Episode 325: What If Love Is the Only Answer? | Hillary Whittington | Author, Transgender Advocate, and Mother
Hillary Whittington is an author, transgender advocate, and mom who never expected her life to become a beacon of hope for families with trans children. In this deeply personal episode, Kara and Hillary explore the realities of parenting a young trans child in a conservative community, navigating deafness and gender identity, and choosing love over fear—every single day. Hillary shares her family’s journey with grace and honesty, from her son Ryland’s early words, "I am a boy", to becoming a public advocate, even in the face of serious threats. This conversation is for anyone who wants to better understand the trans experience, for parents trying to support their kids, and for all of us who believe in leading with compassion, curiosity, and courage.
“We don’t want our children to have to go through anything difficult. That being said, they are who they are. I think it’s less painful for them if they know they have a soft, loving place to land at the end of the day.”
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Follow along using the Transcript
00:00 – The Start of Hillary’s Story
02:00 – Parenting Through the Unknown
05:00 – Acceptance, Faith, and Family Tensions
08:00 – The Turning Point
12:00 – Reframing the Narrative
15:00 – The Reality Behind Trans Debates
20:00 – The Hidden Trans Community
27:00 – The Risk of Speaking Up
31:00 – Support, Strength, and Real Community
36:00 – What It Means to Be a Powerful Lady
Related Episodes
Episode 319: Parenting Through Transition and Leading with Empathy | Amber Hollowell | TransParents Podcast & Advocate for Trans Rights
Episode 195: Choosing Joy & Curiosity to Create a Beautiful Life with Karen Duffy
Episode 126: How Living Your Truth Leads to an Extraordinary & Impactful Life with X.ARI
Instagram: @whittingtonhillary
Website: www.hillarywhittington.com
LinkedIn: hillarywhittington
YouTube: @thewhittingtonfamily6504
Facebook: hillary.whittington
For additional resources, consider exploring the following:
PFLAG: Offers resources and support for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families.
LGBT Foundation: Provides a directory of transgender support groups and helplines.
Trans Lifeline: Offers peer support for trans people from other trans people.
Trans Youth Equality Foundation: Supports transgender youth and their families.
Digital Transgender Archive: Offers a vast archive of materials related to trans history and culture.
Advocates for Trans Equality: Advocates for the legal and political rights of transgender people.
World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH): A professional organization for transgender healthcare providers.
Taimi: A dating app specifically designed for transgender people.
Created and hosted by Kara Duffy
Audio Engineering & Editing by Jordan Duffy
Production by Amanda Kass
Graphic design by Anna Olinova
Music by Joakim Karud
