Profiles in LGBTQ+ Courage: Real Stories of Identity & Acceptance

Alejandro Marcel: Trans Resilience and Identity - A Powerful Life Story

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Rick Koonce sits down with transgender activist Alejandro Marcel to explore a life shaped by resilience, courage, and unwavering authenticity. From early childhood awareness of gender identity to becoming one of the first in the United States to undergo gender-affirming care, Alejandro shares the arc of a life devoted to social justice and service. Drawing from decades of work with LGBTQ+ communities—including HIV/AIDS patients, homeless youth, and trans elders — Alejandro offers profound insight into compassion, identity, and the ongoing challenges within the healthcare system. His story is both sobering and hopeful, reminding listeners of the importance of visibility, dignity, and self-advocacy. This conversation is a call to action — for individuals, families, and society — to lead with understanding and humanity. Key Takeaways: * Gender identity is deeply rooted and often understood early in life * Advocacy begins with visibility and self-acceptance * The healthcare system still lacks understanding of transgender needs * Resilience is built through purpose, service, and authenticity Alejandro's Bio: Alejandro Marcel, a long-time transgender activist, began his career in the early days of the gay liberation movement in (pre-AIDS-era) San Francisco, working closely with figures like Harvey Milk. He later applied movement-building strategies to collaborate with farm workers in California, and then with the civil rights movement, before shifting to focus primarily on the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ people. Assigned female at birth, Alejandro knew, from an early age, that his physical body did not align with his gender identity. He experienced physical dysphoria that he describes as "feeling born with an entire cast on my body." While his early career focused on HIV/AIDS and Homeless Youth Work, in recent years his focus has shifted to concentrate on the challenges trans seniors face today in navigating America's healthcare system. That said, he remains a passionate advocate on behalf of transgender youth, and recently organized a webinar for trans elders and trans youth, sponsored by PFLAG Cape Cod. Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. For more information, visit the PFLAG Cape Cod website: https://www.pflagcapecod.org/podcasts.html [https://www.pflagcapecod.org/podcasts.html] © 2020 - 2026 PFLAG Cape Cod

Dr. Maureen Osborne: Understanding Gender Dysphoria Through a Therapist's Lens (Encore)

In this encore episode of Profiles in LGBTQ+ Courage, host Rick Koonce sits down with Dr. Maureen Osborne, a psychologist and gender therapist with more than two decades of experience working with transgender clients. Dr. Osborne shares how an unexpected early client transformed the direction of her career and opened her eyes to the deep emotional, psychological, and social realities faced by transgender individuals. Through compassionate storytelling and real client experiences, Dr. Osborne explains gender dysphoria, the weight of secrecy, and the profound shame many transgender people carry long before they ever speak their truth. She challenges harmful myths, addresses internalized transphobia, and highlights the critical role of family, therapists, and allies in helping transgender people feel seen, respected, and affirmed. Rick and Dr. Osborne also explore the complexities of transition within long-term marriages, generational differences in gender expression, and how biology and social experience intersect in shaping identity. This thoughtful conversation offers insight, hope, and practical guidance for transgender individuals, families, and anyone seeking deeper understanding. Key takeaways: * Gender dysphoria is about distress, not pathology * Secrecy and shame often cause more harm than identity itself * Supportive families and informed therapists can change lives Listeners are encouraged to reflect on how they can show up with greater empathy and to reach out for support, education, or connection through trusted organizations like PFLAG. Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. For more information, visit the PFLAG Cape Cod website: https://www.pflagcapecod.org/podcasts.html [https://www.pflagcapecod.org/podcasts.html] © 2020 - 2026 PFLAG Cape Cod

David Bermudez Remembers What It Was Really Like Inside the Stonewall Uprising (Encore)

