OUT

As a woman of faith, Sara struggled with the news of her son, Parker, being gay.  When he came out of the closet, Sara went into hers.  Eventually, she stood at her very first pride parade to support her son.  It was a pivotal, spiritual, and profound moment that changed everything.  Since then, Sara has become an author, activist, and founder of a non-profit organization called Free Mom Hugs.  Sara's book: How We Sleep At Night: A Mother's Memoir IG: @freemomhugs   OUT Instagram: @out_podcast Please note: despite this being the season 2 opener, this episode ended up as the series finale for OUT Podcast.  Thank you for listening!

In the spring of 2021, we reconnected with Julie and Megan from season 1 episode 44's ‘Be The Tiger' .  These two are being the change as advocates for health and equity.  They're making an impact in Ontario's queer community and now reaching people virtually throughout the world.  This b-side cut was a laid back Zoom video chat that definitely started out with some behind the scenes vibes as we fixed technical issues and talked about random stuff, as we do.  Check out Megan and Julie's IG: @out_in.nature     OUT Instagram: @out_podcast

For Tiffany, living in a small town meant that she was supposed to marry a man and fit inside of a box that never truly felt comfortable to her.  Once Tiffany experienced a deep connection with a woman, everything changed.   If you'd like to support the show and gain access to even more content for $3/month, visit patreon.com/outpodcast OUT Instagram: @out_podcast

After June and her family moved to the States from the Philippines in 1961, June was able to explore her talent as a musician at a time when women's music was on the verge of a cultural revolution.  As the lead guitarist of the very first all women's rock band called FANNY, she helped pave the way for women in music for generations to come.   FANNY: The Right To Rock - Official Film Trailer Co-founder of the institute for the musical arts: https://www.ima.org/   If you'd like to support the show and gain access to even more content for $3/month, visit patreon.com/outpodcast OUT Instagram: @out_podcast

Growing up, Adrienne felt like such an odd little girl.  After coming out to friends and family as queer and then again as trans, Adrienne was forced to go back into the closet during law school.  This was to navigate their own pocket of safety during a time when being out might put them at risk.  Adrienne now advocates for trans rights in British Columbia and is proudly cheering on the trans law students who are following in their footsteps.      Support for trans people- https://translifeline.org/contact/   If you'd like to support the show and gain access to even more content for $3/month, visit patreon.com/outpodcast OUT Instagram: @out_podcast

Content Warning - This episode contains details of sexual violence.  Listener discretion is advised.  If you're feeling overwhelmed or triggered, try visiting https://mindyourmind.ca   As a teenager, Shannon carried heavy secrets about her sexuality and also years of experiencing trauma.  On a camping trip with her family, Shannon finally let go and shared everything that she had been holding in for a very long time.  Now, as a radio and podcast host, Shannon is using her voice to help advocate for those who haven't found the courage yet to fight through their shame and oppression.   If you'd like to support the show and gain access to even more content for $3/month, visit patreon.com/outpodcast OUT Instagram: @out_podcast

At the time, Xander didn't realize why he felt so comfortable joining a gay internet chat room.  He simply wanted to make new friends.  It wasn't until Xander started to hang out with this new group in person that his world began to change.  Now, Xander is openly gay, living in China and shares stories on his podcast about the mega weird stuff that happens around the world.     If you'd like to support the show and gain access to even more content for $3/month, visit patreon.com/outpodcast OUT Instagram: @out_podcast

Christian is happily engaged and living with his future wife, who recently came out to him as bisexual.  As someone who has battled with mental health issues in the past, Christian will always support his fiancé expressing who she truly is.  Also, with the understanding that love has no gender.   If you'd like to support the show and gain access to even more content for $3/month, visit patreon.com/outpodcast OUT Instagram: @out_podcast

When Kim and Sara started running into each other, it was obvious they had chemistry.  This eventually led to golf games and flirting in the produce aisle at the grocery store.  Kim mustered up 15 seconds of courage to level up the relationship and now they're married with a blended family of seven.  We also chatted about Glennon Doyle, who has influenced many of us.  https://momastery.com/   If you'd like to support the show and gain access to even more content for $3/month, visit patreon.com/outpodcast   OUT Instagram: @out_podcast

Kaci grew up in a very religious household.  After having a secret relationship with her roommate at a Mormon college, Kaci did everything she could to be more obedient and religious, hoping that would set her straight.  After a few years of fighting upstream against her true self, Kaci was so ready to come out.  Even if it meant losing some of the people she loves.   If you'd like to support the show and gain access to even more content for $3/month, visit patreon.com/outpodcast OUT Instagram: @out_podcast

After meeting on a dating app, Megan and Julie became best friends who were getting over some past relationships and rebounding back to emotional availability.  One trip to Cuba and everything changed.     If you'd like to support the show and gain access to even more content for $3/month, visit patreon.com/outpodcast OUT Instagram: @out_podcast

Best friends, Michelle and Carling have supported each other through some very traumatic events in their lives.  They now have a podcast called 'I Did Not Sign Up For This'.  Michelle shares her ally perspective on Carling's coming out story.  'Don't be a dick' pretty much sums up her advice to anyone who is on the receiving end of coming out.   If you'd like to support the show and gain access to even more content for $3/month, visit patreon.com/outpodcast OUT Instagram: @out_podcast

Nikki and Lindsay U-hauled it pretty quick after they started dating, which lead to a challenging coming out experience for Lindsay.  Through it all, they've stayed true to their values and keep building a life they can be proud of.  Nikki and Lindsay have now completely moved into their RV in Southern California with their two young kids.  The adventure is just getting started.     If you'd like to support the show and gain access to even more content for $3/month, visit patreon.com/outpodcast OUT Instagram: @out_podcast  

Growing up, Shae's parents always had an idea she was gay, from checking out her dad's magazines to showering with her best friend to ‘save on the water bill'.  Shae's biggest challenge was thinking that being gay means that she's a bad mom.  After working through this struggle, Shae is fully out and proud of it.  Her kid's are now getting the very best version of their mom.    If you'd like to support the show and gain access to even more content for $3/month, visit patreon.com/outpodcast OUT Instagram: @out_podcast  

Paff's journey includes two coming out stories.  The second time lead her to an influential following on Tiktok and a new relationship, which includes moving half way around the world to be with her girlfriend.  Paff is now completely out and excited for her next chapter.  She's living it up in Scotland and finally experiencing the deeper connection she's always wanted.     If you'd like to support the show and gain access to even more content for $3/month, visit patreon.com/outpodcast OUT Instagram: @out_podcast

Content Warning - This episode contains details of substance abuse and addiction.  Listener discretion is advised.  If you're feeling overwhelmed or triggered, try visiting https://mindyourmind.ca Lindsey grew up in a devoutly Mormon family and always felt a little different, but she wasn't able to pin point why.  It wasn't until she had a revelation in a Starbucks parking lot where everything changed and there was no going back to how things used to be.  Now, Lindsey is happily married, sober and fully living her truth.   If you'd like to support the show and gain access to even more content for $3/month, visit patreon.com/outpodcast OUT Instagram: @out_podcast  

Nancy's love for her late brother, Bobby and her youngest of four kids, Jett inspired her to write an LGBTQ+ children's book.  Sparky's Big News is a beautiful story of a mother's whole-hearted acceptance of her child.   Available on Amazon here   If you'd like to support the show and gain access to even more content for $3/month, visit patreon.com/outpodcast OUT Instagram: @out_podcast 

Content Warning - This episode contains depictions of a suicide.  Listener discretion is advised.  If you're feeling overwhelmed or triggered, try visiting https://mindyourmind.ca    From a young age, Tristan knew he was different from other kids in his group when he started crushing on Billy and JTT.  Coming out to the most important person in his life, his mom, was complicated to say the least, but she is now one of his biggest supporters.   After experiencing a deeply tragic loss, Tristan found his calling with inspiration from the late Gord Downie.     If you'd like to support the show and gain access to even more content for $3/month, visit patreon.com/outpodcast OUT instagram: @out_podcast

