Life (UN)Closeted: LGBTQ+ Coming Out Stories & Advice for living out and proud!
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Imagine being 19, just coming out, and heading to NYC - broadway to be exact - and all those dreams turn into a different dream you never would have imagined. Now, fast forward 35 years later and you let that twist of dream guide you through all the other coming out journeys that life has to offer. That's where we are arriving today with author, screenwriter, filmmaker and actor, Gregory G. Allen as he shares his multiple coming out stories and a little gem of a book that any of those states that are banning books would have a hard time banning, because the subtext is all about just being yourself! ABOUT GREGORY Gregory G. Allen is an award-winning author, screenwriter, filmmaker and actor. He has been in the entertainment industry for 35 years having acted in plays, musicals, TV, film and national tours. His short films have screened at 100 festivals around the world including twice at the American Pavilion at the Cannes Film Festival (Hiding in Daylight: Writer/Producer & Reparations: Writer/Director) in 2019 & 2020. He has been the recipient of several awards including Best Director and Best Screenplay for his short films and was inducted into the prestigious 125th Anniversary Year (2023) Marquis Who's Who for his dedication to the fields of arts, entertainment, and advocacy. Gregory has received writing grants from BMI, ASCAP, the Watershed Foundation and is a member of The Dramatist Guild, the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, and a former member of the BMI Musical Theater Workshop. He is the award-winning author of four novels, one nonfiction memoir, two short stories, and four children's books. He has spent over 15 years in arts management and currently is the manager of a theater in Westchester County, New York. CONNECT WITH GREGORY Website https://www.gregorygallen.com Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Gregory.G.Allen.Arts Instagram https://www.instagram.com/imgregoryallen/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregory-g-allen-45aa6136
Were you raised to play it safe because you were afraid to cause others pain? Then, you decide to put on a happy face facade and instead of walking boldly through life, you held yourself back. Leaving the “unspeakable” feelings unspoken, until you finally decide to take a leap that might be your only chance to feel fully alive and to experience your new possibilities of what you are meant to be. In her new book, Suzette Mullen takes you on an introspective, bittersweet, and empowering, journey for coming-out and coming-of-age for every human who is longing to live authentically but is afraid of the cost. ABOUT SUZETTE Suzette Mullen (she/her) is a memoir and nonfiction book coach, retreat leader, and the author of the new memoir The Only Way Through Is Out, published by the University of Wisconsin Press. Her essays have appeared in the New York Times, today.com, among other outlets. As a book coach, Suzette focuses on amplifying the voices of LGBTQ+ writers as she guides them to find their deeper stories and define their big ideas. Suzette made a big leap personally and professionally at midlife and now lives in Pennsylvania with her wife and their rescue pup. CONNECT WITH SUZETTE Website https://www.yourstoryfinder.com/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/yourstoryfinder Instagram https://www.instagram.com/urstoryfinder/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzette-mullen-lgbtq-book-coach/
How do you step into an an attitude of being less hateful and more grateful when it comes to Christianity and LGBTQ+ individuals? You step beyond your diversity bias and stop practicing moral exclusions. Out and proud bisexual Amanda Udis-Kessler provides us with insights on how loving others and ourselves is the truest expression of floursing and being more christ like as LGBTQ+ individuals. All of this is explored through the lenses of her new books and spiritual music. ABOUT AMANDA Amanda Udis-Kessler is a sociologist, writer, songwriter, progressive sacred music composer, and antiracism trainer. She came out as bisexual in 1982 and more recently has been coming out as a progressive Christian, an experience given more urgency by the upcoming (May 2024) publication of her book Abundant Lives: A Progressive Christian Ethic of Flourishing by Pilgrim Press. Find her writing at amandaudiskessler.com and her free-use music at queersacredmusic.com. CONNECT WITH AMANDA https://amzn.to/3tMC775 Website https://www.amandaudiskessler.com Music Website http://queersacredmusic.com
What do you do when you move from NYC to the Connecticut burbs to create LGBTQ+ Community? You literally create it yourself. Showing us the path on how to do that in any community, is Brian P. McGunagle founder of Westport Pride. Learn how he, his husband and kids are living out loud and proud in a small town community that has even battle the wars of book bans. ABOUT BRIAN Brian is the founder of Westport Pride. Having moved to Westport with his husband in 2016, he was curious about what the LGBTQ+ community looked like and moreover where they were. In the fall of 2020, during COVID, he posed these questions to the residents of Westport through a story featured on the popular 06880 blog. The outpouring was overwhelming, and in 2021, Westport Pride was born. Brian is an active volunteer in Westport and serves on the Board of Directors at Positive Directions, Downtown Plan Implementation Committee, Aspetuck Health District Community Needs Advisory Committee, and The Westport Library Common Ground Initiative. Brian also represents Westport Pride during TEAM Westport meetings. Brian has spent over 20 years in various senior positions within the financial services, retail energy, and residential real estate sectors. He holds a bachelor's degree from Trinity College and an MBA from Fordham University. Though currently on sabbatical, he is also a Postulant for Priesthood with the Episcopal Church in Connecticut. Brian lives in Westport with his husband Stephen Gustafson, their two children, several silkie chickens, and their moyen poodle Gracie. He enjoys gardening, carpentry, and going to Compo Beach in his spare time. CONNECT WITH BRIAN Website https://www.westportpride.org/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/loveoutproud LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/moearibrown/