In this encore of the powerful Stonewall edition of Profiles in LGBTQ+ Courage, host Rick Koonce sits down with David Bermudez, a firsthand witness to the 1969 Stonewall Uprising. David shares a vivid, deeply personal account of what it was like to be inside the Stonewall Inn when police raided the bar, igniting a rebellion that would change the course of LGBTQ+ history. Through David's memories, listeners are taken back to a time when being gay meant living under constant threat—of arrest, public exposure, violence, and loss of livelihood. He describes the fear, the brutality, and ultimately the collective refusal to remain silent any longer. David also reflects on the long arc of progress since Stonewall, including marriage equality, the AIDS crisis, and the importance of remembering history without erasing the humanity of those who lived it. Now in his 80s, David offers wisdom for younger generations, urging unity, vigilance, and compassion across the LGBTQ+ community. His story is not just history — it is a reminder of why visibility, courage, and solidarity still matter today. Key takeaways: * Stonewall was born from lived fear, resistance, and survival * Progress came at a profound personal cost * LGBTQ+ history must be remembered through the voices of those who lived it * Unity across generations remains essential Listeners are encouraged to reach out, reflect, and continue the work of honoring and protecting hard-won freedoms. Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. For more information, visit the PFLAG Cape Cod website: https://www.pflagcapecod.org/podcasts.html [https://www.pflagcapecod.org/podcasts.html] © 2020 - 2026 PFLAG Cape Cod

Loving in Secret: Felice Cohen on Coming Out Through Memoir (Encore)

In this deeply moving encore episode of Profiles in LGBTQ+ Courage, host Rick Koonce sits down with author Felice Cohen to explore love, secrecy, identity, and healing through storytelling. Felice shares the story behind her memoir Half In, which chronicles her nine-year, deeply intimate relationship with a woman 34 years older—her first experience of true love—at a time when she was still discovering her sexuality and sense of self. What began as a secret May-December affair became a formative coming-of-age experience that shaped Felice's understanding of intimacy, fear, and emotional risk. In conversation with Rick, she reflects on the power of writing as a tool for grief, self-acceptance, and liberation, and how bringing her story out of the shadows allowed her to finally be "all in" with life and love. Felice also speaks candidly about bisexual identity, family acceptance, and the long-term impact of loving while closeted. This episode is a powerful testament to the courage it takes to examine our past honestly and to release shame in order to make room for love again. Key takeaways: * Why secrecy can shape — and limit — emotional intimacy * How writing can become a form of healing and self-reclamation * What it means to move from being "half in" to fully open to love More About Felice Cohen: * Website: https://www.felicecohen.com/ [https://www.felicecohen.com/] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/felicecohenauthor [https://www.facebook.com/felicecohenauthor] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/felicecohen90/ [https://www.instagram.com/felicecohen90/] * Substack: https://felicecohen.substack.com/ [https://felicecohen.substack.com/] * Books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0045EEHMO/allbooks [https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0045EEHMO/allbooks] Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own journeys and reach out for connection, support, or conversation sparked by this episode. Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. For more information, visit the PFLAG Cape Cod website: https://www.pflagcapecod.org/podcasts.html [https://www.pflagcapecod.org/podcasts.html] © 2020 - 2026 PFLAG Cape Cod

Lori Duron on What It Means to Truly Support a Gender-Nonconforming Child (Encore)

In this encore episode of Profiles in LGBTQ Courage, host Rick Koonce sits down with author and advocate Lori Duron, creator of the widely read blog Raising My Rainbow and author of the book of the same name. In the interview, originally released in February 2021, Lori shares the deeply personal and courageous journey of raising her gender-creative son, CJ, in a world that often struggles to understand difference. From CJ's early love of Barbie dolls and princess dresses to navigating schools, healthcare systems, and public judgment, Lori reflects on how parenting a gender-nonconforming child reshaped her understanding of love, fear, advocacy, and authenticity. Throughout the conversation, Lori explains what it means to be gender nonconforming, how CJ identifies as male while expressing himself in feminine ways, and why her family chose affirmation over "fixing." She also opens up about the impact on her older son, Chase, the importance of education and legal protections, and the critical role PFLAG played in supporting their family. This episode is an honest, hopeful exploration of parenting with courage and compassion. Key takeaways include: * What gender nonconformity really means * Why affirmation is more powerful than redirection * How parents can advocate effectively for their children * The importance of community, education, and support Listeners are encouraged to reach out, ask questions, and seek support as they navigate their own journeys with love and intention. Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. For more information, visit the PFLAG Cape Cod website: https://www.pflagcapecod.org/podcasts.html [https://www.pflagcapecod.org/podcasts.html] © 2020 - 2025 PFLAG Cape Cod