Choosing Authenticity Over Comfort: Divorce and LGBTQ+ Life with Quincy Tessaverne

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Quincy Tessaverne about her powerful journey of coming out with her sexuality after 16 years of marriage. Quincy opens up about the evolution of her self-awareness, navigating family and community responses to her transition, and how the experience shaped her identity as a parent, partner, and person.

About the Guest:

Quincy Tessaverne is a writer, entrepreneur, and podcast host living in Los Angeles. With a background that spans parenting, advocacy, creative projects, and LGBTQ+ community building, Quincy brings humor, honesty, and insight to conversations about identity, relationships, loss, and growth. She is the founder of the new podcast Cocoon After Dark, dedicated to sharing real stories from LGBTQ+ and BIPOC voices, especially from a Gen X female perspective.

Main Topics Covered:

• Discovering and understanding sexuality in a conservative 1980s environment
• The experience and challenges of coming out after a long, “traditional” marriage
• Maintaining a supportive co-parenting and friendship dynamic post-divorce
• The societal and family impacts of coming out, including community rejection and finding new belonging
• Supporting children through family transitions and honoring authentic parenting
• The importance of representation and storytelling for the LGBTQ+ community
• Launching Cocoon After Dark: why sharing diverse stories matters

Quote from the Episode:

“It’s important because while so many people are trying to shed labels, I think it’s still important, because it’s still not accepted in so many parts of this country and this world… To see people, regular, normal people—your neighbors, your friends, classmates, parents… LGBTQ people are around you and have just as normal lives as you do. We just love different people than you love.”—Quincy Tessaverne

Timestamps:

[00:00:05] Quincy’s favorite way to transition to downtime

[00:01:52] Early awareness of sexuality & formative experiences

[00:06:36] Navigating changing friendships and family norms in the 1980s

[00:09:59] Marriage, honesty with a partner, and why she chose not to “play both sides”

[00:13:24] The turning point and emotional aspects of coming out

[00:21:25] Impact on daily life, family, and loss of friend group—finding community

[00:27:07] The crucial role of chosen family and supporting children

[00:34:36] Why representation and sharing LGBTQ+ stories still matters

[00:39:03] Launching Cocoon After Dark & how to tune in

[00:43:16] Fun questions—favorite books, sunsets, and music

Connect with the Guest:

• Instagram: @cocoonafterdark
• Podcast: Cocoon After Dark https://cocoonafterdark.buzzsprout.com/

Special Offer from the Guest: Be among the first to listen to Cocoon After Dark and share your story! If you are an LGBTQ+ or BIPOC person interested in being interviewed, mention “TAOIA” in your application for priority consideration during the first season (offer valid through December 2025).

Note from the show: Guest offers are often limited-time and limited quantity. If you have an issue redeeming the guest offer please reach out to the guest or vendor directly.

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