Be the Glitter: 10 Scary Times. 5 Simple Tools to Find Your Power When Fear Takes Over | Tawni Sofia Acosta

Be the Glitter: 11 Why Most DEI Training Backfires — And What Actually Works | Dr. Bill Cox

Welcome to Be the Glitter, where we talk about tough topics with giggles and leave inspiration that sticks. In this episode, we talk about one of the sticky subjects that pops up in Pride Month: DEI. What if the training meant to reduce bias was quietly making it worse? Dr. William Cox is a social psychologist with a PhD from UW-Madison, founder of the nonprofit Inequity Agents of Change, and author of the new book Overcoming Bias Habits: An Evidence-Based Guide to Creating a Joyfully Inclusive World. He has spent 20 years developing and testing bias reduction methods through more than a dozen randomized controlled studies. In this episode: ✨ Why giving people information is one of the worst ways to change behavior ✨ How some DEI training causes managers to avoid colleagues of color ✨ The zip code story that will make your jaw drop ✨ Equality vs. equity — explained with one perfect example ✨ Why diverse joy is a scientifically proven tool for reducing bias Resrouces mentioned: 📚 Book: Search "Overcoming Bias Habits" everywhere books are sold 🎙️ Podcast: Diverse Joy (top 5% of all podcasts worldwide) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/diverse-joy/id1692372910 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/diverse-joy/id1692372910] 🔗 Free resources + training: www.biashabit.com [http://www.biashabit.com]   Music provided by Chillhop Music Aviino - Hotel Lobby Birthday Party https://chll.to/1ac17f01 [https://chll.to/1ac17f01] A Special Thanks to Be The Glitter's Sponsor, New Valley Labs, Where Founders Bloom! https://www.newvalleylabs.com [https://www.newvalleylabs.com] Music provided by Chillhop Music Venuz Beats, Bao - Circles https://chll.to/8af1d579 [https://chll.to/8af1d579]   For more from Wa'am: https://linktr.ee/waamwrites  [https://linktr.ee/waamwrites]   #DEI #BiasTraining #DiverseJoy #OvercomingBias #BeTheGlitter #Inclusion #SocialPsychology #WorkplaceInclusion #LGBTQ #evidencebasedpractice

Be the Glitter: 10 Scary Times. 5 Simple Tools to Find Your Power When Fear Takes Over | Tawni Sofia Acosta