From a very young age he knew he was different in spirit, two-spirits to be exact. Yet, he pushed through, did the things that were expected of him, and yet, never lost sight of the essence of who he was. While he left the world of music for a time, the music never left him and the kaleidoscope of his life finally caught back up to him, nudging him back into his passion of music, story telling, and writing about the beauty of being an Indigiqueer artist and creative. Roger Kuhn talks about his two-spirit roots and being as well as talks about his new pop single Kaleidoscope and his new book Somacultural Liberation. ABOUT ROGER Roger Kuhn’s new single, “Kaleidoscope” - his first since signing with music label, So Fierce Music - is a dance song rooted in classic house and progressive EDM that asks listeners: and For the artist, freedom is pursing his dreams and living his truth, which is why after working as a psychotherapist for the past decade, Kuhn decided to take time away from his practice and prioritize his creative expression once again. “I love being a music artist,” explains the singer-songwriter whose breakout single from 2008, "What's Your Name," was crowned Song of the Year by the Stonewall Society for the Arts. “Even the lyrics in “Kaleidoscope” reflect on my joy,” Kuhn continues. “I sing about flying through the sky, never being so high, and how I can’t believe I’m not falling. That’s who I am when I am performing live or writing songs. I am living my ultimate purpose and celebrating my authentic self.” Roger Kuhn’s real self includes being a bi-racial, bi-cultural, Two-Spirit Indigiqueer artist. His father was of German and Russian descent and his mother is a Poarch Creek woman. He recalls his childhood in rural North Dakota as being a mix of curiosity and wonder where he would spend hours meandering through the forests on the family farm, singing and writing songs. Sadly, there were moments of horror, too, as his father was an abusive alcoholic who terrorized Roger’s family. The pain was further exacerbated by the young boy’s feelings of isolation as he began to question his gender and sexual orientation. Roger says his gender is best described as circular, meaning he is not on a fixed binary. It is the same with his sexuality. “Gender and sexual orientation can be seen through a kaleidoscopic lens,” he explains. “When you peer through a kaleidoscope you see multiples shapes, colors, expressions, and beauty, which is what life is like if we allow ourselves to see beyond the ordinary.” CONNECT WITH ROGER Website https://www.rogerkuhn.com/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/rogerkuhn/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rkoughenr/
When you know, you know, but when you act on what you know could take years. Transition Mentor, Wendy Cole shares her story of transitioning into her truth at age 67 to be the woman she always knew she was. Now she guides others to step into their rightful self, and take the journey of transition so that they can be authentically who they are meant to be and live a life filled with happiness. ABOUT WENDY As a Transition Mentor, Wendy Cole helps her clients face any significant life changes. Since 2017, Wendy has guided others through transitions. Her life experiences are the tools she uses. She believes in the mind’s powers; she practices mindfulness, shifting her beliefs and energy to support herself going forward, making profound changes in her life, health, and finding joy in being. Knowing who you are, and not BEING who you are: this is the starting point of every Transitional situation. You KNOW who you truly are, in every aspect, but the outside is what matters. That is what people see. Taking that first transitional step is TERRIFYING. It’s the stress: stress of the journey, stress of the mental weight, stress of worrying about the outside world… The physical transition is the easiest part; it’s getting through the mental transition that holds us back. Knowing from childhood she was a girl, Wendy yielded to familial and societal expectations to fit in. At age 67, Wendy changed her life with her transition. Beginning in January 2015 she focused internally: accepting who she really was, confronting fears, doubts, and anxieties that held her back for decades. She took the leap of faith to find freedom and joy in being herself. By July 2015, Wendy was living as a woman. She had her long-awaited surgery at NYU Medical in 2017. Wendy knows by focusing inwardly to find freedom and joy will benefit the rest of your life. CONNECT WITH WENDY Website https://WendyColeGTM.net Facebook https://www.facebook.com/wendycolegtm Instagram https://www.instagram.com/wcole212/
It's Valentine's Day and time for some love and rejection. Let's hope more love than rejection. But, if have no agenda, and you learn to master rejection, then you can be happy and in love with yourself. Helping us give ourselves a little love this Valentine's Day is pop artist, Jaime Andrian, sharing his story of major pop star rejection and how he's learned to rebound to love himself. Plus he shares all about his new new single - If You Could Read My Mind! ABOUT JAMIE Jaime Adrian’s explosive new album, , dips into multiple genres of dance music from Latin beat to country twists, house tracks and euro pop. “I didn’t want people to say it all sounds the same,” the artist reflects, with a grin. Releasing with the album is Jaime Adrian’s cover of “If You Could Read My Mind https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/o5gxvbrzqsslu2hjy5yp0/7.-If-You-Could-Read-My-Mind-Full-Mix-MASTERED.wav?rlkey=ms7gt2crqik6lu9mp5a2955j8&dl=0”. “That song was an anthem for me and my friends growing up,” he explains of the house music version, released in 1998 for the film 54. “I jumped at the opportunity to record and put my own spin on it. I hope I do it justice.” Other tracks on include “Jaded”, an original song about Jaime’s obsession with Jade Thirlwall from the girl group Little Mix, and “Belong,” a nod to Jaime’s self-described nerdy quirks. “The songs I wrote are all based on my experiences or things I’ve seen people I love go through,” he explains. “Every song has a different attachment to me.” Produced by Velvet Code, Jaime Adrian’s is being distributed by So Fierce Music/The Orchard/Sony Music Entertainment and is available on Apple Music, Spotify, and all digital platforms https://orcd.co/noagenda. Jaime Adrian was born on the east side of Chicago. His father passed away when he was 17. His mother raised him and his little brother and sister on her own. It was a Mexican and very Catholic neighborhood and kids often made fun of Jaime for being different. They called his love of singing “not something a real man would do” and for years, they managed to silence his voice. Until came calling. Jaime Adrian flew to Kansas City and after performing for the preliminary judges, he learned he had made it to the live show auditions! The show did not go as planned, however. L.A. Reid called Jaime’s performance horrible karaoke. Demi Lovato told Jaime that he was a good singer but that it was the wrong song choice. He spent the rest of the day crying in his hotel room from embarrassment, determined to stop singing. In 2020, Jaime moved back to Chicago where he met music producer Velvet Code. “Velvet encouraged me to find my voice again,” Jaime explains. “We started with one song, then another, and another.” Their latest single, “Lollipop,” released this summer, won much acclaim for the young singer. With its dark Latin/reggaeton pop beat, the track clapped back at the negative people who have tried to quash Jaime’s spirit. It appears on “If you would have told me before 2020 that I’d have a completed album in 2024, I wouldn’t have believed it. I worked my butt off all last year to complete saving and paying for it all out of...
