Together Moving Forward: Embrace Your LGBTQ Identity With Pride Through Self Love

Now booking keynote speaking engagements:

From Survival to Self-Love

How I Finally Learned to Embrace My LGBTQ Identity With Pride — And How You Can Too

Or click here: https://togethermovingforwardpodcast.com/speaking/

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

This podcast celebrates LGBTQ, LGBTQ+ and 2SLGBTQIA+ identity and Pride, sharing stories of Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, pansexual, and nonbinary people who are healing, building resilience, and embracing self-love, self-respect, and community.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#69 - How To Build Self-Love Through LGBTQ Pride & Identity After Life-Changing Challenges

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Are you struggling to fully embrace your LGBTQ identity and show up with confidence and pride?

In this powerful episode, Shandi Strong, trans activist, community leader, and author, shares her deeply personal journey of resilience, authenticity, and learning to love herself after facing job loss, relationship challenges, and societal pressure. Her story highlights how embracing your LGBTQ pride and identity can transform not only your life, but the lives of others around you.

By listening to this episode, you’ll discover:

How embracing your LGBTQ identity can strengthen your self-love and confidence
Why authenticity and pride are essential for personal growth and resilience
How visibility and community support help you step into your true identity

Listen now to discover how embracing your LGBTQ pride and identity can help you build self-love, confidence, and live authentically.

Discover Shandi Strong: https://www.dayofpink.org/shandi

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shandistrong/

Shandi Strong is part of Day of Pink ECHO, a theme that calls us to tune in to the voices of queer and trans communities, past and present.

Day of Pink is a national movement in Canada that celebrates diversity, raises awareness of 2SLGBTQIA+ issues, and promotes inclusion and kindness in schools and communities. Learn more at www.dayofpink.org

New episodes every Monday and Thursday.

More from Together Moving Forward:

Now booking keynote speaking engagements:

From Survival to Self-Love

How I Finally Learned to Embrace My LGBTQ Identity With Pride — And How You Can Too

Or click here: https://togethermovingforwardpodcast.com/speaking/

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#68 - Why Chasing Validation Is Hurting Your LGBTQ Pride Identity Self-Love (And What To Do Instead)

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Are you struggling to fully embrace your LGBTQ identity with pride, even though you're trying to be confident?

Many people in the LGBTQ community grow up carrying internalized shame without even realizing it. You may find yourself people-pleasing, seeking validation, or feeling unsure about your identity, all while wanting to build real self-love and confidence.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

How internalized shame quietly shapes your LGBTQ identity and how to begin releasing it
The difference between fake confidence and authentic confidence rooted in self-love
Why setting healthy boundaries is essential to embracing your identity with pride

Listen now to learn how to move from survival to self-love and finally embrace your LGBTQ identity with pride and confidence.

Discover Derick Hachey: https://www.derickhcoaching.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/derickhcoaching/

New episodes every Monday and Thursday.

More from Together Moving Forward:

Now booking keynote speaking engagements:

From Survival to Self-Love

How I Finally Learned to Embrace My LGBTQ Identity With Pride — And How You Can Too

Or click here: https://togethermovingforwardpodcast.com/speaking/

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#67 - How To Build LGBTQ Pride & Identity By Learning Self-Love Instead of Seeking Validation

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 10:53:49 GMT

Are you living authentically in your LGBTQ Pride & Identity, or are you still shaped by shame and external validation?

Many LGBTQ individuals grow up feeling different, learning to people-please, seek validation, and hide parts of themselves just to feel accepted. But what happens when you finally begin to question those patterns and step into self-love?

In this episode, I sit down with Derick Hachey, LGBTQ coach who helps gay men heal internalized shame, build authentic confidence, and step fully into their identity, to explore how self-love becomes the foundation for Pride, confidence, and emotional freedom.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

How internalized shame affects your LGBTQ Pride & Identity, and how to break free
The difference between fake confidence and authentic self-love
Practical ways to stop people-pleasing and build healthier boundaries

Ready to strengthen your LGBTQ Pride & Identity and finally embrace self-love? This episode will help you take your next step forward.

Discover Derick Hachey: https://www.derickhcoaching.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/derickhcoaching/

New episodes every Monday and Thursday.

More from Together Moving Forward:

Now booking keynote speaking engagements:

From Survival to Self-Love

How I Finally Learned to Embrace My LGBTQ Identity With Pride — And How You Can Too

Or click here: https://togethermovingforwardpodcast.com/speaking/

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#66 - How I Reclaimed My LGBTQ Identity & Found Real Pride Through Self-Love

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Are you truly living in your LGBTQ identity, or just surviving in it?

If you’ve ever felt disconnected from who you really are, struggled to feel genuine pride, or found it hard to fully accept yourself, this episode will hit home. So many people in the LGBTQ community learn to hide parts of themselves just to feel safe, and over time, that creates distance from your true identity.

In this episode, we break down how self-love is the foundation for reclaiming your LGBTQ identity and stepping into real pride, without pretending to be someone you’re not.

What you’ll walk away with:

How to reconnect with your authentic LGBTQ identity and stop hiding who you are
Practical ways to build self-love so you can feel real pride in yourself
A powerful mindset shift to turn your past struggles into purpose and confidence

Ready to stop surviving and start fully embracing your LGBTQ identity with real pride? This episode will show you where to begin.

New episodes every Monday and Thursday.

More from Together Moving Forward:

Now booking keynote speaking engagements:

From Survival to Self-Love

How I Finally Learned to Embrace My LGBTQ Identity With Pride — And How You Can Too

Or click here: https://togethermovingforwardpodcast.com/speaking/

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#65 - From Survival to Self-Love: The Story Behind My First LGBTQ Pride & Identity Keynote Speech

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Have you ever achieved something big… but still felt empty inside?

If you’ve ever struggled to fully embrace your LGBTQ identity with pride, this episode will hit close to home. So many people in our community learn how to survive, but not how to truly love themselves. This episode takes you behind a deeply personal turning point that sparked a journey from silence and shame to self-love and identity.

By listening, you’ll discover:

How to reconnect with your true LGBTQ identity before fear and shame shaped it
Practical shifts to build real self-love and self-respect from within
How to transform your story into strength and live with authentic pride

If you’re ready to stop surviving and start fully embracing your LGBTQ identity with pride and self-love, this episode will show you how.

New episodes every Monday and Thursday.

More from Together Moving Forward:

Now booking keynote speaking engagements:

From Survival to Self-Love

How I Finally Learned to Embrace My LGBTQ Identity With Pride — And How You Can Too

Or click here: https://togethermovingforwardpodcast.com/speaking/

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#64 - From Silence to Pride: How Accepting Your LGBTQ Identity Transforms Self-Love

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 11:00:00 GMT

For many people in the LGBTQ community, learning to love themselves isn’t something that happens overnight. It often requires unlearning shame, rejecting old narratives, and discovering the courage to stand proudly in your true identity.

In this episode, Stef reflects on key lessons from a powerful conversation with LGBTQ activist Rev. Dr. Cheri DiNovo, exploring how embracing identity, choosing joy, and taking small everyday actions can transform both personal self-love and community strength.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

Why accepting your LGBTQ identity is the first step toward genuine self-love and confidence
How Pride, joy, and community help sustain the LGBTQ movement for the long term
Simple everyday actions that allow anyone to protect LGBTQ dignity and identity

Listen now and discover how embracing your LGBTQ identity with Pride can help you build deeper self-love, confidence, and connection within your community.

New episodes every Monday and Thursday.

More from Together Moving Forward:

Now booking keynote speaking engagements:

From Survival to Self-Love

How I Finally Learned to Embrace My LGBTQ Identity With Pride — And How You Can Too

Or click here: https://togethermovingforwardpodcast.com/speaking/

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#63 - Why LGBTQ Pride & Identity Are Essential to Loving Yourself in a World That Still Pushes Back

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Ever wondered how self-love can turn into a powerful force for change in the LGBTQ community?

In this powerful conversation, Rev. Dr. Cheri DiNovo CM shares how embracing LGBTQ pride and identity helped transform personal struggle into lifelong activism. From experiencing homelessness as a queer youth to helping pave the way for historic LGBTQ rights in Canada, her journey shows how self-love and courage can spark real change.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

How embracing your LGBTQ identity builds the foundation for true self-love and confidence.
Why love and joy, not just anger, sustain long-term activism and community change.
How everyday people can protect LGBTQ rights and strengthen pride through small actions.

Listen now to discover how embracing your LGBTQ identity with pride and self-love can empower you to live authentically and help move our community forward.

Discover Rev. Dr. Cheri DiNovo CM: https://cheridinovo.ca

Rev. Dr. Cheri DiNovo CM is part of Day of Pink ECHO, a theme that calls us to tune in to the voices of queer and trans communities, past and present.

New episodes every Monday and Thursday.

More from Together Moving Forward:

Now booking keynote speaking engagements:

From Survival to Self-Love

How I Finally Learned to Embrace My LGBTQ Identity With Pride — And How You Can Too

Or click here: https://togethermovingforwardpodcast.com/speaking/

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#62 - 3 Signs You’re Missing Healthy Boundaries in Your LGBTQ Identity & How to Reclaim Your Pride

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Ever feel like you had to hide parts of yourself just to be accepted?

For many people in the LGBTQ community, survival often meant adapting, staying quiet, or becoming who others expected us to be. But constantly abandoning parts of yourself can slowly disconnect you from your true identity and your sense of pride.

In this episode, Stef reflects on the most powerful lessons from the previous conversation with therapist Jace Armstrong and explores how self-abandonment, healing, and boundaries shape the journey toward self-acceptance.

You’ll discover:

Why many LGBTQ people learn self-abandonment as a survival strategy, and how to recognize it.
Why healing isn’t about fixing yourself, but remembering who you truly are.
How setting healthy boundaries becomes one of the strongest expressions of self-love and pride.

