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

Rick Koonce
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Profiles in LGBTQ+ Courage shines a light on the powerful, real-life stories of LGBTQ+ individuals, their families, and allies as they navigate identity, acceptance, and love. Produced by Huntington Northstar Productions in partnership with PFLAG Cape Cod, this podcast features moving conversations about coming out, gender transition, and the search for belonging. Each episode shares intimate portraits of courage—whether it's an LGBTQ+ person finding self-acceptance, or a parent learning to support their child with compassion. Hosted by Rick Koonce, a seasoned journalist and PFLAG Cape Cod board member, the show blends decades of interviewing experience with heartfelt storytelling. Together, these conversations educate, inspire, and provide hope to anyone on their own journey toward authenticity and acceptance. If you're looking for connection, encouragement, and stories that spark change, this podcast is for you.

  1. OCT 31

    Julia Cumes on Photography as a Force for Social Change

    In this episode, host Rick Koonce interviews award-winning photojournalist Julia Cumes, whose work shines a light on marginalized communities around the world. Born and raised in apartheid-era South Africa, Julia witnessed the power of images to expose truth and inspire change. Her career has been shaped by a commitment to social justice and storytelling through the lens of her camera. Julia shares how her projects—from documenting Cape Cod's transgender community to capturing the stories of immigrants, women in India's Devadasi system, and Hawaii's cowboys—help challenge stereotypes and humanize those often unseen. Her portraits not only celebrate individuality but also foster empathy and understanding in divided times. Listeners will gain insight into how photography can serve as both art and activism—connecting people across boundaries and transforming hearts one story at a time. Key Takeaways: How photography can drive social change and human connection The importance of visibility for marginalized communities Storytelling as a path to understanding and inclusion 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 © 2020 - 2025 PFLAG Cape Cod

    41 min

  2. OCT 3

    Safeguarding Kids Online and Offline: A Courageous Conversation with Jacob Stapledon

    Child abuse remains one of the most urgent and under-recognized crises facing families today. In this powerful episode of Profiles in LGBTQ Courage, host Rick Koonce speaks with Jacob Stapledon, Community Engagement and Education Manager at Children s Cove, a child advocacy center on Cape Cod. Together, they shed light on the staggering reality of abuse, why LGBTQ youth are disproportionately affected, and the critical role that community members can play in protecting children. Jacob shares sobering statistics, including the fact that 90% of children are abused by someone they know, and that LGBTQ youth often face the unique challenge of  double disclosure  revealing both their abuse and their identity. He explains how Children s Cove provides coordinated, trauma-informed care to help children tell their stories once, rather than reliving trauma repeatedly. Listeners will also hear practical guidance on recognizing warning signs, safeguarding children online, and taking action when something feels wrong. Key Takeaways: LGBTQ youth face unique risks and barriers to disclosure 90% of abuse comes from someone the child knows Online exploitation is rising rapidly post-COVID Parents and communities must stay engaged and speak up Learn more and access resources at childrenscove.org. 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   2020 - 2025 PFLAG Cape Cod

    37 min

  3. SEP 19

    Teen Activist Bradley Forcier on Courage, Politics & Pride

    In this episode of Profiles in LGBTQ+ Courage, host Rick Koonce sits down with 16-year-old activist and student Bradley Forcier, whose story is both inspiring and timely. Bradley, a rising junior at Falmouth Academy, shares how coming out at age 12 sparked his passion for advocacy, community involvement, and political engagement. From leading in his school's Gender and Sexuality Alliance to starting the process of launching a local chapter of the ACLU, Bradley is already creating meaningful change. He opens up about navigating high school as a young gay man, supporting transgender friends, and his vision for a more inclusive future. Bradley also talks about his deep interest in American politics, his science fair project on bias in public opinion polls, and his dream of becoming a civil rights attorney or elected official. This episode is a powerful reminder of the resilience and optimism of LGBTQ+ youth, and the difference they are making every day. Takeaways: How Bradley's activism began at a young age The importance of safe, supportive school communities Insights on LGBTQ+ acceptance among Gen Z Why optimism matters in today's political climate Tune in for an inspiring conversation with one of tomorrow's changemakers. 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 © 2020 - 2025 PFLAG Cape Cod

    32 min

  4. SEP 7

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

    Have you ever wondered what courage looks like in the LGBTQ+ community? In my podcast series, Profiles in LGBTQ+ Courage, I share the powerful, authentic stories of individuals and families navigating the complex issues of sexual orientation, gender identity, self acceptance, and human love. From coming out journeys and gender transitions to parents learning how to support their children, these intimate conversations reveal the strength it takes for all of us to live and love authentically. I'm your host, Rick Koonce. With decades of experience as a journalist and interviewer, I'm here to share stories that will educate, inspire, and remind you that none of us walks this path of life alone. So today, I'm asking you to subscribe to Profiles in LGBTQ+ Courage wherever you listen to podcasts and and join us in celebrating the bravery it takes to live your truth and life authentically.