Love and connection. Who doesn't desire those things? Very few. So why is it so hard for us as humans, and especially LGBTQ+ beings to find it and keep it. It's starts by deliberately choosing to live authentically and doing the internal work so that love can show up. Guiding us today to that truth, is Moe Ari Brown, Hinge's (online dating app based on the premise that anyone looking for love should be able to find it) Love and Connection Expert. Take a listen and let's explore love and connection. ABOUT MOE Moe is Hinge’s first ever Love and Connection Expert. They are a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and one of the leading mental health experts in the realm of Transgender Identity. Over the past decade, Moe has worked with LGBTQIA+ individuals, couples, and families on their journey to love their authentic selves and establish meaningful connections. They are also a Diversity & Equity Consultant and former Adjunct Professor at Adler University. Moe graduated from Northwestern University with an MS in Marriage and Family Therapy. CONNECT WITH MOE Moe's Website https://theemoeari.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/loveoutproud LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/moearibrown/
You can't turn on the news these days without white supremacy and racism being part of the headline news. Yet, how we define both these things isn't just about the color of one's skin. And then, how we choose talk, or not talk about them is what is causing more strife on the planet. Roxy Manning, PhD and Sarah Peyton share with us in today's podcast how to have antiracist conversation and how to truly understand our own biases, even when we think we don't have them. Plus they talk about their books - How to Have Antiracist Conversations: Embracing Our Full Humanity to Challenge White Supremacy, and the companion workbook - The Antiracist Heart: A Self-Compassion and Activism Handbook. ABOUT ROXY AND SARAH Roxy Manning, PhD is a clinical psychologist and certified Center for Nonviolent Communication (CNVC) trainer. She brings decades of service experience to her work interrupting explicitly and implicitly oppressive attitudes and cultural norms. Dr. Manning has worked, consulted, and provided training across the US with businesses, nonprofits, and government organizations wanting to move towards equitable and diverse workplace cultures, as well as internationally in over 10 countries with individuals and groups committed to social change. She also works as a psychologist in San Francisco serving the homeless and disenfranchised mentally ill population. She is the author of How to Have Antiracist Conversations: Embracing Our Full Humanity to Challenge White Supremacy and the co-author with Sarah Peyton of the companion text, The Antiracist Heart: A Self-Compassion and Activism Handbook. Sarah Peyton, Certified Trainer of Nonviolent Communication and neuroscience educator, integrates brain science and the use of resonant language to awaken and sustain self-compassion, particularly in the face of such difficult issues like self-condemnation, self-disgust and self-sabotage. She teaches and lectures internationally and is the author of the Your Resonant Self book series. She is also the co-author alongside Roxy Manning, PhD of The Antiracist Heart: A Self-Compassion and Activism Handbook. CONNECT WITH ROXY AND SARAH Roxy's Website https://roxannemanning.com/ Sarah's Website https://sarahpeyton.com/ Roxy Facebook https://www.facebook.com/roxy.manning2 Sarah's Facebook https://www.facebook.com/empathybrain/ Roxy's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/roxymanningphd/ Sarah's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sarahpeytonauthor/ X-Twitter https://twitter.com/resonantself Roxy LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/roxymanningphd/ Sarah's LInkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-peyton-5979903/
Every day seven hundred children enter the foster care system in the United States, and thousands more live on the brink. In his new “truly revealing” (Hilary Clinton) memoir, SAFE: A Memoir of Fatherhood, Foster Care, and the Risks We Take for Family https://www.amazon.com/Safe-Memoir-Fatherhood-Foster-Family/dp/1668008785/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3AVBDU1XLAIH9&keywords=safe+mark+daley&qid=1704647749&sprefix=safe+mark+daley%252Caps%252C158&sr=8-1&_encoding=UTF8&tag=perfectdetour-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=c00905b6b1392a6612c87d3c2b0a596c&camp=1789&creative=9325, longtime activist Mark Daley traces his, and his husbands unlikely journey to parenthood through the American foster care system, shining a spotlight on how we treat the most vulnerable among us and sounding a vital call to overhaul a thoroughly broken system. ABOUT MARK MARK DALEY is a social activist, entrepreneur, and foster-turned-adoptive father. Daley has over two decades of experience in message development, communication strategy, and public policy, including as a communications director and spokesperson for then-Senator Hillary Clinton’s 2008 presidential campaign. He has worked with more than thirty members of Congress, numerous governors, and other elected officials. He is the founder of One Iowa, the state’s largest LGBTQ+ equality organization, and TheFosterParent.com, a national platform to connect interested families with foster organizations. https://www.amazon.com/Safe-Memoir-Fatherhood-Foster-Family/dp/1668008785/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3AVBDU1XLAIH9&keywords=safe+mark+daley&qid=1704647749&sprefix=safe+mark+daley%252Caps%252C158&sr=8-1&_encoding=UTF8&tag=perfectdetour-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=c00905b6b1392a6612c87d3c2b0a596c&camp=1789&creative=9325"CONNECT WITH MARK Website https://markdaley.us/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/markdaley00/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/markdaley00
