Becoming Visible: Trans Stories

Through heartfelt and entertaining interviews with gender-diverse individuals, we hope to leave you feeling enlightened and empowered. By listening, you will gain a deeper understanding of gender identity-related terminologies and the diverse lived experiences of those we have interviewed.

Becoming Visible: Trans Stories is hosted by Jack Fonder, a transgender man and Susan Williams, mom of a transgender teen in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Episode 19: Skylar
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Episode 19: Skylar

In the 19th episode of Becoming Visible: Trans Stories, Susan and Jack talk with Skyler. In episode 19, Skyler shares her journey of self-discovery and resilience, highlighting the profound impact of finding acceptance and support during moments of vulnerability. From navigating the challenges of transitioning in rural Missouri to the unexpected solace found in Rapid City, Skylar sheds light on the complexities of identity and community.

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Episode 18: Irene & Sydney
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Episode 18: Irene & Sydney

In the 18th episode of Becoming Visible: Trans Stories, Susan and Jack talk with Irene and Sydney to discuss their personal journeys, including Irene's transition later in life. They share about their meeting at an open mic night and their whirlwind romance, and reflect on the challenges and discoveries they encountered, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery and acceptance.

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Episode 17: Boots (They/THem)
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Episode 17: Boots (They/THem)

In the 17th episode of Becoming Visible: Trans Stories, Susan and Jack learn all about Boots, a resilient nonbinary individual from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, as they share their powerful journey of self-discovery and survival. Raised in a complex family dynamic, Boots navigates the challenges of growing up in a Jehovah's Witness community, where conformity and ostracization were the norms. With raw honesty, Boots reflects on their experiences of abuse, discrimination, and institutionalization, shedding light on the harsh realities faced by LGBTQ+ individuals within religious and societal structures. Through it all, Boots finds solace in unexpected places, from the quiet moments of the night to the compassionate words of a supportive teacher. Join us as we delve into Boots' narrative, a story of resilience, identity, and the pursuit of acceptance in the face of adversity.

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Episode 16: Beth
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Episode 16: Beth

In the 16th episode of Becoming Visible: Trans Stories, Susan and Jack learn all about Beth, a transgender woman from eastern South Dakota and is President of Transaction SD.

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Episode 15, Rebroadcast: Libby: Anti-Trans Legislation in SD & its Origin
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Episode 15, Rebroadcast: Libby: Anti-Trans Legislation in SD & its Origin

As we enter into the 2024 Legislative Session in South Dakota, we felt this previous episode would be important to re-release. In this episode of Becoming Visible: Trans Stories, Susan and Jack speak with Libby Skarin, Campaigns Director with the ACLU of SD. Libby has worked against anti-trans legislation longer than anyone else we know in the state, and walks us through the last decade of damaging bills coming from SD Legislators and who is behind all of these proposed laws.

TW: Suicide

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Episode 14: JC
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Episode 14: JC

In the 14th episode of Becoming Visible: Trans Stories, Susan and Jack learn all about JC from Rapid City. JC shares about their high school experience as a transgender kid in SD and their journey to adulthood.

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Episode 13: Shaneequa
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Episode 13: Shaneequa

In the 13th episode of Becoming Visible: Trans Stories, Susan and Jack learn all about Shaneequa. Shaneequa Broken Leg, who grew up on the Rosebud Reservation with her grandparents, eventually relocated to Seattle to live with her dad, facing adversity and ultimately experiencing homelessness after being kicked out. Shaneequa's journey as a Two-Spirit person adds another layer of depth to her narrative.

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Episode 12: Di
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Episode 12: Di

In the 12th episode of Becoming Visible: Trans Stories, Susan and Jack learn all about Di (she/her) who is the parent of a transgender young adult in western South Dakota.

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Episode 11: Charlie
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Episode 11: Charlie

In the 11th episode of Becoming Visible: Trans Stories, Susan and Jack learn all about Charlie (they/them or he/him) who is nonbinary and from Sioux Falls, SD.

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Episode 10: Dylan
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Episode 10: Dylan

In the 10th episode of Becoming Visible: Trans Stories, Susan and Jack learn all about Dylan, a trans and Two-Spirit individual who works as a nurse for SD Urban Indian Health and is the parent of two children.

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Episode 9: August & Micah
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Episode 9: August & Micah

In the 9th episode of Becoming Visible: Trans Stories, Susan and Jack learn all about August (they/she) who is nonbinary trans masc, and their partner Micah (he/him), who is a transgender man.

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Episode 8: April
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Episode 8: April

In the 8th episode of Becoming Visible: Trans Stories, Susan and Jack learn all about April, a Two-Spirit individual who works for SD Urban Indian Health, is the Executive Director of Rock the Rez, and parent of two children.

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Episode 7: Everett
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Episode 7: Everett

In this episode of Becoming Visible: Trans Stories, Susan and Jack learn all about Everett, a transgender man who recently graduated from college at the University of Sioux Falls and now works full-time as a photographer.

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Episode 6: Libby, Anti-Trans Legislation in SD & its Origin
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Episode 6: Libby, Anti-Trans Legislation in SD & its Origin

In the 6th episode of Becoming Visible: Trans Stories, Susan and Jack speak with Libby Skarin, Campaigns Director with the ACLU of SD. Libby has worked against anti-trans legislation longer than anyone else we know in the state, and walks us through the last decade of damaging bills coming from SD Legislators and who is behind all of these proposed laws.

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Episode 5: Allyship, Ayden & Elliott
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Episode 5: Allyship, Ayden & Elliott

In the 5th episode of Becoming Visible: Trans Stories, Jack takes the opportunity to interview Ayden (she/they), 18 and Elliott (they/them), 17 to talk about Allyship for Pride month!

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Episode 4: “Jane”
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Episode 4: “Jane”

In our fourth episode, we speak with Jane about being genderqueer and how family, friends and her workplace dealt with her coming out as transgender. Jane lives in Sioux Falls, SD, and works full-time an Engineer and is the parent to two children.

TW: Suicide

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Episode 3: “Rachel”
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Episode 3: “Rachel”

In this episode, we speak with Rachel about being nonbinary, they/them pronouns, and how family and friends have reacted to their gender identity.

TW: Suicide

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Episode 2: “Grace”
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Episode 2: “Grace”

Grace is a transgender woman who shares her story with us about how she came out at age 53 with a wife and four grown kids in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

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Episode 1: “Jack”
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Episode 1: “Jack”

In the premier episode of Becoming Visible: Trans Stories, your hosts Susan and Jack jump right into sharing about themselves.

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