Leaving the American Dream: Raising a Trans Daughter and Starting Over in Spain

What happens when the life you built no longer fits who you are — or the world no longer feels safe for your family? In this episode, Jaimie sits down with TJ Shimeld to talk about coming out after marriage, building an unconventional but beautiful co-parenting relationship with his ex-wife, raising a transgender daughter, and ultimately making the life-changing decision to leave the U.S. for Spain. It’s a conversation about identity, reinvention, grief, freedom, LGBTQ family experiences, and what it means to finally build a life that feels aligned. TJ shares how the 2016 election marked the beginning of a deep unraveling of the “American dream” he thought he was supposed to want — and how that unraveling eventually led him, his husband, and his daughter Opal to a more peaceful, affirming life abroad. 🏳️‍🌈 Key Takeaways Sometimes the life that looks “right” from the outside isn’t the life that fits. Coming out later in life can be painful, liberating, and deeply clarifying. Divorce does not have to mean destruction; it can lead to a different kind of family. Queer and trans safety isn’t theoretical — it shapes daily life, choices, and futures. The feeling of betrayal many LGBTQ+ people experienced after the 2016 election was real and lasting. Finding a place where your family can relax, be seen, and be safe can change everything. Reinvention is possible, even after years of living for everyone else. 🏳️‍🌈 About the guest(s) TJ Shimeld is an author, speaker, life coach, and real estate investor currently living in Spain with his husband and daughter. After years of living a life that looked like the “American dream” from the outside, TJ chose a radically different path — one centered on authenticity, healing, and freedom. Today, he helps others navigate transformation, reinvention, and possibility. 🏳️‍🌈 Thanks to our sponsors Be Parent Surrogacy Be Parent oversees the creation of family through surrogacy and IVF, from the very beginning, extending support even well after birth. Mention The Queer Family Podcast to receive $2000 of your treatment! 🏳️‍🌈 Interested in advertising? Email thequeerfamilypodcast@gmail.com 🎧 Loved this episode? Support The Queer Family Podcast on Patreon for exclusive bonus content and help keep these stories alive! OR become a paid subscriber through our RedCircle page for bonus episodes and one-time or recurring donations: 🔗 redcircle.com/thequeerfamilypodcast/exclusive-content 🏳️‍🌈 What resonated most with you? Drop a comment, DM us, or email thequeerfamilypodcast@gmail.com—we love hearing your stories! 🏳️‍🌈 Let’s Connect! Find us on IG , TikTok , Bluesky , & YouTube : @thequeerfamilypodcast 🏳️‍🌈 Watch full episodes on YouTube 🏳️‍🌈 Order the If These Ovaries Could Talk book 🏳️‍🌈 Edited by: Jerson Barajas 🏳️‍🌈 Theme Song by: Tiffany Topol 🏳️‍🌈 Logo by: Daneen Stevenato 🏳️‍🌈 Shop merch here . 🏳️‍🌈 Full transcript & episode info available on our website 🗳️ VOTE. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ ADVOCATE. 🍼 BUILD QUEER FAMILIES. The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a trusted professional for your specific situation! Our Sponsors: * Check out Outdoorsy and use my code QUEERFAM for a great deal: Advertising Inquiries: Privacy & Opt-Out:

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Leaving the American Dream: Raising a Trans Daughter and Starting Over in Spain is an episode from If These Ovaries Could Talk by robin hopkins.

This episode is 44:34 long.

This episode was published on Mar 16, 2026.

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