On this episode, Caroline is joined by guest cohosts Alicia Mullins and Jenna Daugherty as they meet Mary Almy, a resilient and radiant trans woman whose story weaves together themes of faith, identity, and radical hope. Mary shares her powerful journey growing up in a conservative Christian environment, enduring rejection, self-harm, and suicidal ideation before discovering a path of healing through transition, advocacy, and community. Her story moves from the U.S. to Africa, from military and missionary work to life-affirming moments of self-realization and survival—including harrowing encounters with crocodiles and venomous snakes during her darkest hours.

The episode dives deep into the intersection of queerness and Christianity, with heartfelt reflections on how Mary and others are reclaiming faith from the clutches of bigotry. Together, the group challenges the narrative that Christianity and queerness are incompatible, with moving testimonies from Mary about her Presbyterian congregation, and from Alicia and Jenna about their own transformative journeys. The conversation turns toward the power of storytelling—especially through Mary’s forthcoming documentary—and how media can shift perceptions, bridge divides, and humanize trans lives across generational and ideological lines.

In a time marked by anti-trans legislation and rising fascism, this episode is a fierce call to love, empathy, and action. From embracing visibility to uplifting trans youth and elders alike, Mary and the team offer a vision rooted in hope, grace, and the belief that compassion can dismantle hate.

“ Mary Transitioned latter in life although she knew that she was different and that she was a girl from the age of 5. Growing up in the 60’s and 70’s information about transgender was hard to find for a young girl living in a small town in Western Pa. Her life’s journey included time as a Military Police Officer, a civilian Law enforcement Officer and a Mission Co-worker serving for 14 years in Africa. Mary Is married to an ordained minister of the PCUSA (Presbyterian Church USA). They have been married for 40 years, her wife is one of her staunchest supporters and cheer leader. Since her Transition Mary has been active in a variety of organizations and has worked as a big sister for other Transgender women and their spouses. Mary was awarded the BULGQA (Bloomsburg University Lesbian, Gay, Queer Alliance) 2018 Community Advocacy award. Mary is a strong advocate for the Transgender community where she has worked as a peer mentor, educational speaker and on various boards and Transgender organizations, she is currently serving on the board of the Rainbow rose Center, York County’s LGBTQIA Support organization. Mary is also a Transgender Woman of faith, whose desire is to build bridges and heal hurts between the LGBT community especially the Transgender community and the Church. Mary is currently living in south central Pa. with her wife, dog and two cats.“

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“Make it real to me” written by Athena Promachus, covered by Boy Bowser

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