🌟 "No matter where I go, guess who shows up? It's me." Feeling overwhelmed by everything happening in the world? Trans Latina life coach Tawni Sophia Acosta shares practical tools to navigate fear, reset your nervous system, and discover you're more powerful than you think. In this conversation, Tawni guides us through simple breathing exercises you can use RIGHT NOW - including box breathing and the "learning state" technique - plus deep wisdom on managing trauma, building healthy support networks, and finding trans joy even in the hardest times. What You'll Learn: ✨ Box breathing technique to reset your nervous system (do it anywhere!) ✨ The "learning state" eye exercise to break out of fight-or-flight ✨ How to acknowledge anger as information, not enemy ✨ Why "no matter where you go, you show up" changes everything ✨ Building healthy support networks as a trans woman ✨ Navigating intersectionality: Trans, Latina, and human ✨ White male privilege loss during transition (and what it taught) ✨ Why community cooperation emerges in crisis ✨ Setting boundaries with social media consumption ✨ The difference between toxic positivity and real transformation TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Introduction 02:15 - Meet Tawni Sophia Acosta 05:30 - Intersectionality: Trans & Latina Identity 08:45 - Navigating Current Political Reality 12:20 - White Male Privilege Loss During Transition 16:40 - The Power of Community Response 20:15 - Managing Fear vs. Denial 24:30 - BOX BREATHING Exercise (Try it now!) 26:45 - LEARNING STATE Eye Technique 30:20 - Building Healthy Support Networks 34:50 - Anger as Information 38:15 - "No Matter Where I Go, I Show Up" 42:30 - Affirming Career Fair Story 46:20 - Transform, Don't Just Let Go 50:10 - Social Media Boundaries 53:45 - Gratitude & How to Connect BREATHING EXERCISES FEATURED: 🧘 Box Breathing - Breathe in 4 counts, hold 4, out 4, hold 4. Repeat 4x 🧘 Learning State - Look up, extend peripheral vision with fingers, reset ABOUT TAWNI SOPHIA ACOSTA: Tawni Sophia Acosta (she/her) is a life coach and founder of Empowered Journeys. She helps people remove the "gunk" so they can shine bright and pursue goals aligned with their authentic selves. As a trans woman, Latina, and Buddhist practitioner since 1988, Tawni brings intersectional wisdom and practical tools for transformation. 🔗 Connect with Tawni: 🌟 Website: https://www.empowered-journeys.com [https://www.empowered-journeys.com] 📅 Book a free connection call with Tawni https://www.empowered-journeys.com/contact [https://www.empowered-journeys.com/contact] EPISODE SPONSOR: This episode is brought to you by New Valley Labs - a startup studio by founders, for founders. Not consultants with PowerPoint frameworks, but scrappy outsiders who've been in the trenches. New Valley disrupts the norm and amplifies diverse, underrepresented founders building the next generation of unicorns. Welcome to New Valley, where founders bloom. 🚀 Learn more: https://www.newvalleylabs.com 📧 Email: hello@newvalleylabs.com [hello@newvalleylabs.com] ABOUT BE THE GLITTERPODCAST: Tough topics with giggles, inspiration that sticks. Hosted by Laura Paisley Beck (Wa'am of Wa'am Writes). 🎙️ More Episodes: https://www.waamwritesllc.com/podcast [https://www.waamwritesllc.com/podcast] 🌟 All Links: https://linktr.ee/waamwrites [https://linktr.ee/waamwrites] KEY QUOTES: 💬 "No matter where I go, guess who shows up? It's me." 💬 "We're more powerful than we really think we are." 💬 "Anger is there for a reason. It's informative." 💬 "We're all connected. We're all interdependent." 💬 "The journey gave me strength I never knew I had." Music provided by Chillhop Music Aviino - Citrus Snow https://chll.to/ce0cf279 [https://chll.to/ce0cf279] Music provided by Chillhop Music Venuz Beats, Bao - Circles https://chll.to/8af1d579 [https://chll.to/8af1d579] #TransIdentity #LifeCoaching #BreathingExercises #MentalHealthTools #NervousSystemRegulation #BoxBreathing #TransLatina #LGBTQWellness #AnxietyRelief #TraumaHealing #Intersectionality #TransJoy #CommunityBuilding #Mindfulness #SelfEmpowerment #CopingSkills #FightOrFlight #GroundingTechniques #TransWisdom #InclusiveWellness #BeTheGlitter #FindingYourPower #NavigatingFear #HealingJourney #AuthenticSelf

Be the Glitter: 9 ✨TomboyX Co-Founder Fran Dunaway: 5 Ways We’re Fighting Back Against Trans Erasure

