Sometimes life throws you a curveball, and before you know it, you find yourself in bed, and not for the funnest reasons. For many of us that would mean - THIS LIFE SUCKS! For others, it means kick yourself in the ass, even though your ass is the reason you're bedridden and transforming nearly overwhelming physical challenges and into your greatest superpowers. Inspirational is the best way to describe Andrea Mastrobattista who shares her journey out of the closet of a medical condition that bound her to bed for over three years. About Andrea Andrea Mastrobattista is an inspirational speaker, workshop facilitator and Chief Empowerment Officer at her company, Operation INSPIRATION. Born with spina bifida and recently coming off a more-than-three-year journey on strict bedrest healing a Stage IV Pressure Ulcer, Andrea is known to her audience as InspiraWoman, and she’s widely recognized for her resilient nature and her ability to take any adversity she faces and transform it into one of her superpowers. Andrea’s credo and her message to the world is: No matter what challenges you face, you have what it takes to create and live the life you love. And through her inspirational work, Andrea helps you to recognize, embrace and embody your unique, innate ability to be who you truly are so you can have that life you were meant to live. Connect With https://www.operationinspiration.world/ (Website) https://www.facebook.com/operationinspiration (Facebook) https://www.instagram.com/opinspiration/ (Instagram) https://twitter.com/opinspiration (Twitter) https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreamastrobattista/ (LinkedIn) You can also listen to the podcast on… https://apple.co/2RBmUxZ ()https://bit.ly/2UxP9zN ()   https://spoti.fi/2JpvCfg ()https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/rick-clemons/the-coming-out-lounge ()   http://tun.in/pjtKR ()https://bit.ly/30kT4kL ()   https://bit.ly/2FVH55j ()  

Life (UN)Closeted: LGBTQ & Heterosexual Coming Out Stories & Advice for coming out of life's closets!

488: Kicking ass and taking names, even when bedridden – Andrea Mastrobattista

One of 6 children. Surrounded by a family of pastors. Drawn to theater. Is it any wonder why one might be GAY? Well bless your heart. When grow up in White Settlement, Texas (yes that is a for real city deep in the heart of Texas), and you're called (he hates that term BTW) to the arts and theater, you just gotta let your gay shine and shine it has for Tyler Martin. Join us on a fun filled, spiritual, and religious romp through being gay, deep in the heart of Texas, even though he now resides in little 'ol New York, New York! About Tyler Tyler Martin is an award-winning actor, writer, comedian, singer, and podcast host. Originally from small town Texas, he now works out of NYC. He began acting professionally at a young age and has continued into adulthood, receiving a BFA in Musical Theatre with an emphasis in Acting and Directing. Since his move to NYC, he has worked in multiple Off-Broadway and Regional shows, performed as a stand-up comedian, and worked in independent film. Tyler wrote, directed and is the leading character of the award-winning LGBTQ+ short-form series "DON’T SUCK," which can be found on YouTube. From the show’s success (over 5 million channel views), he created and hosts the spiritual-comedy podcast "Have a Blessed Gay," which was named one Feedspot’s Top LGBTQ podcasts of 2020 and Stitcher’s Top Podcast Picks. Tyler critically discusses religion, spirituality, & social issues from an outcast’s perspective and features discussions and interviews with celebrities, faith leaders, and experts of various faiths and traditions who are trying to make the world a better place. Continuously working toward social justice, Tyler is a featured author for the new book, "The Deconstructionist Playbook," exploring how to navigate religious deconstruction. Connect With http://www.createdbytyler.com/ (Website) http://www.haveablessedgay.com/ (Podcast) http://www.youtube.com/dontsuckseries (YouTube) https://www.instagram.com/tylerisaacmartin/ (Instagram) https://twitter.com/TouchedByATyler (Twitter) https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-i-martin/ (LinkedIn) You can also listen to the podcast on… https://apple.co/2RBmUxZ ()https://bit.ly/2UxP9zN ()   https://spoti.fi/2JpvCfg ()https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/rick-clemons/the-coming-out-lounge ()   http://tun.in/pjtKR ()https://bit.ly/30kT4kL ()   https://bit.ly/2FVH55j ()  

