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For so many LGBTQ+ people—and for the parents who love them—the church has been a place of deep wounds rather than deep belonging. Too often, the message has been that to be loved by God, you first have to change who you are. So many have walked away from faith altogether, believing they had to choose between their spirituality and their authentic selves. But every once in a while, someone comes along who refuses that false choice. Instead of abandoning faith, they reclaim it. They reinterpret it. They reshape it into something expansive enough to hold their whole, beautiful selves—and in doing so, they create room for others to come home, too. Today In the Den, Sara talks with drag artist, songwriter, and musician Flamy Grant, whose bold blend of gospel, folk, country, and unapologetic queerness is challenging assumptions about who belongs in sacred spaces. They talk about reclaiming spirituality after harm, the healing power of music and drag, what it means to plant a stiletto in sacred space, navigating both praise and backlash, and why joy itself can be an act of resistance. Whether you've left religion behind, found your way back, or are still figuring out what you believe, this conversation is an invitation to imagine a faith that celebrates you exactly as you are.

Special Guest: Flamy Grant

Flamy Grant is a trailblazing drag queen and musician from Asheville, North Carolina with over 1.5 million streams on digital music platforms. Beautifully blending her Appalachian roots with drag artistry and musical excellence, Flamy has stormed stages from Los Angeles to London, from New York to the Netherlands, racking up over 1.5 million streams on digital music platforms. This powerhouse vocalist, intrepid songwriter, and shame-slaying drag queen serves up a therapeutic, theatrical experience that is fearless, flamboyant, and full of heart.

Links from the Show:

• Flamy on TikTok
• Flamy on IG
• Flamy on FB
• Flamy on Threads
• Flamy on YouTube
• Flamy on BlueSky
• Join Mama Dragons today

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What does it mean as a queer person to love a place deeply when that place has so often tried to make queer people disappear? Today In the Den, Sara visits with author, activist, and former Idaho legislator Cole LeFavour to talk about their powerful new memoir In the Arms of Mountains: A Story of Land, Love, and Queer Resistance in Red America. In 2004, Cole made history as the first openly LGBTQ+ member of the Idaho Legislature, serving four terms as an Idaho State Senator and leading multiple acts of civil disobedience in the State Capitol. In addition to their being a legislator and activist, Cole has also been a long-time writer and an award-winning journalist whose work has appeared in publications including The North American Review, Idaho Wilderness Considered, and Sawtooth-White Cloud. They write from deep in Idaho about conscience, wildness, belonging, and what it means to build a life rooted in both place and resistance. Part memoir, part love letter to Idaho’s wild places, and part testimony of queer resistance, Cole LeFavour’s story explores what it means to be shaped by a place that doesn’t always know how to love you back.

Special Guest: Cole LeFavour

Cole Nicole LeFavour writes about conscience and the wild from deep in Idaho. An activist, award-winning journalist and writer Cole’s stories and essays have appeared in The North American Review, Idaho Wilderness Considered, Sawtooth-White Cloud, among others. In 2004, LeFavour became the first openly LGBTQ+ member of the Idaho Legislature, elected four times, serving as an Idaho State Senator and leading multiple acts of civil disobedience in the State Capitol. Cole's book, IN THE ARMS OF MOUNTAINS: A STORY OF LAND, LOVE, AND QUEER RESISTANCE IN RED AMERICA was published by Beacon Press in May.

Links from the Show:

• Find Cole’s Book In the Arms of Mountains here
• Cole on FB
• Cole on IG
• Join Mama Dragons today

In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org.

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Today’s In the Den episode is a rerun and one that cuts right to the heart of our Mama Dragons mission — we’re diving into the truth that parenting is political. Whether we like it or not, the choices we make as parents, how we show up for our kids, what we teach them, how we advocate for them, all ripple out into the world around us. When you’re parenting queer kids, those ripples can have a far reach and significant impact. Sara talks with special guest Jasmine Banks about the importance of nurturing a community committed to collective growth and support, because raising children is to actively participate in societal change, and the way we parent today directly influences the world our children will inherit tomorrow.

Special Guest: Jasmine Banks

Jasmine Banks (she/her) has more than 10 years of progressive advocacy, movement building, and organizing experience. She spent the last five years dedicated to leading an intervention campaign, UnKoch My Campus, addressing the impact of far-right billionaires leveraging their philanthropic donations in higher education to erode democracy. During the campaigns she organized multiple campuses, coalitions, and provided movement support to hundreds of students, educators, and community activists. Jasmine has traveled to a number of higher ed institutions to speak with students and faculty about donor transparency and academic freedom. She was most recently honored to give a keynote for the Higher Education division of the American Federation of Teachers. Jasmine is also a former licensed therapist, Chief Marketing Officer, and small business owner.