👕 "We're not going anywhere. We're here to conquer." Meet Fran Dunaway, co-founder of TomboyX - the LGBTQ+ owned underwear and apparel company that started in a one-car garage and became a symbol of resistance, representation, and damn fine underwear for ALL bodies. In this powerful conversation, Fran opens up about coming out at 21, becoming an activist when the world wasn't as welcoming as she hoped, and building a B Corp that puts community and sustainability before profits. She also shares the shocking story of receiving an FDA warning letter, why TomboyX walked away from Target, and how joy itself becomes resistance. 🌼 This episode is sponsored by New Valley Labs, where founders bloom. 🌼 https://www.newvalleylabs.com/ [https://www.newvalleylabs.com/]   5 Ways TomboyX Is Fighting Back Against Trans Erasure: 1️⃣ Refusing to bow to FDA fear-mongering - After receiving a warning letter targeting chest binders, they made compliance changes but launched Compression Top 2.0 anyway 2️⃣ Walking away from Target's millions - When Target quietly pulled trans products from their website, TomboyX pulled ALL their products rather than compromise values 3️⃣ Saying NO to big box stores - Actively turning down lucrative partnerships with companies that don't share their values, even when it hurts the bottom line 4️⃣ Centering trans voices in product development - Working directly with trans community members when designing trans-adaptive clothing and compression tops 5️⃣ Showing up visibly and vocally - Attending Trans Day of Visibility, making monthly donations to LGBTQ+ orgs, and refusing to be silent or disappear You'll Also Hear About: ✨ Fran's coming-out story at 21 and immediate dive into activism ✨ The Kickstarter campaign that revealed a massive market gap ✨ Why they pivoted from button-ups to underwear (customers asked!) ✨ Building a team that's 40% LGBTQ+ and 75% queer leadership ✨ Why TomboyX refuses to charge more for extended sizes ✨ How to stay resilient when corporations betray your community ✨ Why "surviving in this political climate is a royal fuck you" TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Welcome & Introductions 03:15 - Fran's Coming Out Story at 21 06:40 - Becoming an Activist & Video Producer 10:25 - The TomboyX Origin Story: From Garage to Revolution 15:30 - The Kickstarter That Changed Everything 18:45 - "We're Getting Requests for Underwear for Women" 22:10 - Representation Matters: Real Bodies, No Photoshop 26:35 - The B Corp Commitment & Values-First Business 31:20 - THE FDA WARNING LETTER: What Really Happened 37:45 - Target's Betrayal & Why TomboyX Walked Away 42:50 - Extended Sizing Without the Upcharge 46:30 - Working WITH Trans Community on Product Development 51:15 - How to Stay Resilient Through Disappointment 55:40 - Advice for Allies: Vote With Your Dollars 58:20 - Trans Day of Visibility & How to Help 01:00:45 - Gratitude & Final Thoughts ABOUT FRAN DUNAWAY & TOMBOYX: Fran Dunaway (she/her) is the co-founder of TomboyX, an LGBTQ+ owned B Corporation creating quality underwear and apparel for all bodies. What started as a passion project in a one-car garage has become a beacon of representation, sustainability, and resistance. TomboyX refuses to compromise on values - they use eco-certified fabrics, pay living wages, donate excess inventory to community organizations, and put people before profits. With a team that's 40% LGBTQ+ and 75% queer leadership, TomboyX isn't just making underwear - they're making a statement. 🔗 Shop TomboyX & Support LGBTQ+ Business: 🏳️‍🌈 Website: https://tomboyx.com [https://tomboyx.com/] 📱 Follow TomboyX: https://www.instagram.com/tomboyx/ 🌈 Trans Day of Visibility Event Info: https://christopherstreetproject.org/tdov/ ABOUT BE THE GLITTER PODCAST: Be the Glitter is where we talk about tough topics with giggles and leave inspiration that sticks. Hosted by Laura Paisley Beck (Wa'am of Wa'am Writes), this podcast celebrates authentic voices, challenges societal norms, and creates tsunamis of positive social change - one conversation at a time! ✨ Co-hosted in this episode by Jo Green, proud out member of the LGBTQ+ community and previous Be the Glitter guest. https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephinegreene/ 💫 Subscribe & Share the Glitter! New episodes when inspiration strikes. Subscribe so you never miss a conversation that matters. 🔗 More About Be the Glitter: 🌟 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/waamwrites [https://linktr.ee/waamwrites] MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: * Target's 2023 Pride collaboration (and 2024 betrayal) * FDA warning letters to 12 LGBTQ+ companies * Trans Day of Visibility (Washington, DC - late March) * B Corp Certification & Benefit Corporation status * The importance of eco-certified fabrics & living wages SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH ON TRANSGENDER IDENTITY: As mentioned in the podcast, there is significant scientific evidence that being transgender is natural and has biological roots: 📊 Hudson Institute Study (2019) - World's largest study of 380 transgender women found genetic variations in genes that process sex hormones, suggesting a biological basis for gender identity https://hudson.org.au/news/written-in-dna-study-reveals-potential-biological-basis-for-transgender/ [https://hudson.org.au/news/written-in-dna-study-reveals-potential-biological-basis-for-transgender/] 📊 Medical College of Georgia Study (2019) - Identified 21 variants in 19 genes in estrogen signaling pathways critical to brain development and gender identity https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/02/200205084203.htm [https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/02/200205084203.htm] 📊 Twin Studies - Found 33% of identical twins were both transgender vs. only 2.6% of non-identical twins, providing strong evidence of genetic influence 📊 Comprehensive Scientific Review (2015) - First comprehensive review of scientific evidence showing gender identity is a biological phenomenon https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/02/150213112317.htm [https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/02/150213112317.htm] Transgender people have existed in every culture throughout human history. This is natural, normal, and scientifically documented. KEY QUOTES: 💬 "I don't like to be dishonest, and it felt dishonest to not just be who I am." 💬 "Joy is resistance." 💬 "If you're not in with inclusivity, you're just out of touch." 💬 "We're not gonna compromise on our values just for a dollar." 💬 "Surviving in this environment is a royal fuck you to what's going on." 💬 "We're not going anywhere. We're here to conquer." KEY TOPICS: LGBTQ+ business, TomboyX, transgender rights, chest binders, FDA targeting, inclusive fashion, extended sizing, B Corp, sustainable fashion, LGBTQ+ activism, Target boycott, trans visibility, queer entrepreneurship, gender-affirming clothing, body positivity, ethical fashion, corporate values, resisting erasure Music: For Episode: Music provided by Chillhop Music Emperose, Selvi Hanna - Selamat Djalan https://chll.to/64af3d72 [https://chll.to/64af3d72] For New Valley Labs Ad: Music provided by Chillhop Music Venuz Beats, Bao - Circles https://chll.to/8af1d579 #TomboyX #LGBTQBusiness #TransRights #InclusiveFashion #BCorp #QueerEntrepreneur #TransVisibility #BodyPositivity #SustainableFashion #BeTheGlitter #ResistErasure #ChestBinders #FDAOverreach #TargetBoycott #PrideAllYear #TransJoy #QueerJoy #EthicalFashion #GenderAffirmingCare #AllBodiesAreGoodBodies #ValuesOverProfits #LGBTQActivism #ExtendedSizing #SizeInclusive #QueerOwned 💬 What resonated with you most? How do YOU vote with your dollars? Drop a comment below! 👍 If Fran's resilience inspired you, give this a 5 star rating and share it with someone who needs to hear this message of resistance and hope!