487: How To Have A Blessed Gay – Tyler Martin

It happens every October 11th, since 1988 - National Coming Out Day. The day was founded in 1988 by Richard Eichberg, a psychologist and Jean O'Leary, a gay rights activist, to raise awareness of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community and its civil rights movement. They chose October 11th to mark the anniversary of the second major National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, which took place 1987. With estimates of half a million people participating, it was nearly five times the size of the first march in 1979. National Coming Out Day is observed throughout the U.S. and other countries around the world. Today we celebrate all those who have come out, and those who have yet to come out. It is a personal choice and one to be celebrated when the time is right. Here's support for those how need it and those who want to celebrate coming out. You can also listen to the podcast on… https://apple.co/2RBmUxZ ()https://bit.ly/2UxP9zN ()   https://spoti.fi/2JpvCfg ()https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/rick-clemons/the-coming-out-lounge ()   http://tun.in/pjtKR ()https://bit.ly/30kT4kL ()   https://bit.ly/2FVH55j ()  

486: Why National Coming Out Day Matters – Rick Clemons

It's one thing to come out, but to do it again...oy vey. That takes guts, bravery, and courage. Yet, when we are who we are, the world is so much easier to navigate. That's why, we, Jenna Slaughter and I believe it is important to have the conversation about being exactly in the world just as you are. Jenna is a non-binary individual who first came out as Lesbian (which is about sexual orientation), then they came out as non-binary (which is about gender identity). It's the perfect authenticity conversation about being your most authentic self as we head into National Coming Out Day - October 11th. About Jenna Self-love Coach, Speaker, Holistic Embodiment Educator, Podcaster and LGBTQ+ Mental Health activist. They help perfectionists and people pleasers get out of cycles of self-sabotage so the can gain momentum to take off! Connect With Jenna http://www.jennaslaughter.com/ (Website) https://www.facebook.com/itsjennaslaughter/ (Facebook) https://www.instagram.com/itsjennaslaughter/ (Instagram) http://linkedin.com/in/jenna-slaughter (LinkedIn) You can also listen to the podcast on… https://apple.co/2RBmUxZ ()https://bit.ly/2UxP9zN ()   https://spoti.fi/2JpvCfg ()https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/rick-clemons/the-coming-out-lounge ()   http://tun.in/pjtKR ()https://bit.ly/30kT4kL ()   https://bit.ly/2FVH55j ()  

485: It’s ok to come out, and come out again – Jenna Slaughter

It's been 22 years, since I finally made the brave step to come out of the closet after living for 36 years in the closet. It was scary, exciting, worrisome, and joyful. Here are a few things I've since learned about coming out of the closet, that I hope will inspire some of you to take the brave step to just be yourself...YOU'RE WORTH IT! You can also listen to the podcast on… https://apple.co/2RBmUxZ ()https://bit.ly/2UxP9zN ()   https://spoti.fi/2JpvCfg ()https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/rick-clemons/the-coming-out-lounge ()   http://tun.in/pjtKR ()https://bit.ly/30kT4kL ()   https://bit.ly/2FVH55j ()  