Listen now and start reconnecting with your LGBTQ identity, your pride, and the self-respect that helps you truly live as yourself.

New episodes every Monday and Thursday.

More from Together Moving Forward:

Now booking keynote speaking engagements:

From Survival to Self-Love

How I Finally Learned to Embrace My LGBTQ Identity With Pride — And How You Can Too

Or click here: https://togethermovingforwardpodcast.com/speaking/

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#61 - How To Rebuild Self-Love Through LGBTQ Pride & Identity After Years of Self-Abandonment

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Have you ever felt like you were surviving your life instead of truly living it, especially when it comes to your LGBTQ identity and pride?

Many LGBTQ individuals grow up learning to adapt, shrink, or silence parts of themselves just to feel accepted. Over time, that survival strategy can lead to self-abandonment, where your authentic identity gets lost under expectations, fear, and the need to belong. In this episode, Stef speaks with queer therapist Jace Armstrong about how healing isn’t about fixing yourself, it’s about remembering who you were before you learned to hide.

You’ll discover:

How self-abandonment quietly shows up in LGBTQ lives and relationships, and why it once helped you survive.
Why real self-love often looks like setting boundaries and allowing others to be disappointed.
How reconnecting with your LGBTQ identity and pride can help you rebuild trust with yourself.

Ready to stop just surviving and start living with deeper self-love, confidence, and pride in your LGBTQ identity? This episode will guide you toward that first step forward.

New episodes every Monday and Thursday.

More from Together Moving Forward:

Now booking keynote speaking engagements:

From Survival to Self-Love

How I Finally Learned to Embrace My LGBTQ Identity With Pride — And How You Can Too

Or click here: https://togethermovingforwardpodcast.com/speaking/

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#60 - Why You Need Self-Love To Fully Embrace Your LGBTQ Identity With Pride

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Are you celebrating LGBTQ Pride publicly… but still struggling to fully accept your identity privately?

In this deeply personal episode, Stef shares the powerful internal lessons behind his recent return to figure skating, and how that experience revealed what self-love truly means. If you’ve ever felt fear, shame, or hesitation around embracing your LGBTQ identity, this conversation will speak directly to you.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

How to stay grounded in self-love when fear and self-doubt show up
Why reclaiming your LGBTQ identity with Pride starts internally, not externally
How small, consistent steps rebuild self-trust and lasting confidence

Ready to stop abandoning yourself and start embracing your LGBTQ identity with real Pride? This episode will help you take that first powerful step forward.

New episodes every Monday and Thursday.

More from Together Moving Forward:

Now booking keynote speaking engagements:

From Survival to Self-Love

How I Finally Learned to Embrace My LGBTQ Identity With Pride — And How You Can Too

Or click here: https://togethermovingforwardpodcast.com/speaking/

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#59 - How Rebuilding Self-Love Helped Me Embrace My LGBTQ Identity & Pride Again

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 11:00:00 GMT

What if the fear you feel around your LGBTQ identity isn’t weakness, but an invitation to reclaim your Pride?

For so many LGBTQ people, fear, shame, and self-doubt don’t just disappear with time. They live in the body. They show up in moments where you want to shine. And if you’ve ever felt like hiding instead of stepping forward, this episode will speak directly to you.

In this powerful and vulnerable story, Stef shares what happened when he stepped back onto the ice after more than 15 years away from competition, and how learning self-love transformed not only his performance, but his entire relationship with his LGBTQ identity and Pride.

Inside this episode, you’ll discover:

How self-love helps you move forward even when fear feels overwhelming
Why reclaiming your LGBTQ identity with Pride starts internally, not externally
How small, consistent steps rebuild confidence, trust, and self-respect over time

Ready to stop surviving and start fully living in your LGBTQ identity with Pride? This episode will show you what’s truly possible.

Press play and take your next step toward self-love, confidence, and reclaiming who you were always meant to be.

New episodes every Monday and Thursday.

More from Together Moving Forward:

Now booking keynote speaking engagements:

From Survival to Self-Love

How I Finally Learned to Embrace My LGBTQ Identity With Pride — And How You Can Too

Or click here: https://togethermovingforwardpodcast.com/speaking/

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#58 - How To Strengthen Your LGBTQ Identity Through Pride & Self-Love Starting Today

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Are you fully embracing your LGBTQ identity, or are you still shrinking parts of yourself to feel safe?

If you’ve ever questioned your worth, minimized your truth, or struggled to feel confident in your identity, this episode is for you. Pride isn’t just a celebration, it’s a declaration. And your LGBTQ identity isn’t something to tolerate… it’s something to honor. Today, we go deeper into what self-love really means, how self-respect grows through visibility, and why community transforms isolation into empowerment.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

How embracing your LGBTQ identity becomes the true foundation of self-love and emotional peace.
Why Pride and representation strengthen self-respect and help you stop shrinking yourself.
How art, storytelling, and community turn shame into empowerment and quiet confidence.

If you’re ready to move from silence to Pride, and from self-doubt to self-love, this episode will help you take that next powerful step forward, together.

New episodes every Monday and Thursday.

More from Together Moving Forward:

Now booking keynote speaking engagements:

From Survival to Self-Love

How I Finally Learned to Embrace My LGBTQ Identity With Pride — And How You Can Too

Or click here: https://togethermovingforwardpodcast.com/speaking/

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#57 - How LGBTQ Storytelling Builds Pride & Transforms Identity From Shame to Self-Love

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Are you struggling to fully embrace your LGBTQ identity, even during Pride?

For so many people in the LGBTQ community, identity isn’t a straight line. It’s layered with mental health, cultural expectations, family silence, and the pressure to “fit” into neat categories. And when you don’t see yourself represented, it’s easy to question your worth or feel like you don’t belong.

In this episode, I sit down with writer and poet AJ Dolman to explore how storytelling, advocacy, and creative expression help reclaim LGBTQ identity and build real self-love, the kind rooted in truth, Pride, and self-respect.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

How embracing your LGBTQ identity strengthens your self-love and mental well-being
Why Pride and representation are critical for feeling seen, valued, and understood
How art and community help you move from isolation to empowerment

Ready to stop shrinking, fully embrace your LGBTQ identity, and build Pride grounded in authentic self-love? This episode will help you take that next step forward.

Discover AJ Dolman: http://ajdolman.blogspot.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dolman_aj/

AJ Dolman is part of Day of Pink ECHO, a theme that calls us to tune in to the voices of queer and trans communities, past and present.

New episodes every Monday and Thursday.

More from Together Moving Forward:

Now booking keynote speaking engagements:

From Survival to Self-Love

How I Finally Learned to Embrace My LGBTQ Identity With Pride — And How You Can Too

Or click here: https://togethermovingforwardpodcast.com/speaking/

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#56 - 3 Signs You’re Missing Self-Love in Your LGBTQ Identity Journey — And How to Reclaim Your Pride

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Have you ever wondered if suppressing your LGBTQ identity is quietly disconnecting you from your own Pride?

In this powerful follow-up to Ken’s story, we explore what his journey teaches us about self-love, self-respect, and setting boundaries. If you’ve ever felt torn between who you are and who others expect you to be, this episode will hit home. Your LGBTQ identity is not something to debate, fix, or hide, and Pride begins long before you say it out loud to the world.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

How self-love truly begins, and why honesty with yourself is the first step toward healing your LGBTQ identity
The difference between self-love and self-respect, and how both are essential to living with Pride
Why setting healthy boundaries protects your identity, your dignity, and your emotional freedom

You’re ready to stop abandoning yourself and start embracing your LGBTQ identity with real Pride? This episode will help you come home to who you truly are.

New episodes every Monday and Thursday.

More from Together Moving Forward:

Now booking keynote speaking engagements:

From Survival to Self-Love

How I Finally Learned to Embrace My LGBTQ Identity With Pride — And How You Can Too

Or click here: https://togethermovingforwardpodcast.com/speaking/

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#55 - Think It’s Too Late to Embrace Your LGBTQ Identity, Pride & Self-Love? Think Again.

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Are you living your truth, or performing a version of yourself to survive?

For many in the LGBTQ community, especially those raised in religious environments, identity can feel like something to suppress rather than celebrate. In this powerful episode, we explore what happens when you spend decades hiding your truth, and what it really costs your heart, your health, and your sense of self.

Ken shares his journey from preaching anti-LGBTQ sermons to finally embracing his identity, reconstructing his faith, and discovering what Pride truly means. This conversation goes beyond coming out, it’s about learning to love yourself, respect yourself, and set healthy boundaries.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

How suppressing your LGBTQ identity can silently impact your mental, emotional, and physical health
What it truly means to deconstruct faith and rebuild identity on your own terms
Why it’s never too late to reclaim your Pride and live authentically, no matter your age

If you’ve ever felt trapped by expectations, struggling with self-love, or wondering whether it’s “too late” to live as your true self, this episode will remind you: your life was never meant to be a secret.

Press play and start moving forward into your truth, your LGBTQ identity, and your Pride today.

Find out more about Ken: https://www.instagram.com/createsome81/

New episodes every Monday and Thursday.

More from Together Moving Forward:

Now booking keynote speaking engagements:

From Survival to Self-Love

How I Finally Learned to Embrace My LGBTQ Identity With Pride — And How You Can Too

Or click here: https://togethermovingforwardpodcast.com/speaking/

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#54 - Why Your LGBTQ Identity Deserves Pride and Self-Respect Without Conditions

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Have you ever felt like your LGBTQ identity needed to be earned before it could be respected?

For so many of us, pride doesn’t come naturally, especially after years of feeling invisible, rejected, or unworthy. In this follow-up episode, Stef reflects on a powerful moment from episode 53 and breaks down why one act of kindness can change how we see ourselves and our LGBTQ identity forever.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

Why your LGBTQ identity is worthy of respect without conditions — and how releasing self-blame restores pride
How pride often begins not within yourself, but through connection and being seen
Why a single act of kindness can become a turning point toward healing, belonging, and self-love

If you’ve ever struggled to fully embrace your LGBTQ identity or felt disconnected from pride, this episode will remind you of one essential truth: you are worthy, exactly as you are. Press play and move forward with us, together.

