Today I'm sharing with you an experience I had earlier this week when I went back to my hometown in rural Wisconsin to speak at the school board meeting where they were holding a public hearing to determine if they were going to "allow" the creation of a GSA - which they called the Pride/Ally Club!
In the episode I'm going to share with you my thought process in deciding to go back and speak, the emotional roller coaster that is being fully authentic in a place where I learned to protect myself at all costs, and the power of a collective effort to advocate for what is right in a community where I never thought I'd see a day that I'd stand up, at a microphone, and share my true self.
Watch the recording of the meeting here: https://youtu.be/C5Q7tSg39ZQ
Notable timestamps:
3:40 - Opening the Public Hearing re: club creation
5:30 - Proposed club advisor shares a student-created presentation re: Pride/Ally Club
13:00 - Floor is opened for public comment (Warning: many of the public comments cite religious texts, weaponize the bible, and include inflammatory statements. There are also several references to suicide throughout. Please take care of yourself.)
31:30 - I speak. There are SEVERAL folks who spoke in favor throughout - almost too many to list!
2:14:45 - Board Discussion and vote on creation of Pride/Ally club
Today, parents of LGBTQ+ youth today are no longer worried about the other kids at school, this year we’re way more concerned about the other adults in the room with our children every day. Will my child be ridiculed by a teacher or staff member? Will their pronouns be respected? Will they be told they can’t dress a certain way or not allowed to use restrooms? So, how can we support our vulnerable kids legally, emotionally, and physically? My guest, Elena Joy Thurston (she/her), is here to share how you can find this knowledge and support.
In this episode, we cover:
- How Elena addresses barriers to information access for parents of LGBTQ+ youth
- One of the most impactful strategies for holding adults accountable in schools
- Three different types of energy that we feel when we want to speak up
- The difference between Gen X and Gen Z in the workplace
If you want to chat more about this topic, I would love to continue this conversation with you over on Instagram! @megstheconnector
SHOW NOTES: http://www.megsthebrand.com/episode85
People who only observe the LGBTQ community from afar might glean that going to the club is the primary way that queer folks experience happiness, but queer joy comes in many forms! My guest today, Abi Mallick (he/she/they), teaches about the psychology of happiness with a queer lens along with talking about boundaries, self-expression, building community, and social activism.
In this episode, we cover:
- What the difference is between over- and under-boundaries
- How Abi became comfortable sharing their agender & nonbinary identity with others
- The four things that lead to long-term happiness according to psychology
- Joining a queer embroidery group and other ways Abi finds community
If you want to chat more about this topic, I would love to continue this conversation with you over on Instagram! @megstheconnector
Are you an LGBTQ-identifying human looking for the ultimate community building space? Join the Queer Impact Collective!
SHOW NOTES: http://www.megsthebrand.com/episode83
Fear of their parents’ or loved ones’ reactions is what holds many teens back from coming out and sharing their identity. So how can you support an LGBTQ teen in your life? Find out in my conversation with Dr. Lulu (she/her), a certified life coach who currently works with parents of LGBTQ+ kids, helping them create safe spaces through self love, self acceptance, affirmation and support of their children. If you’re a parent, this episode is for you!
In this episode, we cover:
- How Dr. Lulu pivoted from a pediatrician to a life coach for parents of queer youth
- What your LGBTQ child wants from you today
- How long it takes for parents of queer kids to overcome their initial hesitations
- Common misconceptions about bisexuality and the LGBTQ community
If you want to chat more about this topic, I would love to continue this conversation with you over on Instagram! @megstheconnector
Are you an LGBTQ-identifying human looking for the ultimate community building space? Join the Queer Impact Collective!
SHOW NOTES: http://www.megsthebrand.com/episode82
Today I am chatting with the Micah Allen (he/him), a queer and transgender man who left the Jehovah’s Witness a year ago in order to come out and transition. Trans experiences vary so much and Micah kindly shares his individual experience along with his experience being raised as a Jehovah’s Witness and the challenges in leaving.
In this episode, we cover:
- Micah’s experience as a Jehovah’s Witness and what it’s like leaving
- Two pieces of advice Micah would give to those in the early stages of a transition
- Why a legal name change is necessary and even a matter of safety
- What has felt the most affirming in Micah’s transition so far
If you want to chat more about this topic, I would love to continue this conversation with you over on Instagram! @megstheconnector
Are you an LGBTQ-identifying human looking for the ultimate community building space? Join the Queer Impact Collective!
SHOW NOTES: http://www.megsthebrand.com/episode80
Today, we’re closing out pride month talking about how we can put more queer folks on the map–no literally. That is exactly what my guest, Charlie Sprinkman (he/they) is on a mission to do! In 2019, he took a road trip across 42 states for his job at the time and after looking for different queer hangouts and coming up empty, he decided to take matters into his own hands.
In this episode, we cover:
- Charlie’s coming out story and what advice he’d give to his younger self
- The inspiration for starting the digital map, Everywhere is Queer
- Which business Charlie would like to see more of on the map
If you want to chat more about this topic, I would love to continue this conversation with you over on Instagram! @megstheconnector
Are you an LGBTQ-identifying human looking for the ultimate community building space? Join the Queer Impact Collective!
SHOW NOTES: http://www.megsthebrand.com/episode79
Another June, another Pride which means visibility & representation are the talk of the town. When it comes to representation, we see queer folks in some areas but not in others–like the business community. Fortunately, this week’s guest, Travers Johnson (he/him) is on a mission to amplify the stories and accomplishments of queer entrepreneurs with his media company, Queerency.
