Eric Quallen is a doctoral student at the University of Wyoming and a wildlife biologist. In this episode, Eric talks about his gender transformation after living 23 years as a female and his challenges of serving in the military during Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. Eric has experienced gender role stereotypes from both ends of the spectrum. Although his story is complex, his message is simple: check in with each other.

Men Speak focuses on the stories of Wyoming men that challenge socialized beliefs surrounding masculinity. Men Speak events feature storytellers from diverse backgrounds sharing true stories about fighting the stigma of men’s mental health, challenging gender stereotypes, and simply learning how to be a good person.

The Men Speak podcast tells these stories as well as taking a deeper dive into each of the subjects with prevention specialist Bob Vines and journalist Cooper McKim. It is our belief that storytelling can be used as a catalyst for social change, teaching empathy, and making a safer world for everyone.

Men Speak is sponsored by the Albany County Campfire Initiative, a joint effort between the Wyoming Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault and the Albany County SAFE Project.