Do you really want to cheat on your spouse, significant other, boyfriend, or girlfriend? Maybe you love them but you need to venture out of the script of monogamy. It's time to step into the juicy, exciting, and scary world of coloring outside of the lines of your relationship while avoiding playing with fire. Dr. Joli Hamilton takes on a candid stroll through how to make your unhealthy relationship a better open relationship. ABOUT JOLI Dr. Joli Hamilton is the relationship coach for couples who color outside the lines. She is a research psychologist, TEDx speaker, best-selling author, and AASECT (pronounced ay-sect) certified sex educator. Joli also co-hosts the Playing with Fire podcast with her anchor partner, Ken. Joli’s been featured in The New York Times, Vogue, and NPR. She’s spent the past two decades studying and reimagining what love can be if we open our imaginations to possibility. Joli helps people create non-monogamous partnerships that are custom-built for their authentic selves, no more shrinking, pretending, or hiding required. CONNECT WITH JOLI Website https://www.jolihamilton.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drjoli_hamilton/ Podcast - Playing With Fire https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joli-hamilton LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/joli-hamilton-phd/
"And in this corner we have an out, proud, wrestler." Wait, what? Wrestlers can be gay? Of course they can. We queers are everywhere, so let's celebrate with Ry Levey, film maker. His film showcases the hidden world of queer wrestlers and also parallels the nuances of the wrestling world imitate the queer world. From drag and performance art to the homoerotic costumes and positions. Nothing is left to the imagination when Queers invade the ring. ABOUT RY Ry Levey is a 20+ year film industry professional who has publicized and or distributed over 100 Feature films, including award winning documentaries like Emmy Award winner MATT SHEPARD IS A FRIEND OF MINE, Oscar nominated THE INVISIBLE WAR, and films by documentary legends Frederick Wiseman and Steve James, Tony winning and Oscar nominated filmmaker/Theatre icon Julie Taymor and 2 time Oscar winner Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy. His documentary feature directorial debut, OUT IN THE RING was the recipient of 4 Intl. film festival awards. CONNECT WITH RY Website http://www.outinthering.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/outintheringdoc/ X - Twitter https://twitter.com/outinthering
It's 2024 and I want to invite you as LGBTQ+ individuals to step into a life of Radical Integrity. But, what does that mean? How can it benefit you? Today we explore that concept with author, soul coach, and body-centered therapist River Faire. He candidly shares how living a life of radical integrity has changed his life for the better and how you can do the same. ABOUT RIVER River Faire is a multi-award–winning author, body-centered therapist, and Paris-trained chef-turned-holistic-wellness coach. For more than three decades, in a variety of modalities, he has assisted people with transformation and personal evolution. Currently, he hosts the video podcast, Radical Being with River Faire, and works with clients internationally in his signature, 8-week holistic coaching program. His new book, WHERE TWO WORLDS TOUCH: AN OUTSIDER'S MEMOIR IN ENGLAND, is forthcoming in December. CONNECT WITH RIVER Website https://riverfaire.com Podcast https://radicalbeingpodcast.com Facebook https://facebook.com/radicalbeingpodcast Instagram https://instagram.com/riverfaire Twitter https://twitter.com/riverfaire LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/riverfaire
Imagine gaining and losing 50 to 75 pounds every two years as a teen. Miserable, right? The imagine at 38 years old discovering that you issues with food and weight were a symptom of a much deeper issue: your childhood sexual abuse. Today's Guest, Patty Cabot, author of Not That Girl Anymore, shares the tremendous effort, the suspension of doubt, and a steadfast belief that took to come out of her food disorder and sexual abuse closet to find and love herself, so that she could find and love men. ABOUT PATTY Beginning in her teens, Patty battled drastic weight fluctuations. Desperate to break the cycle and thinking it was what prevented her from meeting men, in her late 30s Patty embarked on a therapeutic journey that led to her unresolved childhood sexual abuse. Over 12 years she worked with her therapist and EMDR, a chiropractor to release trapped “fight or flight” responses, a sex therapist and attended group therapy for sexual abuse. Patty published Not That Girl Anymore, a memoir about the alternative therapies she explored in the hopes of undoing the ruin within to claim the happiness she – and everyone else struggling with trauma – deserves. CONNECT WITH PATTY Website https://www.pattycabot.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/patty.cabot/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@pattycabot
It's the most joyful time of the year...or is it? For many of us the holidays bring joy, joy, joy but then it also brings stress, frustration, and overwhelm. Yet, in life, we are the master of our own joy! Today we explore how to bring joy into our life by planting seeds or creating little breadcrumb moments, with the Joy Boss - Quinn O'Briant. In this episode you will discover the shortcuts to more joy even in the craziest, most joyful time of the year. ABOUT QUINN Quinn O'Briant is the Joy Boss, and she's celebrating 30 years out of the closet! Quinn is the creator of the life-changing Joy + Money Mindset, Joyful Entrepreneur, and Joy-Based Business programs. Before she was the Joy Boss, Quinn founded and ran an innovation firm where she led a team that worked with Fortune 500 companies and large school districts. Quinn spent several years working at Google and is an alumna of Stanford University, Goddard College, and Emory University. Quinn believes joy is the key to living an unapologetic, authentic life. CONNECT WITH QUINN Website http://www.joybasedbusiness.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/joybossbabe/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@joybossbabe