In this episode, we cover:
- What Travers does to fight “news fatigue”
- The immense power of visibility & representation in the business community
- How companies can support pride without pinkwashing
If you want to chat more about this topic, I would love to continue this conversation with you over on Instagram! @megstheconnector
Find resources to support your journey to quit smoking, vaping, or chewing at QuitPartnerMN.com or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW today!
Are you an LGBTQ-identifying human looking for the ultimate community building space? Join the Queer Impact Collective!
SHOW NOTES: http://www.megsthebrand.com/episode78
Today we’re going to talk about money, money, money! LGBTQ+ folks are often faced with a mountain of challenges when it comes to building wealth, that’s why I’ve invited an expert on improving financial literacy. I’m joined by Diana Greshtchuk (she/her) to discuss her money story, the importance of mindset & spirituality in financial literacy, the connection between queerness and our relationship to money, and letting go of self-judgment.
In this episode, we cover:
- Diana’s holistic approach to financial health
- How Diana’s queer identity has changed her perception of risk
- The unique financial barriers the queer community faces
- Why you should get financially naked with yourself
- The one message Diana would blast on a billboard
If you want to chat more about this topic, I would love to continue this conversation with you over on Instagram! @megstheconnector
If you are you an LGBTQ-identifying human looking for the ultimate community building space, join the Queer Impact Collective!
SHOW NOTES: https://www.megsthebrand.com/episode76
In today's episode we're taking a trip back through the evolution of the podcast, the personal journey Megs has been on in embracing her queerness and how that's reflected in the show, as well as how *you* can continue your journey of becoming your most authentically queer and awesome self, simply by being open to learning, change, and evolution through your experiences, thoughts, and takeaways from the podcast this season!
If you want to chat more about this topic, I would love to continue this conversation with you over on Instagram! @megstheconnector
If you are you an LGBTQ-identifying human looking for the ultimate community building space, join the Queer Impact Collective!
SHOW NOTES: https://www.megsthebrand.com/episode75
Season 5 is almost here!
Join your host, Megs Pulvermacher (she/her) for another season of navigating and thriving in the coming out journey as the inspiring queer human you are!
We'll be covering so MANY awesome topics this season with many EXCEPTIONAL queer humans who are going to help you learn, grow, expand your mind, and find your sweet spot to thrive in your queerness, exactly where you are today.
Some of the topics you have to look forward to include:
Queer friendships
Sexual empowerment
Trans-inclusive fitness
Queer representation in media
Supporting queer-owned businesses
Tips for vocal empowerment so you can use your voice to create change
Q&A's
...and so much more!
Make sure you're following along with the pod on IG: @outwhatnowpodcast and leaving us a 5-star rating/review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoy the show!
Resources for Christian parents of LGTBQ+ kids:
https://www.embracingthejourney.org/
IG: @coachauntcandy & her son's! --> @ThePaletteKing
Website: http://www.coachauntcandy.com/
Follow Pastor Val! @pastor_valarie
Want to learn more or connect w/ Bastian?? Here's how:
Instagram: @coachbastian.co
Website : http://www.coachbastian.co
Work w/ Bastian for FREE at his workshop on December 21st: REGISTER HERE
Risking To Be Heard: Speaking to my hometown school board to advocate for their first GSA.
1:03:29
Elena Joy Thurston: How Parents Can Protect Their LGBTQ+ Kids This School Year
32:06
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Q&A with my fiancée! Dating & communicating as a queer couple and what is needed from allies more than ever!
1:01:51
Abi Mallick: Setting Healthy Boundaries & The Psychology of Happiness
42:30
Dr. Lulu: Saving Your LGBTQ Kid's Life & Common Misconceptions About The Queer Community
47:51
Micah Allen: Leaving Jehovah's Witness to Embrace His Queer & Trans Identity
1:01:38
Charlie Sprinkman: Mapping LGBTQ+ Spaces & Supporting Queer Businesses
39:25
Travers Johnson: Queerency, Visibility in the Business Community, & Corporate Pinkwashing
51:08
Diana Greshtchuk: Financial Literacy, The Queer Experience, & Letting Go Of Self-Judgement
46:54
Embracing your queer evolution w/ Megs Pulvermacher
23:00
Season 5 Launching June 9th, 2022!
3:56
Kalyela Josephs: Navigating religious trauma & anchoring into your values!
33:26
Affirmations: Healing from the inside out!
6:13
Kimberly King: Why your queerness matters, prioritizing rest, and shifting your way of being!
38:07
Affirmations: When things don't go as planned.
10:16
Elena Joy Thurston: Coming out later in life, surviving conversion therapy, and empowering the queer community!
38:44
A minute w/ Megs and a note from the universe.
7:48
Angie Bailey: Courage over comfort, mental health advocacy, & supporting LGBTQ+ youth!
26:53
Kiki Latham: Embracing fluidity, unlocking new levels of yourself, & following the JOY!
23:54
Colleen Pulvermacher (My Mom!) Part 2: Finding community as a parent, setting boundaries & doing the thing!
47:42
Colleen Pulvermacher (My Mom!) Part 1: Growing, learning, & loving others well!
33:35
Dr. Christine Jehu: Navigating grief, climbing mountains, & SPORTSBALL!
29:24
Candace Brammer: Life as a Christian parent of a queer kid, self-discovery through healing from addiction, & leading w/ love!
49:49
Ashley David: Sobriety & the holidays, making new traditions, & embracing mistakes!
24:33
Sebastian Nemec: Life as a queer, trans veteran, owning your desire for wealth, & celebrating an awesome year!
39:11