Gender Stories

Drs. Mackenzie Steiner and Alex Iantaffi discuss their collaborative program, The Collective Alchemy of Gender Liberation. This is a new, somatic-based program created by trans people for trans people in service to our collective liberation. In this episode, they talk about how the program started, the values it’s rooted in, and how gender is an embodied experience. Mackenzie and Alex also talk about how their collaborative process is heart-centered and based in relationality, rather than product-focused and treating the collaboration as a mean to an end, as is often the case in dominant culture. While the program is by and for trans people, the episode has much to offer to cis folks as well in relation to a deeper understanding of gender and to what a collaborative process centered in decoloniality might look like.   Mackenzie Steiner is a reformed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of clinical experience specializing in attachment, gender identity and socialization, as well as addictions and trauma recovery. For 20 of those years, she worked with veterans facing just about every possible type of concern related to their identities, relationships and mental health, but particularly at the interface of addictions and complex post-traumatic stress. Mackenzie transitioned into private practice at the beginning of 2023 to stretch her wings and be free to practice with communities and in ways unencumbered by organizational constraints. At the heart of her work is building an attuned, compassionate and safe relational base from which to explore the challenging aspects of one’s history and how it intersects with the present moment. Mackenzie accomplishes this through a mosaic of attachment, mindfulness, emotionally and somatically focused approaches as well as parts-work perspectives that she has found most efficiently and humanely promote long-term change and deep healing. And she has found that nature can be a profound ally for this process!  On the more personal side, she is an avid outdoors-person who is most nourished by activities ranging from landscaping to hiking, climbing and backpacking. She is also a seeker of mysteries, having an insatiable curiosity to discover the knowledge and wisdom underlying our physical, psychological, relational and spiritual realities in service of promoting our health and authentic evolution.    Find out more about the Collective Alchemy of Gender Liberation and Dr. Mackenzie Steiner at the following links:  Website: https://www.gender-alchemy.org/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collectivegenderalchemy/ @collectivegenderalchemy  Dr. Mackenzie Steiner’s website: https://naturesmosaictherapy.com/  Instagram: GenderStories Hosted by Alex Iantaffi Music by Maxwell von Raven Gender Stories logo by Lior Effinger-Weintraub

Drs Dulcinea Alex Pitagora and Alex Iantaffi discuss academic journeys, the complexities of aging as a queer person, and the importance of community and intergenerational connections. They discuss the challenges faced by the queer and trans communities in the current socio-political climate, the experience of being an openly queer therapist, and the impact of capitalism on mental health, while emphasizing the need for self-compassion, joy, and connection in navigating it all.  Dr. Dulcinea/Alex Pitagora is a NY-based psychotherapist and sex therapist (also licensed in NJ, PA, and CO). They have a brick-and-mortar private practice in NYC that includes individual, couples/multi-partner relationship, and poly/leather family therapy, as well as supervision and mentorship. Dr. Pitagora is an out and proud member of the queer, trans, kink, and polyamory communities, and is equally proud to be a former sex worker, as well as an anti-racist/-oppression/-exploitation activist. Dr. Pitagora holds a Master of Arts in Psychology from the New School for Social Research; a Master of Social Work from New York University; a Master of Education and a Doctorate in Clinical Sexology from Widener University; and is an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, CST Supervisor, and CE provider along with their colleague Dr. Jillien Kahn. Dr. Pitagora teaches sexual health at New York University; has published articles and chapters in peer-reviewed journals and books; and presented at conferences on the topics of alternative sexuality and gender diversity. Dr. Pitagora is the founder of ManhattanAlternative.com, a nationwide alternative lifestyle affirmative provider listing; and was a co-founder and -organizer of the AltSex NYC Conference.  Find out more about Dr Dulcinea’s work at the following links:  https://www.dulcineapitagora.com/  https://kinkdoctor.com/  @kinkdoctor    Instagram: GenderStories Hosted by Alex Iantaffi Music by Maxwell von Raven Gender Stories logo by Lior Effinger-Weintraub