Be the Glitter: 8 ✨ Where LGBTQ Joy Meets Business Real Talk with Yolanda Brown

This is where it all started—no script, no plan, just two queer entrepreneurs refusing to dim their light. Join Wa'am and Yolanda Brown (Copyright Brown) as they coin the phrase that became a movement: "Be the Glitter." Spread love like glitter spreads—getting into crevices, showing up seven months later, impossible to forget. You'll hear: * Why DEI rollbacks are like cutting table legs with a chainsaw * The "frog in a well" moment that changes everything about inclusion * How small businesses run this country (yes, really—90%+ of revenue) * The Alphabet Gang's superpower: compound experiences that create "one plus one equals 45" * Why rest isn't luxury, it's resistance * Mac and cheese philosophy: how intersectionality makes everything better This episode is raw, authentic, and full of the giggles we promised. Two Black queer women talking about values over profits, collaboration over competition, and why your neighbor's small business matters more than you think. Perfect for: LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, BIPOC founders, anyone tired of corporate rainbow-washing, and everyone who believes business should feel like community—not capitalism's grinding machine. Warning: Contains unfiltered joy, strategic napping advocacy, and plans for an Alphabet Scouts league (coming 2027, bring your sash). 🎧 Listen if you're ready to: Stop dimming your light, align your values with your business, and remember that if you're not in with inclusivity, you're out of touch. To give Yolanda Brown some business, visit her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/creativebrown/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/creativebrown/] Wa'am's LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/waamwrites [https://linktr.ee/waamwrites] Music provided by Chillhop Music Birocratic, Dotlights - Looming https://chll.to/88aae67c

Be the Glitter: 7 ✨ Rae Dillon ”72 Countries Later: What Travel Taught Me About LGBTQ+ Safety”

