships, Hook Up and Raise Hell Together, and he is the host of a new podcast with the same name.  Listen to Dean’s new podcast: https://www.deanspade.net/podcast/  Find out more about Dean and his work at the following links:   deanspade.net IG: @spade.dean X: @deanspade Facebook: Dean Spade Bluesky: deanspade.bsky.social Tiktok: @deanspade  Instagram: GenderStories Hosted by Alex Iantaffi Music by Maxwell von Raven Gender Stories logo by Lior Effinger-Weintraub

Dr. Alex Iantaffi talks with Mel Cassidy about relationships, non-monogamy, queerness, the power of somatic practices, and love on the path towards collective liberation.  Mel Cassidy is a somatic relationship coach committed to the path of liberatory love and rewilding intimacy. They specialize in working with queer and questioning humans (and those who love them) exploring post-monogamous relationships—with a focus on polyamory, solo polyamory, and relationship anarchy. They are of Irish, Greek, and Khorakhane Romani descent and have lived in 3 countries, across 3 continents. They currently live in British Columbia, Canada, and work with clients and students around the world. Their first book, Radical Relating, A Queer and Polyamory-Informed Guide to Love Beyond the Myth of Monogamy, is published by North Atlantic Books. Find out more about Mel and their work at the following links:  Website: radicalrelating.ca Social Media: @radicalrelating on IG/FB/Substack/Insight Timer More on the Radical Relating Book:  www.radicalrelating.ca/book Instagram: GenderStories Hosted by Alex Iantaffi Music by Maxwell von Raven Gender Stories logo by Lior Effinger-Weintraub

'Profound and vulnerable. An essential gift for all of us that relate' - Anne Mauro What do we mean when we say 'relationship'? How do we separate our needs and desires from norms and expectations? How can we approach our relationships with mutuality, care and compassion? This down-to-earth guide is the ultimate companion for anybody who wants to examine their place in the world -- how we relate to ourselves, and others. With considerations of historical, cultural, and developmental contexts; explorations of relationship diversity as it manifests in queerness, the ace and aro spectrum, non-monogamy and neurodivergence ; and a look towards deeper, compassionate, interdependent ways to relate - this book will help people of all ages, backgrounds and identities explore their relational world. Order a copy of the Book: How to Understand Your Relationships: A Practical Guide Instagram: GenderStories Hosted by Alex Iantaffi Music by Maxwell von Raven Gender Stories logo by Lior Effinger-Weintraub

Anne Mauro (she/her) is a Licensed Couples and Family therapist, American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapist (AASECT) certified sex therapist, sexuality educator, sex therapy supervisor, and American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) clinical supervisor. Her private practice is nestled in the interwebs on the unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples in Washington State. She has two publications: More Than Ebony and Ivory: Complexities of sex therapy with interracial couples, can be found in An Intersectional Approach to Sex Therapy: Centering the lives of indigenous, racialized, and people of color and The Colonization of Black Sexualities: A clinical guide to relearning and healing. Anne is in continued service to the sexuality community by serving as the AASECT Western Representative to the nominating committee.     Links:  www.annemauro.com  https://www.routledge.com/The-Colonization-of-Black-Sexualities-A-Clinical-Guide-to-Relearning-and/Mauro/p/book/9781032233680 https://www.instagram.com/iamannemauro/ Instagram: GenderStories Hosted by Alex Iantaffi Music by Maxwell von Raven Gender Stories logo by Lior Effinger-Weintraub