Drs Roger Kuhn and Alex Iantaffi discuss the intersection of creativity, gender identity, and spirituality. Dr Kuhn shares parts of his own journey of self-discovery through music and writing, as well as delving into the impact of colonization on gender. They also explore the intersection of somatic work and cultural context, emphasizing the essential need for indigenous perspectives in therapeutic practices.   Dr. Roger Kuhn is a Poarch Creek Two-Spirit Indigiqueer soma-cultural sex therapist, sexuality educator, writer, activist, and musician. Roger’s work explores the concepts of decolonizing and unsettling sexuality and focuses on the way culture impacts and informs our bodily experiences. He is a community organizer of the Bay Area American Indian Two-Spirit powwow, and a board member of the Two-Spirit & Native LGBTQ+ Center for Equity. His first book, Somacultural Liberation, is available in both paperback and audio. His music can be streamed on all digital platforms.    Find out more about Dr Roger Kuhn and follow his work at the following links:    www.rogerkuhn.com  Instagram: @rkoughenr Instagram: GenderStories Hosted by Alex Iantaffi Music by Maxwell von Raven Gender Stories logo by Lior Effinger-Weintraub

Dr Alex Iantaffi talks with Tristan Katz about conscious marketing, social justice, and how to navigate the intersection of personal integrity and professional practices. They explore the complexities of marketing in the so-called “wellness space”, the importance of engaging in critical thinking, the responsibilities that come with online visibility, and the role of social media in shaping cultural narratives.   Tristan Katz (they/he) is a business consultant, conscious marketing strategist, and equity-inclusion facilitator with a lifelong commitment to human rights and justice. Tristan supports individuals and organizations in aligning their values with their messaging through an intersectional, anti-oppression lens. Tristan’s work centers authenticity, relationship, and accessibility, and they’ve collaborated with authors, educators, and cultural leaders as well as organizations like Stanford University, HubSpot, Portland Public Schools, and Port of Portland. Currently, Tristan serves as COO and Director of Programming at Fruition Growth Network. He is also a longtime yoga student, Yoga Journal game-changer (2021), and former board member of Accessible Yoga. At the core of everything Tristan offers is the belief that marketing can be a tool for connection, truth-telling, and cultural change—not just sales.  Find out more about Tristan and follow their work at the following links:    https://www.katz-creative.com/  https://instagram.com/tristankatzcreative  Instagram: GenderStories Hosted by Alex Iantaffi Music by Maxwell von Raven Gender Stories logo by Lior Effinger-Weintraub

Dr. Alex Iantaffi speaks with Dean Spade about his life-long work in queer and trans liberation, the challenges of writing about relationships, and the importance of emotional awareness and conflict resolution in relationships and movement building.   Dean Spade has been working in movements for queer and trans liberation, anti-militarism, and police and prison abolition for the past 25 years. He’s the author of Normal Life: Administrative Violence, Critical Trans Politics, and the Limits of Law, and Mutual Aid: Building Solidarity During This Crisis (and the Next) the director of the documentary “Pinkwashing Exposed: Seattle Fights Back!.” His new book is Love in a Fucked Up World: How to Build Relationships, Hook Up and Raise Hell Together, and he is the host of a new podcast with the same name.  Listen to Dean’s new podcast: https://www.deanspade.net/podcast/  Find out more about Dean and his work at the following links:   deanspade.net IG: @spade.dean X: @deanspade Facebook: Dean Spade Bluesky: deanspade.bsky.social Tiktok: @deanspade  Instagram: GenderStories Hosted by Alex Iantaffi Music by Maxwell von Raven Gender Stories logo by Lior Effinger-Weintraub