72 Countries Later: What Travel Taught Me About LGBTQ+ Safety on Be the Glitter Podcast with Rae Dillon of CopywriteRight, UK. Rae Dillon has traveled to 72 countries as a queer person—and what she's learned might surprise you. In this conversation, Rae (CopywriterRight, UK) shares how travel transformed her understanding of safety, belonging, and what it means to be "out" in the world. We talk about why she often felt safer abroad than at home, how language shapes inclusion (like ditching "expat" for "foreigner"), and why workplaces thrive when people can show up authentically. Topics we cover: ✨ Traveling as an LGBTQ+ person and challenging safety assumptions ✨ Why inclusive language matters—both in travel and at work ✨ Creating workplaces where people don't have to hide who they are ✨ How authenticity leads to happier, more productive teams ✨ Cultural respect as the foundation for safer spaces everywhere   Connect with Rae: https://copywriteright.co.uk/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbmJFaUxVcWtVNTc3bktkLVpKZUJMcDI5Rm5hd3xBQ3Jtc0tuVmhIT1hQUFBqa0ZaZWZGZkNOZkU2LWlkM0pXMTAzbTJZbmV4cThoQTFBeVlrUmQ3ajZWdkZrNHNGM3gyajVSbEg0N2Q0a2V2SHpkZF9LS2t1bDlyMkYxdkJNcFlHRmx1aVVlam1ZSG1udjc2cS1KWQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fcopywriteright.co.uk%2F&v=VK5yNtaqHlc] And give love to our sponsor: https://cfopowerup.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbTRsLTk2N2h2bnpuV0NvMk1TV0NaWGxqNEVyZ3xBQ3Jtc0trN0dESkl6SF9rTmJjZ1FCY3BITlJoS2NqT1dMSGs0WDBoOUpmaXd6RGt4c3JiNmhQQklWRUVXaklRai1sZlNUXzJTZE1jVHBkVXRtb3YzZ0xBbkpqTWdIRnc3RTVXRXVtRnNXRFlNMlBWYng0ZS02cw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fcfopowerup.com%2F&v=VK5yNtaqHlc] Music: Music provided by Chillhop Music Marcus D - All That Glitters https://chll.to/a8a234db [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbGdVQmtwT2ctRjk3Q3VEQUFyQW9HcXAySnl6d3xBQ3Jtc0tuV0VHS0xuQldBcDlrbnFTMXN2b1FwOUFJVUdLUHprMlFoMkdRVk5MV1FpZlp0WGVxaDBtSUVWd2pKY0I5b1M1WE1BRDNUcFZieGFmMnRzSk1jQWpFdTNYXzVmcHBYalhfTXBKbnVwcmw3Q1VocWVGSQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fchll.to%2Fa8a234db&v=VK5yNtaqHlc] and for Eliana's Ad: Eliana's ad: Music provided by Chillhop Music Aviino - Citrus Snow https://chll.to/ce0cf279 [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbTBDMkNpZ2pkVjkxcko1eUU0YVVPbmMyZkU5QXxBQ3Jtc0trNHU2d2U4TmdFalpSSkwxM05uYVNDRG56T1NuQWRHLUtIeTQxR0xaN0xKRjY1WDBrVlMxc042eDhGa282VndZeU1XWHJxWEJqSzItTFczOHBBUTN4dTBXcS05MUpMVVB6NG1yQ2FuWVhBUmpIaHM0aw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fchll.to%2Fce0cf279&v=VK5yNtaqHlc]   About Be the Glitter: Be the Glitter ✨🌈 Podcast talks about tough topics with giggles and leaves inspiration that sticks. This podcast amplifies voices from marginalized communities—sharing stories of resilience, creativity, and transformation. ✨✨✨✨✨ Your Reviews help this little podcast reach those who need it! ✨✨✨✨✨ Hosted by Wa'am. https://linktr.ee/waamwrites [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbERPR2NVUEVfeGVRWlM2QWtzZUY2b29LNWFuUXxBQ3Jtc0trRjBTeUx3cWZtQnFUMUJyTzBfcHM3Y25sU0MtRW1rQ0ZhbExMeUlHQUxGdi1NNnhhaUFiRnFjR1VTQUMzWkRIWk1qc2ZVUkZMOS14WHdmZnFIckV1OU9BaVJjMTNuOWN2bkxMeHJMcGh2b0pnYnJRcw&q=https%3A%2F%2Flinktr.ee%2Fwaamwrites&v=VK5yNtaqHlc] 🌈 Subscribe for more conversations that celebrate authenticity and challenge assumptions. #LGBTQ [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/lgbtq] #QueerTravel [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/queertravel] #InclusiveWorkplace [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/inclusiveworkplace] #DiversityAndInclusion [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/diversityandinclusion] #TravelStories [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/travelstories] #Authenticity [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/authenticity] #BeTheGlitter [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/betheglitter] #QueerPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/queerpodcast] #InclusiveLanguage [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/inclusivelanguage] #WorkplaceCulture [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/workplaceculture] #DEI [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/dei] #QueerVisibility [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/queervisibility] #SafeSpaces [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/safespaces]