Coming Out & Beyond Support for Women Questioning Their Sexuality Later in Life

Coming out names something true. But it doesn't hand you a place to land.In this episode of Coming Out & Beyond, Anne-Marie sits down with returning guest Anna Empey — LGBT coach, business development consultant, and community builder — for an honest, tender conversation about what it really takes to find your people after you've found yourself.Anna knows firsthand what it costs to lose the communities you thought you'd hold forever — her faith community, her family connections, her sense of where she fit. And she knows what it took to build something new, not because it was easy, but because she understood, bone deep, that healing doesn't happen in isolation.Together, Anne-Marie and Anna explore why queer community isn't a nice bonus on the side of your coming-out journey — it's where the healing actually lives. They talk about the low-grade wariness so many women carry walking into queer spaces, the voice that asks am I gay enough? and the gatekeepers who don't have the authority they think they do. They talk about what safe enough really means (hint: it's not a place where nothing hard ever happens), about the muscle memory of performing belonging we carry in from our straight lives, and about why the rawest, most honest thing you say in community is almost always the one that gets the most me too.Anna also shares something she learned after years of searching for the roadmap someone would just hand her: nobody can tell you exactly what it looks like for you. But there are people who will show up and walk with you while you figure it out.And that is still community. That still counts.Reflection question from this episode: Where do you feel most yourself in the presence of others? Sit with it. Write it down. Let it open something.Resources + Ways to ConnectListen to the full episode on YouTube → https://youtu.be/Yr8wa-YcyBkReady to stop doing this alone? Here's where to find your people:Join Authentically Us — Anne-Marie's online community for queer women navigating identity, built for exactly the season you're in. Anne-Marie and Anna are both in there. You can lurk, you can post, you can show up exactly as you are. → https://community.annemariezanzal.comDownload the Maybe I'm Not Straight Guide — If you're still holding the question quietly, this is a gentle place to start. → https://annemariezanzal.com/maybe-im-not-straight-guide/Email the show — Something from this episode landed with you? Write to the team at [email protected]#QueerCommunity #ComingOutLater #LaterInLifeLesbian #QueerBelonging #AuthenticallyUs

Five weeks before her wedding, Danni Hoshino was lying in bed next to her fiancée when something shifted. She asked herself a question she had never quite let herself ask — and then she knew.In this episode of Coming Out and Beyond, host Anne-Marie Zanzal sits down with Danni, a singer, songwriter, and guitarist who creates music under the name Light Bird. Her debut album, See Her, is a ten-song collection that moves through the uncertainty before transition, the fallout of coming out, and the unexpected beauty of finally living as yourself. They talk about what it felt like to come out fast — unapologetically, and all at once — and why Danni had no other way to do it. They talk about grief, about the relationships and houses and nine-to-five lives we leave behind, and about how sometimes an ending is also the only door forward.They also talk about music. How Danni set aside her artistic life for the security of a corporate career, and how coming out gave her back not just herself — but her voice. Her perspective. Her reason to create.The album's second single, Alright, releases on March 31st, 2026, in honor of Trans Day of Visibility. It's a bittersweet folk-country duet about the love that brought Danni to the moment she needed — and the grace it took to let it go.This one is for anyone who has ever asked a question they weren't sure they were allowed to ask, and found the answer change everything.Listen to Light Bird's single Alright, out today in honor of Trans Day of Visibility, on all major streaming platforms. Search Light Bird (two words) and follow @LightBirdMusic on social media for album updates — See Her releases in early June.If this conversation resonated, there's a place to keep going. Authentically Us is an ongoing community for women moving through identity transitions just like this one — for $39/month, you get connection, support, and a place where your story is welcome. www.community.annemariezanzal.com.Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. It matters more than you know.#TransDayOfVisibility #ComingOutAndBeyond #LightBirdMusic #QueerVoices #AuthenticLifeLight

What do you do when a single moment — a woman's hand on your thigh at a work dinner — unravels 45 years of the story you thought was yours?That's exactly what happened to Kathy Houston. A West Point graduate, U.S. Army officer, 30-year retail leader, wife, and mother of two — Kathy spent decades doing everything exactly right. She married the day after she was commissioned. She left the military to raise her kids rather than deploy to Desert Storm. She built a career, a family, a life. And she had absolutely no idea she was gay.Until she did.In this rich, funny, deeply honest conversation, Anne-Marie and Kathy talk about what it really looks like to come out at 50 — the five years of doing nothing after the first spark of awareness, the open marriage, the first relationship that cracked her heart open, the lesbian gatekeepers who told her she "wasn't really gay," and the neuroscience-backed mindset work that helped her finally build the life she couldn't have imagined but absolutely deserved.Kathy is now a later-in-life coming out coach, a TEDx speaker (What Lies Are You Telling Yourself?), and a certified Positive Intelligence coach. She brings the same discipline that got her through West Point and Desert Storm to helping women face the biggest truth of their lives — with clarity, courage, and a whole lot of hard-won wisdom.This episode also marks the re-launch of Coming Out & Beyond with a sharpened focus on women coming out later in life — late-blooming lesbians, married women questioning their sexuality, and women navigating midlife identity shifts after 30, 40, 50, and beyond. If that's you, you are home.In this episode:The Kmart training trip that changed Kathy's life forever — and the woman she never saw againWhy she did nothing for five years after realizing she might be gayOpening her marriage, her first lesbian relationship, and what "limerence" actually isLesbian gatekeepers — and why they're becoming less commonWhat the brain does to keep us stuck, and how neuroscience can help us get unstuckHer TEDx talk and the three questions she wants every woman to ask herselfBuilding a modern family (and best-friend status with her partner's ex-husband)Why the end — the happiness on the other side — is absolutely worth itIf you're spinning, you don't have to do it alone. Authentically Us is a private community for women questioning their sexuality and coming out later in life. Come find your people: www.annemariezanzal.comFind Kathy Houston at runyourlife.biz — and watch her TEDx talk, What Lies Are You Telling Yourself? https://youtu.be/2h4YKR8Gmsg?si=Rxi1haeq-_KAFP6B#LateBloomingLesbian #ComingOutLaterInLife #AuthenticallyUs #QueerWomen #MidlifeAwakening

Are you ready to date — or do you just want to be? There's a difference, and this episode of Coming Out and Beyond is here to help you figure that out.Anne-Marie is joined by the wonderful Barbara Rowlandson — dating coach, psychotherapist, and co-host of our monthly dating segment — for an honest, warm, and often hilarious conversation about what it really takes to step into the dating world as a woman who has come out later in life.From the chaos of the "messy middle" to love bombing red flags, from building queer community to figuring out who you even are after decades of partnered life — this episode covers it all.In this episode, we talk about:Why building community should come before dating (and where to find yours)The time and energy dating actually requires — and how to know if you have itWhat it means to know yourself well enough to say no to the wrong personRed flags and why being ghosted is actually a giftThe importance of vulnerability — and the brick walls we don't know we've builtWhy the queer dating pool is smaller, and why that changes the rulesCatalyst relationships: what they are, what they open up, and how to survive themIntimacy, readiness, and what "getting it on" really means for women like usThe surprising role of menopause in why so many women come out in their late 40s and 50sNext month's dating episode: We're talking about dating while you're still married — and what love bombing looks like and how to protect yourself. Don't miss it.🔗 Resources Mentioned📥 Dating Readiness Guide (free download from Lavender Dating) — Self-assess where you are on the readiness scale before you dive in. 👉 www.lavenderdating.com📥 Maybe I'm Not Straight Guide — The best of our work on coming out later in life, all in one place. If you're in the messy middle, this one's for you. 👉 https://annemariezanzal.com/maybe-im-not-straight-guide/🌸 Join Authentically Us — Our Mighty Networks community for women navigating identity transitions later in life. Community, connection, and people who get it — ready and waiting for you. 👉 annemariezanzal.com🗓️ This Authentic Life Cohort — Our 16-week group coaching program starts in May. Come through the messy middle with a whole cohort beside you. 👉 annemariezanzal.com💌 Work with Barbara Rowlandson — Dating coaching for women in exactly this season of life. 👉 Book a free connection call here: https://calendly.com/lavender-dating-team

Coming Out & Beyond has evolved.This season is now exclusively for women questioning their sexuality, coming out later in life, and creating a life beyond—at a human pace, with honesty and community.And if you found yourself here… you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.If something in you has been quietly asking a question you haven't said out loud yet —there's a free guide for exactly this moment.No answers required. Just an honest place to begin.Download our Maybe I Am Not Straight GuideIn this episode, I’m joined by Anna Empey—business development consultant, LGBTQ+ coach, and someone who understands (personally and professionally) what it means to rebuild identity after a life-changing awakening.Together, we talk about grief—not just as something that happens when someone dies, but as our emotional, physical, intellectual, and spiritual response to any loss:the identity you thought you werethe life you imagined you’d haverelationships shifting (or ending) after coming outthe “good” changes that still carry real lossthe way unprocessed grief quietly stacks over timeWe also get practical. We talk about why community matters so much in this chapter—because when we’re isolated, our brains fill in the gaps… and they rarely fill them with kindness.This conversation is steady, honest, and deeply human.If you’ve been carrying a quiet ache you can’t quite name… this one will land.Watch Episode 10 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube now: https://youtu.be/DnrRcKN8oT4Go listen on the Coming Out & Beyond YouTube channel and join us in the comments—tell us what part hit home for you.🔗 CONNECT WITH USWebsite: annemariezanzal.comFacebook: facebook.com/amzanzalInstagram: @annemariezanzalcoachingTwitter: twitter.com/annemariezanzalLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annemariezanzalpurposefulempowermentReady to start your own journey? Book a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/annemariezanzalcoachingllc/30-minute-clarity-and-fit💬 JOIN THE AUTHENTICALLY US COMMUNITYAuthentically Us is a support community for later-in-life LGBTQ women at all stages of the coming out and beyond process. Whether you're deconstructing messages from a conservative faith tradition, experiencing divorce-related guilt, or struggling with feelings of shame around your coming out or sexual identity, Authentically Us has the right kind of support for you.Monthly subscription: $39/month👉 Join Authentically Us#ComingOutAndBeyond #LaterInLifeLesbian #LateBloomerLesbian #QuestioningSexuality #CompHet #ReligiousTrauma #PurityCulture #QueerWomen #ComingOutLaterInLife #MidlifeAwakening #LGBTQPodcast #QueerHealing #GriefWork #GriefAndLoss #IdentityShift #NervousSystemRegulation #Authenticity #SelfTrust #QueerCommunity #MightyNetworks

What happens when the life you’re told to live is slowly killing you—and the life you’re afraid to live is the one that sets you free?David Hulse has been a spiritual teacher for over 60 years. But his journey to get here took him through Pentecostal fundamentalism in Tulsa, Oklahoma, conversion therapy at 17, a church in the Jim Crow South at 19, and a marriage to a woman he thought would save him from himself.In this episode, David shares how he moved from fear-based religion to expansive, love-centered spirituality—and what that path looked like across six decades of searching, breaking down, and building something real. We talk about the bridges that can help you move from rigid doctrine to genuine spiritual connection, why religious wounds don’t heal just because you leave the church, how this current moment in history might actually be “labor pains before a rebirth,” and why 80-year-old queer elders like David are exactly the pioneers our community needs right now.Whether you’re deconstructing your faith, navigating a later-in-life coming out, or just need to hear that it gets better from someone who’s been there—this one’s for you.Connect with David: davidhulse.com | Heartlight Spiritual Center, Charlotte, NC🔗 CONNECT WITH USWebsite: annemariezanzal.comFacebook: facebook.com/amzanzalInstagram: @annemariezanzalcoachingTwitter: twitter.com/annemariezanzalLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annemariezanzalpurposefulempowermentReady to start your own journey? Book a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/annemariezanzalcoachingllc/30-minute-clarity-and-fit 💬 JOIN THE AUTHENTICALLY US COMMUNITYAuthentically Us is a support community for later-in-life LGBTQ women at all stages of the coming out and beyond process. Whether you're deconstructing messages from a conservative faith tradition, experiencing divorce-related guilt, or struggling with feelings of shame around your coming out or sexual identity, Authentically Us has the right kind of support for you.Monthly subscription: $39/month👉 Join Authentically Us

What Heated Rivalry Gets Right About Coming OutYou wouldn't expect a steamy male hockey romance to hit so close to home for later-in-life lesbians — but Heated Rivalry on HBO Max did exactly that.In this episode, Anne-Marie and returning co-conspirator Barb Rowlandson break down why this show has gone viral across the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. From the real cost of staying closeted as strategy (not confusion), to the exhaustion of loving privately versus living openly, to why straight women are weeping at a gay hockey player kissing his boyfriend on the ice — the themes run deep.They explore how the show mirrors what so many women in midlife experience: the layered process of coming out, the fear of losing everything you've built, and the moment when hiding yourself becomes more painful than the risk of being seen. Plus, a honest conversation about gender roles, emotional labor, and why queer relationships often feel like a breath of fresh air after years of carrying the mental load.⚠️ SPOILER ALERT: This episode discusses major plot points from all episodes of Heated Rivalry. Watch the show first, then come back — we'll be here!🎧 Listen & watch now: 📺 YouTube: https://youtu.be/7ws7-FvaW38 🎧 Spotify & Apple Podcasts: Search "Coming Out and Beyond LGBTQ Stories"💬 Want to keep the conversation going? Join our Authentically Us community on Mighty Networks for a live group discussion of Heated Rivalry on Monday, February 23rd! Join Authentically Us – a Community for LGBTQIA+ Adults to participate at https://annemariezanzal.com/ .💬 JOIN THE AUTHENTICALLY US COMMUNITYAuthentically Us is a support community for later-in-life LGBTQ women at all stages of the coming out and beyond process. Whether you're deconstructing messages from a conservative faith tradition, experiencing divorce-related guilt, or struggling with feelings of shame around your coming out or sexual identity, Authentically Us has the right kind of support for you.Monthly subscription: $39/month👉 Join Authentically Us🔗 CONNECT WITH USWebsite: annemariezanzal.comFacebook: facebook.com/amzanzalInstagram: @annemariezanzalcoachingTwitter: twitter.com/annemariezanzalLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annemariezanzalpurposefulempowerment

🔥 Ever get all dressed up for a date... and they never show? Ever wonder if you're too old for love at 43? Ever think maybe lesbian dating culture is just... toxic?Girl, pull up a chair. We're talking about ALL of it in this episode — and trust us, you're not alone.📞 FEELING STUCK IN YOUR DATING LIFE?Dating is hard enough without doing it alone. If you're a sapphic woman feeling stuck, frustrated, or just plain lost when it comes to dating — whether you're freshly out, freshly heartbroken, or somewhere in between — let's chat.Book a FREE connection call with Barbara — no pressure, no judgment, just a lesbian therapist/coach/guide who has been there and can help you have a successful dating life.👉 Book Your Free Call HereWhat We're Covering This Week:This week, Anne-Marie and Barbara Rowlandson are back with another round of Reddit questions from sapphic women navigating the beautiful, messy, maddening world of queer dating. These posts hit close to home:🌈 Is lesbian dating culture actually toxic? Spoiler: No. We're talking about why what feels uniquely lesbian is really just uniquely human — and why pathologizing our community doesn't help anyone.❤️ What to do when your girlfriend brushes off arguments that leave you spinning. Hint: It's about attachment styles and communication, not your queerness. (And "we never fight" isn't the flex you think it is.)💔 The woman who got stood up on date three. Dressed up, dinner reservation made, Sephora closed for emotional shopping — the whole bit. We're sending her all the love.🌸 A tough-love conversation with a 43-year-old who thinks she's too old for love. We're unpacking the stories we inherit and how beliefs like "there aren't enough good people out there" can quietly run your whole dating life.💕 The sweetest question about first-time intimacy. Why excitement, not nervousness, is way more common than you'd think — and how to make your partner feel safe and comfortable.If you've ever wondered whether the intensity of your feelings means something's wrong, or if your dating struggles are a "lesbian thing" or a "human thing," this one's for you.💬 JOIN THE AUTHENTICALLY US COMMUNITYAuthentically Us is a support community for later-in-life LGBTQ women at all stages of the coming out and beyond process. Whether you're deconstructing messages from a conservative faith tradition, experiencing divorce-related guilt, or struggling with feelings of shame around your coming out or sexual identity, Authentically Us has the right kind of support for you.Monthly subscription: $39/month👉 Join Authentically Us💬 GOT YOUR OWN SAPPHIC DATING DILEMMA?We want to hear from you! Share your dating question or story, and we might feature it on our next episode of U-Haul University.🔗 CONNECT WITH USWebsite: annemariezanzal.comFacebook: facebook.com/amzanzalInstagram: @annemariezanzalcoachingTwitter: twitter.com/annemariezanzalLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annemariezanzalpurposefulempowerment🎧 LISTEN TO THE PODCASTApple Podcasts: Coming Out & Beyond: LGBTQIA+ StoriesSpotify: Coming Out & Beyond: LGBTQIA+ StoriesGrab your headphones, maybe a glass of wine, and come sit with us. You're not doing this dating thing alone anymore.