    1 min

  5. SEP 5

    From Cape Cod Roots to State Senate: Julian Cyr's Story

    In this episode of Profiles in LGBTQ+ Courage, I sit down with Massachusetts State Senator Julian Cyr, who represents Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket. Julian shares his powerful journey of growing up as a young gay man on the Outer Cape, finding his voice through activism, and ultimately stepping into leadership to serve his community. We talk about how his early experiences shaped his commitment to public service, the lessons he learned from the AIDS epidemic, and why authenticity is a core value in both politics and personal life. Julian also opens up about the pressing issues facing Cape Cod today—including the housing crisis, climate change, and public health—and how his lived experience informs the way he leads. This conversation is both inspiring and practical, offering wisdom for anyone navigating their own journey of courage, leadership, or advocacy. Key Takeaways: Growing up LGBTQ+ on Cape Cod shaped Julian's values and resilience. The importance of authenticity in leadership and advocacy. Housing, climate, and public health challenges on Cape Cod today. Why the LGBTQ+ community must stand united—especially for trans rights. I'd love to hear your thoughts—reach out and share your own story of courage. 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 © 2020 - 2025 PFLAG Cape Cod

    43 min

  6. AUG 8

    Interview with Finn Allen (Wanda Mae)

    Finn Allen (formerly Wanda Mae). Wanda Mae was a little girl raised in a household with an alcoholic mother, an abusive father, and two sisters. She never felt "at home" in her female body, even though at an early age she excelled at sports and was a stand-out school athlete. From the age of 4 or 5, Wanda Mae felt like a boy, not a girl. But in her childhood, she didn't have a lot of time to dwell on all that.  And there was nobody to talk to about her shame, discomfort, and confusion. At home, after her father left, Wanda Mae was beaten by her mother and her boyfriend, before eventually being sent to foster care, where she was abused again. In the years that followed, Wanda Mae TRIED to find herself. She married a man, became an alcoholic and took the occasional hit of cocaine. At times she was suicidal. And then, she got into recovery. Fast forward several decades to today. Today, Wanda Mae is Finn Allen, a 57-year-old transgender tax attorney for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. As he tells PFLAG Cape Cod's Rick Koonce in this raw interview, at the age of 52 Wanda Mae finally embraced her masculine identity, changed her name, began the transitioning process, and came out publicly as a trans man in 2020. "I spent the first 50-something years of my life living someone else's life," he says. "Today, I'm finally feeling free to live my real life, and be my authentic self, free of shame and confusion. "What a gift it is to finally realize, "I finally get to be ME!" 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 © 2020 - 2025 PFLAG Cape Cod

    35 min

  7. JUL 25

    Interview with Joan and Rick Francolini

    Joan and Rick Francolini are the parents of a bisexual daughter, Renee, who's about to marry a transgender man. They're also committed social justice advocates who recently organized the first-ever Lower Cape Pride celebration on Cape Cod. Dubbed, "Unity in Community," the three-day event, a multi-generational celebration of LGBTQ+ pride, drew hundreds of people to the towns of Orleans and Brewster, Massachusetts in June 2025. Activities included a parade, an LGBTQ+ community resource fair, musical performances, and an exhibit about the history of drag. Also featured was a panel discussion on how the LGBTQ+ community can effectively combat the homophobia and transphobia, being fostered today, by many conservative political leaders and media influencers. As Joan and Rick tell PFLAG Cape Cod's Rick Koonce in this interview, the couple got the idea for the event after seeing the transformative impact of small-town Pride celebrations in Maine, where their daughter and her fiancé live. They noticed that those events brought visibility, joy, and solidarity to the queer community there. As committed LGBTQ+ allies, Joan and Rick soon realized that Lower Cape Cod needed a Pride event of its OWN, separate from traditional pride activities staged each year in Provincetown. Planning Lower Cape Pride quickly became a labor of love for both Joan and Rick, who tapped many elements of their local community to support the event. Over the course of several months, they brought together neighbors, LGBTQ+ volunteers, local businesspeople, political and civic leaders, artists, musicians, and others to make Lower Cape Pride a crowd-pleasing event -- far exceeding what either Joan or Rick had initially anticipated. 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 © 2020 - 2025 PFLAG Cape Cod

    32 min

  8. JUL 11

    Interview with Roger Smith

    The Trump Administration's explicit animus toward transgender people is a well-documented and very public fact.  Starting in his first term and now in his second, President Trump and his Administration have carried out a systematic, years-long effort to roll back protections for LGBTQ+ people.  Beginning in January 2025, the Administration issued a series of executive orders specifically targeted at trans people. Trump's directives include targeting transgender students, banning trans Americans from military service, and giving federal agencies the go ahead to overtly discriminate against their trans employees. While the Administration's discrimination against transgender people is taking many forms, and fostering fear in people who identify as trans, it's also impacting the friends and families of those who identify as transgender.  Roger Smith is a novelist and retired history teacher who lives in Brewster, MA.  He's also the father of a transgender son, Alex, whom he loves dearly.  In this poignant interview with PFLAG Cape Cod's Rick Koonce, Rog describes the fear -- and outrage -- he feels at how the U.S. government is singling out and discriminating against transgender people today.  But, discrimination against people who don't fit neatly into certain social, ethnic, cultural, and sexual categories has a long, long history in America, says this former history teacher.   Sadly and historically, Smith says, the "othering" of people seen as being on society's margins is part of our nation's DNA.  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 © 2020 - 2025 PFLAG Cape Cod

    26 min
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About

Profiles in LGBTQ+ Courage shines a light on the powerful, real-life stories of LGBTQ+ individuals, their families, and allies as they navigate identity, acceptance, and love. Produced by Huntington Northstar Productions in partnership with PFLAG Cape Cod, this podcast features moving conversations about coming out, gender transition, and the search for belonging. Each episode shares intimate portraits of courage—whether it's an LGBTQ+ person finding self-acceptance, or a parent learning to support their child with compassion. Hosted by Rick Koonce, a seasoned journalist and PFLAG Cape Cod board member, the show blends decades of interviewing experience with heartfelt storytelling. Together, these conversations educate, inspire, and provide hope to anyone on their own journey toward authenticity and acceptance. If you're looking for connection, encouragement, and stories that spark change, this podcast is for you.

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