Episodes

  • The Supreme Court Upholds Tennessee's Ban on Gender Affirming Care for Min

    The Supreme Court Upholds Tennessee's Ban on Gender Affirming Care for Min
    Jun 18 2025
    In this urgent episode of The Spectrum (recorded June 18, 2025), we break down the devastating news from the Supreme Court. By a 6-3 decision, the Court has upheld Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming care for minors. This isn't just a blow for transgender children in Tennessee, but for those in 25 other states facing similar bans. We discuss how this decision, much like historical rulings on slavery and segregation, appears to defy logic, legal precedent, and the Constitution itself, seemingly driven by prejudice rather than justice. The potential consequences are dire: families forced to relocate, the risk of unlicensed care, and tragically, an increased risk of suicide among vulnerable youth. This ruling, alongside other recent Court decisions, signals a worrying trend. The only clear path forward, we argue, is at the ballot box. It's a call to action for progressive politicians to stand firm on their principles and for all of us to ensure no one is left behind in the fight for equality. Link to CNN coverage: https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/18/politics/supreme-court-upholds-tennessees-ban-on-gender-affirming-care-for-trans-youth
    Show More Show Less
    4 mins
  • Housekeeping

    Housekeeping
    Jun 16 2025
    We’ve streamlined how you can enjoy The Spectrum: now, you can watch on YouTube, listen as an audio podcast, or subscribe through our brand-new website at spectrumpodcast.org. Thanks to open-source software, the audio podcast feed is now generated automatically from YouTube—so you’ll always get the latest episodes, whichever way you listen. There are now three easy ways to stay updated: subscribe on our website for email notifications, follow us on YouTube, or use your favorite podcast app with our new RSS feed. All options are free, and your email will never be shared. The Spectrum is ad-free and not-for-profit. Any revenue beyond costs will go to LGBT+ support organizations. Be sure to check out the new website for transcripts, episode links, and more!
    Show More Show Less
    3 mins
  • A Brief History of Pride

    A Brief History of Pride
    Jun 7 2025
    Welcome to Episode 19 of The Spectrum! In this special Pride Month episode, recorded on June 6, 2025, we dive into the powerful origins and ongoing importance of LGBT+ Pride. Join us as we explore: - What Pride truly means: It's not about arrogance, but about honesty and the unwavering refusal to be ashamed of who you are. We discuss why this concept of pride differs from negative interpretations often heard. - The historical roots of Pride: Discover the early 20th-century organizations like the Society for Human Rights, the Mattachine Society, and the Daughters of Bilitis that paved the way for LGBT+ rights. - The catalyst: The Stonewall Uprising: We break down the events of June 28, 1969, in Greenwich Village, New York City, and how a police raid on the Stonewall Inn sparked a new era of gay liberation. Learn about the dangerous context for LGBT+ individuals in the 1960s and the bravery that led to the riots. - From riots to celebration: How the "Christopher Street Liberation Day" and subsequent marches transformed into the vibrant Pride celebrations we know today, expanding globally. - The enduring fight for visibility: While significant progress has been made, we discuss the current challenges, particularly for transgender people, and why continued visibility and allyship are crucial. - Why your support matters: For straight, cisgender allies, learn how you can stand in solidarity with the LGBT+ community and why your voice is more important than ever. If you want to learn more about the history of Pride, check out these resources: https://www.history.com/articles/pride-month https://www.loc.gov/ghe/cascade/index.html?appid=90dcc35abb714a24914c68c9654adb67 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stonewall_riots https://www.nyclgbtsites.org/site/stonewall-inn-christopher-park/
    Show More Show Less
    14 mins
  • Ten Years of Same-Sex Marriage

    Ten Years of Same-Sex Marriage
    May 25 2025
    As we approach the ten year mark of the Obergefell v Hodges Supreme Court decision, my wife, Lauri and I have just celebrated our ten year wedding anniversary. In this episode I talk about the events leading to our wedding and how it has affected my life. I hope that through sharing this personal story it may help those that don't understand why the right to same-sex marriage is so important understand why it is to those of us that it affects.
    Show More Show Less
    8 mins
  • May 2025 Shenandoah County School Update

    May 2025 Shenandoah County School Update
    May 14 2025
    Although this episode is about what is happening in the Shenandoah County, Virginia public school system, these same issues are happening all over the country. We must expose the bias at the heart of these issues to protect our transgender friends and family. If you live in or have family going to school in Shenandoah County or you have information about how policies like this have hurt people where you live, please write to them to let them now how harmful these policies are. You can find there contact info here: https://www.shenandoah.k12.va.us/en-us/school-board-98fe2482 Here are links to the three proposed changes to policy INB they considered: Draft 1: https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/shenandoah/Board.nsf/files/DFYM8L59FB56/$file/DRAFT%201%20Policy%20INB%20-%20Teaching%20About%20Controversial%20Issues.pdf Draft 2: https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/shenandoah/Board.nsf/files/DG9Q5A679345/$file/DRAFT%202%20Policy%20INB%20-%20Teaching%20About%20Controversial%20Issues%20with%20Modification.pdf Draft 3: https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/shenandoah/Board.nsf/files/DFRGQR44E662/$file/DRAFT%203%20Policy%20INB%20-%20Teaching%20About%20Controversial%20Issues.pdf Ultimately, draft 2, was voted in as the new policy. While this is a slight improvement over the existing policy, it still has an unjustified ban. This ban needs to be repealed.
    Show More Show Less
    15 mins
  • Bathroom Bills

    Bathroom Bills
    Apr 7 2025
    In this episode of The Spectrum, we're taking a hard look at the recent wave of "bathroom bills" and their far-reaching consequences. Proponents claim these laws are about protecting women, but what is the real impact of policing who can use a public restroom? We'll break down the flawed logic behind these bills and reveal who actually gets caught in the crossfire. It's not just transgender people who are targeted; these laws create a "minimum standard of femininity" that puts anyone who doesn't conform—including many cisgender women—at risk of harassment and scrutiny. Join us as we explore how this regressive obsession isn't just an attack on the trans community, but an invasion of privacy for everyone. It’s an ironic overreach from a political movement that claims to champion small government, turning everyday citizens into bathroom gatekeepers. Discover the unintended victims and the real agenda behind this discriminatory legislation.
    Show More Show Less
    4 mins
  • March 2025 Shenandoah County School Update

    March 2025 Shenandoah County School Update
    Mar 21 2025
    This episode provides an update on the changes being made to policy on transgender students in the Shenandoah County Public School system.
    Show More Show Less
    3 mins
  • Asexuality

    Asexuality
    Mar 14 2025
    In this episode, we talk with Annalise, who explains asexuality and the broad spectrum of ways this can apply to people.
    Show More Show Less
    27 mins