It's the first Friday of the month, and that means we welcome back Anna Empey to the show! In this episode, Anne-Marie and Anna delve deep into their personal journeys of deconstructing their Catholic and Mormon faith, particularly in the context of their LGBTQIA+ identities. Each paints a vivid picture of what it was like to grow up in a home with conservative faith traditions, noting the moments when their "shelf broke" (a metaphor for losing faith), the emotional toll of leaving behind their faith communities and ingrained beliefs, and the impacts it had on their interpersonal relationships. Anne-Marie and Anna also share which pieces of their beliefs they retained, noting how they found freedom and peace as they moved forward in life guided by their values.❓ What to Expect in This Episode:✨Exploration of how church policies can be devastating for LGBTQIA+ individuals.✨Thoughts on how personal relationships with a higher power can evolve over time.✨Why anger is a valid part of the deconstruction process.✨Encouragement to ask questions and seek your own beliefs.Authentically Us is a support community for later-in-life LGBTQ women at all stages of the coming out and beyond process. Coming out later in life is often accompanied by suffering. Whether you're looking to deconstruct messages from a conservative faith tradition, experience divorce-related guilt, or struggle with feelings of shame around your coming out or sexual identity, Authentically Us has the right kind of support for you. Monthly subscription to Authentically Us on Mighty Networks is $35/month, but you can try your first week for free. Find Authentically Us at https://bit.ly/Authentically-Us💬 Join the Conversation:Are you someone who is deconstructing the lessons of your life prior to coming out? What are your takeaways from this episode? Let's talk about it in the comments!🔗 Visit our website:Anne-Marie's : [ annemariezanzal.com]🔗 Follow us on social media:💠 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amzanzal💠 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/annemariezanzalcoaching/💠 Twitter: twitter.com/annemariezanzal💠LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/annemariezanzalpurposefulempowerment/You can also tune into this episode of Coming Out & Beyond: LGBTQIA+ Stories on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/coming-out-beyond-lgbtqia-stories/id1569859569Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/27kocr4llm6syHKaeX1x9e👉 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more inspiring stories and advice on navigating life, love, and everything in between!#LGBTQIA #LGBTQ #Queer #lesbian #sexuality #identity #selfdiscovery #lesbiancommunity #sexualexploration #queerculture #growth #comingout #podcast #lgbtqpodcast ##religiousdeconstruction #faith #lifeaftercomingout #resilience #exmormon #excatholic

This week, we're revisiting an episode from Season 6 featuring GLAAD Media Award nominee, documentary photographer Morgan Lieberman. Morgan's project, "Hidden Once, Hidden Twice," published with NPR last June was recently nominated in the category of Outstanding Online Journalism – Video or MultimediaMorgan's work has been featured in publications such as The New York Times, Bloomberg, National Geographic, The Wall Street Journal, The Los Angles Times, among others. Morgan's current documentary project titled 'Hidden Once, Hidden Twice' focuses on documenting the lives of older lesbian partnerships. This project was borne out of a desire for lesbian community and out of recognition that the voices of the older lesbian generation have been suppressed and lost over time. In this episode, Anne-Marie and Morgan's conversation delves into the lessons learned from older generations, the significance of community, and the complexities of lesbian relationships. Morgan emphasizes the need for visibility and understanding of the unique experiences of older lesbians, while also discussing her aspirations for her documentary work.🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:🏳️‍🌈The significance of representation in media for the LGBTQ+ community.🏳️‍🌈How lesbian relationships are often misunderstood and oversimplified by society.🏳️‍🌈Reflections on the emotional depth and intensity of lesbian friendships and relationships.🏳️‍🌈What younger generations of lesbians can learn from the older generation about resilience and love.🏳️‍🌈 and much more!You can follow Morgan Lieberman on Instagram, who goes by @thechromaticsheep.You can also donate to the "Hidden Once, Hidden Twice" GoFundMe here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/photo-book-on-senior-lesbian-partnerships💬 Join the Conversation!💬Are you a member of the older lesbian generation? What comes up for you when you listen to this episode? If you're of a younger generation, what surprised you about the episode? Leave your thoughts in the comments and let's talk about it!❤️Join Authentically Us! A supportive community for those coming out later in life to the LGBTQIA+ community. Connect, share, and find guidance on your journey through mutual support groups, workshops, and live Zoom meetups. 💜Sign up today at www.annemariezanzal.com💠 Visit our website: : [ www.annemariezanzal.com]💠 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amzanzal💠 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/annemariezanzalcoaching/💠LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/annemariezanzalpurposefulempowerment/👍 Like, subscribe, and hit the bell to stay updated on powerful stories from Coming Out & Beyond!

Authentically Us is a support community for later-in-life LGBTQ women at all stages of the coming out and beyond process. Coming out later in life is often accompanied by suffering. Whether you're looking to deconstruct messages from a conservative faith tradition, experience divorce-related guilt, or struggle with feelings of shame around your coming out or sexual identity, Authentically Us has the right kind of support for you. Monthly subscription to Authentically Us on Mighty Networks is $35/month, but you can try your first week for free. Find Authentically Us at https://bit.ly/Authentically-UsTrigger Warning: This episode discusses violence against women and Queer people, ICE violence, the Pulse nightclub tragedy, gun violence, and the murder of Renee Nicole Good. In this episode of "Coming Out and Beyond," host Anne-Marie Zanzal welcomes back psychotherapist Miriam Grace to discuss the profound impact of recent tragic events on the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly focusing on the murder of Renee Nicole Good. The conversation delves into the emotional responses elicited by such violence, the intersection of privilege and identity, and the unique challenges faced by later-in-life lesbians. Miriam shares her insights on the psychological implications of these events, emphasizing the importance of community support and the need for deeper understanding of women's experiences in the queer community. Together, they reflect on their personal journeys of coming out and the ongoing struggles for safety and acceptance in society.Read Anne-Marie's article 'Renee Good Will Not Be Erased' on Substack: https://annemariezanzal1.substack.com/p/renee-good-will-not-be-erased-onRead Miriam's article about Renee Good, 'The Thing Later-in-Life Lesbians Don't Get' here: The thing Later-in-Life Lesbians don’t get - blue skies❓ What to Expect in This Episode:✨Discussion about sexual minority stress that arises from violence against Queer bodies.✨Real talk about white privilege and how that factors into vulnerability of LGBTQ individuals.✨A declaration from Miriam to no longer smile and placate men, and why.✨A spectrum of emotions in the wake of the killing of Renee Nicole Good, from anger to sadness and all of the grief in between.You can find Miriam Grace online at https://blue-skies.org.uk/ 💬 Join the Conversation:What is sitting with you since the murder of Renee Nicole Good? How are you coping in the wake of recent ICE related tragedies? Let's talk about it in the comments.🔗 Visit our website:Anne-Marie's : [ annemariezanzal.com]🔗 Follow us on social media:💠 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amzanzal💠 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/annemariezanzalcoaching/💠 Twitter: twitter.com/annemariezanzal💠LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/annemariezanzalpurposefulempowerment/