New episodes every Monday and Thursday morning, Eastern Time (ET).

More from Together Moving Forward:

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#53 - 5 Signs Your LGBTQ Identity Is Craving Pride and Self-Love — And the Act of Kindness That Saved My Life

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Have you ever wondered how different your life might feel if just one person truly saw you?

So many people in the LGBTQ community grow up feeling invisible, unsafe, or unworthy of respect, and that deeply impacts how we relate to our Identity and Pride. In this deeply personal episode, I share a pivotal story from my teenage years that changed everything, not because the pain disappeared, but because kindness showed me I mattered.

This conversation isn’t about fixing yourself. It’s about understanding how self-respect often begins through connection, and how even one moment of acceptance can reshape your entire relationship with your LGBTQ Identity.

By listening to this episode, you will:

Learn how Pride can grow from simple human connection, even after years of shame
Understand why your LGBTQ Identity is worthy of respect exactly as it is
Discover how kindness, given or received, can become a powerful turning point in healing

Listen to this episode now to reconnect with your Pride, honor your LGBTQ Identity, and remember that your presence truly matters.

New episodes every Monday and Thursday morning, Eastern Time (ET).

More from Together Moving Forward:

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#52 - How Turning Your Story Into Purpose Can Transform LGBTQ Identity and Pride

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 12:00:00 GMT

What does Pride really look like when survival, rest, and self-protection come first?

If you’ve ever felt pressure to fully embrace your LGBTQ identity before you felt safe or ready, this episode is for you. In this reflective follow-up, Stef slows things down to revisit a deeply human conversation and share what it truly taught us about identity, Pride, and resilience. This isn’t about perfection or performance, it’s about honoring where you are right now on your journey.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

Why embracing your LGBTQ identity with Pride can be an act of survival, not just self-expression
How representation and chosen family shape identity, healing, and hope
How your lived experiences can become tools for growth, meaning, and change

Ready to embrace your LGBTQ identity with Pride in a way that feels honest, safe, and sustainable? This episode will remind you that moving forward doesn’t have to be rushed, it just has to be true to you.

New episodes every Monday and Thursday morning, Eastern Time (ET).

More from Together Moving Forward:

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#51 - How to Reclaim Your LGBTQ Identity and Live With Pride Despite Trauma and Rejection

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 12:00:00 GMT

What happens when living authentically costs you your home, your safety, and your sense of belonging, but hiding costs you even more?

In this deeply powerful conversation, Joanna M. Cifredo shares her lived experience as a trans Latina navigating homelessness, family rejection, survival, activism, and ultimately leadership. This episode explores how LGBTQ identity, Pride, and intersectionality shape not just who we are, but how we survive, heal, and lead in a world that often resists our existence.

By listening to this episode, you’ll discover:

How embracing your LGBTQ identity can become a source of Pride, resilience, and personal power
Why representation, chosen family, and intergenerational wisdom are essential for healing and growth
How to move forward authentically even when safety, acceptance, and certainty feel out of reach

Listen now to reconnect with your LGBTQ identity, reclaim your Pride, and remember that your existence is not just valid, it’s powerful.

New episodes every Monday and Thursday morning, Eastern Time (ET).

More from Together Moving Forward:

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#50 - Why Success Won’t Heal Your LGBTQ Identity — and Why Pride Starts Inside You

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Are you holding onto pride that depends on success, approval, or applause, instead of true self-acceptance of your LGBTQ identity?

Many LGBTQ people grow up learning to hide parts of themselves just to survive. Over time, pride can become something we chase through achievements, perfection, or external validation. In this follow-up episode, Stef revisits the most powerful lessons from his conversation with Olympic champion figure skater Eric Radford, not about medals, but about identity, healing, and what pride really means when the spotlight fades.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

How embracing your LGBTQ identity transforms pride into calm, grounded self-acceptance
Why success alone can’t heal identity wounds, and what actually does
How life transitions invite you to rediscover who you are beyond labels and roles

If you’re ready to stop proving your worth and start honoring your LGBTQ identity with real pride, this episode will meet you exactly where you are and help you move forward with compassion and clarity.

New episodes every Monday and Thursday morning, Eastern Time (ET).

More from Together Moving Forward:

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#58 - How To Strengthen Your LGBTQ Identity Through Pride & Self-Love Starting Today

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Are you fully embracing your LGBTQ identity, or are you still shrinking parts of yourself to feel safe?

In this episode, you’ll discover:

How embracing your LGBTQ identity becomes the true foundation of self-love and emotional peace.
Why Pride and representation strengthen self-respect and help you stop shrinking yourself.
How art, storytelling, and community turn shame into empowerment and quiet confidence.

If you’re ready to move from silence to Pride, and from self-doubt to self-love, this episode will help you take that next powerful step forward, together.

New episodes every Monday and Thursday.

More from Together Moving Forward:

Now booking keynote speaking engagements:

From Survival to Self-Love

How I Finally Learned to Embrace My LGBTQ Identity With Pride — And How You Can Too

Or click here: https://togethermovingforwardpodcast.com/speaking/

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#49 - How Eric Radford Found LGBTQ Pride & Identity at the Peak of an Olympic Career

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Have you ever wondered what happens when success doesn’t bring the self-acceptance you thought it would?

For many in the LGBTQ community, pride and identity aren’t just about coming out, they’re about healing, self-love, and learning who you are beyond survival or achievement. In this deeply honest conversation, figure skating Olympic champion Eric Radford opens up about bullying, trauma, identity, and what it truly means to live authentically after the spotlight fades.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

How embracing your LGBTQ identity can transform pride from something external into deep self-acceptance
Why high achievement doesn’t automatically heal identity wounds, and what actually does
How to move forward with courage, clarity, and pride after major life transitions

Listen now to hear Eric Radford’s powerful journey and learn how honoring your LGBTQ identity can help you live with real pride and self-love.

New episodes every Monday and Thursday morning, Eastern Time (ET).

More from Together Moving Forward:

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#48 - 3 Signs You’re Protecting Everyone Else Instead of Your LGBTQ Identity — And How Pride Changes That

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Are you still explaining your LGBTQ identity to people who refuse to truly hear you, and calling it “peace”?

If you’ve ever felt exhausted trying to justify your experiences, soften your truth, or protect others’ comfort at the expense of your own LGBTQ identity, this episode is for you. In this follow-up conversation, Stef slows things down to reflect on three powerful lessons about validation, boundaries, and reclaiming your story, and how each one directly shapes your sense of Pride and self-respect.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

How releasing the need for validation strengthens your LGBTQ identity instead of weakening it
Why boundaries are not rejection, but a necessary expression of Pride and self-love
How reclaiming your story allows your identity to feel grounded, whole, and unapologetic

Ready to stop shrinking, stop explaining, and start standing firmly in your LGBTQ identity with Pride? This episode will meet you exactly where you are, and help you move forward with clarity and self-respect.

New episodes every Monday and Thursday morning, Eastern Time (ET).

More from Together Moving Forward:

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#47 - How Letting Go of Validation Changed My LGBTQ Identity, Pride, and Healing

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Have you reached the point where explaining yourself hurts more than staying silent ever did?

If you’ve spent years trying to be understood, validated, or believed, especially around your LGBTQ identity, this episode meets you exactly where you are. Healing doesn’t always look like forgiveness or softness. Sometimes it looks like clarity, boundaries, and finally choosing yourself with pride.

In this deeply personal episode, Stef revisits a powerful practice that became a turning point in reclaiming his identity: a reclaiming letter written not from anger, but from self-respect. This conversation isn’t about convincing anyone, it’s about believing yourself and releasing what was never yours to carry.

In this episode, you’ll gain:

A new way to reclaim your LGBTQ identity without seeking validation or approval
Clarity on how boundaries are born from self-respect, not resentment
Permission to embrace pride by honoring your truth, without explanation

Listen to this episode to stop gaslighting yourself and start standing in your truth with pride, this episode will help you reclaim what has always been yours.

New episodes every Monday and Thursday morning, Eastern Time (ET).

More from Together Moving Forward:

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#46 - From Survival to Self-Love: How LGBTQ Identity and Pride Change Everything

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Have you ever wondered what would happen if you stopped surviving and truly embraced your LGBTQ identity with Pride?

For many LGBTQ people, survival becomes a way of life, hiding, adapting, staying quiet, and minimizing ourselves just to get through the day. In this reflective follow-up episode, Stef revisits the powerful conversation with RiVERSE and breaks down the lessons that stayed with him long after the interview ended. This episode is about slowing down, letting the message sink in, and reconnecting with your identity in a deeper, more compassionate way.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

How embracing your LGBTQ identity can turn pain into purpose instead of shame
Why representation and unity are essential for Pride, healing, and feeling less alone
How true healing goes beyond survival and leads to self-love, joy, and self-respect

Ready to move from simply surviving to fully embracing your LGBTQ identity with Pride? This episode will remind you that your story matters, and that you are already worthy of love.

Discover RiVERSE: https://www.instagram.com/riverselive/

RiVERSE is part of Day of Pink ECHO, a theme that calls us to tune in to the voices of queer and trans communities, past and present.

New episodes every Monday and Thursday morning, Eastern Time (ET).

More from Together Moving Forward:

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#45 - How LGBTQ Artists Transformed Pain, Pride, and Identity Into Global Connection

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Have you ever wondered what happens when LGBTQ Pride and Identity are fully embraced instead of hidden?