484: Lessons Learned, Coming Out Late In Life – Rick Clemons

What do you do when you need some help? Call a super hero. But what do you do when you've been medically laid up, off work, and then jsut as you come out of that challenge, COVID-19 hits? You finally let your dream to be a superhero come to life...or you create your Drag Super-SHERO. Anthony Hand let the solitude of COVID-19 bring his dream of creating a comic book character come to life by introducing the world to the first Drag Super-Shero - Maxxie LAWOW. He's sharing his journey and the impact he hopes to have on the world when you know what the world needs is SHERO! About Anthony Hand Creator, Director, Producer: Anthony Hand is a product designer and former entrepreneur in Silicon Valley where he puts his storytelling skills to use on a daily basis. Anthony has seen every season of RuPaul’s Drag Race since Season 1, frequents local and national cabaret and theater, and is a recovering comic book geek. Drag legend Dina Martina is his spirit totem. Anthony is the president of the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus. Anthony is bringing his feature-length animated film https://www.maxxie.com/ (MAXXIE LAWOW: Drag Super-Shero) to life featuring the very first drag heroine. Backed by both private investors and a fandom that meets at the intersection of LGBTQ+ culture, anime, and a comicbook universe that Marvel and DC have yet to venture into. It will be marked by the film’s “Adventure Reel” screening in LGBT+ bars and cafes in major markets around the globe and be the world’s first introduction to these over the top, out of the box characters. The films crowdsourced funding initiative on IndieGoGO launches in September of 2021 Anthony believes the world has never needed a super-shero more than during these times that can only best be categorized as “Other”… much like his characters. Our super-shero’s first silver screen adventure pits her against her archnemesis Dana Bolical. With a nefarious scheme tucked-up and ready for every situation, Dana will quickly become the villain audiences love to hate. The first animated film to feature a drag superhero—and villain!--, Maxxie LaWow will feature a strong LGBTQ+ and BIPOC cast that will make turn heads and raise carefully plucked eyebrows as it evovlves into a camp favorite that will go down in HERstory. Connect With Anthony http://www.maxxie.com/ (Website) https://www.facebook.com/maxxielawow/ (Facebook) https://www.instagram.com/maxxielawow/ (Instagram) https://twitter.com/MaxxieWow (Twitter) https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyhand/ (LinkedIn) You can also listen to the podcast on… https://apple.co/2RBmUxZ ()https://bit.ly/2UxP9zN ()   https://spoti.fi/2JpvCfg ()https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/rick-clemons/the-coming-out-lounge ()   http://tun.in/pjtKR ()https://bit.ly/30kT4kL ()   https://bit.ly/2FVH55j ()  

483: Why We Need All Need a Drag SUPER-SHERO – Anthony Hand

Today I celebrate 20 years with my guy, my man, and I don't mean that in an ownership sort of way. I mean it in a "look what we've created" way. It takes love, work, patience, understanding, and getting each other, to make it this far. Here's my insights about what I have learned over the last 20 years with my man, George Solis to make it work, work, work. You can also listen to the podcast on… https://apple.co/2RBmUxZ ()https://bit.ly/2UxP9zN ()   https://spoti.fi/2JpvCfg ()https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/rick-clemons/the-coming-out-lounge ()   http://tun.in/pjtKR ()https://bit.ly/30kT4kL ()   https://bit.ly/2FVH55j ()  

482.1: Special Edition – Making It Work For 20 Years – The Anniversary Edition – Rick Clemons

It's time for the "sex shame" brigade to sashay away. For to many years, those ashamed of sex, except for the purpose of procreation, have tried to shame the rest of us into submission. Well, "Buh-bye, and buh-bye, to you pent up angry sex-deprived individuals!" We're queer and we're here because God made us to be humans and sexual humans and to enjoy our sexual selves not be shamed into hating sex. Rant over, not over, so listen to my take on sex shaming the LGBTQ community to hell. You can also listen to the podcast on… https://apple.co/2RBmUxZ ()https://bit.ly/2UxP9zN ()   https://spoti.fi/2JpvCfg ()https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/rick-clemons/the-coming-out-lounge ()   http://tun.in/pjtKR ()https://bit.ly/30kT4kL ()   https://bit.ly/2FVH55j ()  

