Episode 57: A Universal Faith: Including our trans loved ones, with Mell Fraze Part 1

Mell Fraze grew up in a mixed faith household. Her mother was and still is a very active Scientologist and her father, born and raised Christian, explored various Christian faiths, and ultimately decided on being a Universalist. As an adult, Mell solidly settled into Universalist beliefs. Then she met her husband who was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Although he had no expectations of her joining the church, he asked if she'd be willing to at least listen. The exposure Mell had up to that point was from nuanced members who held a lot of space for other beliefs. She said, "so that combined with what the church says it's doctrine is, I was thinking, ok, maybe this is a church I can find a home in." She became an active endowed member of the church.

Fast forward several years, Mell openly shares the challenges they faced when their child came out as transgender and nonbinary and also explains their decision to step away from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for the sake of their child's well-being.

Our conversation highlights many of the challenges faced by transgender and non-binary individuals in a hetero-normative society. This is a space that is grossly misunderstood. I have found the best way to understand and to get to know somebody's story is to talk to them, to let them share their story rather than try to fill in the blanks. Listening to this interview will help you better love our transgender/nonbinary siblings, fellow children of God. Thank you Mell for sharing your story with us and helping educate all on the complexities of identifying transgender and/or non binary.

Connect with Mell:

Instagram

Facebook

____________________________

The ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Beyond the Shadow of Doubt⁠™⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ podcast is a proud member of the Dialogue Podcast Network found at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠DialogueJournal.com/podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Part of the Dialogue Journal, the Dialogue Podcast Network was founded by Eugene England, a Mormon writer, teacher and scholar. “My faith encourages my curiosity and awe,” Gene wrote in the very first issue of the journal. “It thrusts me out into relationship with all creation” and “encourages me to enter into dialogue.” My hope is that this podcast is an extension of his vision.

Hopeful Spaces is a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dallas Hope Charities⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ component of Hopeful Discussions, which is sponsored by Mercedes-Benz Financial Services USA. Hopeful Spaces is a monthly parent support group facilitated by Meagan Skidmore Coaching. To join Hopeful Spaces is free; send an email to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠chc@dallashopecharities.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

If you are ready to get the care and attention you deserve through 1:1 coaching I invite you to reach out. Send an email to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hello@meaganskidmorecoaching.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with me at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠meaganskidmorecoaching.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠; subscribe to get my free Pronouns 101 guide & download my free 20+ page LGBTQ+ Resource Guide for families.

Please help the podcast grow by following, leaving a 5 star review on Spotify or Apple podcasts and sharing with friends. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to enter the PODCAST GIVEAWAY by Aug 31, 2023- I’ve extended it an extra month! Share it with a friend; if your friend's name is drawn you BOTH WIN.