Links from the Show:

• Generation Common Good: https://generationcommongood.org/
• Parenting Is Political podcast: https://www.parentingispolitical.org/episodes
• Join Mama Dragons here: www.mamadragons.org

In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org.

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Content Warning: this episode contains frank discussions of self-harm and suicidality.

This episode is a rerun and an increasingly important topic for today’s environment. At Mama Dragons we know the value of shame-free spaces where parents of LGBTQ+ kids can explore, learn, and grow. Building families and communities rooted in genuine support is an important part of creating healthy futures for our queer children. Today In the Den, Sara visits with creator, author, and speaker Heather Hester about parenting LGBTQ+ children, unlearning the biases of our past, and learning to embrace, empower, and love our queer kids more fully.

Special Guest: Heather Hester

Heather Hester is the creator and host of the podcast More Human. More Kind., founder of Chrysalis Mama, and author of Parenting with Pride: Unlearn Bias and Embrace, Empower, and Love Your LGBTQ+ Teen. She is a speaker, writer, and fierce advocate helping parents, allies, and organizations move from confusion and fear to compassion and courageous action.

When her son came out as gay in 2017, it ignited a journey of unlearning, deep personal growth, and radical love. She quickly realized the need for more supportive, shame-free spaces for parents of LGBTQ+ kids and those seeking to become better allies. What began as a content-rich website and podcast has grown into a platform offering inclusive coaching, LGBTQ+ and Human-First consulting, and storytelling-driven workshops and talks.

Heather is married to the funniest guy she’s ever known and mom to their four extraordinary kids (two of whom are LGBTQ), and one super sassy mini Bernedoodle. She’s a weather nerd, a lover of indie bookstores and coffee shops, and a yogi who believes in the magic of connection and that belonging isn’t just a feeling—it’s a practice.

Links from the Show:

• Heather’s Podcast, More Human, More Kind: https://www.morehumanmorekind.com/
• Heather’s book: https://bookshop.org/p/books/parenting-with-pride-unlearn-bias-and-embrace-empower-and-love-your-lgbtq-teen-heather-hester/f658509f6a467cac?ean=9781641709125&next=t
• Chrysalis Mama on FB: https://www.facebook.com/chrysalismama
• Join Mama Dragons today: www.mamadragons.org

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At the end of May, the Seattle LGBTQ+ Commission sent a letter to their mayor asking the city to declare a civil state of emergency in response to the growing number of transgender people and their families fleeing states with escalating anti-trans laws. Families are leaving homes, schools, jobs, churches, and entire support systems behind because remaining where they are no longer feels safe. A study from the Movement Advancement Project and the University of Chicago found that at least 400,000 transgender and gender nonconforming people have moved to another state since November 2024 because of anti-LGBTQ laws or political conditions. For years, many parents of trans kids have been sounding the alarm — telling stories of banned healthcare, hostile school policies, criminalization, fear, isolation, and the exhausting reality of fighting for your child’s right to exist openly and safely. What once felt unthinkable is now shaping where families can live, where children can go to school, and whether parents feel they can protect their kids at all. Today In the Den we talk about what it means when LGBTQ+ people become refugees within their own country. What happens to families forced to relocate in search of safety? What responsibilities do affirming cities and states have to those arriving in crisis? And what does it mean for the rest of us witnessing this moment unfold in real time?

Special Guest: Chris Curia

Chris Curia is Co-Chair of the Seattle LGBTQ Commission, an advisory board that provides guidance and recommendations to City leaders on issues affecting LGBTQ+ communities. Additionally, Chris supervises Crisis Care Responder teams as part of Seattle’s Community Assisted Response & Engagement (CARE) Department, the City’s third branch of public safety that delivers alternative first response to 911 calls with a mental health nexus. Chris brings years of clinical training and experience as a licensed mental health counselor to these roles, along with a passion for exploring innovative opportunities to prioritize mental healthcare equity and community-centered care for all Seattleites.

Special Guest: Jessa Davis

Jessa Davis (she/her) is Co-Chair of the Seattle LGBTQ Commission and Chair of its Community Outreach & Social Media Committee. She also serves as Board Secretary for Queer Power Alliance (QPA), where she chairs the Advocacy Committee, and as Board Secretary for Whole Washington. In these roles, she helps align community-driven advocacy with broader structural change efforts including in her work as Executive Director of the Organization for Polyamory and Ethical Non-Monogamy (OPEN), which is a role she recently took on after founding and leading the Seattle Coalition for Family & Relationship Equity (SCFRE).

