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

This week on Coming Out & Beyond: LGBTQIA+ Stories, we have our first ever man as a guest! Mike Iamele has a remarkable coming out later in life story. Mike thought he was straight his entire life. But a life-changing illness forced him to challenge that notion head-on when he fell in love with his male caretaker. And the two of them went on a years-long journey to explore sexuality and fluidity to figure out if the relationship could work.When he chose to blog about his relationship, he had no idea that 100,000 people would share the post overnight, and he’d wake up to millions of people talking about his sex life. Or that his story would be made into an off-Broadway musical today.For most of the past decade, Mike has helped hundreds of people to explore their own sexuality, identity, and purpose by mapping their experiences and understanding who they are inside and outside of labels.Tune in as host Anne-Marie Zanzal digs into some important topics with Mike Iamele, including internalized homophobia, holding boundaries, being open to big life changes, and, of course, his incredible coming out story.You tune in to this podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and on Anne-Marie's website, www.annemariezanzal.com. Find Mike Iamele online and learn more about his coaching program for Gay, Bi, Trans and Queer men at https://mikeiamele.com/Follow Mike Iamele on Instagram: www. instagram.com/mikeiameleTo learn more about the musical based on Mike's life, visit www.straightforwardmusical.comMike's coming out song is Life by The Avett Brothers, and you can listen to it here: https://youtu.be/ZWgmtmIiomIA book that has greatly helped Mike is Louise L. Hay's "You Can Heal Your Life": https://www.amazon.ca/You-Can-Heal-Your-Life/dp/0937611018

This week on the Coming Out & Beyond podcast we're back with part 2 of our interview with Rev. Leela Sinha. Leela is a genderqueer, spiritually grounded, Queer-as-fuck entrepreneur and principal at the Intensives Institute, an organization dedicated to executive leadership and development.In part 2 of this special episode, Anne-Marie and Leela talk about Leela's experience growing up atheist and in the UU, what it was like having a call to ministry, and expand on the language and constructs surrounding gender. It is a fascinating episode, not-to-be-missed for anyone who is interested in gender and trans issues.Learn more about The Intensives Institute at www.intensivesinstitute.com

Rev. Leela Sinha is a genderqueer, Queer-as-fuck entrepreneur. Ze is intense, spiritually grounded, real, funny, compassionate, and mostly interested in creating a better world with more pleasure and less pain. To that end, Leela coaches and consults to uplift intense people (if you're told you're "too much" that means you!) and creates leadership, companies, and systems where the bottom line is robust and everyone's needs get met.In this special 2-part episode, Anne-Marie and Leela take a fascinating meander through subjects such as the profound impact of Leela's upbringing in the Unitarian church, the contrasting messages they received surrounding sexuality during their formative years (Anne-Marie was raised Catholic, while Leela learned about sexuality through the Unitarian "About Your Sexuality" (AYS) program), the early 2000's reclamation of the word "Queer" and the shifting climate surrounding that word today, how language around gender has changed the coming out trans experience over time, how the experience of coming out and living as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community differs regionally in the United States, how Leela both lost and gained a community after cutting hir hair and much, much more. Their deep dive into topics surrounding Queer, trans and lesbian experiences as they relate to history, culture and religion continues in a part 2 episode, to be released on July 7th, 2023.Leela's coming out song is In or Out by Ani DiFranco. You can listen to it here: https://open.spotify.com/track/57RddpbPMFxeR20eonC0gH?si=98cbf96c72db48d4Leela hosts PowerPivot, a business podcast showcasing the best ideas out there for changing the way we work (and live) for the better.  https://open.spotify.com/show/6Q1oG5PtdIOWdW2HswVK4lThe PowerPivot podcast is an extension of Leela's coaching/consulting business, The Intensives Institute. The Intensives Institute exists to encourage and develop intensives – that's people are strong-minded, innovative thinkers – to develop in leadership and executive roles. You can learn more about The Intensives Institute here: https://intensivesinstitute.com/Some of Leela's reading recommendations are:Stone Butch Blues by Leslie FeinbergExhibitionism for the Shy by Carol QueenThe Merry Adventures of Robin Hood by Howard PylePippi Longstocking by Astrid LindgrenWomanspirit Rising: A Feminist Reader in Religion by Carol P. Christ and Judith PlaskowSaving Paradise: How Christianity Traded Love of This World for Crucifixion and Empire by Rebecca Ann Parker and Rita Nakashima