In this powerful episode of the Together Moving Forward Podcast, Stef sits down with the members of RiVERSE to explore how music, vulnerability, and lived experience can become tools for healing. From sobriety and serious illness to living openly with HIV, this conversation speaks directly to LGBTQ people who want to live authentically, loudly, and without apology.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

How embracing your LGBTQ identity can transform pain into purpose and pride
Why representation and unity matter deeply for queer people who feel unseen
How self-love, honesty, and community can redefine healing beyond survival

If you’re ready to reconnect with your LGBTQ identity, reclaim your pride, and feel less alone in your journey, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Discover RiVERSE: https://www.instagram.com/riverselive/

RiVERSE is part of Day of Pink ECHO, a theme that calls us to tune in to the voices of queer and trans communities, past and present.

New episodes every Monday and Thursday morning, Eastern Time (ET).

More from Together Moving Forward:

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#44 - Survival Mode Didn’t Break Your LGBTQ Identity - It Built Your Pride Instead

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Have you ever wondered if the parts of your LGBTQ identity you were taught to hide are actually the strongest parts of you?

For so many LGBTQ people, survival meant shrinking, silencing, and hiding who we really were, just to stay safe. But living in survival mode doesn’t mean you were weak. It means you adapted. In this follow-up episode, we go deeper into how shame, fear, and rejection shaped your identity, and how reclaiming those hidden parts can lead to genuine pride and self-respect.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

Why your hidden LGBTQ identity is proof of strength, not something to fix
How survival mode quietly built resilience, emotional intelligence, and inner power
What real self-respect looks like when you honor your full identity with pride

Stop seeing your past as proof of weakness and start embracing your LGBTQ identity with pride. This episode will help you reconnect with who you truly are, without shame.

New episodes every Monday and Thursday morning, Eastern Time (ET).

More from Together Moving Forward:

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#43 - Why Your LGBTQ Identity Is So Much Stronger Than You Think and That’s Pride

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 12:00:00 GMT

What if the parts of yourself you were taught to hide are actually proof of how strong you are?

If you’ve ever struggled to fully love and respect yourself as an LGBTQ person, this episode is for you. Stef Vachon shares his personal journey through bullying, shame, survival mode, healing, and ultimately rebuilding his identity with pride. This conversation isn’t about perfection, it’s about truth, resilience, and learning how to protect the parts of yourself that were never broken.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

How the parts of yourself you were taught to hide became proof of your strength and shaped your LGBTQ identity
Why survival mode doesn’t mean weakness, and how it quietly builds resilience and pride over time
What self-respect truly looks like after trauma, and how to practice it while honoring your full identity

Listen to this episode to see that the parts of yourself you were taught to hide are not flaws, but proof of your strength, and to begin living your LGBTQ identity with pride.

New episodes every Monday and Thursday morning, Eastern Time (ET).

More from Together Moving Forward:

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#42 - Why Forcing Yourself Into Boxes Is Damaging Your LGBTQ Identity and Pride

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Have you ever felt pressure to fully define your LGBTQ identity, and felt anxious when you couldn’t?

So many people in the LGBTQ community feel like they need answers, labels, and certainty just to be accepted. In this follow-up episode, Stef reflects on a powerful conversation with De’mon and explores why identity is not something to solve, but something to live, with honesty, compassion, and pride.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

Why your LGBTQ identity is allowed to evolve, and how releasing certainty can actually strengthen your sense of pride
How letting go of gendered boxes becomes an act of self-respect, not rebellion
Why self-acceptance and community can soften anxiety and help you feel less alone in your identity journey

Stop proving who you are and start honoring it! This episode will remind you that your LGBTQ identity is valid exactly as it is, and that pride grows through self-trust, not perfection.

Discover De’mon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/de_monlikede_vil/

New episodes every Monday and Thursday morning, Eastern Time (ET).

More from Together Moving Forward:

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#41 - How an 18-Year-Old Creator Used LGBTQ Pride to Break Identity Boxes Early

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Are you feeling pressured to define your identity before you’re ready, or to fit into boxes that never felt right?

In this episode of Together Moving Forward, Stef sits down with De’mon (Demonqueen), an 18-year-old drag artist from England, to explore how LGBTQ Pride and Identity can be reclaimed early, without shame, fear, or rigid labels.

This honest conversation dives into growing up different, managing anxiety, finding chosen family online, and why self-expression matters more than following a rulebook.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

How embracing LGBTQ Pride can strengthen your identity and self-confidence at any age
Why letting go of masculine and feminine boxes creates real emotional freedom
How community and self-acceptance can help ease anxiety and self-doubt

Press play now and find out why self-expression matters more than following a rulebook, and how it can offer you reassurance, wisdom, and Pride-filled encouragement.

Discover De’mon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/de_monlikede_vil/

New episodes every Monday and Thursday morning, Eastern Time (ET).

More from Together Moving Forward:

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#40 - How to Honor Your LGBTQ Identity by Redefining Pride One Minute at a Time in 2026

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 12:00:00 GMT

As we step into 2026, have you ever wondered how to move forward with Pride when life still feels uncertain, heavy, or painful?

This episode speaks directly to anyone in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community who feels pressure to always be strong, confident, or “put together.” If you’ve ever questioned your identity, your sense of Pride, or your worth during hard seasons, this conversation reminds you that you’re not failing, you’re evolving.

In this follow-up episode and the first of 2026, Stef reflects on the most powerful lessons from 2025 and shares how redefining Pride, letting go of control, and living one minute at a time can deepen self-love and self-respect within your LGBTQ identity.

This conversation is an invitation to begin 2026 with self-respect instead of pressure, and presence instead of perfection. It is a gentle reminder that you don’t need to rush your growth or reinvent yourself overnight.

In this episode, you’ll discover how to:

Redefine LGBTQ Pride in 2026 so it supports your real life, not unrealistic expectations
Enter the new year with deeper respect for your identity, limits, and lived experience
Create space for hope in 2026 by living one minute at a time, without rushing your journey

Start 2026 by choosing yourself, listen to this episode to honor your LGBTQ identity, redefine Pride on your own terms, and move forward gently, one minute at a time.

New episodes every Monday and Thursday morning, Eastern Time (ET).

More from Together Moving Forward:

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#39 - Why 2025 Changed How You Embrace Your LGBTQ Identity With Pride, Even When Life Hurts

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 12:00:00 GMT

Have you ever wondered what happens when your body forces you to stop, and your identity asks you to listen?

This episode is a deeply personal reflection on resilience, self-love, and what it truly means to embrace your LGBTQ identity with pride, even when life doesn’t go according to plan. Stef looks back on 2025, the lessons, the pain, the growth, and the moments that reaffirmed why this podcast exists in the first place.

Through chronic illness, returning to figure skating, powerful listener messages, and unforgettable podcast milestones, this conversation speaks directly to anyone who has ever felt guilt for slowing down or questioned their worth during hard seasons.

By listening, you will:

Learn how to embrace your LGBTQ identity with pride, even when circumstances change
Discover how letting go of control can deepen self-respect, presence, and emotional freedom
Feel less alone as you reconnect with hope, gratitude, and the power of living one minute at a time

Listen now to reconnect with your identity, reclaim your pride, and move into the new year with compassion for yourself, exactly as you are.

New episodes every Monday and Thursday morning, Eastern Time (ET).

More from Together Moving Forward:

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#38 - Why Your LGBTQ Identity Evolves & How It Shapes Your Pride Journey

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 12:00:00 GMT

Have you ever wondered whether your LGBTQ identity is allowed to evolve, or if it’s “too late” to become who you truly are?

In this follow-up episode inspired by Minjun’s powerful journey, episode #37, we explore the truth that identity isn’t fixed, it grows with you. Whether the holidays feel joyful, heavy, or complicated, this conversation gives you permission to honour who you are becoming, reconnect with the community that holds you, and embrace the pride that comes from owning your story.

By the end of this episode, you’ll walk away with:

A new understanding of why your LGBTQ identity evolves over time, and why that’s a gift, not a flaw.
The confidence to seek or offer community support that strengthens emotional safety and deepens pride.
A practical, compassionate way to revisit your past so you can heal, reclaim your story, and move forward with clarity.

Press play now to learn how your evolving identity, your community, and your past can guide you toward deeper self-love and authentic Pride.

New episodes every Monday and Thursday morning, Eastern Time (ET).

More from Together Moving Forward:

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#37 - 3 Reasons You Struggle With Owning Your LGBTQ Identity & Celebrating Pride

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 12:00:00 GMT

What if revisiting your very first steps could reveal how far you’ve come in your LGBTQ Pride and Identity journey?

This episode takes you back to where it all started, the first guest, the first interview, the first leap into storytelling, and the moment that shaped the heart of this podcast. As Minjun’s story unfolds, you’ll hear how identity, growth, love, and community can completely transform a life. Her evolution, her courage, and her transition remind us what Pride looks like when it’s lived fully and authentically.

By listening, you’ll walk away with:

A deeper understanding of how revisiting your past strengthens your LGBTQ Identity today
The power of community support when navigating Pride, healing, and transformation
A renewed sense of belonging and inspiration to live your truth with confidence

Press play to reconnect with the episode that set everything in motion, and rediscover what Pride, Identity, and community truly mean.

New episodes every Monday and Thursday morning, Eastern Time (ET).

More from Together Moving Forward:

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#36 - Why Support Shapes Your LGBTQ Identity More Than You Think And How To Claim Your Pride Today

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 12:00:00 GMT

What if the support you did or didn’t receive growing up is still shaping your LGBTQ identity today?

So many queer people wonder why self-love feels hard, even as adults. This episode revisits the powerful insights from my conversation with Ingrid on episode #35, a parent coach who explains how emotional safety, connection, and honest communication directly influence your Pride, your confidence, and your sense of identity. No matter your age or experience, this conversation will speak to you.

In this episode, you’ll walk away with:

Simple tools to create emotional safety, for yourself and the queer people you love.
A deeper understanding of how support shapes Pride and why it matters at every age.
Practical ways to move from fear to connection so your identity can grow instead of shrink.