Cam shares his sibling perspective as an ally of the LGBTQ+ community.  He's also a huge supporter of OUT podcast and happens to be the big brother of our host, Kat.     If you'd like to support the show and gain access to even more content for $3/month, visit patreon.com/outpodcast OUT Instagram: @out_podcast 

Courtney and Sabrina are an out and proud married couple, raising beautiful triplets in Southern California.  Inspired by their own experience, they're now advocating for the rights of LGBTQ+ parents who currently face challenges in the court system.     If you'd like to support the show and gain access to even more content for $3/month, visit patreon.com/outpodcast OUT Instagram: @out_podcast

Checking out a t-shirt stand at a Glee live show is when Tina first realized she's gay.  Moving around the United States has offered her some amazing experiences, including finding a pocket of allies and members of the LGBTQ+ community in a very conservative area.  Tina's love for romantic comedies and stories by Virginia Woolf inspired her to write a trilogy that she personally can relate to.   If you'd like to support the show and gain access to even more content for $3/month, visit patreon.com/outpodcast OUT Instagram: @out_podcast  

Content Warning - This episode contains details of sexual violence and self harm.  Listener discretion is advised.  Please reach out to supports if you're feeling overwhelmed or triggered.  If you're not sure where to start, try visiting https://mindyourmind.ca   From a very young age, Becky has dealt with challenges and setbacks.  Also dealing with some deep trauma wounds, she always had the courage and motivation to keep pursuing her hopes and dreams.  Becky is now living the happiest life with her new partner and raising her two daughters, finally experiencing a sense of freedom and pure joy.   If you'd like to support the show and gain access to even more content for $3/month, visit patreon.com/outpodcast OUT Instagram: @out_podcast

Jayme found the most ideal situation for coming out to her dad, which also included a well played practical joke on her girlfriend at the time.  The love and admiration Jayme has for her grandpa is a big part of her journey in coming out and life in general.  She is now smashing stereotypes and breaking down barriers for women in the skilled trades, automotive and motorsports industries.   If you'd like to support the show and gain access to even more content for $3/month, visit patreon.com/outpodcast OUT Instagram: @out_podcast

Vanessa hid her sexuality for a long time not realizing that it was possible to come out and still keep the most important people in her life.  After renouncing her sexuality to God, Vanessa met the love of her life and everything changed.   If you'd like to support the show and gain access to even more content for $3/month, visit patreon.com/outpodcast OUT Instagram: @out_podcast

Tracey-Lee Johnson and Tracey-Lee February had very different experiences coming out to their families.  Now, they're engaged to be married, navigating life as a couple with the same first name and share a love for the money filled, briefcase style game show.     If you'd like to support the show and gain access to even more content for $3/month, visit patreon.com/outpodcast OUT Instagram: @out_podcast

Julia's first inkling that she wasn't straight happened when she was a kid, watching Titanic and realizing that she was on team Kate instead of team Leo.  Navigating through her truth was challenging, but now so many aspects of Julia's life have really opened up.   If you'd like to support the show and gain access to even more content for $3/month, visit patreon.com/outpodcast OUT Instagram: @out_podcast

Chelsea and Erica are both out and proud, happily married and raising their adorable toddler, Bex.  With Erica serving in the US military, they moved from Minnesota to Florida which is taking some getting used to.   If you'd like to support the show and gain access to even more content for $3/month, visit patreon.com/outpodcast OUT Instagram: @out_podcast

After Carling's traumatic marriage ended, she was ready for a new chapter and found her own L Word.   If you'd like to support the show and gain access to even more content for $3/month, visit patreon.com/outpodcast OUT Instagram: @out_podcast

Jada and Chatham met overseas in the military.  Snacks and orange juice were limited while on active duty, so Chatham knew how to get close to Jada.  They've been inseparable ever since.   If you'd like to support the show and gain access to even more content for $3/month, visit patreon.com/outpodcast OUT Instagram: @out_podcast

