Raised by Two Moms: Zach Wahls on LGBTQ Families, Advocacy & Running for Senate

About this episode

Zach Wahls discusses his experiences growing up with two moms and his journey into advocacy and politics.

What happens when a kid from a queer family chooses to stand up and defend his family in front of lawmakers? Zach Wahls—author, advocate, and Iowa State Senator—first made national headlines as a teenager when he spoke out in support of his two moms during a marriage equality hearing. The moment went viral and helped shift the conversation around LGBTQ+ families. But this conversation goes far beyond that speech. Zach shares what it was really like growing up with two moms in the Midwest—from navigating homophobia in school to the fear of speaking up, including the moment he stayed silent as a kid and how that experience shaped his path into advocacy. The conversation also explores the intentionality behind queer family building, how parents can support their kids in finding their own voice (without forcing them into advocacy), and what it means to grow up in a family that’s often politicized. Now running for U.S. Senate, Zach also speaks to what’s at stake in the current political moment—and why this fight still matters. This episode is about courage, timing, and finding your voice—when you’re ready. If this conversation resonates with you, share it with someone who needs to…

People in this episode

Host: Jaimie Kelton

Guest: Zach Wahls

Topics covered

• LGBTQ families
• advocacy
• queer parenting
• politics
• growing up
• marriage equality

Keywords

• LGBTQ
• queer family
• advocacy
• Senate
• marriage equality
• homophobia
• parenting

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Iowa State Senate

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