The PFLAG LA Podcast
Bridging family, friends, & allies of the queer community
Episode 7: BrandElsa Sage Pereira on Authenticity, Joy, and LGBTQ+ Youth
In this episode of The PFLAG LA Podcast, performer, speaker, and Rainbow Labs Program Coordinator BrandElsa Sage Pereira joins PFLAG Los Angeles for a conversation about embracing authenticity, finding joy through self-expression, and creating affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ youth. BrandElsa shares their journey of self-discovery, the importance of chosen family, and how mentorship, creativity, and community can empower young people to thrive. The episode's Word of the Month is "Gender Non-Conforming," and the Community Spotlight highlights Roll with Rollonda Skate Night, an all-ages LGBTQ+ event at Moonlight Rollerway in Glendale on July 29.
For more about our guest:
Guest: BrandElsa Sage Pereira
Instagram: @its.brandelsa / Haus of Elevation: @hausofelevation
Community Spotlight:
Roll with Rollonda Skate Night, July 29, 8:00–11:00 p.m., Moonlight Rollerway, Glendale
Episode 6: Trevor Norcross Talks Advocating for His Transgender Child (June 2026)
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In this episode of The PFLAG LA Podcast, Trevor Norcross joins PFLAG Los Angeles for a conversation about his journey from ally to advocate after his daughter came out as transgender. Trevor shares how his family responded with love and support, the challenges of navigating a changing political landscape, and why he has chosen to speak out on behalf of transgender youth and their families. Trevor is also Vice President of the GALA Pride & Diversity Center in San Luis Obispo. In honor of Pride Month, this episode’s Person of the Month is Jeanne Manford, widely recognized as the mother of PFLAG. The Community Spotlight highlights PFLAG Los Angeles’ participation in WeHo Pride and LA Pride this June.
Episode 5: Max Joshua on Being Trans at Work and Building Queer Community (May 2026)
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In this episode of The PFLAG LA Podcast, climate professional Max Joshua joins PFLAG Los Angeles for a conversation about her journey as a transgender woman and her work building queer community in the climate sector. Max shares her experience coming out, navigating the workplace while visibly queer, and how authenticity has shaped both her career and personal life. The episode’s Word of the Day is “Gender-Affirming Services,” and the Community Spotlight highlights the WeHo Pride Arts Festival at the Los Angeles LGBT Center on May 23–24.
For more about Max Joshua (she/her):
LinkedIn: / maxjoshua Community Spotlight: WeHo Pride Arts Festival – https://www.wehopride.com/events/arts... Resources: Out in Climate – https://www.outinclimate.com/ Erin in the Morning – https://www.erininthemorning.com/
Episode 4: Bryant Huddleston on Foster Care, Adoption, and Chosen Family (April 2026)
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In this episode of The PFLAG LA Podcast, Emmy Award-winning television producer and writer Bryant Huddleston joins PFLAG Los Angeles for an engaging conversation on what it was like to adopt his son. Bryant recounts his experience with the LA County foster care system and how that led him to become a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ foster parents and adoptions. The episode's Word of the Month is "Lived Experience," and the Community Spotlight highlights the We Breathe Community Forum in West Hollywood at the Connie Norman Empowerment Center on Thursday, April 16th.
For more about Bryant Huddleston:
Guest: Bryant Huddleston
Instagram: @thehuddlestonshow
Community Spotlight:
We Breathe Community Forum – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/building...
Resources:
How to Become a Foster Parent - https://cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/fos...
Haven's "Drag Is Not a Crime" T-shirt can be purchased here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/43577233...
Episode 3: Nereyda Hernandez on Supporting Her Trans Child Amid Controversy (March 2026)
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In this episode of The PFLAG LA Podcast, Nereyda (Nena) Hernandez, advocate and mother of transgender student-athlete AB Hernandez, joins PFLAG Los Angeles for a candid conversation about parenting in the public eye. Amid national controversy over trans youth in sports, Nereyda shares what it has been like to support her daughter through harassment, public scrutiny, and political backlash. She reflects on reexamining her own past beliefs, unlearning fear-based narratives, and choosing to stand beside her child with conviction and love. The episode’s Word of the Month is “Gender Expansive,” and the Community Spotlight highlights PFLAG LA tabling at the LA LGBT Center Resource Fair on Saturday, March 21 and LA County Library’s Rainbow Parenting & Family Programs.
For more about Nereyda Hernandez:
Instagram: @iam.nereydahernandez
Community Spotlight:
LA County Library’s ‘Rainbow Parenting & Family Programs’
https://lacountylibrary.org/pride/
PFLAG LA Tabling Event: LA LGBT Center Resource Fair, Saturday, March 21, 11:00am - 3:00pm
Episode 2: NiK Kacy on Belonging, Burnout, and Community Care (February 2026)
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In this episode of The PFLAG LA Podcast, NiK Kacy (he/they), creator and executive producer of Equality Fashion Week, joins PFLAG Los Angeles for a reflective conversation about belonging, visibility, and sustainability in LGBTQ+ communities.
Kacy speaks candidly about burnout, caregiving, and the pressure many LGBTQ+ people feel to constantly show up for others. The conversation also explores creating inclusive spaces without sacrificing personal well-being, the difference between celebration and sustainability, and why rest and honesty are essential to long-term community care.
The episode’s Word of the Month is "Belonging," and the Community Spotlight highlights the live Dating’s a Drag (King) Game Show at the Harvard and Stone in Hollywood on Sunday, February 8.
This episode is dedicated to the memory of Marsha Aizumi.
For more about NiK Kacy:
Website: www.nikkacy.com
Equality Fashion Week: www.equalityfashionweek.com
Community Event: Dating’s a Drag (King) Game Show (February 8, 2026)
LA Pride: https://lapride.org (June 14, 2026)
Episode 1: Orlando Bishop on Accountability and Allyship (January 2026)
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In this inaugural episode of "The PFLAG LA Podcast," coach and ally Orlando Bishop (he/him) joins PFLAG Los Angeles for a thoughtful conversation about accountability, allyship, and what it means to show up with intention for LGBTQ+ people, youth, and families. Bishop reflects on moments that challenged him to rethink his words, assumptions, and responsibilities as a leader. The conversation explores accountability, learning, and what it means to show up with intention for LGBTQ+ people, youth, and families. The episode’s Word of the Month is Ally, from PFLAG’s National Glossary, and the Community Spotlight highlights New Year, New Me, an annual event hosted by the Los Angeles LGBT Center on January 31st. The episode also responds to a listener question about the difference between transgender identity and gender transition.
For more about Orlando Bishop:
Align Originals (YouTube): / @alignoriginals
On Alignment (Substack): https://coachorlando.substack.com/
Instagram: / alignp
Your Hosts
Thomas Callahan
he/him Host and Moderator
Anthony Eftimeo
Farrah Dodes
she/her Co-Host
he/they Co-Host
#1
Who It's For
The PFLAG LA Podcast is a monthly, conversation-driven series from PFLAG Los Angeles focused on supporting LGBTQ+ people and those who love them.
#2
What to Expect
Each episode includes:
A Word of the Month from PFLAG’s National Glossary
A Community Spotlight highlighting an event or moment of awareness
A guest conversation
A response to a listener-submitted question
#3
Be Part of It
This podcast is built BY and FOR our community. We want to hear from you! Submit your questions, share your experiences, and help shape our conversations by emailing us at podcast@pflagla.org.
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