Authentically Us is a support community for later-in-life LGBTQ women at all stages of the coming out and beyond process. Coming out later in life is often accompanied by suffering. Whether you're looking to deconstruct messages from a conservative faith tradition, experience divorce-related guilt, or struggle with feelings of shame around your coming out or sexual identity, Authentically Us has the right kind of support for you. Monthly subscription to Authentically Us on Mighty Networks is $35/month, but you can try your first week for free. Find Authentically Us at https://bit.ly/Authentically-Us Becka Eppley is an author, storyteller, communications director and later-in-life lesbian who works with authors, coaches and community builders to help share their truth. In this episode, Becka shares her (fairly recent) experience of stepping into her authentic sexuality – a journey that entailed deconstruction from a conservative faith tradition, divorce, challenging notions of personal value, womanhood, and landing on the letter of the LGBTQIA acronym that felt right for her. This is a wonderful episode for anyone who is early in their coming out journey, as it addresses many of the challenges and concerns that women who come out later in life routinely face.❓ What to Expect in This Episode:✨Lots of discussion around faith deconstruction and sexual identity.✨Practical talk about boundary setting with family.✨An exploration of societal norms and how they impact the coming out process.✨The joys that new lesbians experience when they step outside of heteronormativity and the male gaze.You can read Becka's recently published essay, "Permission to Be," in the anthology "Avoided No More: On Writing Through Struggle, Shame, and Self-Doubt," which has a majority 5 star rating on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/243627560-avoided-no-moreBecka Eppley's LinkTree: Becka Eppley (she/her) | Instagram, Facebook, TikTok | LinktreeBecka's coming out/divorce music was Kelly Clarkson's album, Chemistry: https://youtu.be/NNcT6ycswHQ?si=WYmQ1LW0P1HVbsio 💬 Join the Conversation:Are you a later in life lesbian who has deconstructed from conservative faith, gone through a messy divorce, or who has found empowerment through storytelling? Which part of this episode resonates most with you? Let's talk about it in the comments!🔗 Visit our website:Anne-Marie's : [ annemariezanzal.com]🔗 Follow us on social media:💠 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amzanzal💠 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/annemariezanzalcoaching/💠 Twitter: twitter.com/annemariezanzal💠LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/annemariezanzalpurposefulempowerment

This Authentic Life is a transformative course designed specifically for late-blooming LGBTQIA+ women (and non-binary people comfortable in women's spaces) who are navigating the complexities of identity, relationships, and future steps. If you're in the process of changing your life to align with your LGBTQIA+ identity and are having challenges reconciling pieces of your old 'straight' life with your new life, this course can help you find clarity and confidence. Visit https://bit.ly/thisauthenticlife for more information and to sign up. NEW COHORT STARTS JAN 15th 2026, next cohort begins late spring, 2026. This is our final week of accepting new participants; sign up today to start in January! It's a new year and we have a new monthly segment for you all: U-Haul University! On the second Friday of the month, school is in session, and your dating professor Barbara Rowlandson will be here with host Anne-Marie Zanzal to talk about sapphic dating conundrums. In this episode, Anne-Marie and Barbara have plucked posts from Reddit boards by lesbians who are looking for a little clarity in their search for love. In this episode, they explore the challenges faced by plus-sized women in the lesbian dating scene, the dynamics of intense attraction, and the complexities of exploring one's sexuality later in life. It's a lively episode that offers thoughtful advice sprinkled with personal insights, encouraging listeners to embrace their true selves and navigate the world of dating with confidence.❓ What to Expect in This Episode:✨Real-life dating questions from the internet, answered with warmth and honesty.✨Explanations of why lesbian relationships can be so INTENSE.✨Encouragement to explore biases about dating and curiosity about where they come from.✨Tips for building strong, meaningful connections in the LGBTQIA+ community.Need dating/new relationship support? Barbara Rowlandson offers coaching for women and non-binary people who are looking to level up their love life! Book a free 30 minute consultation with Barbara here: https://calendly.com/barbararowlandson/30-minute-workshop-call-barbAuthentically Us is a support community for later-in-life LGBTQ women at all stages of the coming out and beyond process. Coming out later in life is often accompanied by suffering. Whether you're looking to deconstruct messages from a conservative faith tradition, experience divorce-related guilt, or struggle with feelings of shame around your coming out or sexual identity, Authentically Us has the right kind of support for you. Monthly subscription to Authentically Us on Mighty Networks is $35/month, but you can try your first week for free. Find Authentically Us at https://bit.ly/Authentically-Us💬 Join the Conversation:Are you a sapphic who is struggling to find success in dating? Tell us about it! Drop your conundrum in the comments and we may feature your question on an upcoming episode!🔗 Visit our website:Anne-Marie's : [ annemariezanzal.com]🔗 Follow us on social media:💠 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amzanzal💠 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/annemariezanzalcoaching/💠 Twitter: twitter.com/annemariezanzal💠LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/annemariezanzalpurposefulempowerment/

Join the Maybe I'm Not Straight 3-Day Clarity Experience, January 6-8, 2026. For women who need a safe, affirming opportunity to explore their sexuality.: https://annemariezanzal.com/this-authentic-life-3-day-clarity-experience/Happy New Year! In our first episode of 2026 host Anne-Marie Zanzal welcomes special guest, queer entrepreneur Anna Empey. Anne-Marie and Anna have a long history of working together, but in this episode Anne-Marie draws on Anna's personal story of deconstructing internalized homophobia and conditioning from a conservative faith tradition. In this compelling conversation, they explore the complexities of coming out and the ongoing journey of self-discovery. They discuss the pressures of societal expectations, the emotional landscape of coming out, and the importance of finding queer community and support. This episode is a poignant reminder that coming out is not a one-time event, but a continuous process of growth and change, highlighting the need to cultivate resilience, self-reflection, and finding joy in the journey.❓ What to Expect in This Episode:✨Understanding that change happens over time in layers and conversations.✨Deconstruction is about asking what can be discarded from our 'before' life and what is worth carrying forward.✨Why coming out is never 'once-and-done' but rather a continuous journey.✨How opposite things can be true, like grief and relief that coexist in the coming out process.Authentically Us is a support community for later-in-life LGBTQ women at all stages of the coming out and beyond process. Coming out later in life is often accompanied by suffering. Whether you're looking to deconstruct messages from a conservative faith tradition, experience divorce-related guilt, or struggle with feelings of shame around your coming out or sexual identity, Authentically Us has the right kind of support for you. Monthly subscription to Authentically Us on Mighty Networks is $35/month, but you can try your first week for free. Find Authentically Us at https://bit.ly/Authentically-Us💬 Join the Conversation:Are you someone who is deconstructing the lessons of your life prior to coming out? What are your takeaways from this episode? Let's talk about it in the comments!🔗 Visit our website:Anne-Marie's : [ annemariezanzal.com]🔗 Follow us on social media:💠 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amzanzal💠 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/annemariezanzalcoaching/💠 Twitter: twitter.com/annemariezanzal💠LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/annemariezanzalpurposefulempowerment/👉 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more inspiring stories and advice on navigating life, love, and everything in between!

Join the Maybe I'm Not Straight 3-Day Clarity Experience, January 6-8, 2026. For women who need a safe, affirming opportunity to explore their sexuality.: https://annemariezanzal.com/this-authentic-life-3-day-clarity-experience/It's that time of year again, when we wrap up the reflections on a year's worth of episodes! Join host Anne-Marie Zanzal and podcast producer Barbara Rowlandson as they reflect on what they loved the most about this year's show and special guests. This year in review episode is an annual tradition now at Coming Out & Beyond: LGBTQIA+ Stories, and it's a light-hearted look back at all we've accomplished, plus some tantalizing tidbits of what's in store for 2026!❓ What to Expect in This Episode:✨Anne-Marie and Barb share the episodes that stuck with them the most.✨Sneak peeks at future plans for the podcast and programs for women who are exploring their sexuality. ✨Exploration of a wide range of topics, including dating, internalized homophobia, and the importance of community support. ✨Understanding why the conversation around queerness should focus on identity beyond sexuality. Authentically Us is a support community for later-in-life LGBTQ women at all stages of the coming out and beyond process. Coming out later in life is often accompanied by suffering. Whether you're looking to deconstruct messages from a conservative faith tradition, experience divorce-related guilt, or struggle with feelings of shame around your coming out or sexual identity, Authentically Us has the right kind of support for you. Monthly subscription to Authentically Us on Mighty Networks is $35/month, but you can try your first week for free. Find Authentically Us at https://bit.ly/Authentically-Us💬 Join the Conversation:What were you favorite episodes of Season 6? Did you have a fave guest? Share your thoughts in the comments!🔗 Visit our website:Anne-Marie's : [ annemariezanzal.com]🔗 Follow us on social media:💠 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amzanzal💠 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/annemariezanzalcoaching/💠 Twitter: twitter.com/annemariezanzal💠LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/annemariezanzalpurposefulempowerment/👉 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more inspiring stories and advice on navigating life, love, and everything in between!