This week on Coming Out & Beyond: LGBTQIA+ Stories, host Anne-Marie Zanzal welcomes certified parent and life coach Dr. LuluDr. Lulu is Queer, Nigerian-born, a pediatrician, mom of a transgender daughter, and TEDx speaker. Her work centers on coaching parents of Queer children, helping families overcome the shame and fear that often comes with learning a child is Queer. Dr. Lulu's mission is youth suicide prevention particularly amongst LGBTQIA+ youth. She is a bestselling author of 7 books, including "How to Teach Your Children About Racism” and other books in the nonfiction genre. Her next book: “Invited In, How to Become the Parent Your LGBTQ+ Child Needs”, is due out summer 2023.In this episode, Dr. Lulu shares with Anne-Marie her coming out (or "letting in") story, the common concerns of parents who learn that their child is Queer, underscores the unique perils that threaten black transgender women, discusses the roots of and harm caused by internalized homophobia, and talks about how she helps clients change their mindset, moving from a place of fear to acceptance.A song that resonates with Dr. Lulu today is Who's That Girl by Eve: https://youtu.be/8N9PL3Iz3xcSome books that Dr. Lulu recommends are:Beyond the Gender Binary by Alok Vaid Menon https://www.amazon.ca/Beyond-Gender-Binary-Alok-Vaid-Menon/dp/0593094654Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill https://www.amazon.ca/Think-Grow-Rich-1937/dp/B07Q5B3FVF/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Think+and+Grow+Rich+by+...Healing Back Pain by John E. Sarno, MD https://www.amazon.ca/Healing-Back-Pain/dp/B071L5C7S5/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1PRNGHPEC89MO&keywords=Healing...You can find Dr. Lulu on Instagram, YouTube and Twitter as @drlulutalkradio, on Facebook as Moma Trician, and on LinkedIn as Uchenna "Dr. Lulu" Umeh.

This week on Coming Out & Beyond: LGBTQIA+ Stories, host Anne-Marie Zanzal chats with Lynda Spann and Lisa Yaeger about the nuances of lesbian relationships.As therapists and creator/facilitators of the Lesbian Couples Institute, Lynda and Lisa have tapped into the lesbian couples counseling niche after recognizing there was a need for lesbian-specific therapy services. As lesbians and a couple of 18 years, Lynda and Lisa blend their professional experiences as therapists and life experiences as members of the LGBTQIA+ community to serve lesbian couples in a way that few therapists can. In this episode, Anne-Marie, Lynda, and Lisa explore some common themes that arise in lesbian relationships and address common challenges lesbian couples experience.You can find The Lesbian Couples Institute online here: https://lesbiancouplesinstitute.com/on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WomenCouplesInstitute/

This week on Coming Out & Beyond: LGBTQIA+ Stories, host Anne-Marie Zanzal digs deep into the topic of co-dependency with special guests Carla Romo and Sherry Gaba.Carla, a certified Life and Dating & Relationship Coach, and Sherry, LCSW & coach, are experts in the area of relationships and co-dependency. As hosts of The Love Fix, a podcast dedicated to dating, healing from codependency, and toxic relationships, Carla and Sherry bring a wealth of insight and wisdom to this week's episode. Anne-Marie, Carla, and Sherry explore themes surrounding codependency, including why people fall into co-dependent relationships, how to recognize codependency in yourself and others, challenge old tropes about lesbian relationships and codependency, and how to start on a journey of recovery from codependency. Carla and Sherry's 30 year age difference brings an array of perspectives to the conversation.You can find Carla and Sherry's podcast, The Love Fix, at www.thelovefix.com, or wherever you normally tune in to your favorite podcasts. You can also find the relationship quiz Carla and Sherry refer to at thelovefix.com.You can find Carla Romo's book, "Contagious Love" and Sherry Gaba's book "Love Smacked" on Amazon.

For the first time on the Coming Out & Beyond Podcast, we welcome...a Straight Ally!Host Anne-Marie Zanzal and her guest, Kwavi, have a great deal of sympatico in their work lives. Both work to help women overcome ageism, the constructs of heteronormativity, build courage and blow past their comfort zones. Where they diverge is in the populations they serve – Anne-Marie works with women in their 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond to come out later in life, and Kwavi works with women from all walks of life who are 50+. Kwavi is a certified life coach, speaker, author of the book "50 Questions to Answer When You Reach 50," and a life-long member of "Team Have Fun!" Her mission is to help empower women to take control of their lives on their own terms, and embrace their next chapter as a fascinating and exciting journey. She is a wife, a mother of 2 teenage boys and has been featured on CBS, NBC, ABC, Best Self Magazine and the Atlanta Journal Constitution. As you watch/listen along to this episode, you'll feel the positivity and confidence that radiates from Kwavi. Kwavi's message is an important one: she reminds us that no one is guaranteed a tomorrow, our time on Earth is short, and that we have a duty to live as our authentic selves – for our sakes, the sake of the people we love and for the world. The book that most inspires Kwavi is "The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom" by Don Miguel Ruiz.You can purchase Kwavi's book, "50 Questions to Answer When You Turn 50" on Amazon. You can connect with Kwavi via her website, www.kwavi.com Watch Kwavi on her YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/kwavitv Follow Kwavi on social media: Instagram: @ kwavi_tv TikTok: @ kwavi_tv

