Episodes

  • Emma's Story, Part 1

    Emma's Story, Part 1
    Sep 1 2025
    This is part 1 of a three part series that explores the life of a transgender woman. We're calling her Emma here but this is not her name. She has chosen to remain anonymous to protect her and her family from the harassment so often directed at transgender people today. To protect her identity, we've digitally altered her voice and appearance but the emotion you will hear is hers.. This part of Emma's story covers her early childhood through what she calls her breaking point. 00:00 Introduction 00:41 Start of Emma's story 01:26 Earliest Memories 03:19 Elementary School 05:58 Junior & Senior High School 06:24 College 09:55 Trying to cope 11:57 Deciding 13:20 Condlusion of part 1
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    14 mins
  • Shenandoah County Public School Update August 2025

    Shenandoah County Public School Update August 2025
    Aug 16 2025
    In this episode, we break down the new policy in Shenandoah County Public Schools that bans transgender students from participating in athletics according to their gender identity. Learn why this policy, which claims to "protect girls," could actually harm all female athletes by putting them under a microscope and discouraging participation. It's not just about trans students; it's about creating a hostile environment for any girl who excels. Here is how to contact the Shenandoah County School Board: https://www.shenandoah.k12.va.us/en-US/school-board-98fe2482 Here is a link to the current (as of August 2025) policy GBAB/JFHAB: https://spectrumpodcast.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/policy-jfhab-gbab-privacy-dignity-and-respect-for-all-students-and-parents-in-shenandoah-county-public-schools.pdf Here is a link to the proposed changes: https://spectrumpodcastorg.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/2025-07-10-proposed-change-to-section-iii.h.-of-code-jfhab_gbab.pdf
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    7 mins
  • Susie Wilburn Interview

    Susie Wilburn Interview
    Jul 31 2025
    Join us for a conversation with Susie Wilburn. She is the president of the Woodstock, VA chapter of PFLAG. We discuss the history of the local.chapter, what the chapter does and Susie's motivation for becoming involved. Even if you aren't local to Shenandoah County, this can give you some insight into what P:FLAG is and perhaps encourage you to find your local PFLAG chapter or another local LGBTQ+ organization.
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    29 mins
  • This Is Not Free Speech

    This Is Not Free Speech
    Jul 18 2025
    Is This Really Free Speech? Or Just Plain Hate? In this episode, we take a hard look at disturbing statements made at a recent “pray the gay away” event hosted by an Indiana church, where speakers openly called for violence and death against LGBTQ+ people. We’ll explore how this kind of speech challenges our understanding of “free speech” and whether it crosses the line into hate speech. We also unpack what the First Amendment really protects, why clear boundaries matter, and why calls for state-sponsored violence — even when cloaked in religious language — are deeply dangerous. This isn't just about one church. It’s about a growing pattern of extremist rhetoric and the risk of normalizing hate. It’s time to stand up, speak out, and push back against those who would use religion to justify violence and oppression. We’re not here for clicks or cash. We’re here to create compassion, understanding, and a world where everyone is safe to exist. Advocate Article: https://www.advocate.com/news/indiana-lgbtq-church-death-preach
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    6 mins
  • Coming Out for the Straight Person

    Coming Out for the Straight Person
    Jul 10 2025
    In Episode 23 of The Spectrum, we explore what "coming out" truly means for the LGBT+ community and why it remains such a significant and personal milestone. This episode is designed to help straight, cisgender viewers understand the complexities and importance of coming out, from the first step of self-acceptance to the ongoing process of sharing one's identity with others. Drawing on personal experiences and conversations within the community, the discussion covers the diverse journeys of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals, the evolving challenges they face, and the crucial role of visibility in fostering understanding and acceptance. Whether you're an ally or part of the LGBT+ community, this episode offers valuable insights into why coming out matters and how we can all contribute to a more inclusive world.
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    12 mins
  • Politicial Parties Are Evil

    Politicial Parties Are Evil
    Jun 30 2025
    In this episode, we examine the mid-year state of LGBT+ rights, starting locally in Shenandoah County and expanding to national and international developments—including rising anti-trans policies, Supreme Court decisions undermining protections, and global rollbacks of LGBT+ freedoms. The second half delivers a hard-hitting critique of the U.S. political system, arguing that both major political parties prioritize power over people and systematically subvert the Constitution through gerrymandering, party-line voting, and weakened checks and balances. The video calls for deep structural reforms, including ranked choice voting and eliminating the Electoral College, while urging voters to hold politicians accountable and reclaim democracy from party control.
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    17 mins
  • 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
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    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!
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    3 mins