Joy of Being is a podcast rooted in family, community, and the everyday brilliance of people living fully amid uncertainty. Centered in first-hand LGBTQIA+ narratives, these stories draw from lived experiences within families and communities to reflect strength, connection, and belonging.
In a time marked by unrest, the series emphasizes reconnection—to our shared humanity, to one another, and to the understanding that our lives are shaped through love and care. Each episode honors joy as something abundant and enduring: a radical, lived truth. The storytellers in this series are heroic, brave, and resilient—celebrating themselves and one another as an ode to being.
We ask that all of our community - listen and then share these stories widely. Help us to build an audience for these narratives that celebrate strength, understanding and support. This podcast series is available on spotify, apple podcast, amazon music and more. You can use the link above to share in your own networks. It is time to re-educate and reconnect.
Special thanks to our team of artists that are leading this initiative:
TJ Lor
Kristy Moua
Xee Reiter
Mary Richardson
Caley shares her experiences supporting and loving her trans brother Kai. She talks about the joys she witnessed as her brother grew into himself, and how she walks with him with unconditional love as he faces the joy of living and the challenges often faced being trans.
18 Jan 2026
Rachel's Story
Rachel tells her story of being a fierce and loving parent to her trans son Kai. She speaks to love, the need for patience with family, and what it means to love with grace and humility of your trans child.
18 Jan 2026
Eamon's Story
Eamon is a parent and father figure to his trans-son Kai. He speaks about his experience guiding and supporting his son as he learns to navigate school, work and a broader community. This is a story of unconditional love and support.
17 Jan 2026
Nate & Al's Story
A father, Nate holds space with his trans son Al to discuss their evolution as a family and the road they all traveled in support of Al's coming to be as a Trans male.
20 Oct 2025
Boo's Story
Boo share's his story of transitioning from female to male beginningat the age of 17. He describes the process he experienced getting top surgery, the challenges he and his parents experienced as his transition moved forward and what it means today to experience joy as a trans male.
20 Oct 2025
Casely's Story
Casely share's her experiences growing up as transgender within her Hmong family. She speaks to the need to stay positive and to stay focused and the joy of being she has experienced as a role model and mentor to others.
19 Oct 2025
TJ's Story
In this episode, 27-year-old photographer TJ speaks to what it means to identify first and foremost in life as a human being and her path to coming out within her Hmong family. She speaks also of her school years and the impact of having a trans friend end their life and how that pushes her today to do more to provide platforms that honor LGBTQ+ stories and experiences.
3 Aug 2025
Kristy's Story
In this episode, 24-year-old artist and spoken word poet Christie opens up about her journey of self-discovery, queerness, and creative expression. Raised in Minnesota, Christie reflects on the support she found in her siblings, the evolving acceptance from her parents, and the inner strength she’s built through curiosity and change. With honesty and warmth, she shares the wisdom she wishes she could offer her younger self—and the joy she’s found in being true to who she is.
3 Aug 2025
Amai's Story
In this episode, 18-year-old Amai shares his journey of coming out as transgender and the impact of acceptance, resistance, and self-discovery along the way. From the unwavering support of his grandmother to the more complex responses from his mother and peers, Amai reflects on what it means to grow into confidence and clarity. He also speaks candidly about the challenges facing marginalized communities in today’s political climate, offering a powerful testament to resilience and identity.
3 Aug 2025
Al's Story
In this episode, 18-year-old Al shares his personal journey of navigating gender identity and coming out as a transgender man. Set in St. Paul, Minnesota, Al reflects on the confusion and vulnerability he felt early on, especially when trying to explain his non-binary identity to his family. Through open conversations and time, Al's relationships evolved, leading to greater understanding and support. Now living as his authentic self, Al speaks with clarity and pride about the joy of being true to who he is.
3 Aug 2025
Kai's Story
In this episode, 17-year-old Kai shares his journey of coming out and transitioning from female to male. He talks about early confusion, the support of his sister and parents, and the challenges of being misgendered in traditional Native spaces. Kai offers heartfelt advice to other Native youth: stay true to yourself and find community that supports who you are.
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