Press play now to learn how to strengthen your LGBTQ identity, rebuild your sense of Pride, and create the support you’ve always deserved.

Discover Ingrid’s work on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewayforward4parents/

New episodes every Monday and Thursday morning, Eastern Time (ET).

More from Together Moving Forward:

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#35 - Why “Grieving Your Child” Hurts LGBTQ Identity And How To Create Pride Instead

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 12:00:23 GMT

What happens to a LGBTQ child when their home stops feeling safe, and how can parents become the foundation of Pride, Identity, and unconditional love?

In this powerful conversation, Stef and parent coach Ingrid, a former teacher who helps families navigate the complexities of supporting their trans and LGBTQ children with clarity and compassion, explore the emotional realities families face when a child comes out, from fear and shame to deep connection and healing. Whether you’re queer yourself, raising a queer child, or still repairing the wounds from your own upbringing, this episode shines a light on what true support looks like and why it matters more than ever.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How supportive parenting directly impacts LGBTQ mental health, safety, and identity development
The most common mistakes parents make, and simple ways to shift toward connection and Pride
How families can build ongoing emotional safety during transitions, holidays, or moments of fear

Press play now to learn how real support can transform LGBTQ Identity into power, healing, and Pride.

Discover Ingrid’s work on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewayforward4parents/

New episodes every Monday and Thursday morning, Eastern Time (ET).

More from Together Moving Forward:

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#34 - 3 Reasons You Struggle With Pride in Your LGBTQ Identity That No One Talks About

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 12:00:00 GMT

What if the shame you absorbed as a child is still shaping how you see your LGBTQ identity today, without you even realizing it?

In this episode, Stef reflects on the powerful moments from his conversation with Greg on episode #33, exploring how shame, visibility, and community shape the way many LGBTQ people learn to rebuild Pride and reclaim a sense of identity. If you’ve ever struggled with feeling “too much,” “not enough,” or simply unseen, this conversation will speak directly to you.

What you’ll walk away with:

The emotional and practical steps to rebuild Pride after years of hiding who you are.
How storytelling and visibility can literally save lives, including your own.
Ways to create connection, chosen family, and authentic belonging during hard seasons like the holidays.

Listen now to reconnect with your LGBTQ identity, rediscover Pride, and remember that your story has the power to change someone’s life, including yours.

New episodes every Monday and Thursday morning, Eastern Time (ET).

More from Together Moving Forward:

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#33 - 5 Signs You’re Silencing Your LGBTQ Identity & How To Rebuild Your Pride

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 12:00:00 GMT

How do you find hope, belonging, and courage when your childhood, family, or society tells you that your LGBTQ Identity is something to hide?

In this powerful conversation with Greg, a Global Lecturer on LGBTQ Civil Rights, Allyship, and Community Engagement, we explore the realities many in the LGBTQ community still face: body shaming, isolation, rejection, and the pressure to shrink in a world that often misunderstands us. If you've ever struggled with your Identity or felt your Pride dimming, this episode offers the validation, honesty, and inspiration you’ve been needing.

You’ll learn:

How to rebuild Pride and Identity after family rejection, shame, or silence.
How storytelling and visibility can literally save lives, including Greg’s unforgettable story of the red-haired girl.
Practical ways to show up for yourself and your community, even during difficult seasons like the holidays.

Press play now to reconnect with your Pride, strengthen your Identity, and remember that you are never alone, you are part of a powerful, resilient LGBTQ community.

Discover Greg’s work on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greggerspeaks/

New episodes every Monday and Thursday morning, Eastern Time (ET).

More from Together Moving Forward:

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#32 - How To Make Holiday Choices That Support Your LGBTQ Identity And Pride

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 12:00:00 GMT

What if the holidays could finally feel like a season of healing instead of a reminder of old pain?

For many in the LGBTQ community, the holidays bring complicated emotions, expectations, pressure, family dynamics, and memories that don’t always feel warm or welcoming. This episode dives deep into how you can reclaim this season and rebuild it in a way that strengthens your Pride and honors your Identity.

You’ll hear powerful reflections on chosen family, supportive voices, rewriting traditions, and giving yourself permission to create the holidays you deserve, not the ones you were handed.

In this episode, you’ll learn how to:

Reclaim the holidays on your own terms so they truly reflect your LGBTQ identity.
Build healing, grounding traditions that increase your Pride and emotional safety.
Lean into chosen family and community support that affirms who you are.

If you’re ready to experience the holidays with more Pride, more clarity, and more self-love, press play and give yourself the gift of healing this season.

New episodes every Monday and Thursday morning, Eastern Time (ET).

More from Together Moving Forward:

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Together Moving Forward: Embrace Your LGBTQ Identity With Pride Through Self Love

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 16:36:07 GMT

Have you ever felt disconnected from your true self, wishing you could embrace your LGBTQ identity with confidence and pride?

Together Moving Forward is a podcast helping 2SLGBTQIA+ people embrace self-love and self-respect, so you can celebrate yourself with pride. Hosted by Stef, a queer French-Canadian who’s walked his own path toward healing and acceptance, this show reminds you that you’re never alone in your journey.

Each week, you’ll discover:

Practical tools to build resilience and strengthen your self-love and identity.
Heartfelt reflections and affirmations that help you heal and celebrate who you are with pride.
Real, vulnerable stories from the Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and nonbinary community.

Tune in every Monday to learn how to embrace self-love and self-respect!

Begin with our listener-favorite episode: #47 - How Letting Go of Validation Changed My LGBTQ Identity, Pride, and Healing

More from Together Moving Forward:

Now booking keynote speaking engagements:

From Survival to Self-Love

How I Finally Learned to Embrace My LGBTQ Identity With Pride — And How You Can Too

Or click here: https://togethermovingforwardpodcast.com/speaking/

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#31 - How To Survive the Holidays Without Abandoning Your LGBTQ Identity and Pride

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 12:00:00 GMT

Are the holidays supposed to feel magical, yet somehow leave you feeling triggered, lonely, or disconnected from your LGBTQ identity and pride?

So many in our community carry childhood memories of pretending, performing, or hiding who we were just to survive family gatherings. This episode brings those experiences into the light, offering real stories from queer voices about what the holidays truly feel like, and how to reshape them into something that supports your identity rather than erasing it.

By listening, you’ll walk away with:

Practical ways to create new holiday traditions that honour your LGBTQ identity and reinforce your pride.
Supportive insights from diverse queer voices on navigating triggers, expectations, and emotional boundaries.
Empowering strategies to reclaim this season on your terms, without guilt, shame, or pressure to perform.

Tune in to learn how to build holidays that feel safe, affirming, and meaningful for you, because you deserve celebrations that reflect your truth.

New episodes every Monday and Thursday morning, Eastern Time (ET).

More from Together Moving Forward:

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#30 - 5 Ways Your LGBTQ Identity Impacts Your Pride and Self-Love Journey

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 12:00:00 GMT

This is PART 02 and conclusion of two back-to-back episodes.

Are you struggling to hold onto pride and peace when the world feels heavy and divided?

In this inspiring and emotionally grounded episode, Laura and MaryAnn return to talk about finding strength, hope, and love within the LGBTQ community, even when the world seems to be falling apart. Together with host Stef, they explore how choosing love over anger, and connection over fear, can help us protect our peace and embrace our true identities.

You’ll learn:

How to love your LGBTQ identity even when negativity surrounds you.
Why protecting your peace and focusing on positivity makes you stronger as an advocate.
How to model pride, compassion, and authenticity for the next generation.

Tune in now to reignite your sense of pride, rebuild your inner peace, and fall in love with your 2SLGBTQIA+ identity all over again.

New episodes every Monday and Thursday morning, Eastern Time (ET).

More from Together Moving Forward:

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#29 - Stop Seeking Approval: Why Your LGBTQ Identity Is Enough to Live With Pride

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 12:00:00 GMT

This is PART 01 of two back-to-back episodes.

Are you struggling to fully love yourself, even within the LGBTQ community?

In this heartwarming and eye-opening episode, Laura and MaryAnn share their 29-year love story, revealing how embracing identity, pride, and mutual respect helped them live authentically long before today’s inclusive language and social awareness existed.

You’ll discover:

How embracing your LGBTQ identity can help you build deep self-love and confidence.
Why understanding our community’s history matters for creating unity and pride today.
How to bridge the generational gap within the queer community through compassion and open dialogue.

Tune in now to rediscover your identity, celebrate your pride, and learn to love yourself exactly as you are.

New episodes every Monday and Thursday morning, Eastern Time (ET).

More from Together Moving Forward:

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#28 - Why Solidarity Will Strengthen Your LGBTQ Identity and Pride

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 12:00:00 GMT

What if real LGBTQ pride starts with one simple act, standing together in solidarity?

In this heartfelt episode of the Together Moving Forward Podcast, host Stef Vachon opens up about reconnecting with his LGBTQ community and finding strength through unity. He shares how stepping back into solidarity has helped him heal, grow, and rediscover his pride, and how it will do the same for you.

By listening, you’ll discover:

How solidarity fuels self-love, healing, and confidence.
Why embracing your identity out loud helps you, and others, shine with pride.
Simple ways to show up for your LGBTQ family and create real impact.

Tune in now and remind yourself: your voice matters, your identity is powerful, and your pride can change lives.

New episodes every Monday and Thursday morning, Eastern Time (ET).

More from Together Moving Forward:

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#27 - PART 02 - Why Silence Destroys Pride and Your LGBTQ Identity

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 12:00:00 GMT

This is PART 02 and conclusion of two back-to-back episodes.

What happens when silence becomes the loudest voice in your life and it threatens your pride, your identity, and your truth?

In this heartfelt first part of a two-part series, we explore what it really means to find your voice in a world that often tells you to stay quiet.

You’ll hear a mother’s powerful journey from facing rejection and losing community, to standing proudly for her trans son’s right to exist and be loved.