Join the Maybe I'm Not Straight 3-Day Clarity Experience, January 6-8, 2026. For women who need a safe, affirming opportunity to explore their sexuality.: https://annemariezanzal.com/this-authentic-life-3-day-clarity-experience/This week on the podcast, host Anne-Marie Zanzal welcomes author and entrepreneur Lydia Coulter. Lydia writes queer fiction and has developed a luxury BDSM brand, Kilter, offering accessories that consider women's needs. Lydia shares her coming out story, her experiences in complicated relationships with women who were not out and experiencing internalized homophobia, and how BDSM has served as a tool to explore her identity. Lydia emphasizes the need for self-discovery and the positive impact of being true to oneself on overall happiness.❓ What to Expect in This Episode:✨Exploration of the challenges of dating someone who is not out.✨Why BDSM is often misunderstood and can be a way to explore identity.✨Why queer womanhood encompasses more than just sexual identity.✨Understanding how life changes when you make choices that align with your authentic self.Lydia's Instagram: @lydiacoulterLydia's website: www.lydiacouter.comCheck out Lydia's BDSM products: www.bykilter.comAuthentically Us is a support community for later-in-life LGBTQ women at all stages of the coming out and beyond process. Coming out later in life is often accompanied by suffering. Whether you're looking to deconstruct messages from a conservative faith tradition, experience divorce-related guilt, or struggle with feelings of shame around your coming out or sexual identity, Authentically Us has the right kind of support for you. Monthly subscription to Authentically Us on Mighty Networks is $35/month, but you can try your first week for free. Find Authentically Us at https://bit.ly/Authentically-Us💬 Join the Conversation:Have you dated someone in the closet? Has BDSM improved your life and helped you to discover more about yourself? Let's talk about it in the comments!🔗 Visit our website:Anne-Marie's : [ annemariezanzal.com]🔗 Follow us on social media:💠 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amzanzal💠 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/annemariezanzalcoaching/💠 Twitter: twitter.com/annemariezanzal💠LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/annemariezanzalpurposefulempowerment/

Join the Maybe I'm Not Straight 3-Day Clarity Experience, January 6-8, 2026: https://annemariezanzal.com/this-authentic-life-3-day-clarity-experience/Exploring sexuality – what does that even mean? And how do you do it, especially after having been in a long term relationship? In this episode, Anne-Marie Zanzal and Barbara Rowlandson discuss the complexities of exploring one's sexuality, particularly for those who may be coming out later in life or questioning their identity. Anne-Marie and Barbara emphasize the importance of curiosity, courage, and self-reflection in this journey, while also addressing societal expectations and the concept of compulsory heterosexuality.❓ What to Expect in This Episode:🔍How compulsory heteronormativity affects many people's perceptions of their identity.🪞Why self-reflection is crucial in understanding one's sexual orientation.🗺️How personal experiences can serve as catalysts for exploration.👥Understanding one's feelings and sensations is key to exploration.✨ Why This Matters:It's important when exploring your sexuality to investigate the impact of patriarchal norms on women's identities and relationships, the importance of exploring one's sexuality, and the role of media in shaping perceptions of queerness. This episode underscores the need for self-discovery, curiosity, and community support in navigating the complexities of sexual identity, particularly for those coming out later in life.Authentically Us is a support community for later-in-life LGBTQ women at all stages of the coming out and beyond process. Coming out later in life is often accompanied by suffering. Whether you're looking to deconstruct messages from a conservative faith tradition, experience divorce-related guilt, or struggle with feelings of shame around your coming out or sexual identity, Authentically Us has the right kind of support for you. Monthly subscription to Authentically Us on Mighty Networks is $35/month, but you can try your first week for free. Find Authentically Us at https://bit.ly/Authentically-Us💬 Join the Conversation:Can we have a conversation about exploring sexuality? If you've done this already, how did you go about it? What came up for you? What did you have to unlearn?🔗 Visit our website:Anne-Marie's : [ annemariezanzal.com]🔗 Follow us on social media:💠 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amzanzal💠 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/annemariezanzalcoaching/💠 Twitter: twitter.com/annemariezanzal💠LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/annemariezanzalpurposefulempowerment/👉 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more inspiring stories and advice on navigating life, love, and everything in between!Oh, and if you want to check out that lovely woman who chops wood, her handle is @NicoleCoenen - you're welcome! ;)

This week on the podcast, host Anne-Marie Zanzal welcomes fellow author and later-in-lifer, Sarah Locke. Sarah shares her journey of coming out later in life and living with multiple sclerosis. Sarah's personal value of authenticity shines through as she relates the challenges of coming out later in life, holding boundaries with her parents, and self-advocacy while navigating the early days of her MS diagnosis. Sarah discusses her advocacy work which includes founding Locke's Promise, a nonprofit supporting individuals living with MS. Tune in and you'll be inspired by Sarah's journey of acceptance, personal growth, self-advocacy, journey to sobriety and learn why telling your story is powerfully healing.You can learn more about Locke's Promise and purchase Sarah's book, "Living Out Loud: A Memoir of Speaking Up, Breaking Free, and Finally Being Seen" here: https://www.lockespromise.com/Follow Locke's Promise on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/people/Lockes-Promise-Inc/61574949238113/?_rdr and on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lockes-promise-inc/🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:❤️ Why your story is your strength.❤️ How coming out draws the right people to you.❤️ How advocacy arising from personal challenges can give life purpose and meaning.❤️ Why support systems are crucial for well-being🏳️‍🌈 and much more!💬 Join the Conversation!💬Have you turned a personal challenge into inspiration for advocacy? Who supports you in those challenges? Comment below and let's talk about it!❤️Join Authentically Us! A supportive community for those coming out later in life to the LGBTQIA+ community. Connect, share, and find guidance on your journey through mutual support groups, workshops, and live Zoom meetups. 💜Sign up today at www.annemariezanzal.com💠 Visit our website: : [ www.annemariezanzal.com]💠 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amzanzal💠 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/annemariezanzalcoaching/💠LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/annemariezanzalpurposefulempowerment/👍 Like, subscribe, and hit the bell to stay updated on powerful stories from Coming Out & Beyond!

"The Catalyst Chapter: #For WLW Navigating Love's First Chapter and Beyond" Learn more about the course and register at https://annemariezanzal.com/courses-from-anne-marie-zanzal/#catalystrelationship"Strengthening Love: Building Secure Bonds for Lesbian Couples": A course for building better communication and strong relationships. https://healthylesbianrelationships.com/❤️The Best Tool For Change? Love! - Part 2This week, we're back with part 2 of Anne-Marie's engaging conversation with author and transformation coach, David Cunningham. If you haven't watched part 1, do yourself a favor, go back and give it a listen, as it's where David drops several gold nuggets of wisdom about love, self-love, and shares his coming out story. In part 2, Anne-Marie and David dig even deeper into themes of love, forgiveness, and leading a values-oriented life. David shares about how to lead with love while we're experiencing difficult emotions, shares perspective on separating our core sense of self from our emotions, how mindfulness about our values informs our behaviors, and explains why the quality of our life is never dependent on another. David also shares why he recently sent a copy of his book to every single member of Congress! This episode is a fantastic conclusion to a very compelling conversation that you won't want to miss.Connect with David on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DavidCunninghamAuthorLearn more about David's work and his book, 'Your Love Does Matter,' at https://www.yourlovedoesmatter.com/🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:❤️ The distinction between how we feel vs. who we are.❤️ Concepts of forgiveness - what does it mean? How do we achieve it?❤️ How to lead with love when we are angry or sad.❤️ How a values-led life leads to purpose and love.🏳️‍🌈 and much more!💬 Join the Conversation!💬Do you lead with love? Is self-acceptance and forgiveness a challenge for you? What did you take away from this episode? Let's talk about it in the comments!❤️Join Authentically Us! A supportive community for those coming out later in life to the LGBTQIA+ community. Connect, share, and find guidance on your journey through mutual support groups, workshops, and live Zoom meetups. 💜Sign up today at www.annemariezanzal.com💠 Visit our website: : [ www.annemariezanzal.com]💠 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amzanzal💠 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/annemariezanzalcoaching/💠LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/annemariezanzalpurposefulempowerment/👍 Like, subscribe, and hit the bell to stay updated on powerful stories from Coming Out & Beyond!#comingout #comingoutandbeyond #comingoutlgbtqiastories #comingoutlaterinlife #lgbt #lgbtq #lgbtqia #2slgbtqia #lgbtqpodcast #queer #queerpodcast #podcast #love #selfacceptance #personalgrowth #transformation #leadwithlove #leadership #boundaries #embracingemotions #lovefootprint #davidcunningham

"The Catalyst Chapter: #For WLW Navigating Love's First Chapter and Beyond" Learn more about the course and register at https://annemariezanzal.com/courses-from-anne-marie-zanzal/#catalystrelationship"Strengthening Love: Building Secure Bonds for Lesbian Couples": A course for building better communication and strong relationships. https://healthylesbianrelationships.com/❤️The Best Tool For Change? Love!David Cunningham believes that love is a powerful tool for transformation. As an author and transformation coach, David is committed to teaching others how to use love to create a path to acceptance, better communication, forgiveness, conscious leadership, and connectedness with others. In this part 1 of 2 podcast episode, host Anne-Marie Zanzal, explores with David topics related to his personal experiences in learning about the transformational power of love, including his coming out story and reflecting on how stepping into his identity as a gay man transformed his relationships with people he cares about. David highlights the significance of self-love and forgiveness, sharing insights from his mentors and the courage it takes to love freely, advocating for a world where love prevails as the primary way of being. This is a profound, compelling conversation centered on the power of love and our relationship to our most vulnerable emotions. Tune in next week for part 2! Learn more about David's work and his book, 'Your Love Does Matter,' at https://www.yourlovedoesmatter.com/🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:❤️ How love is instrumental to personal transformation.❤️ How coming out impacted David's relationship with his son for the better.❤️ The role of love in effective leadership.❤️ Why quality of our life comes from who we choose to be, not what we receive from others.🏳️‍🌈 and much more!💬 Join the Conversation!💬Do you lead with love? Is self-acceptance and forgiveness a challenge for you? What did you take away from this episode? Let's talk about it in the comments!❤️Join Authentically Us! A supportive community for those coming out later in life to the LGBTQIA+ community. Connect, share, and find guidance on your journey through mutual support groups, workshops, and live Zoom meetups. 💜Sign up today at www.annemariezanzal.com💠 Visit our website: : [ www.annemariezanzal.com]💠 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amzanzal💠 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/annemariezanzalcoaching/💠LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/annemariezanzalpurposefulempowerment/👍 Like, subscribe, and hit the bell to stay updated on powerful stories from Coming Out & Beyond!#comingout #comingoutandbeyond #comingoutlgbtqiastories #comingoutlaterinlife #lgbt #lgbtq #lgbtqia #2slgbtqia #lgbtqpodcast #queer #queerpodcast #podcast #love #selfacceptance #personalgrowth #transformation #leadwithlove #leadership #boundaries #embracingemotions #lovefootprint #davidcunningham

"The Catalyst Chapter: #For WLW Navigating Love's First Chapter and Beyond" Learn more about the course and register at https://annemariezanzal.com/courses-from-anne-marie-zanzal/#catalystrelationship"Strengthening Love: Building Secure Bonds for Lesbian Couples": A course for building better communication and strong relationships. https://healthylesbianrelationships.com/This week on Coming Out & Beyond: LGBTQIA+ Stories, we're revisiting an episode from season 4 on the ups and downs of catalyst relationships. Host Anne-Marie Zanzal sits down will fellow coming out and catalyst relationship coach, Barbara Rowlandson. In this episode. Barbara shares the story of her catalyst experience and reflects on how the relationship precipitated some very big and quick changes in her life. Anne-Marie and Barbara examine the gifts of the catalyst experience, the hard lessons, share some of their best advice about navigating that first lesbian relationship, and talk about steps for recovery if the relationship ends.🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:🏳️‍🌈 How catalysts cause us to stop and reconsider our wants and needs.🏳️‍🌈 Why grieving the end of your marriage while in a new relationship is so hard.🏳️‍🌈 Making meaning of your catalyst experience when it is over.🏳️‍🌈 Why finding community is vital for healing after a catalyst experience🏳️‍🌈 and much more!💬 Join the Conversation!💬Have you had a catalyst relationship experience? How are you today? What learn? What do you feel like you need most right now? Let's talk about it in the comments!❤️Join Authentically Us! A supportive community for those coming out later in life to the LGBTQIA+ community. Connect, share, and find guidance on your journey through mutual support groups, workshops, and live Zoom meetups. 💜Sign up today at www.annemariezanzal.com💠 Visit our website: : [ www.annemariezanzal.com]💠 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amzanzal💠 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/annemariezanzalcoaching/💠LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/annemariezanzalpurposefulempowerment/👍 Like, subscribe, and hit the bell to stay updated on powerful stories from Coming Out & Beyond!

"Strengthening Love: Building Secure Bonds for Lesbian Couples" https://healthylesbianrelationships.com/TW: Hate groups, racism and homophobia are discussed. Some strong language is used. Listener discretion is advised.This week on Coming Out & Beyond: LGBTQIA+ Stories, host Anne-Marie Zanzal chats with Spencer Macnaughton, Editor-in-Chief and founder of Uncloseted Media, a nonprofit LGBTQIA+ -focused newsroom. In a time when America is reconfiguring its systems to marginalize LGBTQIA+ citizens, Uncloseted Media is working to explore the anti-LGBTQIA+ landscape. Guided by principles of non-partisanship and rigorous journalistic standards, Uncloseted Media shines a light on people and stories that might otherwise go unheard in a world that is increasingly working to suppress queer voices. In this episode, Spencer shares the story of his journey in creating a nonprofit LGBTQIA+ newsroom and his own coming out experiences. Anne-Marie and Spencer also touch on the impact of societal conditioning on queer identities, the role media plays in shaping perceptions, and the urgency of telling stories that highlight the ongoing fight against hate and discrimination.🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:🏳️‍🌈 Why trust is essential in journalism, especially for LGBTQIA+ communities.🏳️‍🌈 Stories of resilience and allyship that inspire hope and change.🏳️‍🌈 How media representation significantly impacts LGBTQIA+ identity formation.🏳️‍🌈 Why finding community is vital for personal and collective well-being.🏳️‍🌈 and much more!You can follow Uncloseted Media on Substack here: https://www.unclosetedmedia.com/💬 Join the Conversation!💬What does LGBTQIA+ representation media mean to you? Let's talk about it in the comments!❤️Join Authentically Us! A supportive community for those coming out later in life to the LGBTQIA+ community. Connect, share, and find guidance on your journey through mutual support groups, workshops, and live Zoom meetups. 💜Sign up today at www.annemariezanzal.com💠 Visit our website: : [ www.annemariezanzal.com]💠 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amzanzal💠 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/annemariezanzalcoaching/💠LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/annemariezanzalpurposefulempowerment/👍 Like, subscribe, and hit the bell to stay updated on powerful stories from Coming Out & Beyond!

"Strengthening Love: Building Secure Bonds for Lesbian Couples" https://healthylesbianrelationships.com/TW: This episode explores grief as related to the coming out experience and may be difficult for some to hear. If you are grieving and are experiencing a mental health emergency, call 9-8-8 for crisis support.Download our grief guide and worksheets here: https://bit.ly/amz-grief-handoutIn this part 2 episode on healing grief host Anne-Marie Zanzal and her fellow coach, Barbara Rowlandson continue to explore the complex emotions surrounding grief when coming out later in life. If you're someone who is in the 'messy middle' of coming out and/or divorce we highly encourage you to listen, as parts 1 and 2 of these episodes on grief address the most common experiences we see in individuals who come out later in life. Anne-Marie and Barb pick up where they left of in part 1, discussing the last two stages of grief – depression and acceptance. They discuss recognizing and addressing depression, offer practical coping strategies for the depression stage, and emphasize the significance of community.🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:❤️‍🩹Why incremental change is a big deal.❤️‍🩹How aligning values with actions brings peace.❤️‍🩹How engaging with queer media can foster a sense of belonging.❤️‍🩹The importance of community and daily rituals for self-care🏳️‍🌈 and much more!Read Anne-Marie's article, "The Unexpected Grief of the LGBTQIA+ Coming Out Experience." https://annemariezanzal.com/the-unexpected-grief-of-the-lgbtqia-coming-out-experience/💬 Join the Conversation!💬Are you on the other side of the 'messy middle?' What practices did you adopt to lift the grief? ❤️Join Authentically Us! A supportive community for those coming out later in life to the LGBTQIA+ community. Connect, share, and find guidance on your journey through mutual support groups, workshops, and live Zoom meetups. 💜Sign up today at www.annemariezanzal.com💠 Visit our website: : [ www.annemariezanzal.com]💠 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amzanzal💠 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/annemariezanzalcoaching/💠LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/annemariezanzalpurposefulempowerment/👍 Like, subscribe, and hit the bell to stay updated on powerful stories from Coming Out & Beyond!

In the episode of Coming Out & Beyond: LGBTQIA+ Stories, host Anne-Marie Zanzal and her fellow coach, Barbara Rowlandson explore the complex emotions surround grief when coming out later in life. This is a MUST listen episode for anyone coming out and radically changing their lives in other ways, such as divorce or moving! Anne-Marie and Barb discuss the five stages of grief, emphasizing that the grief journey is not a linear path. Three grief stages - denial, anger, and bargaining - are discussed, and the conversation highlights the importance of recognizing and naming grief feelings/stages. Understanding societal expectations, navigating relationships during this emotional journey and practical advice and resources for listeners are shared in this episode. Next week - Part 2 will tackle the remaining stages of grief: depression and acceptance.🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:❤️‍🩹Why the 5 stages of grief are not linear and can 'loop back.'❤️‍🩹How grief can manifest as avoidance or intellectualization.❤️‍🩹How letting go of societal expectations can be accompanied by anger.❤️‍🩹Why finding community is critical in the grief journey.🏳️‍🌈 and much more!Read Anne-Marie's article, "The Unexpected Grief of the LGBTQIA+ Coming Out Experience." https://annemariezanzal.com/the-unexpected-grief-of-the-lgbtqia-coming-out-experience/💬 Join the Conversation!💬How is grief appearing for you? What repeated thoughts are you having about grief and your journey? Let's talk about it in the comments.❤️Join Authentically Us! A supportive community for those coming out later in life to the LGBTQIA+ community. Connect, share, and find guidance on your journey through mutual support groups, workshops, and live Zoom meetups. 💜Sign up today at www.annemariezanzal.com💠 Visit our website: : [ www.annemariezanzal.com]💠 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amzanzal💠 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/annemariezanzalcoaching/💠LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/annemariezanzalpurposefulempowerment/👍 Like, subscribe, and hit the bell to stay updated on powerful stories from Coming Out & Beyond!

"Strengthening Love: Building Secure Bonds for Lesbian Couples" https://healthylesbianrelationships.com/In the episode of Coming Out & Beyond: LGBTQIA+ Stories, host Anne-Marie Zanzal speaks with documentary photographer, Morgan Lieberman. Morgan's work has been featured in publications such as The New York Times, Bloomberg, National Geographic, The Wall Street Journal, The Los Angles Times, among others. Morgan's current documentary project, tentatively titled 'Hidden Once, Hidden Twice' focuses on documenting the lives of older lesbian partnerships. This project was borne out of a desire for lesbian community and out of recognition that the voices of the older lesbian generation have been suppressed and lost over time. In this episode, Anne-Marie and Morgan's conversation delves into the lessons learned from older generations, the significance of community, and the complexities of lesbian relationships. Morgan emphasizes the need for visibility and understanding of the unique experiences of older lesbians, while also discussing her aspirations for her documentary work.🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:🏳️‍🌈The significance of representation in media for the LGBTQ+ community.🏳️‍🌈How lesbian relationships are often misunderstood and oversimplified by society.🏳️‍🌈Reflections on the emotional depth and intensity of lesbian friendships and relationships.🏳️‍🌈What younger generations of lesbians can learn from the older generation about resilience and love.🏳️‍🌈 and much more!You can follow Morgan Lieberman on Instagram, who goes by thechromaticsheep.You can also donate to the "Hidden Once, Hidden Twice" GoFundMe here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/photo-book-on-senior-lesbian-partnerships💬 Join the Conversation!💬Are you a member of the older lesbian generation? What comes up for you when you listen to this episode? If you're of a younger generation, what surprised you about the episode? Leave your thoughts in the comments and let's talk about it!❤️Join Authentically Us! A supportive community for those coming out later in life to the LGBTQIA+ community. Connect, share, and find guidance on your journey through mutual support groups, workshops, and live Zoom meetups. 💜Sign up today at www.annemariezanzal.com💠 Visit our website: : [ www.annemariezanzal.com]💠 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amzanzal💠 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/annemariezanzalcoaching/💠LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/annemariezanzalpurposefulempowerment/👍 Like, subscribe, and hit the bell to stay updated on powerful stories from Coming Out & Beyond!

"Strengthening Love: Building Secure Bonds for Lesbian Couples" https://healthylesbianrelationships.com/This week on the pod: pull up a chair and lean in as host Anne-Marie Zanzal and her fellow coming-out coach, Barbara Rowlandson, unpack all things 'comp het.' Compulsory Heteronormativity (sometimes used interchangeably with 'compulsory heterosexuality) represents the systems in place that keep women from understanding or realizing their needs and desires. If you're just starting out on your coming out journey and have ever asked yourself, "Why the heck did it take me so long to realize I am gay/lesbian/bi/queer?" then this episode is for YOU!🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:🏳️‍🌈Anne-Marie and Barb each reflect on what comp het meant to them and how they felt when the learned about the concept.🏳️‍🌈Why heterosexuality wasn't a private choice for many of us, but the result of a system designed to erase queerness.🏳️‍🌈Unpacking the unprocessed misogyny behind distaste for the word lesbian.🏳️‍🌈The myth of the 'good mother' and why a mother's happiness matters to children.🏳️‍🌈 and much more!💬 Join the Conversation!💬Have you given any thought to comp het? What did you learn from this episode? What resonates? Let's talk about it in the comments!❤️Join Authentically Us! A supportive community for those coming out later in life to the LGBTQIA+ community. Connect, share, and find guidance on your journey through mutual support groups, workshops, and live Zoom meetups. 💜Sign up today at www.annemariezanzal.com💠 Visit our website: : [ www.annemariezanzal.com]💠 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amzanzal💠 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/annemariezanzalcoaching/💠LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/annemariezanzalpurposefulempowerment/👍 Like, subscribe, and hit the bell to stay updated on powerful stories from Coming Out & Beyond!

