SEASON TWO: EPISODE TEN
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I’ve had the honor of having some incredible conversations on WAIT. HOLD UP...WHAT?, but the latest episode with Evelyn Kocher is one that truly resonated with me on a personal level. It’s a conversation that dives deep into the idea of embracing change — even when it’s terrifying.
Evelyn’s story is one of struggle, self-discovery, and, ultimately, courage. In 2020, like so many of us, Evelyn found herself lost. She was facing depression, dealing with a lack of academic validation, and feeling disconnected from the world around her. It was during this time that she had a breakthrough — a moment where she realized that she could no longer keep living a life that wasn’t authentic. At just 24 years old, Evelyn admitted to herself that she was transgender.
That moment of truth was a catalyst for change in her life. It wasn’t just about gender identity; it was about becoming someone she could live with for the rest of her life. So many people, myself included, can relate to that feeling. How many times have we all reached a point where we had to face who we really are — and make the decision to be honest with ourselves? That’s a moment of power but also vulnerability.
As we talked, I couldn’t help but reflect on how hard it is to walk in your truth when everything around you seems to be pushing you in a different direction. Evelyn talked about waking up every day in a body that once represented her greatest shame — the thing she was most afraid of others discovering. Yet now, by confronting that fear every single day, she’s found a strength she never thought possible. And that’s something truly beautiful.
Living authentically isn’t easy. It’s uncomfortable. It challenges us to confront fears we’ve been running from, and it often means ignoring the noise around us. But when you do, you realize that there’s nothing you can’t face. Evelyn’s journey is proof that, no matter how difficult things get, embracing who you truly are will bring you a sense of happiness and peace that no external approval can provide.
Listen to the full episode to hear more of Evelyn’s powerful story. It’s a conversation about authenticity, resilience, and the transformative power of living in your truth.
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OUR GUEST
Evelyn Kocher (she/her) immigrated from Indonesia with her family to her hometown of Beaverton at the age of 3. She graduated cum laude from Oregon State University in 2018 with an Honors Bachelor’s of Arts in cultural anthropology and international studies. Formerly the interim executive director of the Oregon Student Association, she now is a communications manager at Latino Network.
She is also active in policy spheres, passing bills to change the state song (HCR 11, 2021) and organizing legislative efforts to expand trans rights in Oregon (HB 2002, 2023) as well as being a chief petitioner for the Equal Rights for All ballot measure campaign (Petition 2026-033).
In addition to the WQRC, she currently sits on the boards of the Westside Queer Resource Center, American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon, Oregon Trans Health Coalition, Basic Rights Oregon PAC, the Higher Education Coordinating Commission, and Oregon State Voice.
She has lived in five different countries and speaks ten different languages.
RESOURCES
“Equal Rights for All is an Oregon ballot measure campaign that will affirm the right to abortion, contraception and IVF, transgender healthcare, and same-gender marriage in the Oregon Constitution regardless of what policies or decisions are made on a national level. The Equal Rights for All Measure will be on the November 2026 ballot.
Across the country, we’ve seen that specifically protecting our rights in state constitutions is a powerful line of defense against extremist politicians who want to attack our basic rights and freedoms. We must act now to ensure these constitutional rights for all Oregonians.”
To find our more about the Equal Rights For All Oregon Campaign mentioned in this episode please visit their website
GUEST: Evelyn Kocher | IG: Evelyn Kocher | LINKEDIN: Evelyn Kocher
Host: Dawne Hanks | IG: @dawnehanks & @eliminate_girl_hate & @wait.holdup.what
Sound Editing & Mixing: Epiphany Recording Studio | IG: @epiphany_recording_studio