This week on the Coming Out & Beyond: LGBTQIA+ Stories podcast, you'll meet Hannah Jones. Hannah is a self described 35 year old "gaybaby!" She came to the realization she is gay during a stay in drug rehab 3 years ago - and has remained sober ever since! - and describes the process as a "slow awakening to always knowing."Hannah and Anne-Marie dive deep into topics of how the architecture of fundamentalist religion is built on misogyny, shame, and internalized homophobia. Hannah speaks candidly about her experience being immersed in a restrictive faith community, and how leaving the church and embracing sobriety brought her to a place of happiness, liberty and self-acceptance.Hannah is a licensed professional counselor at a community mental health center service people who do not typically have access to quality mental healthcare. She is mom to her awesome 4 year old son, Truett, and dog mom to 2 Rhodesian Ridgebacks who think they are lapdogs. In her spare time, you're likely to find Hannah immersed in nature, camping, backpacking, bikepacking, marathon running, nature photography, kayacking - anything that gets her outdoors! Other hobbies include reading non-fiction, drumming, roller derby, and daydreaming about one day having girlfriend - all of which are pursuits she wouldn't enjoy today if she hadn't embraced her authentic self! Hannah's story is an inspiration for anyone who feels held back by their religion, demonstrating to all of us that a life of vibrancy and fulfillment awaits us when we start living as the people we were made to be.Hannah's coming out songs are:"Waking Up" by MJ Cole"I am" by Satsangand "Fidelity" by Regina SpektorThe books that have had the greatest impact on her life areBraving the Wilderness by Brene BrownThy Queendom Come: Breaking Free from the Patriarchy to Save Your Soul by Kyndall Rae RothausAffirming: A Memoir of Faith, Sexuality and Staying in the Church by Sally Garyand Outlove: A Queer Christian Survival Story by Julie Rodgers.In the podcast, Hannah and Anne-Marie talk about the 2010 film 'Elena Undone.' You can find the trailer for this film on YouTube.

In this episode of the Coming Out & Beyond: LGBTQIA+ Stories podcast, Anne-Marie Zanzal speaks with trans activists Pastor Lazarus Jameson and Nick Mundwiller. Laz and Nick share their personal coming out stories, they're calling to work in ministry serving the Queer community, talk about the work they are doing to protect and re-home trans people in the state of Missouri who are at risk of persecution from trans-erasing laws, and emphasize the urgency required to keep trans people safe in a political and social climate of anti-trans sentiment.Pastor Lazarus Jameson (they/them) is a queer and non-binary chaplain out of St. Louis Missouri serving trans people and other underserved lgbtq folks in St. Louis, Missouri through their org Lot’s Wife Trans and Queer Chaplaincy. They have a masters of divinity degree from Andover Newton Theological School and an undergraduate degree in teaching woodshop from North Carolina State University. They live with two large elderly orange cats with anxiety and are currently learning to make stained glass art as a hobby. Nick Mundwiller (they/them) is a queer activist, educator, and organizer who recently left Missouri in search of safer pastures and more opportunities in Fresno. Nick has a Masters in Theological Studies from Harvard Divinity School where they studied the intersection of religion, ethics, and politics and has been involved in activism through education and change work across the country. Nick is a gamer, comic-nerd, and historical cooking fanatic!To support Laz and Nick's work to protect trans people in Missouri, visit https://www.patreon.com/lotswife.

Amy is an expert in facing fears and overcoming insurmountable obstacles. Through what she thought was the darkest time in her life, she began to wake up to aspects of her life she didn’t know existed. These realizations sparked an utter dismantling of her life, but was also what she needed to begin to rebuild.    Her Coming-out story is intertwined with her "coming out" of a toxic and abusive church and "coming out" of a 30 year relationship with her childhood sweetheart. For a time, she was consumed with grief, guilt and shame, while also grappling with her belief system and her very identity.   Now, Amy is a Transformational Life Coach, helping others to face the adversities in their lives and thrive despite them. Connect with Amy: www.amykvaughn.com   Facebook Instagram TikTok Listen to Amy's coming out songs, Right to Be Wrong and Free Me by Joss Stone on YouTube. Find more information and the link to sign up for our Catalyst Relationship Recovery Workshop here. Download our free guide "5 Places to Start When Coming Out" here. Schedule a free Connection Call with Anne-Marie.

On this week's episode of Coming Out & Beyond: LGBTQIA+ Stories, we're getting some good energy flowing with Linda Moore! Linda Moore's vocation in life is healing others. She has a long career in nursing and, in recent years, has turned her attention to energy healing. Linda is a Reiki master and energy healer who uses multiple modalities to help others restore their health. Linda discovered energy healing after incurring a shoulder injury and the experience launched her on a path of learning and discovery. Linda credits energy healing for 'peeling back the layers' of learned behaviour that does not align with her authentic self. After diving into the arena of energy healing, Linda became healed enough to accept the fact that she is a lesbian. In this episode, Linda and I have an in-depth conversation about how energy healing can be of immense benefit to those coming out later in life. After several years of working with Linda on her late-in-life journey, I am thrilled to share with you all that she is now our "in-house" energy worker at Lotus Group Coaching. After March 1st, 2023, anyone who signs up for Lotus Group Coaching has access to Linda for a Reiki session. Lotus Group Coaching is a program designed for women/non-binary people who are reevaluating their sexuality later in life. Wondering if Lotus Group Coaching is right for you? Book a free Discovery Call with Anne-Marie today: https://calendly.com/annemariezanzalcoachingllc/anne-marie-zanzal-connection-call?month=2023-02 You can listen to this and other episodes of the Coming Out & Beyond: LGBTQIA+ Stories podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, YouTube and on Anne-Marie's website: https://annemariezanzal.com/coming-out-stories-beyond- podcast/ Questioning your sexuality and not sure where to start? We have a free Coming Out Guide available to download: https://annemariezanzal.com/free-guide-where-to-start-your-coming-out-journey/ Follow Anne-Marie on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annemariezanzal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annemariezanzalcoaching/

Ready for some laughter, tears, and lots of wise, loving advice? Our final Share the Love February episode of the Coming Out & Beyond podcast has dropped, and it's a good 'un! Every Friday in the month of February in 2023, host Anne-Marie Zanzal and podcast producer Barb Rowlandson have been sharing lots of loving advice and encouragement with the late-in-life community. In this episode, Anne-Marie and Barb cover alllll the feelings and share their best advice when it comes to catalyst relationships, including: -defining 'what is a catalyst?' in the context of the coming out later in life experience, -why catalyst relationships are often profoundly joyful in the beginning, and earth-shatteringly painful when they end, -how catalyst relationships can often become all consuming, -separating your new Queer identity from your catalyst, -picking up the pieces and healing after a catalyst relationship ends, and more! In this episode, Barb shares her catalyst experience with listeners and offers reflections on the good, the bad, and the ugly about catalyst relationships. Anne-Marie offers tons of wise, loving advice on how to navigate these relationships, and what to do if your catalyst relationship ends. You can catch episodes of the Coming Out & Beyond: LGBTQIA+ Stories podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and at www.annemariezanzal.com Want to book a Discovery Call with Anne-Marie? You can select a time for a call here: https://calendly.com/annemariezanzalcoachingllc/discovery-call?month=2023-01 Learn more about Lotus Group Coaching here: https://annemariezanzal.com/lotus-group-coaching/ For context, here's a link to that 1993 photo of kd lang and Cindy Crawford. Photo by Herb Ritts for Vanity Fair magazine: https://www.reddit.com/r/OldSchoolCool/comments/qynov7/a_little_throwback_kd_lang_and_cindy_crawford... In the podcast, we refer to Tonda McKay's articles on the origins of the 'convert a straight woman, win a toaster oven' joke and relationships between long-out and newly-out lesbians. You can find these articles here: https://annemariezanzal.com/whats-up-with-the-toaster-oven-by-tonda-mckay/ https://annemariezanzal.com/when-this-long-time-out-lesbian-dated-a-newbie/

We're sharing the love in February with podcast listeners! This episode is all about finding, celebrating, and cultivating joy after coming out later in life. Every Friday in the month of February, host Anne-Marie Zanzal and podcast producer Barb Rowlandson will be sharing lots of loving advice and encouragement with the late-in-life community. This week, Anne-Marie and Barb dive into the topic of joy, including: -The infectiousness of joy, -The joy of shedding old beliefs and expectations to live as your true self, -Celebrating the independence that comes with coming out later in life, -The unparalleled feeling of joy that comes with being accepted by Queer community, -Stepping into courageousness, -The multi-layered joy that comes with intimacy in Queer relationships, and more! Share the Love February continues with more loving advice and encouragement for the late-in-life community. Our final Share the Love episode drops on February 24th when we unpack the complexities of catalyst relationships. Anne-Marie and Barb will share lots of loving advice about overcoming heartbreak and stepping into self-love. You can also catch these episodes of the Coming Out & Beyond: LGBTQIA+ Stories podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and at www.annemariezanzal.com Want to book a Discovery Call with Anne-Marie? You can select a time for a call here: https://calendly.com/annemariezanzalcoachingllc/discovery-call?month=2023-01 Learn more about Lotus Group Coaching here: https://annemariezanzal.com/lotus-group-coaching/