‼️SPECIAL FOR COMING OUT & BEYOND LISTENERS! This episode's guest, Maxine Kroll, founder/owner of Provincetown's renowned sex shop & museum, Toys of Eros, is offering 10% off purchases for our listeners! Just use the coupon code COB when completing your order to receive your discount. Shop everything Toys of Eros has to offer at https://toysoferos.com/Wing Women Weekend | Annual Conference in Provincetown, MA, during Women's Week | https://wingwomenweekend.com/"Strengthening Love: Building Secure Bonds for Lesbian Couples" https://healthylesbianrelationships.com/This week on the podcast, host Anne-Marie Zanzal has a conversation with Maxine Kroll, a lesbian and activist who has spent her life creating sanctuary for queer women and fostering acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community. Maxine shares her journey of coming out, stories of activism, and reflects on the critical importance of LGBTQ spaces. From her early experiences in high school to founding Provincetown's sex-positive boutique, Toys of Eros, Maxine discusses the evolution of queer identity and the significance of education to create safety and acceptance for the LGBTQ community. She reflects on the changes in sexual exploration across generations and offers advice for those navigating their first experiences. Anne-Marie and Maxine's conversation highlights the need for continued activism and support for LGBTQ rights in today's political climate.🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:🕰️Reflections on the evolution of Provincetown as an LGBTQ+ sanctuary.💋Discussion on the relationship between communication and pleasure.🐘A walk down memory lane to early days of Provincetown's annual Women's Week.👩🏽‍❤️‍💋‍👩🏽Sex-positive conversation about toys, sexual health, and empowering women through education.🏳️‍🌈 Thoughts about the future of LGBTQ+ rights💬 Join the Conversation!💬Have you experienced Provincetown during Women's Week and/or been to Toys of Eros? Do you have thoughts about activism, sex-positive education, or the current state of LGBTQ+ rights? Talk about in the comments!❤️Join Authentically Us! A supportive community for those coming out later in life to the LGBTQIA+ community. Connect, share, and find guidance on your journey through mutual support groups, workshops, and live Zoom meetups. 💜Sign up today at www.annemariezanzal.com💠 Visit our website: : [ www.annemariezanzal.com]💠 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amzanzal💠 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/annemariezanzalcoaching/💠LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/annemariezanzalpurposefulempowerment/👍 Like, subscribe, and hit the bell to stay updated on powerful stories from Coming Out & Beyond!

Navigating the holiday season can prove to be an arduous endeavor, particularly for those who are in the process of coming out. In this discussion, we, Anne-Marie Zanzal and Barbara Rowlandson, share our personal experiences and the myriad challenges we faced during our own holiday seasons. We provide practical strategies to help you establish boundaries, cultivate joy within small rituals, and maintain your peace while remaining true to yourself. Our aim is not to advocate for perfection but to foster a sense of steadiness amidst the emotional complexities that the holidays can evoke. Join us as we explore these themes and equip you with tools to navigate the upcoming festivities with greater ease."The Catalyst Chapter: #For WLW Navigating Love's First Chapter and Beyond" Learn more about the course and register at https://annemariezanzal.com/courses-from-anne-marie-zanzal/#catalystrelationship"Strengthening Love: Building Secure Bonds for Lesbian Couples": A course for building better communication and strong relationships. https://healthylesbianrelationships.com/🎄Holiday Survival When Coming Out 101!Ho-Ho-Hoping to survive the holidays as you navigate coming out later in life? Say no more! Your host Anne-Marie Zanzal and fellow late-in-life coach Barbara Rowlandson cover their best tips for keeping it together over the holidays. Getting through the November/December holidays as you transition from one life to another can feel rocky, but there are things you can do to support yourself and protect your peace. If you're finding your dreading the upcoming holiday season, this episode is for you!🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:🎄 Why coming out at Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner isn't a great idea.🎁Practical advice for establishing boundaries with friends and family who have questions about your separation/divorce/sexuality.🕯️ How having an ally at holiday events is an excellent buffer for unwelcome interactions.🥧Advice for creating new traditions.🏳️‍🌈 and much more!💬 Join the Conversation!💬Are you dreading the winter holidays? What has you most concerned? Have you already been through this experience? How did you make the holidays and family time work for you? Let's talk about it in the comments!❤️Join Authentically Us! A supportive community for those coming out later in life to the LGBTQIA+ community. Connect, share, and find guidance on your journey through mutual support groups, workshops, and live Zoom meetups. 💜Sign up today at www.annemariezanzal.com💠 Visit our website: : [ www.annemariezanzal.com]💠 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amzanzal💠 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/annemariezanzalcoaching/💠LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/annemariezanzalpurposefulempowerment/You can also tune into this episode of Coming Out & Beyond: LGBTQIA+ Stories on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.Apple Podcasts: (podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/coming-out-beyond-lgbtqia-stories/id1569859569)Spotify: (open.spotify.com/show/27kocr4llm6syHKaeX1x9e👍 Like, subscribe, and hit the bell to stay updated on powerful stories from Coming Out & Beyond!#comingout #comingoutandbeyond #comingoutlgbtqiastories #comingoutlaterinlife #lgbt #lgbtq #lgbtqia #2slgbtqia #lgbtqpodcast #queer #queerpodcast #podcast #holidays #holidayseason #survivingtheholidays #newtraditions #boundaries #familychallengesThe holiday season can evoke a myriad of emotions, particularly for individuals who are newly out. In this episode, Anne-Marie Zanzal and Barbara Rowlandson open a candid dialogue about the challenges and triumphs associated with navigating the holidays while embracing one's identity. They share their personal anecdotes, revealing how their experiences have shaped their understanding of family dynamics and self-acceptance during this festive time. The conversation emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, as well as the need for self-care, in order to foster a joyful holiday atmosphere. The hosts provide actionable advice for listeners, encouraging them to establish clear expectations regarding their participation in family gatherings and to prioritize their emotional well-being.Zanzal and Rowlandson further explore the significance of creating new traditions and rituals that resonate with one's authentic self. They advocate for the idea of crafting a holiday experience that is uniquely personal, rather than adhering to societal norms or familial pressures. This perspective allows individuals to reclaim their joy and create a sense of belonging that may have previously felt elusive. The hosts also address the potential pitfalls of coming out during holiday gatherings, advising caution and suggesting alternative approaches to sharing one’s truth in a more intimate and controlled setting. This thoughtful exploration of personal experiences and practical strategies serves to empower listeners, equipping them with the tools necessary to navigate the complexities of the

Wing Women Weekend | Annual Conference in Provincetown, MA, during Women's Week | https://wingwomenweekend.com/"Strengthening Love: Building Secure Bonds for Lesbian Couples"  https://healthylesbianrelationships.com/📣Dakarai Larriett's Fight for Fairness in Alabama!This week on the podcast, host Anne-Marie Zanzal sits down with Alabama Senate candidate Dakarai Larriett. Dakarai Larriett is the son of a U.S. Army veteran, a successful entrepreneur, longtime community volunteer, and — above all — a proud Alabama native, deeply committed to serving the citizens of his home state. Dakarai’s passion for public service was ignited during his junior year as an exchange student at Howard University in Washington, DC. His career took him from New York to Texas and Michigan before his heart drew him back to Alabama. Dakarai has dedicated his time and resources to serving the community. In addition to his volunteer work with United Way, Meals On Wheels and the Humane Society, Dakarai leads the board representing the 60 families and businesses located in the Mercantile on Morris, a mixed-use development in downtown Birmingham. Dakarai's story is inspiring and his experiences inform his sense of fairness and justice. After having been falsely arrested, Dakarai has made it his mission to fight against corruption and has set his sights on the U.S. Senate, running as the Democratic candidate in 2026. Dakarai and Anne-Marie talk about his coming out story, his philosophy on servant leadership, his first-hand experience with institutional corruption, and the significance of his faith and personal experiences in shaping his world view.You can find Dakarai Larriett's website here: https://dakarailarriett.com/🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:🚨How Dakarai's false arrest in 2024 ignited a passion for justice and change.🏳️‍🌈 Understand how Dakarai's coming out was influenced his upbringing in a strict religious environment.🌎How travelling to over 55 countries has broadened his perspective on global issues.🌟How Dakarai aims to bridge divides in a polarized political landscape.✝️The evolution of Dakarai's faith journey, ultimately leading to the United Methodist Church.💬 Join the Conversation!💬What are your biggest perceived challenges in coming out? Let's talk about it in the comments!❤️Join Authentically Us! A supportive community for those coming out later in life to the LGBTQIA+ community. Connect, share, and find guidance on your journey through mutual support groups, workshops, and live Zoom meetups. 💜Sign up today at www.annemariezanzal.com💠 Visit our website: : [ www.annemariezanzal.com]💠 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amzanzal💠 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/annemariezanzalcoaching/💠LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/annemariezanzalpurposefulempowerment/👍 Like, subscribe, and hit the bell to stay updated on powerful stories from Coming Out & Beyond!