MyLin and Lindsay both experienced challenging hurdles in their coming out stories.  The priority now is protecting their family from toxicity, upholding respect as a value and maintaining healthy boundaries wherever necessary.     If you'd like to support the show and gain access to even more content for $3/month, visit patreon.com/outpodcast OUT Instagram: @out_podcast

Being told that homosexuality is a sin at a young age, Dawn hid their truth for a long time, believing that Jesus will show them the way.  When Dawn fell in love with their future wife, the idea that they were committing a sin started to unravel.     If you'd like to support the show and gain access to even more content for $3/month, visit patreon.com/outpodcast OUT Instagram: @out_podcast

After Jay went through cancer treatment, he was given the green light to transition and experience something different in his life.   If you'd like to support the show and gain access to even more content for $3/month, visit patreon.com/outpodcast OUT Instagram: @out_podcast

As an out and proud immigration lawyer from Syria, Meryam helped her LGBTQ+ clients from parts of the Middle East come to Canada and escape the very real danger of persecution.  She's now on a mission to fight for all marginalized Canadians rights and freedoms.   If you'd like to support the show and gain access to even more content for $3/month, visit patreon.com/outpodcast OUT Instagram: @out_podcast

Growing up in a Mormon family influenced Rob's entire coming out story.  As a successful comedian, his journey navigating through this time of his life is now used in his comedy.     If you'd like to support the show and gain access to even more content for $3/month, visit patreon.com/outpodcast OUT Instagram: @out_podcast

From a small town with one traffic light and a bunch of cows to being inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, Kate's journey has definitely had its ups and downs.  A picture of her nieces on the car dashboard is what ended up saving Kate's life.     If you'd like to support the show and gain access to even more content for $3/month, visit patreon.com/outpodcast OUT Instagram: @out_podcast

Matkai's subtle approach to coming out was definitely the right move for him and how he was raised.  Now, Matkai is a huge advocate for inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community in the film industry.     If you'd like to support the show and gain access to even more content for $3/month, visit patreon.com/outpodcast OUT Instagram: @out_podcast

Talking through Jaime's dating woes with her massage therapist turned into something unexpected.  Later on, Jaime travels to Florida for a photoshoot, meets the love of her life and finds herself navigating through a complicated scenario.     If you'd like to support the show and gain access to even more content for $3/month, visit patreon.com/outpodcast OUT Instagram: @out_podcast

Roxanne and Catherine both grew up in Cape Town, South Africa each having religious parents who in the end, were happy to see them thrive after coming out.  Now, Roxanne and Catherine found each other, moved to London and are very active in their queer communities.

Experiencing Belfast Pride for the first time was a huge turning point for Liam.  Now, he's the author of a book called OUT!

Writing poems about their experience falling for women and then performing them publicly really helped Liana feel more comfortable with coming out.

In the darkest moments of Des' life, she became the most authentic version of herself and started fully living her truth.

Jess' coming out story is more about coming to terms with who they are and allowing people into their world.

Jules was bullied growing up and locked in the closet for a long time.  When she was finally able to be her true self, Jules did something amazing to help people be ok with who they are.

Becoming ill in the height of Bri's athletic training had lead to a holistic connection they'd never experienced before.

Cara and Kat discuss finding control in a time of uncertainty, OUT going international and we share an anonymous story from a 13 year old listener.  

Discovering gender fluidity, being a mom of two boys and an advocate for trans youth, Mairi is truly being the change.

Coming out in a small Alberta town wasn't easy, but through it all Ash met the love of her life.

One conversation right before Amanda's wedding changed everything.  

Jess and Britt share their unique stories of coming out as non-binary and navigating polyamorous relationships.

Speaking to us from Thailand, Alyssa describes what it was like to come out in a northern Illinois farm town.   

Luvia comes from the land of high ponytails and jeeps.  She's now a successful actor and director who is absolutely out.