Wing Women Weekend, October 15-18, 2025, Provincetown, MA - a conference for women/non-binary persons who are new to the LGBTQIA+ community! This conference is all about connection, finding queer community, and having a whole lot of FUN! For the full conference schedule and to sign up, visit https://wingwomenweekend.com/ and use the coupon code PRIDE in June to receive 10% off.

"Maybe I'm Not Straight" and "When the Catalyst Relationship Ends" are do-at-your-own-pace courses for women who are reconsidering their sexual orientation and overcoming the end of their first lesbian relationship. Accessible, information-packed, and easy to do, these courses represent many years worth of experience working with women who come out later in life. Purchase your course and receive your first month subscription to Authentically Us, a safe online space for women who are coming out and beyond, for free! Learn more at https://annemariezanzal.com/courses-from-anne-marie-zanzal/

This week on Coming Out & Beyond: LGBTQIA+ Stories, host Anne-Marie Zanzal interviews Lonay Halloum, a queer relationship coaching and Rapid Transformational Therapy practitioner. Lonay shares his coming out story, the challenges he faced with family acceptance, and the importance of self-acceptance and support systems. he discusses his journey through relationships, hitting rock bottom, and discovering transformative therapy methods that helped him rebuild his self-worth. The conversation emphasizes the significance of understanding both conscious and subconscious mind work in personal growth and healing.

You can find Lonay's website here: https://rainbowjourney.co/

Follow Lonay on Instagram, radiantheartsjourney

❓ What to Expect in This Episode:

🏳️‍🌈An emphasis on the need for a strong support system during the coming out process.

🏳️‍🌈Conversation about changing limiting beliefs and understanding the unconscious mind.

🏳️‍🌈Education on how Rapid Transformational Therapy can address deep-rooted beliefs about self-worth.

🏳️‍🌈Reflections on the ongoing struggle with internalized homophobia in the LGBTQIA community.

✨ Why This Matters:

Self-kindness, self-acceptance, and a strong sense of self-worth are crucial for LGBTQIA individuals, especially through the coming out process. Spending some time to uncover subconscious limiting beliefs and how they impact our emotions and behaviors is part of the process when working on personal growth and healing.

💬 Join the Conversation:

Are you caught up in negative patterns and are on a path to discovering why? Has self-acceptance been a struggle for you? Let's talk about it in the comments.

🔗 Visit our website:

Anne-Marie's : [ annemariezanzal.com]

🔗 Follow us on social media:

💠 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amzanzal

💠 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/annemariezanzalcoaching/

💠 Twitter: twitter.com/annemariezanzal

💠LinkedIn:

Wing Women Weekend, October 15-18, 2025, Provincetown, MA - a conference for women/non-binary persons who are new to the LGBTQIA+ community! This conference is all about connection, finding queer community, and having a whole lot of FUN! For the full conference schedule and to sign up, visit https://wingwomenweekend.com/ and use the coupon code PRIDE in June to receive 10% off.

"Maybe I'm Not Straight" and "When the Catalyst Relationship Ends" are do-at-your-own-pace courses for women who are reconsidering their sexual orientation and overcoming the end of their first lesbian relationship. Accessible, information-packed, and easy to do, these courses represent many years worth of experience working with women who come out later in life. Purchase your course and receive your first month subscription to Authentically Us, a safe online space for women who are coming out and beyond, for free! Learn more at https://annemariezanzal.com/courses-from-anne-marie-zanzal/

This week on Coming Out & Beyond: LGBTQIA+ Stories, host Anne-Marie Zanzal chats with author Scott Stirrett. Author of 'The Uncertainty Advantage' and founder of Venture for Canada, Scott shares his personal journey of coming out, the impact it had on his career choices, and how he founded a nonprofit to help young people navigate uncertainty in their careers. Scott shares a personal account of how he manages his OCD, his processes for managing feelings around uncertainty, talks about challenges faced by marginalized groups, and reflects on the importance of values in personal growth. This is a fantastic episode for anyone at any age who is seeking to build their resilience and flexibility in the face of adversity.

You can purchase Scott Stirrett's book, The Uncertainty Advantage, here: https://www.amazon.ca/Uncertainty-Advantage-Launching-Career-Change/dp/1459753224

Learn more about Venture for Canada here: https://ventureforcanada.ca/

Books that influenced Scott are Virtually Normal by Andrew Sullivan: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1717573 and Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4069.Man_s_Search_for_Meaning

❓ What to Expect in This Episode:

🏳️‍🌈Scott shares his coming out story and underscores that the coming out process is never quite done.

🏳️‍🌈Scott talks candidly about his experiences wrestling with OCD and the processes for becoming okay with uncertainty.

🏳️‍🌈Anne-Marie and Scott talk about his six pillars for embracing uncertainty.

🏳️‍🌈Thoughts on the learning that comes with reflection.

✨ Why This Matters:

We're living through turbulent times. The world has become more unpredictable than ever, and learning how to become more comfortable with uncertainty gives us the mental flexibility to endure and succeed.

💬 Join the Conversation:

Is psychological or emotional flexibility something you've had to cultivate? Tell us about it in the comments!

🔗 Visit our website:

Anne-Marie's : [

Wing Women Weekend, October 15-18, 2025, Provincetown, MA - a conference for women/non-binary persons who are new to the LGBTQIA+ community! This conference is all about connection, finding queer community, and having a whole lot of FUN! For the full conference schedule and to sign up, visit https://wingwomenweekend.com/ and use the coupon code PRIDE in June to receive 10% off.

"Maybe I'm Not Straight" and "When the Catalyst Relationship Ends" are do-at-your-own-pace courses for women who are reconsidering their sexual orientation and overcoming the end of their first lesbian relationship. Accessible, information-packed, and easy to do, these courses represent many years worth of experience working with women who come out later in life. Purchase your course and receive your first month subscription to Authentically Us, a safe online space for women who are coming out and beyond, for free! Learn more at https://annemariezanzal.com/courses-from-anne-marie-zanzal/

This week on Coming Out & Beyond: LGBTQIA+ Stories, we revisit an episode from season 3 where Anne-Marie Zanzal and Tonda McKay revisit the story of their journey in love and marriage. With the conversation facilitated by Anne-Marie's collaborator, Anna Empey, Anne-Marie and Tonda retell the story of how they first met, explain the nuances of a newbie and long-out lesbian courtship and relationship, and reflect on what they've learned along the way. As you listen, you'll discover how theirs is a partnership based on equity within the relationship, how they navigated complicated feelings as Anne-Marie went through the coming out and divorce process, how they resolve conflict, and what it means to them both to find love later in life.

The songs Anne-Marie and Tonda mention in this episode are "She Keeps Me Warm" by Mary Lambert https://youtu.be/NhqH-r7Xj0E?si=3dz8Uc6b7tNhXmOS and "This is Me" from the film "The Greatest Showman" https://youtu.be/CjxugyZCfuw?si=YiMI9dHJUUgADcIO.

❓ What to Expect in This Episode:

🏳️‍🌈A vulnerable and engaging story of how two people overcame past hurts to find connection.

🏳️‍🌈Thoughtful reflections on the later-in-life experience.

🏳️‍🌈A real life-account of why some women put their sexuality on the back burner until later in life.

🏳️‍🌈Inspiration that you, too, can find love at any age! And laughs, lots of laughs!

✨ Why This Matters:

In a world where there is so much negative media about the LGBTQ experience, it is heartwarming to hear positive stories that reflect real life queer happiness and love.

💬 Join the Conversation:

Did you find love later in life? How did it happen for you? Tell us in the comments!

🔗 Visit our website:

Anne-Marie's : [ annemariezanzal.com]

🔗 Follow us on social media:

💠 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amzanzal

💠 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/annemariezanzalcoaching/

💠 Twitter:

Wing Women Weekend, October 15-18, 2025, Provincetown, MA - a conference for women/non-binary persons who are new to the LGBTQIA+ community! This conference is all about connection, finding queer community, and having a whole lot of FUN! For the full conference schedule and to sign up, visit https://wingwomenweekend.com/ and use the coupon code PRIDE in June to receive 10% off.

"Maybe I'm Not Straight" and "When the Catalyst Relationship Ends" are do-at-your-own-pace courses for women who are reconsidering their sexual orientation and overcoming the end of their first lesbian relationship. Accessible, information-packed, and easy to do, these courses represent many years worth of experience working with women who come out later in life. Purchase your course and receive your first month subscription to Authentically Us, a safe online space for women who are coming out and beyond, for free! Learn more at https://annemariezanzal.com/courses-from-anne-marie-zanzal/

Welcome back to part 2 of Anne-Marie Zanzal's conversation with celebrated author and illustrator, Brian Selznick. Brian is the author of the popular young adult novels, The Invention of Hugo Cabret, Wonderstruck, The Marvels, Run Away With Me, and Kaleidoscope, among others. Brian inspires young readers with his creative approach to storytelling that combines writing and illustration, telling stories that resonate with young queer audiences. In 2011, The Invention of Hugo Cabret was adapted as a film my legendary director Martin Scorsese.

In part 2 of this engaging conversation, Anne-Marie and Brian dive into themes of queer love, queer history, discuss why representation matters for young LGBTQ people, explore the concepts of inner and outer safe spaces, and discuss how Brian's storytelling has evolved over time.

Discover Brian Selznick's body of work at https://brianselznick.com/

The song Brian mentions in this episode as being so impactful to him at a young age is 'Total Eclipse of the Heart' by Bonnie Tyler: https://youtu.be/lcOxhH8N3Bo?si=Tldbu0sIp-a66NoU

A book that influenced Brian is "Weetzie Bat" by Francesca Lia Block: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44353.Weetzie_Bat

A film that impacted Brian is Poison, directed by Todd Haynes: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0102687/

❓ What to Expect in This Episode:

🏳️‍🌈Knowing our history matters. Brian and Anne-Marie discuss how history is lost or filtered over time, removing access to queer stories and impacting queer culture.

🏳️‍🌈Brian discusses how themes and characters have matured in his work over time, and how this presents a creative challenge.

🏳️‍🌈Anne-Marie and Brian talk about the importance of safe spaces and how they are cultivated by queer individuals.

🏳️‍🌈Brian gives us a peek into his inner world, discussing how his characters represent conversations between different versions of himself.

✨ Why This Matters:

Preserving queer stories and queer history matters. When we can see ourselves, our experiences, and our stories reflected in the stories of others, we feel validated, less alone, and connected to our community. Storytelling is a powerful healing modality we can all participate in, as creators or as listeners and readers.

💬 Join the Conversation:

Are you a fan of Brian Selznick's work? Tell us which of his stories resonates with you the most and why in the comments!

🔗 Visit our website:

Anne-Marie's : [ annemariezanzal.com]

🔗 Follow us on social media:

💠 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amzanzal

💠 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/annemariezanzalcoaching/

💠 Twitter: twitter.com/annemariezanzal

💠LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/annemariezanzalpurposefulempowerment/

👉...

Wing Women Weekend, October 15-18, 2025, Provincetown, MA - a conference for women/non-binary persons who are new to the LGBTQIA+ community! This conference is all about connection, finding queer community, and having a whole lot of FUN! For the full conference schedule and to sign up, visit https://wingwomenweekend.com/ and use the coupon code PRIDE in June to receive 10% off.

"Maybe I'm Not Straight" and "When the Catalyst Relationship Ends" are do-at-your-own-pace courses for women who are reconsidering their sexual orientation and overcoming the end of their first lesbian relationship. Accessible, information-packed, and easy to do, these courses represent many years worth of experience working with women who come out later in life. Purchase your course and receive your first month subscription to Authentically Us, a safe online space for women who are coming out and beyond, for free! Learn more at https://annemariezanzal.com/courses-from-anne-marie-zanzal/

Celebrated author and illustrator Brian Selznick is known for his impactful storytelling. Author of The Invention of Hugo Cabret, Wonderstruck, The Marvels, Run Away With Me, and Kaleidoscope, among others has inspired young readers for decades with his creative approach to storytelling that combines writing and illustration. In 2011, The Invention of Hugo Cabret was adapted as a film my legendary director Martin Scorsese. In this engaging conversation, Brian shares with listeners how his personal experiences have influenced his writing, particularly in his latest young adult novel, Run Away With Me. Anne-Marie and Brian explore themes of grief, loss, and the role of family in storytelling. Brian shares his coming out story, representing a journey of acceptance for himself and his family. Stay tuned for part 2 of this engaging conversation, when Anne-Marie and Brian dive into themes of queer love, queer history, and how personal experiences shape storytelling.

Discover Brian Selznick's body of work at https://brianselznick.com/

❓ What to Expect in This Episode:

🏳️‍🌈Representation matters! Brian's work reflects stories of young love that are relevant to the LGBTQIA+ community.

🏳️‍🌈In exploring historical themes, Brian addresses the persistent challenge of erasure of queer historical figures.

🏳️‍🌈Brian's work demonstrates how art can confront and counteract societal ugliness.

🏳️‍🌈Brian's work connects us with reoccurring themes in queer stories.

✨ Why This Matters:

Preserving queer stories and queer history matters. When we can see ourselves, our experiences, and our stories reflected in the stories of others, we feel validated, less alone, and connected to our community. Storytelling is a powerful healing modality we can all participate in, as creators or as listeners and readers.

💬 Join the Conversation:

Are you a fan of Brian Selznick's work? Tell us which of his stories resonates with you the most and why in the comments!

🔗 Visit our website:

Anne-Marie's : [ annemariezanzal.com]

🔗 Follow us on social media:

💠 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amzanzal

💠 Instagram:

"Maybe I'm Not Straight" and "When the Catalyst Relationship Ends" are do-at-your-own-pace courses for women who are reconsidering their sexual orientation and overcoming the end of their first lesbian relationship. Accessible, information-packed, and easy to do, these courses represent many years worth of experience working with women who come out later in life. Purchase your course and receive your first month subscription to Authentically Us, a safe online space for women who are coming out and beyond, for free! Learn more at https://annemariezanzal.com/courses-from-anne-marie-zanzal/

Dating got you down? Does the idea of dating scare you? Or maybe you've been dating all the wrong people? Lavender Dating offers coaching for women dating women, helping you overcome mental blocks surrounding the dating experience. Book a free connection call with dating coach Barbara Rowlandson and let's talk about how to get you to a place of authentic connection in love and relationship! https://calendly.com/lavender-dating-team/connection-call-with-barb

TW: Religious trauma

Queer author, poet, and storyteller Rebecca Wilson is this week's guest, and hers is a story of rejection, rising up, and finding belonging. Rebecca, an ex-minister in the Methodist church, found herself in the center of a storm when the New York Times posted her photo, her expression belying the heartbreak she felt when the United Methodist Church (UMC) voted at a special session of the general council to strengthen a ban of LGBTQ clergy and same-sex weddings. Consequently, the UMC have lost 5,800 churches through disaffiliation. After the photo was published Rebecca found herself in a position as a lightning rod for hate and ultimately left the UMC ministry. In this impactful conversation with host Anne-Marie Zanzal, Rebecca shares her story of courage, transformation, and the quest for self-acceptance in the face of adversity. Her journey of healing through her writing project, 10 Camels, is a reminder of the power of storytelling.

❓ What to Expect in This Episode:

🏳️‍🌈Rebecca shares the story of her journey in seminary and her struggles with mental health.

🏳️‍🌈After leaving the UMC, Rebecca finds the gift of queer community.

🏳️‍🌈Rebecca shares the how her project, 10 Camels, helped her navigate the wilderness of healing.

🏳️‍🌈Rebecca's story exemplifies the importance of prioritizing authenticity over institutional acceptance.

✨ Why This Matters:

In a society where active suppression of LGBTQ rights emboldens homophobic actions (e.g. the Pulse nightclub shooting), finding healing and a sense of home in queer community is fundamental to the health and well-being of queer individuals. The power of storytelling, of being seen and heard, is a powerful catalyst for healing trauma associated with oppression.

You can connect with Rebecca Wilson and learn more about her project, 10 Camels, here: https://10camels.com/

Rebecca's first book of poetry, "Unraveling", is available now on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Unraveling-Rebecca-Wilson/dp/1960326708

Rebecca's coming out song is "It's a Miracle" by Culture Club:

Join Authentically Us, a community and support space for late blooming lesbians! Find us at https://www.annemariezanzal.com

Lotus Community Coaching is a 6-month program for women who are reevaluating their sexual identity, coming out as LGBTQIA+, and transitioning from a straight, married life to an independent life. If you're struggling and need help during this challenging time, learn what Lotus Community Coaching can offer you: https://annemariezanzal.com/lotus-community-coaching/

TW: Religious trauma

Mike Maeshiro (he/him) is the founder of Numa, and organization that supports people recovering from religious toxicity. Mike is gay, and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, and a queer theology enthusiast. He is an ex-pastor who now works with gay men recovering from evangelicalism. Mike's story reflects his journey from being a deeply involved evangelical pastor to embracing his identity as a gay man. In this conversation, Mike reflects on his spiritual experiences that affirmed his identity, the cultural conditioning that led to his initial homophobia, and the eventual decision to live authentically. He emphasizes the importance of finding community and support, exploring inclusive theology, and the challenges of coming out publicly. Mike shares his journey of coming out as a gay man and the subsequent challenges he faced, including public backlash, mental health struggles, and family dynamics. He discusses the importance of self-acceptance and the process of deconstructing his evangelical faith, highlighting key issues that many face in similar situations. Mike also reflects on his professional shift towards supporting the queer community and the impact of media on societal perceptions. Ultimately, he emphasizes the significance of finding safety and authenticity in one's life.

❓ What to Expect in This Episode:

🏳️‍🌈A story of facing fear of losing community and identity when coming out.

🤗Emphasis for the need for compassion in discussions about sexuality.

💞Acknowledgment that self-acceptance is a journey that takes time.

💬Discussion about key issues in evangelicalism that include views on hell and the Bible.

✨ Why This Matters:

Cultural conditioning is a strong contributor toward internalized homophobia. This is a must-listen episode for any person who is recovering from evangelical faith traditions. Reaching a place of self-acceptance and authenticity is a vital aspect of personal identity.

Authentically Us is a support community for later-in-life LGBTQ women at all stages of the coming out and beyond process. Coming out later in life is often accompanied by suffering. Whether you're looking to deconstruct messages from a conservative faith tradition, experience divorce-related guilt, or struggle with feelings of shame around your coming out or sexual identity, Authentically Us has the right kind of support for you. Monthly subscription to Authentically Us on Mighty Networks is $35/month, but you can try your first week for free. Find Authentically Us at https://bit.ly/Authentically-Us

💬 Join the Conversation:

Are you someone who has been negatively impacted by conservative faith traditions? Let's talk about it in the comments!

Connect with Mike....

https://www.mikemaeshiro.com/

Mike's Substack:

Join Authentically Us, a community and support space for late blooming lesbians! Find us at https://www.annemariezanzal.com

Lotus Community Coaching is a 6-month program for women who are reevaluating their sexual identity, coming out as LGBTQIA+, and transitioning from a straight, married life to an independent life. If you're struggling and need help during this challenging time, learn what Lotus Community Coaching can offer you: https://annemariezanzal.com/lotus-community-coaching/

People new to the LGBTQIA+ community: ever feel like you don't belong? Worried that, after a 'straight' life, others (straight or gay) won't accept you as being queer? Imposter syndrome (yes, we know it's not a real syndrome, but you know what we mean!) can do a number on our heads, and Anne-Marie and Barb are here to talk about it! This week on the podcast, your two trusty later-in-life coaches talk about the importance of self-identification, the societal pressures surrounding visibility and authenticity, and the impact of internalized homophobia. Anne-Marie and Barb also touch on the significance of media representation and the importance of leaning into community when you're trying to figure out how 'queer' for you manifests as you walk through the world.

❓ What to Expect in This Episode:

🏳️‍🌈Explanations of why being LGBTQIA+ is about so much more than just sex.

💬Discussion on why there is a greater need for open conversation and greater understanding about the later in life experience.

🔍Examination of societal pressures to appear 'gay.'

💞An emphasis on doing what is right for you when you are ready.

✨ Why This Matters:

Self-identification is a journey that needs affirmation and acceptance. We want you to know that if you're struggling with what queer looks like for you, that you're not alone, and that you are not 'less-than' just because you've come out later than some.

Authentically Us is a support community for later-in-life LGBTQ women at all stages of the coming out and beyond process. Coming out later in life is often accompanied by suffering. Whether you're looking to deconstruct messages from a conservative faith tradition, experience divorce-related guilt, or struggle with feelings of shame around your coming out or sexual identity, Authentically Us has the right kind of support for you. Monthly subscription to Authentically Us on Mighty Networks is $35/month, but you can try your first week for free. Find Authentically Us at https://bit.ly/Authentically-Us

💬 Join the Conversation:

What does being gay/queer/lesbian/bisexual look like for you? How have you evolved your outer self to align with your inner self? And how to you handle correcting assumptions about your sexuality? Let's talk about it in the comments!

🔗 Visit our website:

Anne-Marie's : [ annemariezanzal.com]

🔗 Follow us on social media:

💠 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amzanzal

💠 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/annemariezanzalcoaching/

💠 Twitter: twitter.com/annemariezanzal

💠LinkedIn: