Interview with Bobbie Dodds Glass

 

Teaching is basically a family business for Dr. Bobbie Dodds Glass, so much so that if you traced her family tree, it might look more like a school staff directory. Her four grown children are all teachers, their spouses are all teachers, and somehow, this doesn’t even begin to capture her influence on students, colleagues, and the broader education community. To date there are nearly 9,000 teachers, principals, counselors and central office administrators spread across the world who have spent a minimum of 8 weeks training with Dr. Glass on their way to becoming licensed and certified to work with the most extreme and marginalized students in their school districts. Bobbie’s journey in Special Education started back in 1977, right when P.L. 94-142, what we now know as IDEA, was changing the landscape for students with disabilities nationwide.

 

Bobbie has taught every grade level from K-12 and every level of higher education from undergrad to doctoral students. She has worked with students who are blind or visually impaired, pioneered the use of assistive technology with funding and support from Apple, IBM, the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Education, and even led a state agency ensuring access to education, healthcare, and more for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. On top of that, she’s a licensed K-12 teacher, a full-time Special Resource Teacher, an advisor for LGBTQ+ programs in schools and medical curriculum, and a devoted mom and grandmother of 10. When she’s not shaping young minds, Bobbie is exploring Kentucky’s back roads, camping, off-roading, or navigating the great outdoors in her RV. She’s an inspiration for educators, families, and adventurers alike.

Interview with Tuesday Meadows

Tuesday G. Meadows is the kind of woman whose presence lingers gently, like the last light of a Kentucky sunset, warm, honest, and quietly powerful. A transgender advocate, writer, and retired grocery store manager from Lexington, Kentucky, Tuesday came into her truth not to become someone new, but to finally be seen for who she always was. Transitioning at 59, she speaks not of transformation, but of alignment, an outward expression of the woman she’s always carried within. Her story is not of celebrity or grand stages, but of everyday bravery: writing heartfelt blog posts, speaking truth in state legislatures, and supporting families through the complex, beautiful journeys of their transgender children. A regular columnist and editor for her local LGBTQ+ magazine, Tuesday brings sharp insight, wit, and tenderness to every word she shares.

 

Her advocacy work is rooted in love, especially the enduring love she shared with her wife, Linda, her greatest champion and lifelong partner, whose memory lives in every step Tuesday takes. Unapologetically herself, Tuesday moves between boardroom meetings and beach walks with the same resolute grace. Whether wearing conservative dresses or short skirts, light makeup or none at all, she refuses to be confined by others’ expectations. In her world, fashion is a freedom, identity is sacred, and the scars we carry, whether from heart surgery or heartache, are proof that we survived, and kept loving. Above all, Tuesday reminds us that you don’t need to be famous to be extraordinary. Her life is a testament to the strength of ordinary women who rise, speak, and love fiercely, women who build bridges in their communities, refuse to be erased, and create spaces for others to shine. She is one of those women. And in this conversation, she opens her heart, so that others may find hope, clarity, and the courage to be wholly themselves.

Interview with Shemiyia O'Bannon-Sweeney

From the vibrant soul of Louisville, Kentucky, to the dynamic heartbeat of the Greater New York area, Shemiyia O’Bannon-Sweeney has never stopped shining. A proud Southern belle with the heart of a trailblazer, Shemiyia embodies resilience, elegance, and a deep sense of purpose. For over a decade, she has served with compassion and excellence as a medical professional, currently working within a major New Jersey hospital system known for its commitment to LGBTQ advocacy. Yet her story stretches far beyond the hospital corridors. Known affectionately as “The Jacqueline of all trades,” Shemiyia balances many roles with grace, wife, daughter, actress-in-training, healthcare advocate, and U.S. surgical coordinator for the Mexico Transgender Center, where she helps others access life-changing gender-affirming care. 

 

A cherished moment in her journey came in 2015 when she stood tall and radiant on Dr. Drew’s television show, offering visibility and hope to countless viewers. Shemiyia is also deeply rooted in her family legacy. Alongside her mother, Sheila O’Bannon, she continues to breathe life into The Prodigal, a moving stage play written by Sheila and now on its way to becoming a screenplay. Together, they are shaping stories that uplift, challenge, and heal. But beyond her professional endeavors, Shemiyia’s story is one of self-love, courage, and authenticity. Her marriage to the love of her life, Bobby, is a testament to the power of love that sees beyond labels and embraces the soul. Through years of inner struggle, faith, and determination, Shemiyia emerged as the woman she was always meant to be, not just beautiful on the outside, but powerful in her truth. It is an honor to sit down with this remarkable woman, who believes that every transgender person deserves to be seen, celebrated, and cherished. In Shemiyia’s words, “The best is yet to come.” And we believe her.

Interview with Alana Nicole Sholar

There are people who move through the world with a kind of quiet gravity, their stories unfolding not with loud declarations but with a steady, unwavering truth. Alana Nicole Sholar is one of those rare voices, soft-spoken, yet impossible to ignore. Born and raised in Kentucky, she grew up in a deeply religious, working-class environment that made it difficult to speak her truth, let alone live it. But she persisted. With time, reflection, and an inner strength forged through years of self-discovery, Alana emerged as an author, activist, and advocate, not just for herself, but for countless others navigating the complex terrain of gender identity. In 2012, Alana published her groundbreaking memoir, Hung in the Middle: A Journey of Gender Discovery, which explores her life growing up as a transgender person assigned male at birth. 

 

The book resonates with warmth, candor, and the kind of wisdom that can only come from lived experience. It became more than just a personal testimony, it became a beacon of understanding for readers who may have felt alone in their own transitions or who simply wanted to better understand someone else's. Beyond the page, Alana is a vibrant presence. Whether she’s speaking at LGBTQ+ events, engaging with readers, or sharing tender moments with her loving partner, Bobbie Thompson, she brings a sense of calm authenticity that invites others to feel safe, seen, and validated. Together, the two have become known for their openness, compassion, and unwavering support for the transgender community. Alana reminds us that our journeys don’t have to be rushed or linear. That it’s okay to take your time, to question, to pause, to begin again. That visibility can be an act of love, and survival. Today, I have the honor of speaking with Alana about her story, her advocacy, and the lessons she continues to learn and share along the way.