482: There’s No Shame In Sex – Rick Clemons

Relationships are wonderful and ho hum. Loving and conflicted. Easy and challenging. Then add a dose of being gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, polyamorous, or any of the other sexual orientations, gender identities or ways of being in a committed relationship, and the plot thickens. Or does it have to? Bring their own unique sense for awakening relationships to make quantum leaps of success - regardless of your sexual orientation, gender identity, or form of your intimate relationship, Jennifer and Stephanie PageWise want your intimate partnerships to thrive - using three primary pillars. Listen as they guide us to be open to their formula for creating a relationship that is grounded in learning, loving, and leaning into the unknown. About Jennifer and Stephanie Jennifer and Stephanie PageWise are Quantum Relationship Coaches who work with the LGBTQ+ community.  Their mission is to bring more love to the world, one relationship at a time.  They focus on creating holy relationships through teaching self-love, boundaries and communication.  They have been married for a year and have been through the wringer in their relationship: They met, disability occurred, they broke up, found their Authentic Self based in their Spiritual Path and then found their way back to a solid, healthy, loving relationship.   They have identified the major components that go wrong in relationships and have developed tools to help people learn the ways to have true intimacy and build rock-solid relationships. Connect With Jennifer and Stephanie http://www.enchantedawakenings.love (Website) http://www.facebook.com/groups/enchantedawakenings (Facebook) https://enchantedawakenings.lpages.co/pre-marital-and-wedding-options/ (Coaching and Wedding Services) You can also listen to the podcast on… https://apple.co/2RBmUxZ ()https://bit.ly/2UxP9zN ()   https://spoti.fi/2JpvCfg ()https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/rick-clemons/the-coming-out-lounge ()   http://tun.in/pjtKR ()https://bit.ly/30kT4kL ()   https://bit.ly/2FVH55j ()  

481: Making Quantum Leaps In Your LGBTQ Relationship – Jennifer and Stephanie PageWise

Whether you're 30, 40, 50, 60, etc. , it's never too late to come out and there are actually huge benefits to coming out and being authentically you in your sexuality. Here's a few of the most common reasons to come out and be who you are, even when you think you are to old, or have wasted too much time. You can also listen to the podcast on… https://apple.co/2RBmUxZ ()https://bit.ly/2UxP9zN ()   https://spoti.fi/2JpvCfg ()https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/rick-clemons/the-coming-out-lounge ()   http://tun.in/pjtKR ()https://bit.ly/30kT4kL ()   https://bit.ly/2FVH55j ()  

480: Why You Should Come Out Regardless Of Your Age – Rick Clemons

Stuttering, and one arm About NickNick is an incredibly unique individual. Born with only one arm, Nick was forced to turn what many would call a handicap into an unforeseen opportunity. Nick grew up playing sports and was blessed with the opportunity to play football at both the collegiate and professional levels. He has been featured in many local and national publications and TV shows including USA Today, FOX SPORTS LIVE, ESPN, and The George Michael Sports Machine. In 2004 he founded a kicking and punting school - https://www.4thand10kickingandpunting.com/ (4th and 10) - where he now trains and works with specialists at all levels including NFL, NCAA, and High School. Over the years his clients began to ask questions regarding motivation, nutrition, and life skills. In 2017 he decided to enroll and join the Institute of Integrative Nutrition earning his certification. Seeking further knowledge, Nick received additional certifications in nutrition through Precision Nutrition in 2019. Connect With Nickhttp://www.whoisnickgatto.com/ (Website) https://twitter.com/NickGatto (Twitter) https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-gatto-b88b861a/ (LinkedIn) https://www.instagram.com/onearmguy/ (Instagram) You can also listen to the podcast on…https://apple.co/2RBmUxZ ()https://bit.ly/2UxP9zN ()  https://spoti.fi/2JpvCfg ()https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/rick-clemons/the-coming-out-lounge ()  http://tun.in/pjtKR ()https://bit.ly/30kT4kL ()  https://bit.ly/2FVH55j () 

479: Coming Out To Be A One Arm Wonder – Nick Gatto

In the midst of the lovely and unexpected pandemic - COVID19 - love can was found and lost. It was a season. A season that brought to a head by a clear cut understanding that you can think and feel one way about the person you are in a relationship with, only to find out they are thinking and feeling a completely different way, and suddenly - GAME OVER - or in this songwriter/singers case - THAT'S THE END OF THIS SEASON! Yet, seasons are meant to start and stop, come and go, and that's why for Asian American singer songwriter, Christine Sako, the season of falling in and out love during a pandemic helped her realize you gotta be real with the journey and the situation if you are ever going to grow. Her new song Seasoned, takes us on a journey to her truth of being exactly who she is meant to be in the world. https://open.spotify.com/album/5nBExQBQJO8JcgHgzpzrfw?dl_branch=1&si=4zdPUW5mTwGE2Y4dBP5NHQ&nd=1 ()About ChristineAsian American indie synth pop artist unveiled a fresh chapter of her music career with her new single “https://open.spotify.com/album/5nBExQBQJO8JcgHgzpzrfw?dl_branch=1&si=4zdPUW5mTwGE2Y4dBP5NHQ&nd=1 (Seasoned.") Known for peeling back the layers of everyday problems and human experiences, Sako is a master at uncovering the depths of life while keeping her music captivating and one-of-a-kind. Layered with gorgeous harmonies and bright instruments, “Seasoned” showcases Sako’s strong writing and overall musical imaginativeness. Connect With Christinehttps://christinesako.com/ (Website) https://www.facebook.com/christinesako (Facebook) https://twitter.com/christinesako (Twitter) https://www.instagram.com/christinesako/ (Instagram) You can also listen to the podcast on…https://apple.co/2RBmUxZ ()https://bit.ly/2UxP9zN ()  https://spoti.fi/2JpvCfg ()https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/rick-clemons/the-coming-out-lounge ()  http://tun.in/pjtKR ()https://bit.ly/30kT4kL ()  https://bit.ly/2FVH55j () 

478: Embracing The Season of Your Life – Christine Sako

We're all flawed, all complicated, and all hunger to be accepted to be just who we are in the world. But, we also desire to feel safe. The bigger question is, "How do you feel safe when everyone sees you as flawed or complicated?" You don't let them IMPACT your life. You live you, and share your flawed and complicated life, even if that means you admit you've been abused - physically and emotionally...because someone else needs to hear your story. Benji Carr, author, journalist, and performer, takes us on his journey to come out of his closet - gay and otherwise - to embrace his flaw with making it complicated journey. https://www.amazon.com/Impacted-Novel-Benji-Carr-ebook/dp/B08QDYMWLJ/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=impacted&qid=1622836034&sr=8-1 ()About BenjiAs a child growing up in the South with cerebral palsy, Benji Carr developed an eye for the bizarre and quirky, which provided all of the stories he told his friends and family with a bit of flavor. Working as a journalist, storyteller and playwright, his work – whether the stories be personal tales of struggle and survival or fiction about cannibal lunch ladies, puppet romances, drag queen funerals, and perverted killer circus clowns – has been featured in The Guardian, ArtsATL and Pembroke Magazine. Onstage, his pieces have been presented at the Center for Puppetry Arts, Alliance Theatre, and as part of the Samuel French Off-Off Broadway Short Play Festival in Manhattan. He lives in Atlanta and helps run the online literary magazine, Gutwrench Journal. IMPACTED is his first novel. Connect Withhttp://benjicarr.com/ (Website) https://www.facebook.com/benjicarrauthor (Facebook) https://twitter.com/benji_carr (Twitter) https://www.instagram.com/benji_carr/ (Instagram) You can also listen to the podcast on…https://apple.co/2RBmUxZ ()https://bit.ly/2UxP9zN ()  https://spoti.fi/2JpvCfg ()https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/rick-clemons/the-coming-out-lounge ()  http://tun.in/pjtKR ()https://bit.ly/30kT4kL ()  https://bit.ly/2FVH55j () 

