In this powerful episode, I sit down with Trystan Reese, a 42-year-old transgender man from Portland, Oregon, who shares his remarkable journey of self-discovery, love, and family-building. Trystan's story is a testament to the power of authenticity and the unexpected ways life can unfold when we embrace our true selves.
Trystan takes us through his experiences growing up in a conservative desert town, navigating adolescence without a roadmap, and eventually finding his identity as a trans man. He shares the challenges he faced in believing he could ever find love and acceptance, and how meeting his partner Biff changed everything.
Key Insights:
• The impact of growing up without role models and how that shaped Trystan's journey• Trystan's work in LGBTQ+ advocacy and pioneering "deep canvassing" techniques• The transformative power of unconditional love and acceptance in relationships• Trystan's experience as a transgender man giving birth to his child• The importance of creating "possibility models" for the LGBTQ+ community
Trystan's story offers hope and inspiration for anyone who has ever felt different or struggled to find their place in the world. His journey from believing he would never find love to creating a beautiful family of his own is a powerful reminder that we all deserve love and belonging.
Whether you're part of the LGBTQ+ community, a parent, or simply someone looking to understand and support others better, this conversation provides valuable insights into the human experience of love, identity, and family.
About Trystan Reese:
Trystan is an author, speaker, and consultant specializing in LGBTQ+ inclusion and family-building. His book, "How We Do Family," offers insights into LGBTQ+ parenthood and adoption. Through his work, Trystan continues to create "possibility models" for trans individuals and families, showing that love and fulfillment are possible for everyone.
Chapters
00:00:00
Introduction to Tristan's Life Journey
00:08:13
Trystan's Work in LGBTQ Advocacy
00:33:39
Finding Love and Self-Acceptance
00:46:33
Building a Family and Continuing Advocacy
Trystan Reese is an award-winning author and facilitator dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion. He has nearly two decades of experience in the trans community. His acclaimed book, How We Do Family, was released in 2021, and he co-authored the children's book The Light of You with his partner, Biff Chaplow.
A Lambda Literary Fellow, Trystan's storytelling gained attention through a viral performance on The Moth MainStage, featured in the 2024 anthology A Point Of Beauty. He founded Collaborate Consulting to provide training on LGBTQ+ inclusion and has contributed to various mental health and social justice anthologies. Trystan lives in Portland, Oregon, with Biff and their three children: Riley, Sully, and Leo.
Learn more at Trystan Reese's website and Collaborate Consulting.
https://collaborate.consulting/
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**Tags:**
#TrystanReese, #LGBTQStories, #FamilyBuilding, #PodcastInterview, #SelfDiscovery, #TheLifeShiftPodcast, #Vulnerability, #Authenticity, #TransStories, #Storytelling
