The Queer Family Podcast – LGBTQ Families & Queer Parenting Stories

What happens when a kid from a queer family chooses to stand up and defend his family in front of lawmakers?Zach Wahls—author, advocate, and Iowa State Senator—first made national headlines as a teenager when he spoke out in support of his two moms during a marriage equality hearing. The moment went viral and helped shift the conversation around LGBTQ+ families.But this conversation goes far beyond that speech.Zach shares what it was really like growing up with two moms in the Midwest—from navigating homophobia in school to the fear of speaking up, including the moment he stayed silent as a kid and how that experience shaped his path into advocacy.The conversation also explores the intentionality behind queer family building, how parents can support their kids in finding their own voice (without forcing them into advocacy), and what it means to grow up in a family that’s often politicized.Now running for U.S. Senate, Zach also speaks to what’s at stake in the current political moment—and why this fight still matters.This episode is about courage, timing, and finding your voice—when you’re ready.If this conversation resonates with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it—and don’t forget to follow, rate, and review The Queer Family Podcast to help more families find these stories.🏳️‍🌈 Key TakeawaysGrowing up with two moms wasn’t the hardest part—navigating the world’s reaction wasThe moment Zach didn’t speak up—and how it shaped his future advocacyWhy intentional parenting is a defining trait in queer familiesHow to support kids in advocating for themselves—without forcing them into itWhat’s at stake politically right now for LGBTQ families and beyondWhy finding your voice is a process—not a requirement🏳️‍🌈 About the guest(s)Zach Wahls is an Iowa State Senator, author, and nationally recognized advocate for LGBTQ+ families. Raised by two moms, he first gained national attention for his viral 2011 testimony in support of marriage equality. Today, he continues his advocacy through public service and is currently running for the U.S. Senate.🏳️‍🌈 Resources MentionedWebsite: https://zachwahls.com/🏳️‍🌈 Interested in advertising? Email [email protected]🎧 Loved this episode?Support The Queer Family Podcast on Patreon for exclusive bonus content and help keep these stories alive!OR become a paid subscriber through our RedCircle page for bonus episodes and one-time or recurring donations:🔗 redcircle.com/thequeerfamilypodcast/exclusive-content🏳️‍🌈 What resonated most with you?Drop a comment, DM us, or email [email protected]—we love hearing your stories!🏳️‍🌈 Let’s Connect!Find us on IG, TikTok, Bluesky, & YouTube: @thequeerfamilypodcast 🏳️‍🌈 Watch full episodes on YouTube🏳️‍🌈 Order the If These Ovaries Could Talk book 🏳️‍🌈 Edited by: Jerson Barajas 🏳️‍🌈 Co-Produced by Jaimie Kelton & Dianni Hall 🏳️‍🌈 Theme Song by: Tiffany Topol 🏳️‍🌈 Logo by: Daneen Stevenato 🏳️‍🌈 Shop merch here. 🏳️‍🌈 Full transcript & episode info available on our website🗳️ VOTE. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ ADVOCATE. 🍼 BUILD QUEER FAMILIES.The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a trusted professional for your specific situation!Our Sponsors:* Check out Outdoorsy and use my code QUEERFAM for a great deal: https://www.outdoorsy.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Kaya Colin—therapist, couples coach, and parent of two—shares a deeply layered journey through identity, belonging, and queer family building.From an unexpected first pregnancy that challenged how others saw their queerness, to navigating single parenthood, to falling in love with their transmasculine partner and building their second child through reciprocal IVF—this story is complex, resilient, and deeply honest.We unpack what it means to feel “not queer enough,” the emotional toll of fertility journeys, and how to stay connected to your partner through identity shifts and everything that comes with building a family.Kaya also shares their decision to use a known donor, how they talk to their kids about their origin stories, and why their family is preparing to leave the U.S. in search of safety and alignment.This is a conversation about redefining family, reclaiming identity, and choosing your path—even when it doesn’t fit into anyone else’s box.🏳️‍🌈 Key TakeawaysIdentity isn’t always linear—especially within the queer communityExperiencing both external and internalized gatekeeping around queernessBecoming a parent while navigating a major identity shiftBuilding a relationship while already parenting a young childA partner’s gender transition within the relationshipReciprocal IVF (RIVF) with a trans partner and the physical/emotional tollFertility struggles, miscarriage, and the impact on relationshipsChoosing and navigating a known donor relationshipRaising kids with open, age-appropriate conversations about their origin storiesUsing books and language to normalize queer family buildingThe importance of staying connected as a couple during TTC and parentingMaking the decision to leave the U.S. for safety and alignment as a queer family🏳️‍🌈 About the guest(s)Kaya Colin (she/they) is a queer, non-binary therapist, couples coach, and founder of The Relational Compass. With over 15 years of clinical experience, Kaya specializes in helping couples navigate transitions, connection, and communication through a neuroscience-informed, relational approach.They are a parent of two and bring both professional expertise and lived experience to their work—particularly when it comes to relationships, identity, and family building within the LGBTQ+ community.🏳️‍🌈 Resources MentionedWebsite: https://therelationalcompass.comInstagram: @therelationalcompass🏳️‍🌈 Interested in advertising? Email [email protected]🎧 Loved this episode?Support The Queer Family Podcast on Patreon for exclusive bonus content and help keep these stories alive!OR become a paid subscriber through our RedCircle page for bonus episodes and one-time or recurring donations:🔗 redcircle.com/thequeerfamilypodcast/exclusive-content🏳️‍🌈 What resonated most with you?Drop a comment, DM us, or email [email protected]—we love hearing your stories!🏳️‍🌈 Let’s Connect!Find us on IG, TikTok, Bluesky, & YouTube: @thequeerfamilypodcast 🏳️‍🌈 Watch full episodes on YouTube🏳️‍🌈 Order the If These Ovaries Could Talk book 🏳️‍🌈 Edited by: Jerson Barajas 🏳️‍🌈 Co-Produced by Jaimie Kelton & Dianni Hall 🏳️‍🌈 Theme Song by: Tiffany Topol 🏳️‍🌈 Logo by: Daneen Stevenato 🏳️‍🌈 Shop merch here. 🏳️‍🌈 Full transcript & episode info available on our website🗳️ VOTE. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ ADVOCATE. 🍼 BUILD QUEER FAMILIES.The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a trusted professional for your specific situation!Our Sponsors:* Check out Outdoorsy and use my code QUEERFAM for a great deal: https://www.outdoorsy.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy