313 - Trans Joy is Important with Rachel and Frank Gonzales

June 25, 2023 Marina Linardi

313 - Trans Joy is Important with Rachel and Frank Gonzales

Listeners, we are back this week with Rachel and Frank Gonzales

On this episode of Cafe con Pam, Rachel and Frank Gonzales join Pam to discuss the importance of trans joy and equality. They talk about their experiences advocating for transgender rights in Texas, including blocking anti-trans bills and the struggle to ensure access to medically necessary care for transgender youth. Pam also shares personal stories and experiences related to the topic, such as a traumatic incident at the Capitol during a healthcare ban vote. Listeners are encouraged to submit anonymous questions on transgender topics for Rachel and Frank to answer. The episode also discusses the increasing danger for the trans community due to anti-LGBTQ bills funded by extremist billionaires and the physical and emotional toll advocacy work can take on individuals. Overall, the episode emphasizes the importance of communication, support, and focusing on love rather than fear.

Frank and Rachel Gonzales are advocates and allies in the movement for transgender equality. As the parents of transgender youth, they have been fiercely advocating for the transgender community to ensure all transgender people receive the love and support that has allowed their daughter to thrive.

Rachel and Frank have testified many times at the Texas Capitol, they have been an integral part of blocking Texas’s anti-transgender bathroom bill in 2017, the many bills proposed in 2021, they’ve spent countless days fighting the unprecedented number of anti-transgender bills proposed in the 2023 legislative session and continues to push for trans equality across Texas and around the country. Though most of their advocacy is not public, they maintain a local to national media presence and Rachel serves on the Human Rights Campaign Parents for Transgender Equality Council.