There's human experience that we will all face at some point. The trauma and tragedy of losing someone we love or care about. It is inevitable. When that moment comes, whether it is losing your family due to them not embracing you as LGBTQ, or actual loss of life due to an accident or disease, you have a choice - Ride or Die! Author Jarie Bolander shares his Ride or Die Journey with us today and it is guaranteed to show you how similar his closet is to our own about coming out in the midst of a tragedy. ABOUT JARIE Jarie is the author of a bunch of books on business and entrepreneurship. The most current one is Story-Driven Decks, which is all about how to create a pitch deck that gets you that next meeting with investors. IT’s book two of his Story-Driven Startups Series. His first non-business book, the subject of this podcast, came out in September and is about his late wife Jane and his experiences with her leukemia diagnosis and treatment. It's called Ride or Die: Loving Through Tragedy, A Husband's Memoir. Additionally, Jarie is an entrepreneur who for the better part of 30 years has been at various successful and not so successful startups. Currently he is a B2B Sales and Marketing strategy consultant that focuses on high ticket, complex products, mostly in SaaS companies that were put together via private equity. He lives in San Francisco and has found love again with a wonderful woman who has been instrumental in helping him live his best life after his first wife Jane passed away. CONNECT WITH JARIE Website https://www.jariebolander.com/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/jarie Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jariebolander/ Twitter https://twitter.com/thedailymba LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jariebolander/
In a world of divisiveness, one thing remains constant to learning about humanity - being curious. To celebrate the 600th episode of Life (UN)Closeted, were going to invite you to realize, we all have genders, it more complicated than school science, shame and fears have no place in this discussion, and just because someone lives outside the box of your norm, doesn't mean they deserve your hate. Sharing his new book ABOUT SCHUYLER Schuyler Bailar (he/him) is an educator, author, and advocate. He is also the first transgender athlete to compete in any sport on an NCAA Division I men’s team. Schuyler’s exemplary work has earned him numerous honors including NYC Pride Grand Marshall, the Out100, LGBTQ Nation’s Instagram Advocate of the Year, and the Harvard Director’s Award. He holds a degree in cognitive neuroscience and evolutionary psychology from Harvard and works in four research labs focusing on trans health. CONNECT WITH SCHUYLER Website https://www.pinkmantaray.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pinkmantaray/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pinkmantaray/ X-Twitter https://twitter.com/sb_pinkmantaray
There's a lot of backlash, misunderstanding and confusion about gender identity, as if it is something brand new. In this candid conversation about trauma, sexual and gender identity, Ann Pellegrini and Avgi Saketopoulou share their book Gender Without Identity and the challenges we face in embracing all sexualities and genders. https://rickclemons.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/bookcover.jpgABOUT ANN & AVGI ANN PELLEGRINI (they/them; she/her) is Professor of Performance Studies & Social and Cultural Analysis at New York University, teaching classes on queer theory and psychoanalysis, among other topics, as well as a psychoanalyst in private practice. They are the author/co-author of three previous books, including “You Can Tell Just by Looking” and 20 Other Myths about LGBT Life and People, co-authored with Michael Bronski and Michael Amico (Beacon Press, 2013), which was a finalist for the 2014 Lambda Literary Award for Best LGBT Non-Fiction. Dr. Pellegrini has also co-edited two anthologies and is founding co-editor of the “Sexual Cultures” series at NYU Press. AVGI SAKETOPOULOU (she/her) trained as clinical psychologist in New York after emigrating from Greece and Cyprus, and subsequently completed training as a psychoanalyst at the New York University Postdoctoral Program in Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis, where she currently teaches. She also serves on the faculty of the William Alanson White Institute, the Stephen Mitchell Relational Center, and the National Institute for Psychotherapies, where she offers courses on psychosexuality and gender. Her interview on psychoanalysis is on the collection of the Freud Museum in Vienna and she is the 2022 recipient of the Scholarship Award from the American Psychological Association’s Division of Psychoanalysis. Dr. Saketopoulou is also the author of Sexuality Beyond Consent: Risk, Race, Traumatophilia (NYU Press, 2023). CONNECT WITH ANN Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ann.pellegrini.92/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/apell168/ CONNECT WITH AVGI Website http://www.avgisaketopoulou.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/avgolis98/ Twitter - X https://twitter.com/Avgolis
Here it is, the day before Thanksgiving in the U.S. For most of us, this is a time of family, gratitude, and munch, munch, munch on amazing food. Yet, for many of us this can be a time of year that is challenging at best. You might be alone, not have a circle of friends, or you may just wonder if being LGBTQ+ is even worth it. Hey, snap out of it and listen to ways to be grateful this Thanksgiving season. You are loved and worth being grateful for being your authentic awesome LGBTQ self. NEED HELP COMING OUT OF THE CLOSET? Coming out, regardless of your closet, is about freeing yourself from excuses, fears, and learning to be unapologetically you. Sounds great, right? So why aren't you doing it? More than likely it is because you don't have the confidence to move forward because your fears and excuses are holding you back from being you the way you are intended to be. If that sounds like you, lets chat. I'll gift you 30 minutes of my time to explore what might be possible if you had someone in your court, focused purely on you and your next best steps. Schedule "Your Next Move Strategy Session" https://rickclemons.com/strategy-session/ today.
Coming out is all about emotions and feelings. But what happens when you lean it the whole journey as a scrumptious experience. When you let your body, thoughts, images, and emotions come alive to the full potential of fully feeling you as you. Today, coach Juliette Karaman - the Feel Fully You coach, mentor, and guide shares four elements from her jewel box on how to life a fully free life feeling fully you. ABOUT JULIA Juliette Karaman is a certified mind and body coach, expert on relationships, sensuality, healing, trauma and body shame. She specialises in the reinvention of the most intimate relationship in life… The one you have with yourself. With courses, coaching, VIP experiences and retreats Juliette has guided and mentored thousands of women over the past decade and a half, rewrite the relationship with self, confidence, their bodies, mind and spirit using her unique Rapid Release Rewire and Restore method ™. Her mission is to create a world where every woman, man, and any gender remembers the truth of who they are and where scrumptiousness, pleasure, ease, spirituality and sensuality are prioritised. She is a mother to 4 children in their early twenties who she loves fiercely. CONNECT WITH JULIA Website https://feelfullyyou.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sophiekietzmann/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/juliette.karamanvanschaardenburg
Life is a circus, a carnival, and sometimes it is simply the place you run away from because you realize, living a half-life just isn't worth it. Author, dad, business professional, recovering person of faith, who came into his truth during the COVID-19 pandemic and in his own way ran away from the circus that had become his life to live his truth as a gay man. He shares his story and his new memoir Creosote Rain about running away to live your full life. https://rickclemons.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/BookCover-1.jpgABOUT JOE Joe Makston is a seasoned professional with over twenty years of experience in the banking industry. He then entered the technology space to lead learning & development and employee experience centers of excellence. However, it is his passion for leadership development that truly sets him apart. Joe has dedicated himself to nurturing and empowering individuals to reach their full potential, believing in the transformative power of leading self, leading others and leading together. In addition to his career, Joe has been a podcaster, TEDx speaker, and is an accomplished author. He co-wrote a book titled "Tummy Tales: Questions with My Dad" alongside Mars, capturing the heartwarming bond between a father and child. Joe continues to share his own personal story and encourages others to share theirs, recognizing the power of vulnerability and the building of genuine connections. His passion for storytelling serves as a catalyst for authentic communities where individuals feel seen, heard, and supported. Joe resides in North Central Phoenix, with his kids and two dogs, Olive and Scout. He enjoyed running and mountain biking on the vast trails in the Phoenix area. CONNECT WITH JOE Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jmakston Facebook https://www.facebook.com/joe.makston.1 LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/in/joemakston Get the Book https://www.amazon.com/Creosote-Rain-carnival-family-belonging/dp/B0CD8VY2Q1/ref=sr_1_1?crid=TRQV07C6KBKF&keywords=creosote+rain+joe+makston&qid=1696948368&sprefix=Creosote+Rain%2Caps%2C136&sr=8-1
There's an uprising that is beginning to happen. It's coming from the depths that says, "We will not be silenced." It also brings about feelings of being alone, lack of acceptance, lowered levels of self-love. All of which, can stir up the rebel within. As queer culture continues to feel that target on our backs, it is good to remember that the rebel within each of needs to be seen, heard, understood, and experience empathy. In her debut book, Rebel in Venus, dancer, choreographer, and author Marissa Alma Nick brings to light the way to be yourself in a world hell bent on taking your personal worth away. Today we explore ways to let your rebel shine and never back down. ABOUT MARRISSA Marissa Alma Nick illuminates queer experiences with an authentic perspective on emerging concerns including mental health, trauma, sexual assault, abuse and gaslighting. More than anything, Rebel in Venus, is a book about empowerment, self-realization, self-acceptance and self-love - a coming-of-age story, about a woman who is realizing she can no longer outrun herself. CONNECT WITH MARISSA Website https://www.rebelinvenus.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rebelinvenus/
Life is all about the lenses we look through and how we perceive what we see through that lens. Sometimes that lens, leads us to see ourselves in the truth of who we are. Joining me today to talk about those lenses, and to share their beautiful lens as queer creative, Sophie Kietzmann shares their lens on the world as gender non-conforming individual. ABOUT SOPHIE Sophie Kietzmann is a Berlin born, Brussels raised, gender fluid, queer photographer that currently resides and creates in New York City. So far, their path in photography has taken them through play, trauma, uprooting, coming out, identification and spirituality and has taught them precious lessons about topics like visual representation of social minorities, gender expression and the fragility of social constructs. They strive for alignment of their head, eye and heart through the tool of their craft. CONNECT WITH SOPHIE Website https://www.sophiekietzmann.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sophiekietzmann/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophie-kietzmann-25b2211a3/
Whether you're coming out of the closet or coming out of divorce, the truth is, "You're going to be ok." The reality is, you get to make the being OK happen, if you choose to do so. In her new book, You're Going To Be Ok: 16 Lessons on Healing After Trauma, author Madeline Popelka helps us navigate the path to embracing the ongoing process of being human and being OK! https://rickclemons.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/6128zrYo20L._SY522_.jpgABOUT MADELINE Madeline is a writer, mental health advocate, the creator of the @healingfromptsd community, and the author of You’re Going to Be Okay: 16 Lessons on Healing after Trauma. Madeline’s work has been featured in Newsweek, Entrepreneur, Elite Daily, Bustle and Cosmopolitan among other publications. She lives in Oakland, California with her partner and Corgi. CONNECT WITH MADELINE Website https://madelinepopelka.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/madypopelka/ Twitter https://twitter.com/MadyPopelka
From bullying to finally accepting their truth as an LGBTQ+ individuals, teens and parents often struggle with the journey and can even think that they are alone. In celebration of National Coming Out Day, we are proving you are not alone. Author and LMFT Psychotherapist, John Sovec shares his new book, "Out: A Parent's Guide to Supporting Your LGBTQIA+ Kid Through Coming Out and Beyond". Let's celebrate the journey of coming out, regardless of where you are in the journey as a teen or parent. ABOUT JOHN JOHN SOVEC, MA, LMFT is a Psychotherapist based in California. He is also the Author of the new book "Out: A Parent's Guide to Supporting Your Lgbtqia+ Kid Through Coming Out and Beyond". John specializes in working with LGBT teens and their families during the coming out process. His work has been featured on The Riki Lake Show, OWN, FOX, The Advocate, YHTV, LA Talk Radio, Huffington Post & more. https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUT2XC0R15JQ90yAAaggJcApgGKzHY2F3NiMmAY1sH-2BKMrsPr6t2dVnZblRXiBNUXGSxpjb3yJYvdTLteHBMJoA5spjNlOCstd9TH6fN49MOseqgk_udT3v8hfWpShd4l40iR1YktkRDjGzFOZfDwk-2Fo2wG3m8DcNSHsmV3aNTEn-2BGoIqe6JB1HlI9-2FIwXVPNL3IjiFoI3oEHXP-2FyPSlf0UFXxClZsC60U-2B8xkDTygCNwba-2FL3ukH3Gat2EXi72uc7JWweDXErElWPCxdcWSaHKzp0kGua0g8APxuDXPTy0g-2Bj6vXm-2FVtmmGpqQG2yyLBWyoKs6DEtHx5IR7AkvDzb7A2Y1p3a5za3jDgl7vzD5XhPputeRYuTXqBy1Tc12WXdS0CFE5RBRaRTvFKLyzybn0PEmUIW3ecDDEdvRlUyx-2BJcbBxXWUeUIw3SpvvMIJCAaAVzWWvRxZxXdMU9UDpomwMwpqc-3DJOHN'S BOOK: OUT: A PARENT'S GUIDE TO SUPPORTING YOUR LGBTQIA + KID THROUGH COMING OUT AND BEYOND The coming out process for LGBTQIA+ adolescents can be a terrifying moment, not only for themselves, but also for their family and friends. Offering essential guidance and advice, Out: A Parent's Guide to Supporting Your Lgbtqia+ Kid Through Coming Out and Beyond (Comes out April 21) is here to help you with chapters that explore LGBTQIA+ terminology, understanding the coming out process, effective communication strategies, talking to your LGBTQIA+ kid about sex, the parents' process of acceptance, and the family coming out process. Importantly, this guide also covers a wide range of lesser-known orientations such as pansexuality and asexuality as well as dedicated chapters on trans youth and the often overlooked grieving process for parents with stories of lived experience throughout. CONNECT WITH JOHN Website https://johnsovec.com/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JohnSovecTherapy/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnsovec/ Twitter https://twitter.com/JohnSovec
There's a simple phrase that if we all embraced, would make the world a better place, "You be You!" Of course, we rarely allow others to be themselves and then we wonder why we have to dress up as being someone we're not to please others. Today's guest has done her fair share of dressing up - cross dressing to be specific - and she's not afraid if someone is not happy about. Savannah Hauk shares her journey to own her truth, living a successful male-to-female dual gender life. ABOUT SAVANNAH Detroit-born Savannah Hauk is an author, podcaster, advocate and TEDx Speaker. She lives a confident, visible and successful male-to-female dual gender life. Through a lifetime of experience and research, Savannah has come to understand the many reasons men need to express a more feminine persona, the struggles and fears they face, and the weight of the transgender labels they accept but may not truly or fully understand. Her eLit award-winning "Living with Crossdressing" book series is written to demystify and destigmatize the dual gender experience for both crossdressing men and the people who love them. Savannah also co-hosts the weekly The Fox and the Phoenix Podcast, reinforcing the same positive and inclusive message of diverse gender identity and multiple expression. She also leads conference workshops and has given two TEDx talks. When Savannah isn’t working or advocating, she spends her time with the MCU, LEGO, Netflix, and spending time with her girlfriend and their two fur babies. CONNECT WITH SAVANNAH Website https://livingwithcrossdressing.com/ Instagram //www.instagram.com/savannahhauk/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CoachRianaMilne Facebook Group //www.facebook.com/livingwithcrossdressing Podcast https://livingwithcrossdressing.com/the-fox-and-the-phoenix-podcast/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/savannah-hauk-619422191/
We never really understand our inherent bias until we understand our inherent bias. Fellow Podcaster Bruce Anthony, comes clean about his own homophobia and how it has enabled him to step beyond the judgments and open up to empathy and understanding so that he can continue to lean into other perspectives of life. ABOUT BRUCE As an individual with an insatiable curiosity about people from different backgrounds, cultures, religions, and ideologies, Bruce believes that acquiring knowledge from diverse aspects of life helps us evolve as individuals and become more complete human beings. His journey into podcasting began as people found interest in my thoughts and opinions on various aspects of life. He seized the opportunity to start this podcast as a platform for interviewing intriguing individuals and engaging in captivating conversations. By exploring the intersections of society, politics, and identity, we aim to provide insightful perspectives that challenge conventional wisdom and foster meaningful dialogue. While his academic background includes a degree in history from the University of Maryland, where he initially pursued a career in teaching, the essence of being an educator remains at the core of who he is. Throughout his professional journey, which encompasses diverse roles such as bartender, restaurant manager, part owner of a pro wrestling company, personal trainer, and fitness director, he has had the privilege of interacting with people from all walks of life. CONNECT WITH BRUCE Website https://www.unsolicitedperspectives.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/unsolicited_perspectives/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@unsolicitedperspectives Twitter https://twitter.com/unsolicited_per