477: The Beauty of Being Flawed And Complicated – Benji Carr

Dating is either an adventure or a thorn in your side. Then add to the mix being LGBTQ and all that comes with dating the same sex, dating both men and women, or trying to explain the difference between sexual orientation and gender identity, and the dating world needs a whole new way to interact. Well how about connecting with connection and having a real conversation on that first encounter rather than depending on the standard, tried and true - posed profile pic, short description, likes/dislikes, and then swipe right or left. Enter Teleport.co. Stop swiping, start dating from the comfort of your own space, with real online connections...not just a photo. It's a new way of brining connection to your dating adventure and helping you get where you're trying to get - meeting your people, finding your person. Founder, Tyler Greenberg shares their idea and his candid views on what is wrong with the dating environments today, and how Teleport.co is getting ready to shake up the dating world - regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity. About Tyler   Connect With https://tylerschrenk.com/ (Website) https://www.facebook.com/tyler.schrenk.3 (Facebook) https://twitter.com/tyler_schrenk (Twitter) https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-schrenk/ (LinkedIn) You can also listen to the podcast on… https://apple.co/2RBmUxZ ()https://bit.ly/2UxP9zN ()   https://spoti.fi/2JpvCfg ()https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/rick-clemons/the-coming-out-lounge ()   http://tun.in/pjtKR ()https://bit.ly/30kT4kL ()   https://bit.ly/2FVH55j ()  

476: Uncloseting your dating life – Tyler Greenberg

From being an obese young man who was bullied, to bullying himself into a job that everyone else - including himself - thought was the perfect path for him, Travis Daigle just couldn't come out to be himself, until he realized, the Army was calling. Tricked into joining and being told they would teach him how to swim, Travis takes on his own coming out journey to live life on the other side of abuse, obesity, misery in a corporate job, to step into the world as an Army Green Beret which has now lead him to be a speaker who values the journey of living your life on your own terms. About Travis Travis Daigle overcame a childhood haunted by physical, sexual, and verbal abuse.  Growing up in Birmingham, Alabama, he battled obesity, weighing over 300 pounds at 17 years old.  After years of failed attempts, in the midst of constant bullying at school, he lost over 100 pounds, as he began his college career at the University of Houston.  There, he would spend 5 years grinding out sleepless nights spent studying, dealing with financial struggles, and overcoming social awkwardness from his past.  In May of 2005 he graduated with honors, majoring in Electrical Engineering as a 1st-Generation College student. After a brief stay in Corporate America, Travis decided that he needed a deeper sense of purpose at work.  In August of 2007, he enlisted in the US Army with hopes of becoming a Special Forces Soldier a.k.a. Green Beret.  At the time, he was 25 years old.  He had never been on a hike, never shot a gun, never been camping, and he didn't know how to swim.  He would go on to graduate in the top 20% of his class of Green Beret's and spend a year deployed to combat in Afghanistan. During the two and a half year Special Forces Assessment Process, he would also pay off $60,000 dollars of debt and leave the military in 2012, debt-free.  Today, Travis continues to challenge himself as he pursues competition as a Mixed Martial Arts Fighter. He speaks with the hope that his story will help others to meet life's challenges with the determination to Adapt and Overcome. Connect With Travis https://travisdaigle.com/ (Website) https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAmNTgJzcxjV-ZmLRMLmJqw (YouTube) You can also listen to the podcast on… https://apple.co/2RBmUxZ ()https://bit.ly/2UxP9zN ()   https://spoti.fi/2JpvCfg ()https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/rick-clemons/the-coming-out-lounge ()   http://tun.in/pjtKR ()https://bit.ly/30kT4kL ()   https://bit.ly/2FVH55j ()  

475: Coming out of abuse, debt, obesity, and living inauthentically – Travis Daigle

Stop it! No more mediocre living. Dreaming and not doing. Apologizing for living your life your way. Host Rick Clemons – bold move badass and coming out expert – sez “Live Life Uncloseted dammit!” Each episode he takes you on a brash, fun, and in your face, provocative storytelling ride to escape your crazy making thoughts, explore your fears, and unabashedly elevate your self-expression so you can live your LIFE UNCLOSETED - whether you're LGBTQ or heteronormative.

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Life (UN)Closeted: LGBTQ & Heterosexual Coming Out Stories &...

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