MAEVE CHEVONNE DUVALLY  Maeve is a transgender multi-cultural communications specialist, storyteller and LGBTQ+ advocate.  She spent the bulk of her career as a journalist and corporate spokesperson, most recently at Goldman Sachs.  After a lifetime of working for large companies, she now consults for corporations and other organizations on communications strategy and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Maeve also mentors transgender people, is a public speaker and a frequent subject of press interviews on LGBTQ+ workplace issues.  She was a managing director in corporate communications at Goldman Sachs over an 18-year career. Prior to joining Goldman, Maeve worked in media relations at Merrill Lynch.   Before that, she was a financial journalist and editor at Bridge News for nearly 15 years with stints in Tokyo, Washington D.C. and New York. She spent ten formative years in Japan in the 1980s and is fluent in the language.   Maeve serves on the boards of GLAAD; the Knight-Bagehot Fellowship, a journalism non-profit; and Connecticut-based LGBTQ+ health provider Anchor Health Initiative.  She earned a B.A. in English from Providence College in 1983 and was a Knight-Bagehot Fellow at Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism School in 1994.  A published author, her memoir, “Maeve Rising,” debuted through Sibylline Press in August 2023.   https://www.instagram.com/becomingmaeve/ https://www.maeveduvally.com/ Instagram: GenderStories Hosted by Alex Iantaffi Music by Maxwell von Raven Gender Stories logo by Lior Effinger-Weintraub

Renée Yoxon is a queer, nonbinary, and disabled gender-affirming voice teacher with a passion for voice education, creativity, and vocal curiosity. Since 2010, they have taught thousands of students how to love their voice. Their strength as a teacher is explaining complicated concepts in plain language that anyone can understand, as well as anticipating student problems before they occur. They are the creator of a suite of online courses that provide concise and easy-to-follow trans voice education to trans and nonbinary people all over the world. Renée is a creative thinker, and a deep listener, and their favourite thing in the world is helping people just like you to reach their voice goals. Find them at reneeyoxon.com  Links:  http://reneeyoxon.com  http://tiktok.com/@reneeyoxon  http://instagram.com/reneeyoxon  http://youtube.com/reneeyoxon  http://facebook.com/reneeyoxon  Instagram: GenderStories Hosted by Alex Iantaffi Music by Maxwell von Raven Gender Stories logo by Lior Effinger-Weintraub

Oliver Radclyffe is part of the new wave of transgender writers unafraid to address the complex nuances of transition, examining the places where gender identity, sexual orientation, feminist allegiance, social class and family history overlap. His work has appeared in The New York Times and Electric Literature. He currently lives on the Connecticut coast where he is raising his four children. He has two books: ADULT HUMAN MALE, a monograph, released by Unbound Edition Press in 2023, and FRIGHTEN THE HORSES, a memoir, forthcoming from Roxane Gay Books in 2024.    Preorder Frighten the Horses: https://bookshop.org/p/books/frighten-the-horses/20490972?ean=9780802163158  https://oliverradclyffe.substack.com/  https://www.oliverradclyffe.com/  https://www.instagram.com/oliverradclyffe/  https://linktr.ee/OliverRadclyffe      Instagram: GenderStories Hosted by Alex Iantaffi Music by Maxwell von Raven Gender Stories logo by Lior Effinger-Weintraub

Eli Lawliet, Ph.D., (he/him) is the dreamer and weaver of The Gender Doula. In addition to a decade of experience researching trans healthcare, law, policy, and history, he has formal training as a full spectrum doula, breathwork facilitator, and tarot reader, as well as many years of surviving the world of poverty wages and retail work. The broad scope of his experience directly informs the equally broad spectrum of his work as The Gender Doula. Eli has been seeing clients since January of 2020 and has worked with hundreds of trans folks nationally and internationally in sessions, classes, and workshops. Though he was born in Oklahoma and raised in Missouri, Eli currently lives in Los Angeles (Gabrieliño-Tongva, Chumash, & Kizh land) with his partner, three cats, a dog, and four snakes.  Website: https://www.thegenderdoula.com/  TikTok, IG, FB: @TheGenderDoula  All links:  https://linktr.ee/TheGenderDoula  Instagram: GenderStories Hosted by Alex Iantaffi Music by Maxwell von Raven Gender Stories logo by Lior Effinger-Weintraub