From the time they were young, Payton knew they were different from those around them. They didn’t have words to describe exactly how, and living in the politically conservative, hyper-religious, suburban town of Plano, TX, people weren’t exactly open to helping them explore.

When Payton was 15, they mustered up the courage to come out to their family as gay. After that, they were quickly admitted to conversion “therapy,” a manipulative and egregiously harmful abuse tactic to which many young LGBTQ+ kids are subjected as a method of scaring them into believing they are cisgender and straight. At the time of this recording, conversion therapy remains legal in 30 U.S. states, but the fight continues to outlaw this practice nationwide.

In the years since, Payton has committed to using their experiences to improve the lives of others, and has witnessed how their own life has improved in the process. At just 19 years old, Payton speaks with the wisdom and clarity of a much older queer.

This episode mentions sexual assault and conversion therapy.

This is Payton Sliepka, on turning their pain into power.

SOCIAL

Facebook: Payton Sliepka

Twitter: @twinkpay

IG: @paytonsliepka

ON CONVERSION “THERAPY”

Conversion Therapy

PATRON SHOUTOUTS

If you'd like early access to future episodes, shoutouts, Trans and Caffeinated goodies, and more, join us on Patreon!

Thank you, Em Rabelais (they/themme). Follow @dr.whomever on Instagram, @dr_whomever on Twitter, and follow their Health Ethics Book Club, which is linked in the information for this episode. Season 1 of their series is focused on Racism and Whiteness in the health profession.

Thank you, Sarita Sinha (she/her). Follow @saritarosedesign on Instagram, where you can view and purchase designer face masks. She’s an up and coming designer, so stay on the lookout for other great designs in the future.

Thank you, Stephanie Muttillo (she/her). You can follow @_stephaniesara on Instagram. Stephanie is extremely outspoken about environmental sustainability, and I encourage you to support her favorite environmental organization, @4ocean.

Each of these amazing individuals is also featured in the “Shoutouts” highlight on Trans and Caffeinated.

CREDITS

Closing Music: Helena Dryjanski (she/they). You can follow them on Instagram and Bandcamp.

Sound editor + Intro Music: Joey DiPeri (she/her). You can follow her on Twitter @NoraQRosa. You can also follow her band Fempathy on Facebook, Twitter, and Bandcamp.

Sophie Kozub (she/her) on why it's okay to take your time

Trans and CaffeinatedBy Arielle RebekahAug 01, 2020