Episode XXXIV: Unwelcome (Part I)

My daughter and I are stunned and sad, but we are doing OK. Here is something for you. Some words from me, with some music from my amazing daughter. Music credit: Improvisation on electric guitar, by M. Mack

What happens when supporting your child means leaving your home? Meet my courageous friends from Montana, who are building a new life in a new state after anti-trans legislation targeted their young daughter. This is the second part in a two-part story. Listen to Part One here. Music credits:Game Hens by Blue Dot SessionsChorus and Call, Detroit by Podington Bear

Imagine living in a place where your own child has been outlawed. This is happening, right now, all over the United States. In this episode, you’ll meet my new friends, a courageous and close-knit family who suddenly found themselves unwelcome in the place they had always called home. Music credits:Night Light, Dowdy, Quarry Clouds, & November Mist, by Blue Dot SessionsPacific Tree Frogs by Podington Bear

It's been over two years. I wanted to let you know how we are doing. Thank you for your patience. (Spoiler: My daughter is still amazing.) MUSIC CREDITS:Tides (instrumental) by Benjamin Mullins (Courtesy of Audiosocket)Lost in the Dark (instrumental) by Forest Sun (Courtesy of Audiosocket)

For years, people have asked me what I would do when my daughter hit puberty. Was I going to let her do... the "medical stuff?" Well, right after the pandemic struck, so did puberty. And this is what my daughter (and her mother) decided to do.

This episode is different from any of our previous episodes. It’s also a do-over, because the first version of this episode overlooked the fact that my daughter is growing up, fast. She’s almost a teenager, and we both agree that it’s time she took charge. So that’s what she did. (Here’s a little more about how this episode came to be.) Listen to the book! How to Be a Girl on Audible OriginalsFind us on Twitter: @girlpodcastSupport HTBAG on PatreonMUSIC CREDITS: “Edge of the World” (Instrumental) by Dot Dot Dot (Courtesy of Audiosocket)Filesharer's Lament by Podington Bear

I want you to meet my good friend, Emma. When she was a little girl, she was just like my daughter. But no one knew her for 60 years. I'm so glad she's here now.

I sit down for a talk with my (almost) 11-year-old: Cliques, gossip, fashion, puberty, and how it feels to be a transgender tween. MUSIC CREDIT: “Little Girl” by Jetty Rae (Courtesy of Audiosocket)

A new friend at school. A poker lesson. A 10-year-old hatches a plan.MUSIC CREDITS:“Ganef” by Vagabond Opera and “Moonlight Love Affair” by Steve Rice (Courtesy of Audiosocket)“Chill Wave” by Kevin MacLeod “The Reckoning” by Podington BearPlease consider checking out our Support Page. Your help keeps this podcast going!

Are the new next-door neighbors going to let their daughters play with mine if they find out she's transgender? To attempt to answer this question, I seek expert advice from a new friend in the Bible Belt. MUSIC CREDITS:“Morning” by Nicole Reynolds, “Shall We Gather at the River” by Pat Holmberg, “Amazing Grace Solo Piano” by Lana Palmer (Courtesy of Audiosocket)"Canoe" by Podington Bear"Amazing Grace," piano and vocals by Miss M. MackPlease consider supporting us on Patreon. It really helps keep this podcast going!