You’ll discover what unconditional love truly looks like when it’s tested, and how this can help you find your own love and acceptance for yourself.

By the end of this episode, you’ll walk away with

A renewed sense of hope for self-love and self-respect,
A reminder that acceptance always begins with courage,
And the inspiration to turn pain into purpose.

Press play now to learn how to embrace self-love and self-respect, so you can celebrate yourself with pride.

New episodes every Monday and Thursday morning, Eastern Time (ET).

More from Together Moving Forward:

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#26 - PART 01 - Why Silence Destroys Pride and Your LGBTQ Identity

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 11:48:33 GMT

This is PART 01 of two back-to-back episodes.

What happens when silence becomes the loudest voice in your life and it threatens your pride, your identity, and your truth?

In this heartfelt first part of a two-part series, we explore what it really means to find your voice in a world that often tells you to stay quiet.

You’ll hear a mother’s powerful journey from facing rejection and losing community, to standing proudly for her trans son’s right to exist and be loved.

You’ll discover what unconditional love truly looks like when it’s tested, and how this can help you find your own love and acceptance for yourself.

By the end of this episode, you’ll walk away with

A renewed sense of hope for self-love and self-respect.
A reminder that acceptance always begins with courage.
And the inspiration to turn pain into purpose.

Press play now to learn how to embrace self-love and self-respect, so you can celebrate yourself with pride.

New episodes every Monday and Thursday morning, Eastern Time (ET).

More from Together Moving Forward:

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#25 - Why Embracing Your True Identity Is the Ultimate Act of Pride for the LGBTQ Community

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 12:00:00 GMT

What does it truly mean to shine your light when the world tries to make you small?

In this episode, we explore the raw beauty of resilience with MaQuade’ Angel, a non-binary, gender non-conforming artist whose lineage stretches back 13 generations in Louisiana. Through ancestral connection, creativity, and courage, they show us how survival can become art and how authenticity can become liberation.

You’ll discover:

How connecting with your roots can transform pain into purpose.
Why self-love is a daily act of bravery, not performance.
How joy, art, and ritual can keep your hope alive, even when life feels heavy.

Press play now to be reminded that your story, your voice, and your light have the power to heal, starting from within.

New episodes every Monday and Thursday morning, Eastern Time (ET).

More from Together Moving Forward:

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#24 - LGBTQ Families Reclaim Identity and Self-Love with Pride

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 12:00:00 GMT

What does it take to find your voice after years of silence?

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Sam Leeson, a Family Wellness Specialist, podcast host, and proud queer mom who turned her personal journey into a mission to empower LGBTQ families to live and love authentically.

By the end of this episode, you’ll walk away with

The courage to speak your truth, even when it feels uncomfortable.
Tools to rebuild self-respect and confidence after silence or fear.
And the inspiration to believe that love, family, and happiness are truly possible for everyone.

This conversation teaches us that self-love isn’t about perfection, it’s about listening to your heart, living without shame, and celebrating who you are with pride.

Discover Sam’s work at: https://www.babyready.info

New episodes every Monday and Thursday morning, Eastern Time (ET).

More from Together Moving Forward:

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#23 - PART 02 - How LGBTQ Survivors Rebuild Self-Love, Pride, and Identity After Conversion Therapy

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 12:00:00 GMT

This is PART 02 of two back-to-back episodes.

What does it take to rebuild your sense of Pride and Identity after being told for years that who you are is wrong?

If you’ve ever struggled with self-acceptance, internalized shame, or the pressure to conform, this episode will speak to your heart. Together, we explore how LGBTQ survivors like Lalo León transform trauma into truth and reclaim the power to live authentically, even after enduring the deep wounds of conversion therapy.

By the end of this episode, you will:

Discover how resilience and creativity can become tools for healing and self-liberation.
Learn what it truly means to reclaim Pride and Identity after years of erasure and fear.
Be inspired by the courage it takes to rewrite your story, and to live it on your own terms.

Press play now to hear Lalo León’s raw, powerful journey of reclaiming self-love and living boldly in his truth.

Discover Lalo’s work at: https://thelaloleon.com

New episodes every Monday and Thursday morning, Eastern Time (ET).

More from Together Moving Forward:

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#22 - PART 01 - How LGBTQ Survivors Rebuild Self-Love, Pride, and Identity After Conversion Therapy

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 12:00:00 GMT

This is PART 01 of two back-to-back episodes.

What does it take to rebuild your sense of Pride and Identity after being told for years that who you are is wrong?

By the end of this episode, you will:

Discover how resilience and creativity can become tools for healing and self-liberation.
Learn what it truly means to reclaim Pride and Identity after years of erasure and fear.
Be inspired by the courage it takes to rewrite your story, and to live it on your own terms.

Press play now to hear Lalo León’s raw, powerful journey of reclaiming self-love and living boldly in his truth.

Discover Lalo’s work at: https://thelaloleon.com

New episodes every Monday and Thursday morning, Eastern Time (ET).

More from Together Moving Forward:

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#21 - How To Turn Your LGBTQ Identity Into a Source of Pride and Healing Through Creativity

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 12:00:00 GMT

Are you ready to move from feeling “different” to fully celebrating who you are?

So many in the LGBTQ community struggle to embrace their full identity, often hiding the most authentic parts of themselves out of fear, rejection, or past pain. In this episode, genderqueer Art Therapist and advocate Wednesdae Reim Ifrach joins the conversation to explore how creativity, self-compassion, and community can transform that pain into Pride.

Discover how owning your LGBTQ identity isn’t just an act of courage, it’s a path to freedom, healing, and joy.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How to shift from self-criticism to self-celebration when embracing your LGBTQ identity.
Why creativity can be a powerful tool for healing and reclaiming Pride.
How to find community and connection that support your authentic self.

Listen now to uncover what it really takes to celebrate your LGBTQ identity and live with Pride every single day.

Discover Wednesdae’s work at: https://www.wednesdae.org

New episodes every Monday and Thursday morning, Eastern Time (ET).

More from Together Moving Forward:

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#20 - LGBTQ Identity and Pride with Trans man singer-songwriter & activist: Ryan Cassata

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 11:00:00 GMT

What does it really take to find your voice and live authentically, no matter who’s watching?

Too often, members of the LGBTQ community are told to stay quiet, hide, or fit in. But as trans man singer-songwriter and activist Ryan Cassata shares, silence can only last so long before truth demands to be heard. In this powerful season opener, Ryan opens up about his childhood, creative process, and the courage it takes to speak up, not just for yourself, but for every voice still finding its way.

Discover what it means to turn vulnerability into power and identity into Pride.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

How Ryan Cassata transformed silence and shame into visibility and pride through music.
Why finding your LGBTQ voice is the key to living authentically and inspiring others.
Practical ways to protect your energy while standing up for what matters most.

Listen now to be inspired, find your courage, and reclaim your LGBTQ voice, with Pride and purpose.

Ryan’s website: https://www.ryancassata.com

New episodes every Monday and Thursday morning, Eastern Time (ET).

More from Together Moving Forward:

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#19 - LGBTQ Identity and Pride with U.S. Figure Skating Champion & Olympic Medalist: Jason Brown

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 11:43:12 GMT

What does it take to live authentically when the world is watching?

Olympic figure skater Jason Brown knows this challenge well. In this heartfelt conversation, Jason opens up about his journey as a gay athlete, his coming out story, and the moments that shaped his path toward self-acceptance and Pride.

Together, we explore how authenticity fuels courage, on and off the ice, and why embracing your LGBTQ identity can become your greatest strength.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How Jason found the courage to live authentically in the high-pressure world of elite sports.
Why visibility and vulnerability are vital for Pride and progress in the LGBTQ community.
How to move forward with confidence, compassion, and self-acceptance in your own life.

Listen now to feel inspired by Jason’s honesty, warmth, and determination, and to discover what true Pride looks like in motion.

New episodes every Monday and Thursday morning, Eastern Time (ET).

More from Together Moving Forward:

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#18 - Why LGBTQ Visibility Matters More Than Ever: A Trans Woman’s Truth About Pride and Identity

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 12:00:00 GMT

Can love, courage, and authenticity really overcome a lifetime of pain?

In this deeply moving episode, Billie McBride O’Neel, a 62-year-old trans woman, lifelong figure skater, wife, and advocate, opens up about her extraordinary journey of resilience, identity, and Pride. From a difficult childhood to standing proud as a champion on and off the ice, Billie’s story reminds us that healing and happiness are possible, at any age.

Together, we explore what it means to live authentically, advocate with compassion, and embrace every part of who you are, scars and all.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

How Billie transformed trauma into triumph and found joy through her LGBTQ identity.
Why visibility and representation are vital for trans youth and their families.
How forgiveness, love, and purpose can guide us toward a life of Pride and peace.

Listen now to be inspired by Billie’s wisdom, strength, and her powerful reminder: “Love is the only thing that makes life valuable.”

New episodes every Monday and Thursday morning, Eastern Time (ET).

More from Together Moving Forward:

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#17 - Comment reconstruire ton identité LGBTQ et retrouver ta fierté après le rejet

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 11:00:00 GMT

Veuillez noter : cet épisode est entièrement en français.

Please note: this episode is entirely in French. For the English version, please go to #16 where the interview segment has been translated into English using AI.

La créativité peut-elle vraiment aider à guérir les blessures du rejet et du silence ?

Dans cet épisode émouvant, l’artiste et écrivain Steeve Huet se confie sur son parcours, d’un passé douloureux marqué par l’abandon et l’homophobie, vers une vie ancrée dans l’acceptation de soi, la créativité et la fierté.

Né en Gaspésie, au Québec, Canada, Steeve partage comment il a appris à se reconstruire grâce à l’amour, la résilience et l’écriture, transformant le traumatisme en art et l’obscurité en beauté.

Son histoire nous rappelle que la guérison est possible et qu’être fidèle à soi-même est un véritable acte de courage.

Dans cet épisode, tu apprendras :

Comment l’écriture et la créativité peuvent devenir des outils puissants de guérison pour les personnes LGBTQ.
Pourquoi l’acceptation de soi est essentielle pour retrouver ta fierté et ton identité.
Comment trouver la beauté et la force même après des années de rejet et de silence.

Écoute maintenant pour te laisser inspirer par le parcours de Steeve, une histoire de résilience, de créativité et du pouvoir transformateur de vivre dans l’authenticité.

New episodes every Monday and Thursday morning, Eastern Time (ET).

More from Together Moving Forward:

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#16 - How To Rebuild Your LGBTQ Identity and Restore Pride After Rejection

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 11:00:00 GMT

Please note: This episode was originally recorded in French #17.

The interview segment has been translated into English using AI for a wider audience.

Can creativity really help heal the wounds of rejection and silence?

In this moving episode, artist and writer Steeve Huet opens up about his journey from a painful past marked by abandonment and homophobia to a life grounded in self-acceptance, creativity, and Pride.

Born in Gaspésie, Québec, Canada, Steeve shares how he learned to rebuild himself through love, resilience, and writing, transforming trauma into art and darkness into beauty.

His story reminds us that healing is possible and that being true to who you are is an act of courage.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How writing and creativity can become powerful tools for LGBTQ healing.
Why self-acceptance is essential for reclaiming your Pride and identity.
How to find beauty and strength even after years of rejection and silence.

Listen now to feel inspired by Steeve’s journey, a story of resilience, creativity, and the transformative power of living authentically.

New episodes every Monday and Thursday morning, Eastern Time (ET).

More from Together Moving Forward:

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#15 - How One LGBTQ Artist Found Identity Through Pride and Forgiveness

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 12:00:00 GMT

Have you ever questioned whether Pride still matters, or if your LGBTQ identity is truly seen, respected, and celebrated?

In this heartfelt episode, host Stef Vachon sits down with Ian Catindig, a Filipino-American performer, choreographer, and tech professional, to explore what it really means to live with authenticity. From growing up surrounded by racism and homophobia to finding healing through self-expression and forgiveness, Ian’s story reminds us why Pride is not just an event, it’s an act of courage and self-love.

In this conversation, you’ll discover:

How reclaiming your LGBTQ identity can lead to deeper self-acceptance and purpose.
The role forgiveness plays in healing from internalized shame and past trauma.
Why building community and visibility during Pride season can transform both personal and collective empowerment.

Listen now to reignite your sense of Pride, reconnect with your authentic self, and celebrate your LGBTQ identity with strength and love.

New episodes every Monday and Thursday morning, Eastern Time (ET).

More from Together Moving Forward:

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#14 - 7 Lessons on Embracing LGBTQ Identity and Pride from a Black, Queer, Gender Nonconforming Parent

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 12:00:00 GMT

What does it take to truly honor your identity, when the world around you tells you not to?

In this powerful episode of Together Moving Forward, host Stef Vachon welcomes Lanzz Trilène, a proud Black, queer, gender nonconforming parent and advocate who shares their transformative journey from Martinique to Montreal, Canada. Lanzz opens up about growing up in silence, breaking free from cultural expectations, and embracing a LGBTQ identity rooted in Pride, love, and resilience.

You’ll discover:

How Pride becomes a radical act of survival and self-respect for the LGBTQ community.
Why self-love isn’t about perfection, it’s about choosing yourself again and again.
The power of representation, visibility, and community in shaping identity and belonging.

Listen now to be inspired by Lanzz’s honesty, courage, and joy, and reignite your own sense of Pride, purpose, and LGBTQ identity.

New episodes every Monday and Thursday morning, Eastern Time (ET).

The LGBT+ Family Coalition website: https://familleslgbt.org

More from Together Moving Forward:

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#13 - 7 Lessons About LGBTQ Pride and Identity From Season 1 That Will Inspire You to Keep Growing

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 12:00:00 GMT

Have you ever wondered how much your LGBTQ identity has shaped your growth, or how Pride shows up in your everyday life beyond the parade?

In this heartfelt solo episode, host Stef Vachon kicks off Season 2 of the Together Moving Forward Podcast with a powerful reflection on everything Season 1 brought to life, the lessons, emotions, and healing moments shared by incredible LGBTQ guests around the world. Stef opens up about his personal journey of self-acceptance, the fear of being “identified,” and how creating this podcast became a key part of his own healing and pride.

In this special recap episode, you’ll discover:

How sharing LGBTQ stories helps heal collective shame and build authentic pride.
Why self-reflection and community are essential parts of identity and growth.
The truth about fear, visibility, and how we can all stand stronger together.

Listen now to reconnect with your own sense of Pride and Identity, and be inspired to keep growing, healing, and celebrating who you are as part of our LGBTQ community.

New episodes every Monday and Thursday morning, Eastern Time (ET).

More from Together Moving Forward:

Or visit: https://togethermovingforwardpodcast.com

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#12 - 5 Lessons on Embracing LGBTQ Identity and Pride From a Gay Father and Advocate

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 10:00:00 GMT

What happens when the life you thought you couldn’t have becomes the one that defines your Pride and identity?

In this heartfelt season finale of the Together Moving Forward Podcast, host Stef Vachon welcomes Gary Sutherland, a proud gay father and advocate for minority rights. Gary opens up about coming out in the 1980s, a time when being gay often meant giving up the dream of parenthood. But as the world evolved, and as he did, Gary found not only family, but a renewed sense of purpose and LGBTQ identity through advocacy and love.

In this inspiring conversation, you’ll discover:

How embracing LGBTQ Pride can lead to unexpected paths of growth, including parenthood.
The vital role of self-acceptance and community support in building identity.
Why representation in family and advocacy spaces is essential for true equality.

Listen now to celebrate resilience, Pride, and the power of creating change through love, and be inspired to keep honoring your LGBTQ identity and moving forward together.

New episodes every Monday and Thursday morning, Eastern Time (ET).

The LGBT+ Family Coalition website: https://familleslgbt.org

More from Together Moving Forward:

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#11 - How Football Became a Game-Changer for LGBTQ Identity and Pride in Buenos Aires

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 12:30:00 GMT

Can a simple game of football become a revolution for gender equality and LGBTQ Pride?

In Buenos Aires, one powerful project is proving that it can.

In this inspiring bilingual episode, host Stef Vachon speaks with Vanesa López, founder of Salimos Jugando, an Argentinian organization using football to empower women, girls, and gender-diverse people.

Along with translator Maru, Vanesa shares how the organization is breaking stereotypes, creating inclusive spaces, and transforming the field into a place where identity, visibility, and Pride thrive.

In this heartfelt conversation, you’ll hear:

How Salimos Jugando began and what inspired Vanesa to take action.
The ways LGBTQ identity and Pride intersect with sport and community.
Why sports can be a global tool for education, visibility, and social transformation.

Listen now to discover how Salimos Jugando turns football into a movement of love, courage, and collective Pride.

Share this episode to support visibility for LGBTQ people in sports, and help inspire equality across every field, everywhere.

New episodes every Monday and Thursday morning, Eastern Time (ET).

Salimos Jugando website: https://salimosjugandofutf.wixsite.com/salimosjugando

More from Together Moving Forward:

Or visit: https://togethermovingforwardpodcast.com

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#10 - What a LGBTQ Novelist in Berlin Taught Me About Healing, Pride, and Identity

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 12:00:00 GMT

What if creativity could heal your heart and help you rediscover who you are?

In this heartfelt conversation, host Stef Vachon welcomes Alan Lessik, a Berlin-based novelist, Zen practitioner, figure skater, and LGBTQ activist, whose life story blends love, loss, and transformation.

Alan opens up about his personal journey: from navigating grief after the death of his partner to finding strength in mindfulness, art, and queer community.

With honesty and grace, he shares how writing, skating, and activism have become his pathways to healing, and how every challenge can be turned into a moment of awakening.

In this powerful and tender episode, you’ll discover:

How mindfulness and creativity can help transform pain into peace.
Why Pride and identity are ongoing journeys, not fixed destinations.
How queer visibility and storytelling connect us across borders and time.

Listen now and let Alan’s journey inspire you to embrace your truth and remind you that you have the power to create your own happiness, no matter where you are in life.

New episodes every Monday and Thursday morning, Eastern Time (ET).

Alan Lessik’s website: https://alanlessik.com

More from Together Moving Forward:

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

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#09 - Why Trans Empowerment Is Essential for True LGBTQ Identity and Pride

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 12:18:34 GMT

What does true advocacy look like when lived every single day?

In this powerful episode of the Together Moving Forward Podcast, host Stef Vachon sits down with Maria Roman, a leading voice in trans rights and social services at the TransLatina Coalition in Los Angeles.

She shares her journey from survival to leadership, the challenges faced by the trans community today, and the transformative work her organization is doing to create equity and safety for all.

In this inspiring episode, you’ll discover:

How advocacy and compassion can drive social transformation in the LGBTQ community.
The real impact of organizations like the TransLatina Coalition on the lives of trans and gender-diverse people.
Why every voice, including yours, matters in building an inclusive world.

Listen now! This is more than a conversation; it’s a call to unite, uplift, and keep moving forward, together.

New episodes every Monday and Thursday morning, Eastern Time (ET).

The Translatina Coalition website: https://www.translatinacoalition.org

More from Together Moving Forward:

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#08 - 5 Lessons on Self-Love, Pride, and LGBTQ Entrepreneurship Building Community

Wed, 28 May 2025 13:00:00 GMT

What happens when you turn your pain, humor, and truth into power?

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of the Together Moving Forward Podcast, host Stef Vachon sits down with Ari Issac, a Toronto-based comedian, entrepreneur, and proud LGBTQ community member whose story will make you laugh, reflect, and feel deeply seen.

