In this compelling episode of Profiles in LGBTQ+ Courage, Rick Koonce speaks with Dallas Ducar, a nationally recognized leader in transgender health care, nurse practitioner, and executive at Fenway Health. Dallas offers a thoughtful and deeply informed look at the growing legal and political threats to gender-affirming care and explains what is truly at stake for transgender individuals and their families.

Drawing from both clinical and policy experience, Dallas separates fact from misinformation and highlights why affirming care is simply compassionate, evidence-based health care. He discusses the emotional toll of discrimination, the importance of parental support, and how providers and communities can help protect access to lifesaving treatment.

This conversation is both educational and inspiring, reminding listeners that behind every policy debate are real people whose health and dignity matter.

In this episode:

• Why gender-affirming care is evidence-based and lifesaving
• How anti-trans legislation is spreading across the United States
• What parents can do when a child questions their gender identity
• Why affirming care is simply good health care
• How communities can build coalitions to protect equal rights

More on Dallas Ducar:

Dallas Ducar is one of the nation's leading voices in transgender healthcare - at a moment when medical access, policies, and patient care of transgender people are all under significant threats from the Trump Administration.

As Executive Vice president of Donor Engagement and External Relations for Fenway Health in Massachusetts, and as a nurse practitioner, Dallas has been on the forefront of building inclusive, community-centered models of care for transgender and gender-diverse people for many years.

For more information, visit the PFLAG Cape Cod website: https://www.pflagcapecod.org/podcasts.html

© 2020 - 2026 PFLAG Cape Cod

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Rick Koonce sits down with transgender activist Alejandro Marcel to explore a life shaped by resilience, courage, and unwavering authenticity. From early childhood awareness of gender identity to becoming one of the first in the United States to undergo gender-affirming care, Alejandro shares the arc of a life devoted to social justice and service.

Drawing from decades of work with LGBTQ+ communities—including HIV/AIDS patients, homeless youth, and trans elders — Alejandro offers profound insight into compassion, identity, and the ongoing challenges within the healthcare system. His story is both sobering and hopeful, reminding listeners of the importance of visibility, dignity, and self-advocacy.

This conversation is a call to action — for individuals, families, and society — to lead with understanding and humanity.

Key Takeaways:

• Gender identity is deeply rooted and often understood early in life
• Advocacy begins with visibility and self-acceptance
• The healthcare system still lacks understanding of transgender needs
• Resilience is built through purpose, service, and authenticity

Alejandro's Bio:

Alejandro Marcel, a long-time transgender activist, began his career in the early days of the gay liberation movement in (pre-AIDS-era) San Francisco, working closely with figures like Harvey Milk. He later applied movement-building strategies to collaborate with farm workers in California, and then with the civil rights movement, before shifting to focus primarily on the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ people.

Assigned female at birth, Alejandro knew, from an early age, that his physical body did not align with his gender identity. He experienced physical dysphoria that he describes as "feeling born with an entire cast on my body."

While his early career focused on HIV/AIDS and Homeless Youth Work, in recent years his focus has shifted to concentrate on the challenges trans seniors face today in navigating America's healthcare system.

That said, he remains a passionate advocate on behalf of transgender youth, and recently organized a webinar for trans elders and trans youth, sponsored by PFLAG Cape Cod.

Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability.

For more information, visit the PFLAG Cape Cod website: https://www.pflagcapecod.org/podcasts.html

© 2020 - 2026 PFLAG Cape Cod

In this encore episode of Profiles in LGBTQ+ Courage, host Rick Koonce sits down with Dr. Maureen Osborne, a psychologist and gender therapist with more than two decades of experience working with transgender clients. Dr. Osborne shares how an unexpected early client transformed the direction of her career and opened her eyes to the deep emotional, psychological, and social realities faced by transgender individuals.

Through compassionate storytelling and real client experiences, Dr. Osborne explains gender dysphoria, the weight of secrecy, and the profound shame many transgender people carry long before they ever speak their truth. She challenges harmful myths, addresses internalized transphobia, and highlights the critical role of family, therapists, and allies in helping transgender people feel seen, respected, and affirmed.

Rick and Dr. Osborne also explore the complexities of transition within long-term marriages, generational differences in gender expression, and how biology and social experience intersect in shaping identity. This thoughtful conversation offers insight, hope, and practical guidance for transgender individuals, families, and anyone seeking deeper understanding.

Key takeaways:

• Gender dysphoria is about distress, not pathology
• Secrecy and shame often cause more harm than identity itself
• Supportive families and informed therapists can change lives

Listeners are encouraged to reflect on how they can show up with greater empathy and to reach out for support, education, or connection through trusted organizations like PFLAG.

Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability.

For more information, visit the PFLAG Cape Cod website: https://www.pflagcapecod.org/podcasts.html

© 2020 - 2026 PFLAG Cape Cod