Links from the Show:

• Seattle LGBTQ+ Commission
• Jessa’s IG
• Jessa’s Website
• Study from Movement Advancement Project
• Join Mama Dragons

In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org.

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The moment your child says something that changes the story you thought you were living, time can seem to split in two. There’s the before — the assumptions, expectations, and dreams you carefully built — and then there’s the after, where love, fear, confusion, grief, joy, protectiveness, and possibility all arrive at once. For many parents of trans kids, that moment can feel overwhelming, not because they love their child any less, but because they suddenly realize they’re stepping into unfamiliar territory without a map. Today, we’re joined by Rebecca Minor, therapist, educator, coach, and author of the new book Raising Trans Kids: What to Expect When You Weren’t Expecting This. Sara and Rebecca talk about the emotional journey many parents experience when their child comes out as trans, the myths and misinformation families are navigating right now, and how parents can move from panic and uncertainty toward connection, confidence, and advocacy.

Special Guest: Rebecca Minor

Rebecca Minor, LICSW (she/they), is an internationally recognized gender specialist, therapist, educator, and author of the book Raising Trans Kids: What to Expect When You Weren’t Expecting This (Row House, Sept 2025). As a gender specialist, Rebecca partners with trans and gender nonconforming youth through their journey of becoming and serves as a guide to their parents in affirming it. With over 10,000 hours of experience working with trans and gender-expansive youth and their families, she’s helped parents move beyond fear and uncertainty to become confident, affirming advocates for their children. She is the founder of Prism Therapy Collective and serves as adjunct faculty at Boston University’s School of Social Work. Rebecca has been featured in The New York Times, Parents, The Bump, Health Magazine, Them, and The Trevor Project docuseries.

Links from the Show:

• Rebecca’s website
• Buy Rebecca’s Book Raising Trans Kids
• Rebecca’s Blog
• Join Mama Dragons today

In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org.

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In conjunction with our recent episode on Canyon County Pride, we’re resharing this past episode with drag queen Cookie Pusss. Drag queens are living proof that courage can come in sequins, heels, and unapologetic self-expression. They show us every day that bravery isn’t just about facing danger—it’s about showing up fully as yourself, even when the world might not be ready for it, and that sometimes courage looks like meeting hate with humor, compassion, and a touch of glitter. Today In the Den Sara sits down with the one and only Cookie Pusss, whose video of her powerful and surprisingly tender exchange with an anti-LGBTQ Christian protester outside the Canyon County Pride Festival went viral earlier this year. What could have been just another confrontation turned into a moment of connection, curiosity, and radical grace that captured the Internet’s attention.

Special Guest: JD Hawley

JD Hawley, aka Cookie Pusss, is a performer and producer living in Salt Lake City, Utah, and is known for campy, irreverent drag and connecting with audiences on a more personal level. JD grew up in Arco, Idaho, and has been performing across the Pacific Northwest for over 5 years. His favorite topping of pizza is mushrooms.

Links From the Show:

• Find Cookie Pusss on IG: https://www.instagram.com/cookie.pusss?igsh=N2hpN2VycDc3ZmY=
• Find Cookie Pusss on TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@cookiepussss?_r=1&_t=ZT-91ZKl9xCUJC
• Watch the viral Pride interaction here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKqMrrlyYIM/?igsh=MTlhdDF2OXR4YXRobg==
• Join Mama Dragons here: www.mamadragons.org

In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org.

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Today In the Den, we’re talking about family—how it’s formed, how it’s nurtured, and how love can expand beyond the narrow definitions our culture sometimes tries to impose. For so many queer people and their loved ones, building a family can come with extra layers of hope, complexity, vulnerability, and resilience. Queer families have always existed. They have always found ways to create home, to build community, and to raise children surrounded by love—even when systems or institutions made that harder than it should have been. For many parents listening—whether you’re LGBTQ+, parenting LGBTQ+ kids, or simply trying to raise compassionate humans—today’s conversation invites us into a deeper understanding of what ethical, inclusive family-building can look like.

Special Guest: Donna Pope

Donna Pope is the host of the podcast Voices of Adoption. Donna brings years of experience and heartfelt storytelling to conversations about adoption, identity, ethics, and belonging. Donna shares a commitment to adoption practices that center compassion, agency, and honesty for everyone involved—adoptive families, birth parents, and adoptees alike.

Links from the Show:

• Voices of Adoption on Youtube
• Voices of Adoption podcast
• Voices of Adoption on IG
• Voices of Adoption on FB
• Join Mama Dragons today

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