From childhood challenges and the loss of her father to navigating identity and building her own business, Ari’s journey is one of courage, creativity, and self-discovery.

In this uplifting conversation, you’ll discover:

How authenticity and laughter can become pathways to healing and connection.
What it really takes to launch a business rooted in passion and purpose.
The importance of community support and vulnerability in living your truth.

Listen now! This is more than an interview, it’s a reminder that growth, purpose, and Pride go hand in hand when we dare to live authentically.

New episodes every Monday and Thursday morning, Eastern Time (ET).

QE TRIVIA website: https://www.qetrivia.io

More from Together Moving Forward:

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#07 - How the Gay Games Transformed My LGBTQ Identity and Pride: From New York ‘94 to Valencia 2026

Wed, 21 May 2025 13:00:00 GMT

What if one LGBTQ event could change your life, your sense of belonging, and even your destiny?

In this unforgettable episode of the Together Moving Forward Podcast, host Stef Vachon relives the incredible story of how the Gay Games shaped his identity, his skating career, and his connection to the LGBTQ community, and reunites with someone very special from that journey.

Stef brings listeners back to New York 1994, where he competed in the first-ever same-sex figure skating event, a moment that became a defining milestone for queer visibility in sports.

He’s joined by Charles Sinek, his surprise skating partner who later went on to compete at the 2002 Winter Olympics, and Adrian Hyyrylainen-Trett from the Federation of Gay Games, who shares the mission, inclusivity, and cultural impact behind this global celebration of equality.

Together, they reflect on the Games’ powerful message: that everyone, regardless of gender, sexuality, or ability, deserves to belong, compete, and be seen.

In this powerful and emotional conversation, you’ll discover:

The inspiring history of the Gay Games and why they continue to matter today.
How one serendipitous partnership on the ice led to Olympic success, and lifelong friendship.
The future of the Gay Games and how they’re transforming inclusivity in sports worldwide.

You’ll also hear personal reflections from Stef about how the Games reignited his passion for skating, and saved his life.

Tune in now to celebrate resilience, visibility, and the unbreakable spirit of the LGBTQ community through sports, unity, and love.

Learn more about the Federation of Gay Games at gaygames.org and join the movement as we look ahead to Gay Games XII in Valencia, Spain (2026).

New episodes every Monday and Thursday morning, Eastern Time (ET).

More from Together Moving Forward:

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#06 - LGBTQ Identity and Pride with Figure Skating Olympic Medalist & World Champion: Eric Radford

Wed, 14 May 2025 13:00:00 GMT

What does it take to find peace and pride when the world is watching your every move?

In this heartfelt episode of the Together Moving Forward Podcast, host Stef Vachon laces up on the ice with Olympic medalist and World Champion figure skater Eric Radford for an intimate conversation about authenticity, resilience, and living with purpose.

From skating on Olympic ice to composing music and embracing his identity publicly, Eric’s journey is one of courage and grace.

He opens up about the challenges of coming out while competing at the highest level, the misconceptions that come with success, and how self-love keeps him grounded, both as an athlete and as a human being.

In this inspiring and deeply human conversation, you’ll discover:

How Eric Radford redefined success through self-acceptance and authenticity.
The connection between creativity, emotional expression, and resilience.
Why pride, humility, and gratitude are the ultimate foundations for happiness.

Listen now! This episode reminds you that true worth is found in the courage to be yourself and in reconnecting with what truly matters: self-love, pride, and unity.

New episodes every Monday and Thursday morning, Eastern Time (ET).

More from Together Moving Forward:

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#05 - A Trans Woman’s Journey to Identity, Community and Pride Empowering LGBTQ

Wed, 07 May 2025 13:00:00 GMT

What does courage and creating safe spaces for Queer Skaters look like?

In this heartfelt episode of the Together Moving Forward Podcast, host Stef Vachon reflects on facing fear, chasing dreams, and stepping into authenticity before welcoming a truly inspiring guest: Violet Lapointe, a trans woman, skateboarder, and community leader.

Violet shares her journey of resilience, from navigating housing insecurity to finding belonging and purpose within the queer skateboarding community. Through her story, she reveals how skateboarding became more than a sport, it became a lifeline, a form of expression, and a space to build visibility and acceptance for trans and queer youth.

In this powerful and uplifting conversation, you’ll discover:

How Violet turned personal struggle into leadership and community advocacy.
What it means to be authentically yourself in spaces that weren’t built for you, and how to change them.
Why resilience, courage, and love are at the heart of every inclusive movement.

This is an episode for anyone who’s ever felt out of place, and anyone who believes in the power of community to heal and empower.

Join Stef and Violet as they celebrate identity, courage, and the joy of being unapologetically yourself.

Listen now and be reminded: your existence is a gift to the world.

New episodes every Monday and Thursday morning, Eastern Time (ET).

More from Together Moving Forward:

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#04 - How Drag Shaped Messy Margaret’s LGBTQ Identity and Pride Journey

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 13:00:00 GMT

What does Pride really mean beyond the parade?

In this empowering episode of the Together Moving Forward Podcast, host Stef Vachon welcomes Messy Margaret, a Toronto-based drag artist and producer who embodies LGBTQ identity, self-expression, and Pride in everything she does.

Messy Margaret opens up about her journey, from navigating childhood insecurities to discovering drag as a transformative space for healing and empowerment. For her, drag isn’t just performance; it’s a declaration of identity, visibility, and LGBTQ Pride.

In this conversation, you’ll discover:

How drag helps shape LGBTQ identity and builds Pride year-round.
The importance of queer representation and community connection.
Why embracing your “messy” side can lead to self-acceptance and joy.

Listen now and join us for an honest, heartfelt, and joy-filled conversation that celebrates LGBTQ Pride and identity in its truest form.

Messy Margaret’s Website: messyproductionscanada.com

Instagram: @messymargaretqueen

New episodes every Monday and Thursday morning, Eastern Time (ET).

More from Together Moving Forward:

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#03 - LGBTQ Identity and Pride on Ice: Breaking Barriers in Figure Skating and Living Authentically at 68

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 13:00:00 GMT

What does Pride look like when you’ve spent decades fighting for the right to be yourself?

In this heartfelt episode of the Together Moving Forward Podcast, host Stef Vachon sits down with Laura Moore, a 68-year-old lesbian trailblazer whose story celebrates LGBTQ identity, resilience, and Pride, on and off the ice.

From discovering her identity in a time of silence to becoming a visible force in figure skating and queer advocacy, Laura’s story reminds us what courage truly looks like.

She opens up about finding love with her lifelong partner, MaryAnn, embracing authenticity, and living out loud, at any age.

Laura also reflects on her years as a professor and artist, and how she used creativity and sport to push for inclusion and representation in the LGBTQ community.

In this inspiring conversation, you’ll discover:

Why there is no love without respect.
What Pride means after decades of fighting for equality and respect.
Why identity is a lifelong journey, not a one-time revelation.

Listen now! Her story is one of strength, self-love, and the enduring power of community.

If you’ve ever questioned your place, your path, or your purpose, Laura’s story will remind you: It’s never too late to live authentically and with Pride.

The International Gay Figure Skating Union: https://www.igfsu.org

Learn more about the Federation of Gay Games at gaygames.org and join the movement as we look ahead to Gay Games XII in Valencia, Spain (2026).

New episodes every Monday and Thursday morning, Eastern Time (ET).

More from Together Moving Forward:

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#02 - Embrace your uniqueness: LGBTQ Identity, Family, and Pride

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 13:51:17 GMT

How do you embrace your LGBTQ identity when your cultural background tells you not to?

In this powerful episode of the Together Moving Forward Podcast, host Stef Vachon sits down with MinJun, a young skater who found his Pride and self-worth after coming out in a traditional Asian household.

From childhood challenges to discovering his voice, MinJun opens up about the struggles of balancing family expectations with authenticity.

He shares how figure skating became his safe space, helping him navigate identity, fear, and resilience.

Through raw honesty and reflection, he reveals what it means to live with Pride.

In this deeply moving conversation, you’ll learn:

How cultural expectations can shape, and challenge, LGBTQ identity.
Why Pride is an act of courage, not rebellion.
How love, mentorship, and community help heal old wounds and build confidence.

If you’ve ever felt torn between who you are and what others expect of you, this episode is your reminder: You are worthy, loved, and enough just as you are.

Listen now and celebrate LGBTQ Pride, Identity, and the beauty of living authentically!

MinJun Instagram profile: https://www.instagram.com/leeminjunnie/

New episodes every Monday and Thursday morning, Eastern Time (ET).

More from Together Moving Forward:

Click here to contact me through the website to become a featured guest on the podcast or to get more information.

Or click here: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#01 - Who Is Stef Vachon? A Raw Story of LGBTQ Identity, Pride, and Healing

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 14:00:00 GMT

How do you learn to love yourself after a lifetime of shame, trauma, and silence?

In this powerful first episode of the Together Moving Forward Podcast, host Stef Vachon, a proud queer man, father, and former professional figure skater, opens up about his personal journey of reclaiming his LGBTQ identity and rediscovering pride through healing, resilience, and community.

From surviving years of bullying and abuse to stepping back onto the ice at 55, Stef’s story is one of courage, transformation, and self-acceptance.

He shares how his return to figure skating and becoming a dad reignited his passion for life, and inspired him to create a safe space for the LGBTQ community around the world.

In this deeply personal conversation, you’ll discover:

How Stef turned pain into purpose through storytelling and solidarity.
Why embracing LGBTQ identity and pride is an act of healing.
How self-love can transform your life, no matter your age or past.

Join Stef as he builds a global community of connection, compassion, and pride.

Listen now and celebrate LGBTQ Pride, and Identity!

Share this episode and help spread the message that solidarity beats hate.

New episodes every Monday and Thursday morning, Eastern Time (ET).

More from Together Moving Forward: