Coming Out Late

In this episode, Robin shares with us some examples of the types of comments we could possibly and most likely WILL receive as we slowly OR quickly come out to people all around us. Knowing what questions *may* be asked during your coming out process is half the battle - at least that way you can prepare for them, right? Robin also shares with us some possible retorts to these questions, and maybe a few retorts that she really wouldn’t advise you saying, but ones SHE would love to have you say in these oftentimes rude, intrusive scenarios. Sometimes ‘knowing’ what to expect when we’re navigating the coming out process IS half the battle!! Hopefully you won’t need ANY of these responses - but be prepared and decide how YOU want to respond should you be asked a personal, intrusive question.In this episode, you will learn…What are some of the common questions we ARE asked when we’re coming out to others - or even if we’re NOT coming out and we’re simply in a social setting among other not-straight women.How to handle rude and inappropriate personal questions when faced with “curious” people questioning YOUR sexuality, for you.Should you respond? Should you respond snidely? Should you confront their blunt rudeness? It all depends….Being prepared and expecting the unexpected is usually a good tactic to take!The Women Loving Women (Virtual) Speaker Summit is on Saturday, June 25th at 3pm EST. Sign up using this Calendly link: https://calendly.com/womenlovingwomen/women-loving-women-speaker-summit-2Ready to meet other Fireflies “in-the-wild”? Sign-up NOW for the Inaugural Firefly Retreat to occur on October 9-13, 2022 in Escalante, Utah. We have room for 5-more Fireflies, so don’t delay! Go to: www.womenoutwesttours.com Hover your cursor over “Our Tours” tab, and from the drop down menu, select “Specialty Tours” and in there you will find information about the upcoming (and potential future) Firefly Tours!Links to resources:COMING OUT LATE FB GROUP:Join our private FB Group: Coming Out Late Community at: www.facebook.com/groups/comingoutlatecommunity/FIREFLY RETREAT:Finally! We are going to get to meet IN REAL LIFE!! Robin has partnered with Mary Hueske to bring you one-of-a-kind Firefly Tours out in southern Utah. Our first Firefly Retreat is October 9-13, 2022. There are only 5 slots available - so email Robin NOW if you want to learn more! Comingoutlater@gmail.com  “Firefly Tour”. Or, go to: www.womenOUTwesttours.com/SpecialtyToursWOMEN LOVING WOMEN SUPPORT GROUPS:Want to come to a nighttime WOMEN LOVING WOMEN support group? Or, a daytime WOMEN HELPING WOMEN support group? Email me a request for the Zoom ID & PW’s to: Comingoutlater@gmail.comWWW.BUYMEACOFFEE.COMWanna support our “Coming Out Late” podcast? Then please consider 'buying me a coffee' as a sign of appreciation. Any and all donations are deeply, deeply appreciated!!  Simply go to: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RobinDouglassSTAY TUNED: A NEW PAID MEMBERSHIP WLW COMMUNITY:Robin is launching a new, safe ‘n secure Community for all women who love women in Circle.so. (It will likely be called The Firefly Community). This new paid membership community will be officially launching with 20-25 Founding Firefly Members at the end of June 2022. Stay tuned for more details.Support the show

In this episode, Robin reads to us from a three-part social media post, whereby the author introduces herself as a 35-year old cis woman married to a man for 13 years. Together, they have five children, (under the age of 12). She describes her STBX-husband as pretty conservative and considers the process of her coming out to him as an act of cheating on him.In this episode, you will learn…Navigating a rocky coming-out when the husband is pretty conservative and making things really difficult from the start.Identifying as bi-sexual for a few years, but now questioning that label.That social media and messaging IS a “thing” among women who just meet up either online, or in person at a bar, (as was the case for this firefly).Recognizing that distance and differences could very well NOT be the perfect ingredient for a sustainable relationship - or is it?What would it be like to have a sexual encounter with a woman? The firefly author was worried she wouldn’t feel anything or be aroused - see what she found out about that.A creative way to have your significant other meet your kids and have your kids meet “Mommy’s new friend”.Seeing an opening and coming out to my son.The Women Loving Women (Virtual) Speaker Summit is on Saturday, June 25th at 3pm EST. Sign up using this Calendly link: https://calendly.com/womenlovingwomen/women-loving-women-speaker-summit-2Links to resources:COMING OUT LATE FB GROUP:Join our private FB Group: Coming Out Late Community at: www.facebook.com/groups/comingoutlatecommunity/FIREFLY RETREAT:Finally! We are going to get to meet IN REAL LIFE!! Robin has partnered with Mary Hueske to bring you one-of-a-kind Firefly Tours out in southern Utah. Our first Firefly Retreat is October 9-13, 2022. There are only 7 slots available - so email Robin NOW if you want to learn more! Comingoutlater@gmail.com  “Firefly Tour”WOMEN LOVING WOMEN SUPPORT GROUPS:Want to come to a nighttime WOMEN LOVING WOMEN support group? Or, a daytime WOMEN HELPING WOMEN support group? Email me a request for the Zoom ID & PW’s to: Comingoutlater@gmail.comWWW.BUYMEACOFFEE.COMWanna support our “Coming Out Late” podcast? Then please consider 'buying me a coffee' as a sign of appreciation. Any and all donations are deeply, deeply appreciated!!  Simply go to: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RobinDouglassSTAY TUNED: A NEW PAID MEMBERSHIP WLW COMMUNITY:Robin is launching a new, safe ‘n secure Community for all women who love women in Circle.so. This new paid membership community will be officially launching during PRIDE Month - June 2022. Stay tuned for more details.Support the show

In this episode, Robin announces her latest collaboration with Women OUT West Tours whereby Robin will lead and facilitate in-person “Firefly” Retreats in Escalante, UT.  The inaugural Firefly retreat is October 9-13, 2022. But that won’t be the last, so if you cannot make it on October 9, there will be plenty more to sign-up for. What an opportunity to be out in nature and have deep, meaning facilitated, and non-facilitated conversations with other women who ‘get you’! In this episode, Robin also touches upon a little bit of Gay History when she discusses the Stonewall Riots, the book, “Game Changers: Lesbians You Should Know About”, and her new favorite podcast, “Making Gay History”, by Eric Marcus. “Making Gay History’s” unique format, historic context and non-celebrity interviews make for an entertaining AND sobering way to learn about the mind-blowing prejudices and harassment our gay brothers and sisters endured, and oftentimes didn’t endure, before us.In this episode, you will also learn…The importance of knowing our Gay History. As a Late Bloomer herself, Robin describes how little she knew about the Stonewall Riots that took place on June 27, 1969, and decided she wanted to learn more about her gay brothers and sisters who came before her.The importance of PRIDE month and little ways you can feel and show your Pride during the month of June.The the Women Loving Women (Virtual) Speaker Summit is on Saturday, June 25th at 3pm EST. Sign up using this Calendly link: https://calendly.com/womenlovingwomen/women-loving-women-speaker-summit-2The only way to get your hands on a copy of the book, “Game Changers: Lesbian You Should Know About” is to go to: www.lesbiangamechangers.comHow one lesbian, Donna Hitchens, a recent law school graduate changed the lives of hundreds, maybe even thousands, of lesbians first, by forming, (with some help from Equal Rights Advocates in San Francisco), The Lesbian Rights Project, which later became the NCLR, (the National Center for Lesbian Rights).How the birth of “Curve” magazine came about, thanks to the former bookstore clerk and magazine Founder, Frances “Franco” Stevens. First and foremost, “Curve” was a celebration of the women shaping our community. Links to resources:Join our private FB Group: Coming Out Late Community at: www.facebook.com/groups/comingoutlatecommunity/Want to come to a nighttime WOMEN LOVING WOMEN support group? Or, a daytime WOMEN HELPING WOMEN support group? Email me a request for the Zoom ID & PW’s to: Comingoutlater@gmail.comWanna support our “Coming Out Late” podcast? Then please consider 'buying me a coffee' as a sign of appreciation. Any and all donations are deeply, deeply appreciated!!  Simply go to: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RobinDouglassRobin is launching a new, safe ‘n secure Community for all women who love women in Circle.so. This new paid membership community will be officially launching during PRIDE Month - June 2022. Stay tuned for more details.Resources mentioned in this podcast include:Bloomers SocietyJulia Ruiz Hoffman and her Bloomer’s Society can be found at: www.bloomerssociety.comThe “Lesbian Chronicles” podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lesbian-chronicles-coming-out-later-in-life/id1468550568?i=1000563115527“Making Gay History” podcast by Eric MarcusSupport the show

In this episode, Robin sits down with not one, but two late-in-lifer’s. She invites recent podcast guest Lori back for a chat about “relationships” with Robin’s friend and repeat podcast guest - Samantha Fox. Samantha is a lesbian curiosity and sexuality coach and a licensed family and marriage therapist in New York who also happens to be a late bloomer herself. Today, Samantha, Lori & Robin take a deep dive into some specific relationship issues that come up for late bloomers once you’ve started dating. Take notes, there’s lots to learn in this episode about women dating women!In this episode, you will learn…The importance of knowing thyself before really diving into serious relationships - it will help you better navigate the sometimes choppy waters!The importance of communication between you and your partner BEFORE you embark on a night out on the town! Understanding each other’s boundaries, what to possibly expect and WHO to possibly expect at any function you may attend together.That just because we are coming out later in our lives does NOT necessarily mean that all the other late blooming gay folx have done the inner work on themselves before diving into the dating pool! Beware, not ALL queer women are created equal - nor have they been working on themselves!.The Women Loving Women Speaker Summit #2 has been announced and is on Saturday, June 25th at 3pm EST. Early Bird tickets are on sale now thru midnight on June 3rd. For the link to Register, email Robin at: Comingoutlater@gmail.com. And guess who our Keynote Speaker is? Samantha Fox!!! https://calendly.com/womenlovingwomen/women-loving-women-speaker-summit-2To join a Women Loving Women Support Group, (on Tuesdays at 12:30pm EST or Wednesday at 7pm EST), please email Robin at: Comingoutlater@gmail.com Links to resources:Wanna support our “Coming Out Late” podcast? Then please consider 'buying me a coffee' as a sign of appreciation. Any and all donations are deeply, deeply appreciated!!  Simply go to: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RobinDouglassRobin is launching a new, safe ‘n secure Community for all women who love women in Circle.so. This new paid membership community will be officially launching during PRIDE Month - June 2022. Stay tuned for more details.Join our private FB Group: Coming Out Late Community at: www.facebook.com/groups/comingoutlatecommunity/You can find Samantha Fox at:Website: https://www.curiousquestioningandcomingout.com/Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lesbiancuriositycoach?lang=enInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/curiousquestioningcomingout/Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/channel/UCugZWOUuPKEtdXQndioSbYQ Support the show

