This is a special "almost live" episode, recorded on the Sunday before the 2024 election in the United States. Joining Bree for the conversation are Zane Alvarez and Paulo Batista, transgender service members, and Emily Starbuck Gerson, a writer and communications specialist who is also the spouse of a transgender service member. This community has been demonized in the runup to the election and the stakes are incredibly high.

In this episode we discuss what voting means to each of the guests, why it is important, and cover the connection between voting and leadership.

If you haven't yet done so, please go vote!

Guest Biographies

Emily Starbuck Gerson is a native Texan, creative maker, award-winning journalist, and passionate advocate for the LGBTQ+ and military communities. She splits her time between working as a freelance writer/editor and serving as the magazine editor and communications & advocacy specialist for Modern Military Association of America. She currently lives in the DC area with her wife, an active duty transgender airman.

Staff Sergeant Zaneford Alvarez is a 30-year-old Transgender Man, originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico. He is an Active Duty Soldier who educates on the importance of Transgender Healthcare with a focus of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Petty Officer Paulo Batista is a 40 year old transgender man from Lakeland, Florida. He is an active duty sailor who advocates for military diversity and inclusivity while serving with Honor, Courage and and Commitment.

​Bianca Sprague, Executive Director of Trans Pride DC, shares her incredible journey from hiding her true identity to becoming a powerful advocate for transgender rights. In this episode, Bianca discusses the importance of creating spaces where all identities are celebrated and how her intersectional experiences as a trans woman, Filipina, and immigrant shape her leadership. Bianca describes feeling almost embarrassed to share her mostly positive story, as it seemed to differ from the common narratives of struggle and hardship even though she too faced adversity that honed her leadership skills. Her message of hope and authenticity will resonate with anyone working toward inclusion and equality.

What happens when the darkest parts of your past can fuel your brightest future? Brian Wenke’s life story is a testament to the power of perseverance. Brian, the executive director of It Gets Better, reflects on growing up as a gay teen during the AIDS epidemic, grappling with self-acceptance, and how those early battles led him to champion LGBTQ+ youth. He reveals the magic of storytelling, the thrill of connecting with community, and the lessons learned from a life lived authentically. It’s a conversation that proves that even in our darkest times, there’s always a path to something better.