We're sharing the love in February with podcast listeners! This episode is dedicated with love to all of you in the late-in-life community who are struggling with grief surrounding your coming out experience. Every Friday in the month of February, host Anne-Marie Zanzal and podcast producer Barb Rowlandson will be sharing lots of loving advice and encouragement with the late-in-life community. This week, Anne-Marie and Barb tackle the topic of grief, including: -Why it's normal to grieve your old, married/hetero life, -How, sometimes, we can find ourselves grieving a life we didn't live, -Finding someone to talk to about your grief other than your partner, -The truth about how long it takes to grieve, -Feeling joy and grief simultaneously, -Why the grief journey never travels in a straight line and more! Share the Love February continues with more loving advice and encouragement for the late-in-life community: February 17th - Anne-Marie and Barb talk about the joy that comes with coming out later in life February 24th - We unpack the complexities of catalyst relationships, with lots of loving advice about overcoming heartbreak and stepping into self-love. You can also catch these episodes of the Coming Out & Beyond: LGBTQIA+ Stories podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and at www.annemariezanzal.com Want to book a Discovery Call with Anne-Marie? You can select a time for a call here: https://calendly.com/annemariezanzalcoachingllc/discovery-call?month=2023-01 Learn more about Lotus Group Coaching here: https://annemariezanzal.com/lotus-group-coaching/

We're sharing the love in February with podcast listeners! If you're someone in the late-in-life community who needs some loving encouragement about getting a divorce, this is a must-listen episode! Every Friday in the month of February, host Anne-Marie Zanzal and podcast producer Barb Rowlandson will be sharing lots of loving advice and encouragement with the late-in-life community. This week, Anne-Marie and Barb cover a multitude of topics surrounding divorce, including: -Whether or not to disclose your newly (re)discovered sexual identity to your husband, -When to see a lawyer, -Whether or not mediation is right for you, -Flipping your mindset from 'I am destroying my family' to 'I am changing my family,' -Why divorce can ultimately be very good for kids. -Pushing past fear and getting out of your comfort zone. Share the Love February continues with more loving advice and encouragement for the late-in-life community: February 10th - This episode focuses on navigating grief when coming out and/or divorcing February 17th - Anne-Marie and Barb talk about the joy that comes with coming out later in life February 24th - We unpack the complexities of catalyst relationships, with lots of loving advice about overcoming heartbreak and stepping into self-love. You can also catch these episodes of the Coming Out & Beyond: LGBTQIA+ Stories podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and at www.annemariezanzal.com Want to book a Discovery Call with Anne-Marie? You can select a time for a call here: https://calendly.com/annemariezanzalcoachingllc/discovery-call?month=2023-01 Learn more about Lotus Group Coaching here: https://annemariezanzal.com/lotus-group-coaching/

Joan Alexander is a Spiritual Director & Supervisor who came out as a lesbian in her mid-forties. Twenty years later, she is here to share a bit of her life story...how she worked in The Anglican Church of Canada, told her sons she was queer via email, met the love of her life (a same-gender priest) in The Church, was disowned by her siblings for making this "choice" and...how today she serves others on similar journeys in her practice of spiritual direction and supervision. Visit Joan Alexander's website: www.joanalexanderspiritualdirector.com Joan's Contemplative Circle for Queer Women is a six-session opportunity to practice and participate in contemplative listening within a community of queer women who are coming out later in life. Coming from a variety of spiritual/religious backgrounds and perhaps in the processes of deconstructing and reconstructing lives – all will be welcome here! This group will meet on: DATES (Tuesdays): March 7 & March 21, 2023 April 4 & 18, 2023 May 2 &16, 2023 6:30 p.m. Mountain Time If you'd like to participate, please reach out to Joan at [email protected].  Book a free Discovery Call with Anne-Marie. Download the free Coming Out Guide here. Learn more about Lotus Group Coaching here. Follow Anne-Marie on Facebook and Instagram. Listen to the Coming Out & Beyond: LGBTQIA+ podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and on www.annemariezanzal.com 

Stephannie Weikert is a Certified Yoga Therapist and creator of the Make Peace with Stress method. She wants to live in a world where all women flourish because she knows that when women thrive everyone benefits.   She mentors women who feel stuck and struggle with overwhelm and self-doubt to incorporate the time-tested wisdom of yoga into their daily lives so that they can be balanced, calm, and confident.  When she's not teaching women to use life’s challenges as catalysts for growth, she can usually be found hiking or planning to hike all the trails, reading, practicing ukulele, or working on her first book about how to make peace with stress.   Discover more about Stephannie and Make Peace with Stress at makepeacewithstress.com. Follow Stephannie on Instagram  Follow Stephannie on Facebook  Book a Discovery Call with Anne-Marie  Download the free Coming Out Guide 

Christine Gardner Terpening is an artist, an entrepreneur, a mother and also a late in life lesbian. Christine was born and raised in the rural community of Vermontville, Michigan. Raised in a time where she knew something was “shamefully” different about her, but didn’t quite understand that she may be gay. She spent her youth in rodeo and reigned as Miss Rodeo Michigan 1992. She later married her wonderful high school sweetheart and Naval Veteran husband and had three beautiful kids with horses and a hobby farm. Despite having the “perfect” life, Christine fell out of the closet less than gracefully at 44. Lost, scared, and lonely, she could no longer deny her truth. Thanks to her loving kids, family and a few solid friends, she weathered the storm, gathered her feet underneath her, and swore she would help others to not go through what she went through (or at least not do it alone). She started a business called Happy Suz & Co selling her designs of positive LGBTQ+ merchandise with “Something for everyone under the rainbow.” Most importantly, Christine started I’ll Be Your Rock, a rural LGBTQ+ youth support. Meant to be local, this support group has drawn youth from many communities even as far as an hour away. Christine’s dream is to have a chapter of I’ll Be Your Rock in every rural community where queer resources are limited to non-existent. Thanks to “Rocks” that have joined in her queer crusade, Vermontville Michigan is hosting their very first Pride geared solely towards teens and younger. Vermontville Youth Pride will be August 20 and hopes to raise rural awareness and funds for the kids in this community and beyond. From Christine: Christine Gardner Terpening [email protected] I can be followed or friended on FB I can be reached on messenger. Any child or a parent struggling to find support for their child can contact me any way they feel comfortable. We have a private FB group that is for youth, but parents may also join if their kids don’t have FB. You can also follow me at Vermontville Youth Pride, Moonshine Fine Art Studio, or Happy Suz & Co on FB. This started in Vermontville but we don’t turn any kid away. Our FB group is available to anyone, near or far and it’s private and discreet.

Michelle identifies as a member of the LGBTQIA+ family as intersex. In this podcast she shares her story of finding out that she is intersex at 15 and how her family navigated this time. After the death of her young son she realized that she needed to revisit this time of her life to explore the unexamined grief and shame around her diagnosis. Michelle has recently come out as a proud member of the intersex family.

Mary is a transformational travel junkie and explorer of inner and outer landscapes. She loves to discover what lights people up and help move them in that direction. As a connector, reflector, motivator and reverent passenger of this planet, Mary builds adventure trips and specialty retreats which inspire deeper connections to the self, to others and to the Earth. She’s a Colorado resident, but calls many places home; hiking in the high desert, anywhere on a bike, in the presence of ancient Redwoods or in a kayak at sunrise. One of her core beliefs is that “Nature nurtures,” that it’s a powerful catalyst for personal growth, and that unplugged outdoor experiences result in calmer, more grounded humans, often looking toward their futures with new eyes. Providing women a conduit for this kind of transformation is her jam, and the driving force behind her new endeavor, Women OUT West Tours. Mary worked as a midwife and women’s health clinician for 20 years until a 10-day solo “walkabout” in the high desert radically shifted her perspective. Her mission now is to help other women on the path towards their best iteration, using Nature as a conduit. Her other side gigs include being mom to two phenomenal man-children, sharing a Maine Coon with her ex-husband down the street, and spending an inordinate amount of time crafting adventures in her head.

Ash France (she/her) is a somatic practitioner who works one on one with queer women who are coming out later in life and are longing to create secure relationships as they identify & heal unhealthy relationship patterns. Ash is originally from Oklahoma, and recently got engaged to Dawna Noble after moving to Oregon last year. She’s the host of the podcast, Queer Couples Conversations, where she & her fiancé, Dawna, talk all things queer relationships & how to build one that can last. Queer Couples Conversations dropped TODAY, so please listen, follow, rate & review! You can connect with Ash on Instagram @ashfrancecoaching Dawna Noble is a lgbtq+ relationship specialist that is trained in a psychobiological biological approach to couples therapy and currently works with Queer couples showing them how to build secure and lasting relationship in her Queer Couples Mastery program.She is also the co-host Queer Couples Conversations with her soon to be wife Ash France. You can find Dawna at Lgbtq+ Couples Specialist on Instagram.

Listen to Rebecca's inspiring story, coming out while practicing Judaism.

