Trystan Reese: A Journey Through Love, Identity, and Family

Have you ever felt like your true self was hidden behind societal expectations? In this heartwarming episode of the Life Shift podcast, I sit down with Trystan Reese, a transgender man who shares his remarkable journey of self-discovery, love, and family.

Trystan takes us through his early years growing up in the conservative Mojave Desert, where he felt like a "certified weirdo" without many role models. Despite the challenges, his Canadian parents gave him the freedom to explore his identity, setting the stage for his future transformation.

Embracing authenticity and finding love

• How Trystan's transition in performing arts school shaped his future
• The unexpected joy of finding true love and acceptance
• Overcoming insecurities and learning to value oneself in a relationship

Building a family against the odds

• Adopting children and creating a unique family structure
• Trystan's groundbreaking experience of giving birth as a transgender man
• The importance of sharing stories to create "possibility models" for others

Making a difference through storytelling and advocacy

• Trystan's work in political organizing and deep canvassing
• Writing "How We Do Family" to support LGBTQ+ families and educate others
• Providing coaching and support for neurodivergent individuals and federal employees
• How can you embrace your authentic self, even in the face of societal expectations?
• What "possibility models" have inspired you in your own life?
• How can sharing your story help create a more inclusive and understanding world?

Join us for this inspiring conversation that challenges our perceptions of family, love, and personal growth. Trystan's journey reminds us that by being true to ourselves, we can create a life filled with joy, purpose, and meaningful connections.

Trystan Reese is an award-winning author and facilitator dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion. He has nearly two decades of experience in the trans community. His acclaimed book, How We Do Family, was released in 2021, and he co-authored the children's book The Light of You with his partner, Biff Chaplow.

A Lambda Literary Fellow, Trystan's storytelling gained attention through a viral performance on The Moth MainStage, featured in the 2024 anthology A Point Of Beauty. He founded Collaborate Consulting to provide training on LGBTQ+ inclusion and has contributed to various mental health and social justice anthologies. Trystan lives in Portland, Oregon, with Biff and their three children: Riley, Sully, and Leo.

Learn more at Trystan Reese's website and Collaborate Consulting.

https://www.trystanreese.com/

https://collaborate.consulting/

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Available Now: "still HERE: True Stories of the Moments That Changed Everything"

This episode is brought to you by *still HERE: True Stories of the Moments That Changed Everything* by Matt Gilhooly. Matt is the creator and host of The Life Shift Podcast. Over four years and more than 240 episodes, he has sat with strangers and asked them about the moments that changed everything. *still HERE* is what he found. Over 100 true stories. Eight sections. One listener making sense of what it all means for the rest of us. Available now in Kindle and paperback on Amazon. Find it here: https://www.amazon.com/Still-Here-Stories-Moments-Everything/dp/1639011854/ If you read it and it moves you, an honest review on Amazon helps more people find it.