Today I explain how the biggest hardship in my life became my greatest gift. For a long time, I wished I could have been born into the correct body. It was my singular, leading goal for as long as I can remember, but it was being denied this wish that my true gift was unlocked.

Mentioned in the episode today is Alok V Menon, an outstanding author, poet and speaker. I encourage you to learn more about them - you might just learn a thing or two about gender. (@alokvmenon)

Coming Into Your Own is a one-man show, written, producer, edited, and recorded by Carter-James.

Connect with Carter-James now @carterjamesvg

On this episode, I share my personal experiences with gender dysphoria. I do my best to explain how it feels in comparison to other body hating issues that come along during puberty.

Gender dysphoria can feel overwhelming and insurmountable. Take your time. Be safe. You aren't alone in feelings these things.

If you think you might need help, there are people who are ready to assist you. Below are some resources for you - Trans Lifeline is a great one.

• Trans Lifeline (a crisis & peer-support hotline, staffed by trans people, for trans people):
  • U.S. (877) 565-8860
  • Canada (877) 330-6366. 
• Queer support line in BC: https://www.qchat.ca/
• Kids Help Phone:1-800-668-6868 (French/English/Arabic)
• Black Youth Helpline:1-833-294-8650 (9AM – 10PM ET)
• Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-456-4566
• Pflag Canada (parents who wished to help themselves and their family members understand and accept their LGBTQ2S children) : 1-888-530-6777

Coming Into Your Own is a one man operation, and is written/producer/edited by Carter-James (@carterjamesvg)

Journaling was never for me. I'm more of a note-taker than anything else.

I jot down passages, and thoughts of the books I read, but it always has the underlying purpose of accumulating knowledge or expanding my mind - of consuming information, rather than playfully creating something new.

It wasn't until I spoke with Kate that I realized what I was missing.

Creative journal helps us reconnect with our inner-child, increases creativity, and end thought-spirals, just to name a few benefits. It is an excellent tool to have in your arsenal and is certainly worth a try.

If you've ever been curious about the benefits of journaling, or are looking to upgrade your journaling practice, this is the episode for you!

Kate is a fabulous artist who is daring to be vulnerable while building a life that looks to connect us by rekindling our creative spark. To learn more about Kate & her work, check out the links below:

- Kate's Website: kateaudreystudio.com
- Kate on TikTok: @thekateaudrey
- Kate on IG: @thekateaudrey
- Kate's FB Group: The Creative Journaling Community
- The video mentioned in the episode: Creative Journaling 101
- Kate's Studio on IG: @kateaudreystudio
- Kate's Studio on TikTok: @kateaudreystudio

Coming Into Your Own is a one-person operation run by Carter-James. 

Connect with Carter-James:
- on IG @carterjamesvg
- on TikTok @carterjamesvg
- on Linktree @carterjamesvg
- on IG Threads @carterjamesvg

Transphobic & anti-trans messaging and propaganda is responsible for the spread of misinformation, fear, and outright falsehoods about gender-affirming healthcare.

On today's episode, I dismantle the 6 BIGGEST MYTHS that are currently in circulation and explain the realities of today's gender-affirming care.

Below are links to website & resources to help you get familiarized with the realities of our gender-affirming healthcare:

• The POSITION STATEMENT by the Canadian Paediatric Society
• B.C's Transgender Clinic offers information about ALL of the gender-affirming healthcare available in British Columbia (CANADA)
• Information on Surgeries available for Gender-Affirming Healthcare in British Columbia (CANADA)
• The CDC's Recommended Practices for Transgender People
• The CDC's Resources for LGBTQ+ Youth
• "Trans-affirming care is life-saving care" article by the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions
• The Trevor Project's GUIDE to Being an ALLY to TRANS & Non-Binary Young People
• GLAM's Recommended Discussion topics for Trans Patients 

Coming out is hard. At any age, and under any circumstances. On this episode, I recount the story of how I came out as a lesbian, and then again - much later - as a Trans Man.

Both were terrifying, and marked a truly defining moment in my life - hope you enjoy!

If you're struggling with your coming out journey, remember to be kind to yourself. You can still be proud without being out. You don't owe anybody anything. Keep yourself safe. You aren't alone.

With my love & gratitude,
Carter-James

Coming Into Your Own is hosted by Carter-James @carterjames

I sit down with my electrologist Jenny Malboeuf to discuss the details of Electrolysis, one of the only hair removal techniques that offers permanent solutions. 

Body hair can be a huge part of someone's transition goals. As someone who desires gender affirming surgery, permanent hair removal is one of the requirements I need to be considered "eligible" for treatment. This is where Jenny comes in.

Jenny's clinic, Clarico Electrolysis, is the only approved electrolysis clinic in the greater Vancouver area, so if a queer person needs permanent hair removal in Vancouver, they're going here. And what a pleasure it is!

Clarico hosts an incredibly warm & inclusive environment that not only cares for LGBTQ+ patients, but employs them too. And that's not by accident. Jenny tirelessly works to improve conditions, not only for her patients, but for ALL patients seeking gender affirming care across the country.

Come join me in talking with one of Vancouver's fiercest, kindest, sweetest allies.


For more information on Jenny's clinic, visit their website at: clarico.ca

OR

Follow their instagram @claricoelectrolysis

 

Coming into Your Own is hosted by Carter-James @carterjamesvg

I open up about 7 of the most unexpected things to happen during my gender transition. A couple make me cringe to this day, one is truly bizarre, and the last few were absolutely life-changing.

If you enjoy this episode, good news: I plan on sharing more about my experience in future episodes.

I want to take a moment to note that not all transitions look the same, and there is no "right" or "wrong" way to transition.
Every person has a unique experience, and people want different things for different reasons.

Remember to keep an open mind; it's not about being right or wrong, it's about being yourself.

I bring on the very first cis male friend I've made since transitioning to talk about masculinity, vulnerability and expressing love.

At the same time, Jeff asks me questions about details regarding my gender affirming surgery, and what it's like to travel as a trans man.

Coming Into Your Own is hosted by Carter-James @carterjamesvg