Suzette Mullen is an author, retreat leader, and certified book coach who helps LGBTQ+ writers and allies start and finish nonfiction books they will be proud to share with the world. Her mission is to use her gifts and passion for justice to help birth LGBTQ+ stories that bring light, hope, and connected to people who feel alone or othered. And maybe, just maybe, change hearts and minds, one story at a time, in the process. Suzette is a graduate of Harvard Law School and Wellesley College, and also holds a certificate in spiritual formation from Columbia Theological Seminary. In 2019, she brought her passion for justice to her new hometown of Lancaster PA and co-founded The Lancaster LGBTQ+ Coalition. The proud mom of two adult sons, she is loving this chapter of life with her wife Wendy and their rescue pup Lucy—and is forever grateful the universe nudged her to take a detour five years ago to Central Pennsylvania where she's been embraced with open arms by friends of all ages, genders, and sexual orientations.

Are you considering or in the process of divorce? Lawyer Shanon Oury gives some tips and advice on how to navigate through this time of your life.     Shannon Oury (she/her) – practiced law for 20 years before changing careers to follow her passion to provide affordable housing to low income families. She was appointed as the Executive Director of the Lawrence Housing Authority in January of 2011. She is a member of the Affordable Housing Advisory Board for Lawrence, Kansas, served on the Board for the Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health and is the convener for the Community Health Plan for the Safe and Affordable Housing initiative. She is involved in several nationwide organizations that promote affordable housing. She is an adventurer, avid kayaker, and hiker. She has two adult daughters that share her quest for adventure.

Carla Mullins is an adjunct instructor, mental health therapist, mother, wife, extreme introvert, friend of cats, lifelong pacific northwesterner, and increasingly fearless lesbian poet.  Check out Carla's first published poem here: https://www.lavrev.net/2021/12/c-eliot-mullins.html?m=1

Mother of two kids, a 21 year old transgender daughter, cisgender daughter. Writer, online content stratigist and creator. From Barbara: If folks would like to follow my adventures in growing flowers they can connect with Queen Bee Flower Farm on Facebook and Instagram, or visit the website at www.queenbeeflowerfarm.com.

Anne-Marie Zanzal and Tonda McKay share their heartfelt love story, highlighting the unique journey of coming out later in life as a lesbian couple. With Anne-Marie's transition from identifying as a married mother to embracing her true self, the couple discusses the complexities and joys of their relationship. They explore the challenges they faced, including navigating past traumas and societal expectations, while emphasizing the importance of being open to love and connection. Their candid conversation delves into the emotional labor involved in their relationship, showcasing how they support each other through difficult times. Ultimately, Anne-Marie and Tonda's story is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and the beauty of discovering one's identity at any age.

Andrea Hewitt who came out at the age of 44 after having two children and being married to two different men. Finding very few resources for people coming out later on in life she created the website a late life lesbian story in 2015 and created a facebook support group in 2016 that grew over 2,000 folks worldwide. She lives in Nashville Tennesee with her wife Rachel and owns a dual agency.

Anna Empey grew up on a 2,000-acre apple and fruit orchard in Eastern Washington. While growing up she went to the farmers market selling her family fruit until she left to go to college. She graduated with her degree from Brigham Young University in Anthropology, with a Minor in Communications. Anna came out to her Mormon family when she was 25 and her and her wife just celebrated 3 years of marriage. Anna loves supporting small businesses and has created a business to help others and she has also spent countless hours volunteering for a variety LGBTQ organizations.

Miriam Grace, Psychotherapist, Writer, Supervisor, and Lecturer, works remotely from her home in Sheffield, UK. She has been in practice for over 30 years and her current research and writing focuses on women in midlife transitions, which include sexuality; health, disability and aging; menopause; caring for elderly parents; career and confidence; divorce and heartbreak; empty nest syndrome and living with teenagers. Her enthusiasm, care, and knowledge for clients and students is appreciated by many in individual sessions, groups, workshops, and coaching. Her specialisms are trauma, relationships, and women coming out later in life. For more details of Miriam’s professional story or training qualifications and accreditations see Miriam Grace or her home page www.blue-skies.org.uk

Pasha Marlowe holds a masters in marriage and family therapy and currently works as a therapeutic comedy coach and pleasure podcast host. Check out Pasha across the web: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pasha.marlowe IG-@pashamarlowe "Let Pleasure be the Measure" Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/let-pleasure-be-the-measure/id1548282200 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3VqgHlOwxvsTRZKK9W1PgI?si=rVRzdIvsSialJPCthLURAA YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHIKCBH-7r-wwkvzRlVJGFA

April grew up Independent Fundamentalist Baptist. Our discussion focuses on coming out from a conservative religious background. We reflect on faith, God, and finding community.

