The Spectrum

Linda Thomas-Fowler
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Sharing Stories. Building Understanding.The Spectrum is a podcast looking at issues important to the LGBT communities. If you don't happen to associate with one of those letters that's ok! This show is aimed at helping people outside those communities understand just how important these issues are and why we need your support.

  1. Sep 14 ·  Video

    Not A Bad Woman. Just Not A Woman

    What does it mean to be non-binary when you don’t feel like either a man or a woman? In this episode of The Spectrum, Kris shares their experience of discovering they are non-binary and agender. For much of their life, Kris simply thought they weren’t very good at being a woman. It wasn’t until the pandemic, when they encountered the language of gender identity and discovered other people with similar experiences, that another possibility began to make sense. Linda and Kris talk about discovering a non-binary identity later in life, the difference between gender identity and sexual orientation, and why being agender is different from other non-binary experiences. They also explore pronouns, language, family, work, medical care, and what it is like to move through a world where people often make assumptions about your gender. Kris explains why they/them pronouns matter to them, while also describing the complicated reality of being perceived as female despite identifying as agender. They talk about keeping “mom” as a title for their children, finding gender-neutral language that works for their family, and even using their name instead of pronouns when someone is still getting used to they/them. Most importantly, this is a conversation about discovering that “I don't fit either” can be an identity of its own—and about what it means simply to be recognized as a person. Find the transcript at: https://spectrumpodcast.org/?p=860 00:00 What Does It Mean to Be Non-Binary? 00:55 What Does Agender Mean? 01:25 Discovering a Non-Binary Identity 02:54 Growing Up Without Feeling Like a Girl 03:47 “I Don’t Fit Either” 04:10 Pansexuality, Bisexuality and Gender Identity 05:07 Compartmentalizing Gender and Sexuality 06:04 Finding Language and Other People Like Me 08:46 Non-Binary Identity, Marriage and Top Surgery 09:43 Body Dysphoria and Gynecological Care 11:27 Non-Binary Voice, Gender Perception and Pronouns 12:42 Coming Out as Non-Binary to Family and Work 14:01 Non-Binary Parents and Gender-Neutral Language 16:17 Being Non-Binary at Work and in Public 18:01 Non-Binary People and Medical Care 20:11 Being Misgendered and Living as Non-Binary 21:14 Why Pronouns Can Be Complicated 22:02 Choosing Whether to Be Open About Pronouns 23:30 Gender-Neutral Language Beyond Pronouns 24:00 How Non-Binary People Relate to Men and Women 24:49 Why Defaulting to Neutral Language Can Help 25:28 Understanding Non-Binary Identity 26:02 “I’m a Person, Just Like Anyone Else” 26:43 You Don’t Have to Agree With Someone to Be Kind 27:57 One Person’s Experience of Being Non-Binary

    Not A Bad Woman. Just Not A Woman

  2. Aug 12 ·  Video

    The Problem With Pronouns

    The episode explores the history and significance of pronouns in the English language, the challenges of gendered pronouns, the emergence of non-binary pronouns, and the importance of respecting and using correct pronouns for individuals. It emphasizes the impact of pronouns on emotional well-being and the need for acceptance and validation. Chapters 00:00 The History of Pronouns01:36 Gendered Pronouns in English02:44 Non-Binary Pronouns05:57 Resistance to Change07:25 Importance of Using Correct Pronouns11:06 The Problem with Pronouns You can find the transcript at: https://spectrumpodcast.org/?p=678

    The Problem With Pronouns

  3. Jul 31

    Why Maria Transitioned at 58

    For 58 years, Maria believed she understood who she was. She thought she was simply someone who occasionally needed to express a different side of herself. Transition wasn't part of the plan. Then, after the end of a long marriage, she asked herself a simple question: "What can I do to be happy?" The answer surprised her. In this conversation, Maria shares the winding path that led her to transition later in life, why she spent decades believing she was "just" a cross-dresser, how one month of living as Maria changed everything, and why she says she was "suddenly happy" for the first time in her life.  We also talk about: Growing up without understanding what she was experiencingLiving two very different livesMarriage, divorce, and moving to FranceDiscovering confidence after transitionEmotional dysphoriaWhy she chose medical transitionReconciling the person she used to be with the person she is today  Maria's story is unique, but its themes are universal: searching for happiness, learning to accept yourself, and discovering that it's never too late to become the person you were meant to be. You can find the transcript at: https://spectrumpodcast.org/?p=597 If this conversation helped you better understand the transgender experience—or simply reminded you that every person has a story worth hearing—please consider liking the video, subscribing, and sharing it with someone else. The mission of The Spectrum is simple: to humanize LGBTQ+ people by sharing honest conversations with real people. If you'd like to share your own story on a future episode, we'd love to hear from you.