Dr. Alex Iantaffi talks with Mel Cassidy about relationships, non-monogamy, queerness, the power of somatic practices, and love on the path towards collective liberation.  Mel Cassidy is a somatic relationship coach committed to the path of liberatory love and rewilding intimacy. They specialize in working with queer and questioning humans (and those who love them) exploring post-monogamous relationships—with a focus on polyamory, solo polyamory, and relationship anarchy. They are of Irish, Greek, and Khorakhane Romani descent and have lived in 3 countries, across 3 continents. They currently live in British Columbia, Canada, and work with clients and students around the world. Their first book, Radical Relating, A Queer and Polyamory-Informed Guide to Love Beyond the Myth of Monogamy, is published by North Atlantic Books. Find out more about Mel and their work at the following links:  Website: radicalrelating.ca Social Media: @radicalrelating on IG/FB/Substack/Insight Timer More on the Radical Relating Book:  www.radicalrelating.ca/book Instagram: GenderStories Hosted by Alex Iantaffi Music by Maxwell von Raven Gender Stories logo by Lior Effinger-Weintraub

'Profound and vulnerable. An essential gift for all of us that relate' - Anne Mauro What do we mean when we say 'relationship'? How do we separate our needs and desires from norms and expectations? How can we approach our relationships with mutuality, care and compassion? This down-to-earth guide is the ultimate companion for anybody who wants to examine their place in the world -- how we relate to ourselves, and others. With considerations of historical, cultural, and developmental contexts; explorations of relationship diversity as it manifests in queerness, the ace and aro spectrum, non-monogamy and neurodivergence ; and a look towards deeper, compassionate, interdependent ways to relate - this book will help people of all ages, backgrounds and identities explore their relational world. Order a copy of the Book: How to Understand Your Relationships: A Practical Guide Support the show Instagram: GenderStories Hosted by Alex Iantaffi Music by Maxwell von Raven Gender Stories logo by Lior Effinger-Weintraub

Anne Mauro (she/her) is a Licensed Couples and Family therapist, American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapist (AASECT) certified sex therapist, sexuality educator, sex therapy supervisor, and American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) clinical supervisor. Her private practice is nestled in the interwebs on the unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples in Washington State. She has two publications: More Than Ebony and Ivory: Complexities of sex therapy with interracial couples, can be found in An Intersectional Approach to Sex Therapy: Centering the lives of indigenous, racialized, and people of color and The Colonization of Black Sexualities: A clinical guide to relearning and healing. Anne is in continued service to the sexuality community by serving as the AASECT Western Representative to the nominating committee.     Links:  www.annemauro.com  https://www.routledge.com/The-Colonization-of-Black-Sexualities-A-Clinical-Guide-to-Relearning-and/Mauro/p/book/9781032233680 https://www.instagram.com/iamannemauro/ Support the show Instagram: GenderStories Hosted by Alex Iantaffi Music by Maxwell von Raven Gender Stories logo by Lior Effinger-Weintraub

MAEVE CHEVONNE DUVALLY  Maeve is a transgender multi-cultural communications specialist, storyteller and LGBTQ+ advocate.  She spent the bulk of her career as a journalist and corporate spokesperson, most recently at Goldman Sachs.  After a lifetime of working for large companies, she now consults for corporations and other organizations on communications strategy and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Maeve also mentors transgender people, is a public speaker and a frequent subject of press interviews on LGBTQ+ workplace issues.  She was a managing director in corporate communications at Goldman Sachs over an 18-year career. Prior to joining Goldman, Maeve worked in media relations at Merrill Lynch.   Before that, she was a financial journalist and editor at Bridge News for nearly 15 years with stints in Tokyo, Washington D.C. and New York. She spent ten formative years in Japan in the 1980s and is fluent in the language.   Maeve serves on the boards of GLAAD; the Knight-Bagehot Fellowship, a journalism non-profit; and Connecticut-based LGBTQ+ health provider Anchor Health Initiative.  She earned a B.A. in English from Providence College in 1983 and was a Knight-Bagehot Fellow at Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism School in 1994.  A published author, her memoir, “Maeve Rising,” debuted through Sibylline Press in August 2023.   https://www.instagram.com/becomingmaeve/ https://www.maeveduvally.com/ Support the show Instagram: GenderStories Hosted by Alex Iantaffi Music by Maxwell von Raven Gender Stories logo by Lior Effinger-Weintraub