Javana (like Banana) is a 40 years old, mom to two children, business owner, holistic dentist, intuitive and tarot card reader. She used to be a fundamental evangelical Christian, she had her spiritual awakening in 2011, and then her sexual awakening in 2018. For more info on Javana's dental practice: www.naturallyyoudentist.com

Robin describes herself as a VERY late-blooming lesbian who really wasn’t aware of any romantic feelings toward women while growing up. Although in hindsight, she does remember what she would describe today, as a “crush” on her female tennis instructor when she was just 8 or 9 years old. Robin supposes, but isn’t sure, that the sudden death of her mother, when she was 10, may have hijacked any possibility of realizing any other sexuality other than what was hetero-normative growing up. Fast forward decades later, (while married to a man for 28 years, and has 2 grown daughters), she unassumingly “followed the breadcrumbs” of an emerging infatuation with women. When that infatuation grew to the point of not being able to ignore it, Robin employed rather unconventional ways to finally get to the bottom of all these strong and increasing with frequency ‘girl crushes’, until she finally had her “AHA!” moment! Bloomers-society.mn.co (A (free) community of late blooming lesbians of all ages and stages of their personal journeys of coming out; sharing stories and solutions and friendships). They also have an Instagram account: @bloomers.society; and a Facebook Group (search “Bloomers Society). Lesbianbarproject.com (Last year, two young NY film producers set out to raise awareness AND funds for the floundering 15 remaining US Lesbian Bars. They produced a short documentary and fundraised for a month. Based on last year’s success, they’re embarking on Lesbian Bar Project #2 this year with yet another documentary and a special event at a NY Lesbian Bar re-opening in June. Check their website for details about events and how you can support their fundraising efforts.

Samantha Fox is a late bloomer, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice in New York City and a guide/coach for women coming-out later in life in her newly launched program Curious, Questioning and Coming Out. Mother of three humans and 2 fur babes. Samantha came out after marriage with three kids under 5 years of age almost twenty years ago, in 2002, when there was little support for women going through this awakening. Samantha has created a program called Curious, Questioning and Coming out. Samantha is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in NYC specializing in women’s sexuality and has been helping women explore this area of their lives for over ten years. This program creates a safe space for women to find community, adopt a curious-mindset, thrive and connect, while supporting one another through the process of questioning their sexuality and coming out later in life. Self-understanding, belonging and acceptance are a few of the invaluable takeaways from this small group and 1:1 coaching program.

Judy grew up in Nashville, Tennessee in a Roman Catholic family. She came out in the early 1970’s and live in San Francisco during the AIDS crisis. Her story is a testament to the courageousness underground culture of those who came out out in the South. Judy is a website designer and writer/mentor. You can find her at site-shack.com or www.judyannwilson.com.

Megan was married to a man, mom of four, and came out at 38.  She is a therapist who lives in the northeast and she works with the queer community.

Tammie came out at 50 after marriage to a man and three kids. She lives in the Northwest and works as a non-profit director.

Karin came out at fifty after marriage to a man and three children.  Her story is poignant as she speaks with deep understanding about leaving a long time relationship and her current estrangement from her children.

JoAnne first wondered if she might be gay in her mid 40s when her 20 year marriage was ending, but then met another man with whom she had a good sex life so she thought "I guess I was just with the wrong partner".  She got married again at age 48 and became a widow six years later.  At age 55 she fell in love with a woman and she felt comfortable in her own skin for the first time in her adult life.

Olivia Hill was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee. She is the parent of two children and came out at fifty two as a trans woman. She served 10 years in the US Navy and worked at Vanderbilt University for 25 years. She is on the Board of Directors for Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce, Vanderbilt Women's Committee fighting for Women's rights, and was elected to the University Staff Advisory Council and the Equity Diversity and Inclusion committee.

Terri Conroy came out at 43 after being married to a man for 17 years and having 2 kids. She always knew she was gay but like so many others, her conservative upbringing made any chance of coming out and being accepted non-existent. It was only when she started to teach my teenaged children to be true and honest with themselves that she realized she needed to “walk the talk”. She came out, divorced and her xh and kids are doing well and no one was traumatized. It had its moments of heartache and challenges but it was all worth it. Terri is now living as an out and authentic person in a loving and healthy relationship with a woman.

Carla came out in her late thirties. She is the mom of two kids and is a voice teacher in Seattle. You can find her thttp://www.carlahilderbrand.com

Kristy came out at 36 after marriage to a man and two sons. She shares a home with her partner, Brandie in Maine, along with their five dogs! She is an artist, photographer, writer and does tarot and oracle reads along with self care mental health clips on TikTok and Youtube. You can follow her at @Healwithkristylee

Marissa Mitchell is a high school English teacher who came out at the age of 39. She resides in Indiana with her daughter and two cats and enjoys reading, roller skating, and writing poetry in her spare time.