    Why Maria Transitioned at 58

  4. Jul 21

    More Than a Building - Creating a Home for the LGBTQ Community

    What does an LGBTQ community center actually do? I visited Casa BruMar Foundation's new LGBTQIA+ Community Center in Woodbridge, Virginia to find out. Executive Director Evelyn BruMar gave me a tour of the space and shared the vision behind creating "Our Center"—a place designed to feel like home for LGBTQ people and their families. But this episode isn't just about the building. You'll also hear three personal stories: A mother describing the moment her transgender son experienced overwhelming gender euphoria after surgery.A transgender man sharing a hilarious childhood story about proving he was "really a boy" by touching a worm.A gender-affirming therapist explaining the fears many LGBTQ youth face and why supportive spaces matter. You'll also get a look at Casa BruMar's services, including community programs, a library, food and hygiene pantry, maker space, learning kitchen, and more. If you've ever wondered what an LGBTQ community center is really like—or why these spaces matter—I hope you'll join me for the visit. Learn more about Casa BruMar Foundation: https://casabrumarfoundation.org Episode Transcript:

    More Than a Building - Creating a Home for the LGBTQ Community

  5. Jul 3

    Why I Transitioned — Speaking Out After 37 Years

    For nearly 37 years, I've simply lived my life without most people knowing I am transgender. It's the story of what it felt like to grow up knowing my mind and body didn't match, the depression that nearly consumed me, and how gender-affirming care ultimately saved my life. I also talk about: • Why I waited until I was 25 to transition • The fears that nearly stopped me • What surprised me after transition • Finding love, family, and a life I never thought was possible If you've ever wondered why someone transitions—or if you've never knowingly met a transgender person—I hope this story helps put a human face on an issue that's often discussed without listening to the people living it. Questions asked in good faith are always welcome. 00:00 Emma Is Me 00:53 Why I'm Telling This Story 02:12 Knowing I Was a Girl 04:01 Trying to Change Myself 07:40 My Breaking Point 10:27 The Decision That Changed My Life 12:41 Finding Peace 15:52 Finding Love 18:40 What Saved My Life 21:20 Why I'm Speaking Out Related videos ▶ Emma's Story (Parts 1-3) https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQyXVDXr391Xq-DaNe46cEUkakyEXFzRE ▶ Billy's Story: Coming Out Later in Life https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iAGXAihTrU Transcript: https://spectrumpodcast.org/2026/07/02/why-i-transitioned-the-life-behind-the-decision/

    Why I Transitioned — Speaking Out After 37 Years

  6. Apr 26

    Discovering I Was Gay as an Adult

    n this episode of The Spectrum, Billy shares his personal coming out story—one that didn’t happen in his teenage years, but later in adulthood. Growing up, Billy didn’t fully understand his identity. It wasn’t until later in life that he began to recognize who he was, eventually coming out to family and friends in 2001. In this conversation, he reflects on that journey, what it was like to come to terms with himself, and how others responded. This episode offers insight into a less commonly discussed experience: discovering your identity later in life, and what that process can look like over time. Whether you’re exploring your own identity, supporting someone else, or simply interested in real personal stories, this is an honest and thoughtful conversation.Billy shares his coming out story. 00:00 – Introduction & Episode Setup 00:06 – Billy Introduced (Coming Out Later in Life) 00:18 – Overview of His Experience Growing Up 00:39 – When Billy Came Out (2001) 00:51 – Realizing His Identity Before Coming Out 01:15 – Not Knowing Growing Up 02:10 – Looking Back on Early Life 03:05 – Lack of Awareness Around Sexuality 04:20 – Social Environment & Influences 05:35 – Early Feelings and Confusion 06:40 – Trying to Understand Himself 07:50 – What Felt “Different” 09:10 – Gradual Recognition of Attraction 10:30 – Internal Realization as an Adult 11:45 – Accepting His Identity 13:00 – Emotional Process of Acceptance 14:30 – Deciding to Come Out 16:00 – Preparing to Tell Others 17:20 – First Conversations About It 18:45 – Telling Family 20:30 – Telling Friends 22:10 – Reactions He Received 23:50 – Challenges After Coming Out 25:30 – Adjusting to Being Open 27:00 – Life Changes After Coming Out 28:45 – Looking Back on the Journey 30:30 – Advice for Others 32:00 – Final Reflections 33:00 – Closing Transcript: https://spectrumpodcast.org/2026/04/26/discovering-i-was-gay-as-an-adult/