Renée Yoxon is a queer, nonbinary, and disabled gender-affirming voice teacher with a passion for voice education, creativity, and vocal curiosity. Since 2010, they have taught thousands of students how to love their voice. Their strength as a teacher is explaining complicated concepts in plain language that anyone can understand, as well as anticipating student problems before they occur. They are the creator of a suite of online courses that provide concise and easy-to-follow trans voice education to trans and nonbinary people all over the world. Renée is a creative thinker, and a deep listener, and their favourite thing in the world is helping people just like you to reach their voice goals. Find them at reneeyoxon.com  Links:  http://reneeyoxon.com  http://tiktok.com/@reneeyoxon  http://instagram.com/reneeyoxon  http://youtube.com/reneeyoxon  http://facebook.com/reneeyoxon  Support the show Instagram: GenderStories Hosted by Alex Iantaffi Music by Maxwell von Raven Gender Stories logo by Lior Effinger-Weintraub

Oliver Radclyffe is part of the new wave of transgender writers unafraid to address the complex nuances of transition, examining the places where gender identity, sexual orientation, feminist allegiance, social class and family history overlap. His work has appeared in The New York Times and Electric Literature. He currently lives on the Connecticut coast where he is raising his four children. He has two books due for publication: ADULT HUMAN MALE, a monograph, forthcoming from Unbound Edition Press in 2023, and FRIGHTEN THE HORSES, a memoir, forthcoming from Roxane Gay Books in 2024.    Preorder Frighten the Horses: https://bookshop.org/p/books/frighten-the-horses/20490972?ean=9780802163158  https://oliverradclyffe.substack.com/  https://www.oliverradclyffe.com/  https://www.instagram.com/oliverradclyffe/  https://linktr.ee/OliverRadclyffe      Support the show Instagram: GenderStories Hosted by Alex Iantaffi Music by Maxwell von Raven Gender Stories logo by Lior Effinger-Weintraub

Eli Lawliet, Ph.D., (he/him) is the dreamer and weaver of The Gender Doula. In addition to a decade of experience researching trans healthcare, law, policy, and history, he has formal training as a full spectrum doula, breathwork facilitator, and tarot reader, as well as many years of surviving the world of poverty wages and retail work. The broad scope of his experience directly informs the equally broad spectrum of his work as The Gender Doula. Eli has been seeing clients since January of 2020 and has worked with hundreds of trans folks nationally and internationally in sessions, classes, and workshops. Though he was born in Oklahoma and raised in Missouri, Eli currently lives in Los Angeles (Gabrieliño-Tongva, Chumash, & Kizh land) with his partner, three cats, a dog, and four snakes.  Website: https://www.thegenderdoula.com/  TikTok, IG, FB: @TheGenderDoula  All links:  https://linktr.ee/TheGenderDoula  Support the Show. Instagram: GenderStories Hosted by Alex Iantaffi Music by Maxwell von Raven Gender Stories logo by Lior Effinger-Weintraub

Justine Mastin, LMFT (she/her) is a pop culture psychology expert and so much more. She literally wrote the book on Therapeutic Fanfiction—Starship Therapise: Using Therapeutic Fanfiction to Rewrite Your Life—and she offered support to healers in The Grieving Therapist: Caring for Yourself and Your Clients When it Feels Like the End of the World. Justine is proud to nurture future therapists as an AAMFT-Approved Supervisor and educator. You can find out more about Justine at http://justinemastin.com/ & follow her on Instagram & TikTok: @mindbodyfandom    You can also follow the links below to find out more about parts of Justine’s work mentioned in this episode!  Fearless Leader: YogaQuest  Podcast co-host: Starship Therapise  Podcast co-host: Dark Side of the Mat  TEDx Speaker: Harnessing the Healing Power of Therapeutic Fanfiction    Support the Show. Instagram: GenderStories Hosted by Alex Iantaffi Music by Maxwell von Raven Gender Stories logo by Lior Effinger-Weintraub

