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.     \r\n\n\nSupport for trans people- https://translifeline.org/contact/\r\n\n\n \r\n\n\nIf you\'d like to support the show and gain access to even more content for $3/month, visit patreon.com/outpodcast\r\n\n\nOUT Instagram: @out_podcast\r\n

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\r\n\n\n \r\n\n\nAs 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.\r\n\n\n \r\n\n\nIf you\'d like to support the show and gain access to even more content for $3/month, visit patreon.com/outpodcast\r\n\n\nOUT Instagram: @out_podcast\r\n

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.\r\n\n\n \r\n\n\nIf you\'d like to support the show and gain access to even more content for $3/month, visit patreon.com/outpodcast\r\n\n\nOUT Instagram: @out_podcast\r\n

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.  \r\n\n\n \r\n\n\nIf you\'d like to support the show and gain access to even more content for $3/month, visit patreon.com/outpodcast\r\n\n\nOUT Instagram: @out_podcast\r\n

After Kim and Sara started running into each other around town it was pretty obvious there were sparks, which 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.     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 included two coming out stories.  The second time lead her to an influential following on Tiktok, a new relationship and moving half way around the world to be with her girlfriend.  Paff is now completely out and excited for her next chapter, living it up in Scotland and finally experiencing a connection she's always wanted.       OUT Instagram: @out_podcast

Content Warning - Please note that this episode contains details of substance abuse and addiction.  Listener discretion is advised.  If you're feeling overwhelmed or triggered, try visiting https://www.ccsa.ca/addictions-treatment-helplines-canada or your local crisis line. 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.   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   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.       OUT Instagram: @out_podcast 

Content Warning - Please note that this episode contains depictions of a suicide.  Listener discretion is advised.  If you're feeling overwhelmed or triggered, try visiting https://www.crisisservicescanada.ca or www.save.org    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.     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.