    Discovering I Was Gay as an Adult

  7. Mar 27

    Why I Voted YES for Gerrymandering in Virginia

    In this episode of The Spectrum, recorded on March 27, 2026, we dive into the controversial and deeply personal decision behind voting on Virginia’s out-of-cycle redistricting. Host Linda explains why, despite a lifelong opposition to gerrymandering, she chose to vote "yes" on a partisan redistricting measure. Explore the reasoning behind "fighting fire with fire" to counter national power grabs and protect the rights of marginalized communities. We discuss the potential impacts of this vote on LGBTQ rights, reproductive autonomy, and healthcare costs, as well as the national stakes of the 2026 midterms. Join the conversation on whether it's ever right to go against your principles to prevent a greater harm. 00:00 – Introduction: Episode 38 and the Redistricting Vote 00:54 – Why I Voted Against My Principles 01:26 – The Unconstitutionality of Gerrymandering 02:16 – Trump’s 2025 Call for National Redistricting 02:53 – Fighting Fire with Fire: The Need to Fight Back 04:05 – A Choice for Voters: Virginia vs. Texas 05:16 – Do Our Representatives Actually Represent Us? 06:02 – The National Impact on the LGBTQ Community 07:01 – Reproductive Rights, Healthcare, and Self-Interest 08:18 – Conclusion: Join the Discussion Transcript: https://spectrumpodcast.org/2026/03/27/why-i-voted-yes-for-a-gerrymander-in-virginia/

    Why I Voted YES for Gerrymandering in Virginia

  8. Mar 10

    From Space Force Colonel to Congressional Candidate | Bree Fram

    In this episode of The Spectrum, Linda sits down with retired U.S. Space Force Colonel Bree Fram for a wide-ranging conversation about military service, transgender rights, and the future of American democracy. Bree Fram served 23 years in the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force, rising to the rank of colonel and helping shape future space capabilities for the United States. In 2016 she came out as a transgender woman while on active duty after policy changes allowed trans people to serve openly. Nearly a decade later, a new policy banning transgender service members forced her out of the military. In this interview Bree discusses: - What it was like transitioning while serving in the Pentagon - The impact of transgender military bans - How thousands of transgender service members have served with distinction - Her experience being forced out of the military despite exemplary performance - The broader challenges facing transgender Americans today - Why she decided to run for Congress in Virginia’s 11th District Bree also talks about leadership, democracy, constitutional reform, and what she believes the United States must do to remain a country where everyone has the freedom to live authentically. This is an honest conversation about service, courage, and what it means to stand up for the values you believe in. If you enjoy thoughtful conversations about public policy, LGBTQ issues, and American democracy, consider subscribing for future episodes. 00:00 — Introduction: Retired Space Force Colonel Bree Fram 00:52 — Aerospace Engineering and Joining the Air Force 01:30 — How September 11 Changed the Decision to Serve 02:31 — Coming Out as Transgender While Serving 05:18 — The Transgender Military Ban 08:58 — Career Impact and Future Assignments 16:26 — Why Bree Fram is running for Congress 17:57 — Leadership and Character in Public Service 22:15 — Representing a Diverse Constituency 25:30 — Closing Thoughts Transcript: https://spectrumpodcast.org/2026/03/10/from-space-force-colonel-to-congressional-candidate-bree-fram/

    From Space Force Colonel to Congressional Candidate | Bree Fram
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About

Sharing Stories. Building Understanding.The Spectrum is a podcast looking at issues important to the LGBT communities. If you don't happen to associate with one of those letters that's ok! This show is aimed at helping people outside those communities understand just how important these issues are and why we need your support.

Information

  • Creator
    Linda Thomas-Fowler
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    44
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Linda Thomas-Fowler
  • Show Website
    The Spectrum