Dean FM (Dean-Fraser Milford) is a Boston Massachusetts based non-binary rapper, activist and influencer.  His music encapsulates eclectic thoughts that scat over percussive rhythms and exotic sounds. His performances exude drag culture and satiric expression. In 2016, Dean released his debut EP “Watch It”, which received local and national coverage. In 2020, Dean FM released his EP entitled “SISSY.” The music video for his lead single “Bottom Bit” shines a light on the exploitation of prostitution.  Dean FM stands for compassion, courage, and equality. In his activism, he supports the awareness and acceptance of gender neutrality. He refuses to deny his true identity — identifying himself with both he and her pronouns. Dean also advocates for the awareness of minority mental health and the prevention of animal abuse.  As an influencer, Dean utilizes his platforms to further promote his art and advocacy work.   https://deanfmofficial.com/  Support the Show. Instagram: GenderStories Hosted by Alex Iantaffi Music by Maxwell von Raven Gender Stories logo by Lior Effinger-Weintraub

Damon Constantinides, PhD, LCSW, CST Damon is a queer trans man and sex nerd who loves being a dad, teaching and talking about queer and trans pleasure, and growing plants as a way to connect with magic and the sacredness of the earth. He is trained as both a clinical social worker and a sex therapist and has worked for more than 20 years in the fields of trans and queer health. He owns a private therapy and coaching practice where he offers virtual groups and services to trans and queer folks all over the world. Damon is a trainer for the sex therapy certificate program at the California Institute of Integral Studies and an adjunct progressor at Widener University. He is also the co-author of the book Sex Therapy for Erotically Marginalized Clients: Nine Principles of Clinical Support and his writing can also be found in the newest edition of Trans Bodies, Trans Selves. You can learn more about his work at www.drdamonc.com or on his IG @dr.damonc. Links: Individual and Relationship Therapy and Coaching -  www.drdamonc.com Writing - www.drdamonc.com/writing Trans Masc Sexual Pleasure Program - www.drdamonc.com/coaching Trans Masc 30+ Connections Group - www.drdamonc.com/coachingsupportgroup Queer Sexual Pleasure Program - www.drdamonc.com/qsp IG @Damon Constantinides  IG @wildpansycoaching FB www.facebook.com/drdamonc Support the Show. Instagram: GenderStories Hosted by Alex Iantaffi Music by Maxwell von Raven Gender Stories logo by Lior Effinger-Weintraub

Laura Scarrone Bonhomme (she/her), is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist who specialises in Gender, Sexual, and Relationship Diversity. She provides assessment, psychotherapy, and training to other professionals through www.affirm.lgbt. https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-scarrone-bonhomme-3749087a Skye Davies (she/they) is a Peer Support Worker at TransPlus, a gender dysphoria service. They also work as a Volunteer Counsellor at Metro, helping LGBTQ+ people. Dr Michael Beattie (he/him) is a Counselling Psychologist in private practice with research interests in the psychology of men and masculinities. In addition to psychotherapy, Michael provides training in Gender, Sexual, and Relationship Diversity through www.affirm.lgbt. Purchase the book at bookshop.org. Social: https://www.linkedin.com/company/affirm-lgbt/  Support the Show. Instagram: GenderStories Hosted by Alex Iantaffi Music by Maxwell von Raven Gender Stories logo by Lior Effinger-Weintraub

Alex Papale PT, DPT (they/them) is a pelvic health physical therapist, consultant, sex educator and international speaker based in Boston MA. They specialize in queer and trans health, and treating patients of all genders at Flourish Physical Therapy.  Alex especially loves to help patients with pelvic pain, difficulties around sex, peripartum care, pelvic floor support with HRT, orthopedic support for pain related to chest binding or genital tucking, and healing from gender affirming surgeries.  When they’re not in the treatment room, you can find them writing and teaching gender affirming, sex positive, kink-informed courses for current/future healthcare providers, or for anyone who wants to learn more about sexuality, their bodies, and pelvic health.  Alex has also created the course “Physical Therapy Care of Trans/Gender Diverse Patients: Multi-Day Con-Ed for Pelvic Health Providers”.  PT Website: https://flourishphysicaltherapy.com/  Website: https://alexpapale.com (Under Construction) Substack: https://alexpapale.substack.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexpapalept/ Courses: https://www.academy.pelvicglobal.com/alex-papale-courses Support the Show. Instagram: GenderStories Hosted by Alex Iantaffi Music by Maxwell von Raven Gender Stories logo by Lior Effinger-Weintraub