He spent most his life living to the faith that was drilled into his head, always believing this was the way, until it no longer was. Through this thought-provoking and inspiring conversation about overcoming religious constraints, embracing personal growth, finding peace, and aligning with one's authentic self, Victor Diaz share the transformative power of breaking free from religious bondage, embracing self-love, and finding harmony with his true self. ABOUT VICTOR Victor is a Heroic Performance Coach whose philosophy centers around embracing one's heroic self—the courageous, authentic, and empowered version of oneself. By focusing on Energy Work and Love, clients unlock their true potential, tap into activating their heroic best selves, while navigating life's challenges with grace and resilience. With Victor as their guide, individuals are empowered to live a life that aligns with their values, passions, and aspirations, creating a powerful and lasting impact in their personal and professional spheres. Victor has served as Fortune 100 Corporate and Hospice Chaplain, a Pastor, an Entrepreneur and Real Estate Investor, and is now a Heroic Public Benefit Ambassador and Heroic Performance Coach. CONNECT WITH VICTOR Website http://www.victordiaz.co/
From the scars of life at an early age - literal scars - Gayle Petrillo has dealt with being different. Physically different. yet, in all her life of making first impressions, the one she most had to make with herself, of accepting herself, just as she was. Sharing her closet story of being a burn survivor, Gayle provides an impactful interview that shows, no matter how you've been burned you can always thrive instead of just surviving. ABOUT GAYLE Born and raised in Albany, New York, Gayle has called Tucson home for 24 years. She is married to her best friend and most avid supporter, Al, for over 43 years. Gayle earned her MBA at 50 and has over 30 years in healthcare leadership roles, much of it in the human resources arena. In 2017 Gayle launched First Impressions, an image consulting firm because “We never get a second opportunity to make that all important first impression, on paper or in person”. As a career and confidence coach, Gayle enhances her clients’ first impressions, from customer service (eye contact, listening skills and body language) to business etiquette; interview preparation, negotiation strategies, and networking skills. She provides personal shopping services ensuring one’s confidence shines no matter the occasion. Gayle’s book, The Accident, released in 2021, shares her story as a burn survivor, being fearful of everyone and everything, to becoming fearless; and turning obstacles into positive outcomes, tackling many phobias in an attempt to gain and retain self-confidence. Gayle gives back to her community as Board Chair for Junior Achievement of Southern Arizona; vice chair and chair of the philanthropy committee of the American Red Cross of Southern Arizona, and helps bring Arizona Burn Foundation support, education and activities to Tucson. CONNECT WITH GAYLE Website https://www.firstimpressions1.com Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Gaylepetrillo602 LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/gayle-petrillo/
Many LGBTQ+ individuals struggle with the question, "How do I show up at work, and as a leader, while still being true to myself as a queer person?" The answer, "Your way, on your terms!" Jim Fielding, author of the brand new book, ALL PRIDE, NO EGO: A Queer Executive’s Journey to Living and Leading Authentically, shares he navigated his gay life and roles at t top global brands including Disney, DreamWorks, and Twentieth Century Fox. From his conservative Midwestern roots and a lovingly imperfect family to higher education, travel, advocacy, Jim found how seeing the world through a distinctly different lens is actually a positive way of being in the world, living life without apologies. ABOUT JIM Jim Fielding is an acclaimed retail and media industry veteran whose expertise combines storytelling, product innovation, merchandising, and consumer experiences. He is a partner at independent media company Archer Gray, and president of its Co-Lab Division. Having led consumer products groups at the world’s largest media companies, Jim served as president of Disney Stores Worldwide, and transformed global consumer experiences at DreamWorks, Twentieth Century Fox, and more. His early career experience has included top global brands, from The Gap to Lands’ End, where he mastered vertical specialty retail, product design, store operations, visual merchandising, and supply chain management. Jim later served as CEO of Claire’s Stores, Inc., a leading jewelry and accessories retailer. An active community leader and philanthropist, Jim is a founder of the Queer Philanthropy Circle, the nation’s premier fundraising and advocacy group for the queer community. He also participates in the Women’s Philanthropic Leadership Circle and the Black Philanthropy Circle. Jim serves on the board of directors for the Indiana University Foundation, and has served as an executive-in-residence for IU’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and as a board member for GLSEN, Make-A-Wish International, and American Red Cross. He lives in Atlanta with his partner, Joseph. CONNECT WITH JIM Website http://www.allpridenoego.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/allpridenoego Twitter https://twitter.com/AllprideNoego LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesdfielding/