Enfys J. Book (they/them) is an author, priestx, blogger, teacher, performer, singer, songwriter, and comedian. They wrote the Gold COVR award-winning Queer Qabala: Nonbinary, Genderfluid, Omnisexual Mysticism & Magick (Llewellyn, June 2022); co-authored (with Ivo Dominguez, Jr.) Sagittarius Witch (Llewellyn, 2024); and wrote the forthcoming Queer Rites: A Magickal Grimoire to Honor Your Milestones with Pride (Llewellyn, 2025).  They are also a founding member of the "funny, filthy, feminist, fandom folk" band The Misbehavin' Maidens, the creator of a website on queer magick called majorarqueerna.com, and the host of a podcast called "4 Quick Q's: Book Talk with Enfys," where they interview pagan authors using questions determined by a roll of the dice. They have taught many classes on tarot, Hermetic Qabala, magickal rites of passage, and queering one’s magical practice at conferences and events around the world.  By day, Enfys is a technical account manager at a tech company, specializing in content migration and onboarding new customers.  As a nonbinary, bisexual pagan and performer, Enfys employs a queer lens to break down limiting binaries in magickal practice, and advocates for bi, trans, non-binary/genderqueer, queer-, and asexual visibility and inclusion through their writing and music.  Websites  https://majorarqueerna.com (blog)  https://misbehavinmaidens.com (band)    Links to buy Enfys’ books  https://majorarqueerna.com/buy  Social Media  https://facebook.com/majorarqueerna  https://instagram.com/majorarqueerna  https://instagram.com/enfysbook  https://youtube.com/@majorarqueerna  https://soundcloud.com/majorarqueerna   https://kind.social/@enfysbook    Support the Show. Instagram: GenderStories Hosted by Alex Iantaffi Music by Maxwell von Raven Gender Stories logo by Lior Effinger-Weintraub

Miah Jeffra is author of The Fabulous Ekphrastic Fantastic! (Sibling Rivalry 2020), The Violence Almanac (Black Lawrence 2021), the chapbook The First Church of What’s Happening (Nomadic 2017), and co-editor, with Arisa White and Monique Mero, of the anthology Home is Where You Queer Your Heart (Foglifter 2021). Awards include the New Millennium Prize, the Sidney Lanier Fiction Prize, The Atticus Review Creative Nonfiction Prize, the Alice Judson Hayes Fellowship, Lambda Literary Fellowship, and 2019 finalist for the Lambda Literary Award for Outstanding Anthology. Most recent work can be seen in StoryQuarterly, Prairie Schooner, The North American Review, The Pinch, The Greensboro Review, DIAGRAM, jubilat and Barrelhouse. Miah is a founding editor of Whiting Award-winning queer literary collaborative, Foglifter Press, and teaches writing and antiracist studies at Santa Clara University.  Support the Show. Instagram: GenderStories Hosted by Alex Iantaffi Music by Maxwell von Raven Gender Stories logo by Lior Effinger-Weintraub

Nicoz Balboa is an Italian visual artist, using his life events as inspiration for works ranging from painting, drawing, tattoo, to pyrography, graphic journal and sketchbook. He reveals his hopes, failures and successes in candid and, at times, excoriating work that is frequently both tragic and humorous. The themes of provocation and sexuality repeatedly surface in Nicoz’s work, as his oeuvre is firmly rooted in the tradition of transfeminist discourse. website https://www.nicozbalboastudio.com/  substack: https://nicozbalboa.substack.com/  patreon: https://www.patreon.com/graphicjournalclub  Support the show Instagram: GenderStories Hosted by Alex Iantaffi Music by Maxwell von Raven Gender Stories logo by Lior Effinger-Weintraub