In this episode, Robin reminds us of the significance and importance of us not only hearing other women’s coming out stories, but also telling our own. We grow, we learn and we heal every time we share or hear coming out late stories. Robin reads to us the story of one particular woman who can recall always being attracted to women for as long as she could remember - but knew she had to suppress those thoughts and feelings. (Thank you social norms and comphet!) After being married to a man, and hitting 40-years old, she made a promise to herself that the second half of her life was going to be on her terms. After that inspiring story, Robin also talks about the rate or speed at which you should proceed on your journey of coming out.  And, at the end of this episode, Robin will share with us the responses from a variety of late bloomers, to this statement: “My first kiss with a woman was…”!In this episode, you will learn…How do we find ourselves and live in our truth?Going from three kids and 2 marriages to men later - how one woman went from miserable, depressed, angry and anxious to flourishing in life!Manifesting the things we’ve always wanted by NOT living a life that other people want and expect from us.To get the $27 Early Bird Price for the WLW Speaker Summit #2 (June 26, 2022), email Robin at: Comingoutlater@gmail.comTo join a Women Loving Women Support Group, email Robin at: Comingoutlater@gmail.comWLW Retreat October 10-16, 2022 - Provincetown, MA - “Women’s Week”Links to resources:Please consider supporting my podcast efforts by 'buying me a coffee' as a sign of appreciation? Any and all caffeine donations are deeply, deeply appreciated!!  Simply go to: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RobinDouglassRobin is launching a new, safe ‘n secure Community for all women who love women in Circle.so. This new paid membership community will be officially launching June 1, 2022Join our private FB Group: Coming Out Late Community at: www.facebook.com/groups/comingoutlatecommunity/Want to come to a nighttime WOMEN LOVING WOMEN support group? Or, a daytime WOMEN HELPING WOMEN support group? Email me a request for the Zoom ID & PW’s to: Comingoutlater@gmail.comJulia Ruiz Hoffman and her Bloomer’s Society can be found at: www.bloomerssociety.comSupport the show

Robin addresses two important topics that arise from our Coming Out Late journey: first, navigating our first, or first couple-of queer relationships. After the trauma has subsided, what can we do to ensure our next relationship will be 10x better than the last? And, second, Robin shares with us some examples of responses the husbands, partners or significant others say to us when we come ‘out’ to them for the first time. Some are simply unbelievable, while others are unthinkable and unacceptable! In addition to covering these two important topics, Robin also shares with us two very meaningful quotes that we ALL need to remember and embrace!In this episode, you will learn…Some of the differences between being in a relationship with a late blooming lesbian versus a woman who has been out and lesbian her whole life. BOTH types of women are coming at it from (at least) two very distinct places in life.There are certainly pros and cons to dating a late bloominglesbian and a lifelong lesbian. Somehow, we manage to make these relationships work - or not! What to look out for and how to stand your ground!That the end of our first-, or first-couple of queer relationships can be gut-wrenching; but there are PLENTY of ‘things’ we can we learn from them.Recognizing ‘red flags’ in relationships and what to do about them.Co-Dependency: What is it? Do I have it? And what can I do about it?Robin is starting a brand new Women Loving Women (paid subscription) Membership Community in Circle.so in JUNE! Happy PRIDE everyone! It promises to be chock full of inspiration, support, enlightenment, education, and FUN!What to expect when we tell our significant others/partners/husbands that we’re gay? You won’t believe some of their responses!!To join a Women Loving Women Support Group, email Robin at: Comingoutlater@gmail.comWLW Retreat October 10-16, 2022 - Provincetown, MA - “Women’s Week”Links to resources:Please consider supporting my podcast efforts by 'buying me a coffee' as a sign of appreciation? Any and all caffeine donations are deeply, deeply appreciated!!  Simply go to: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RobinDouglassRobin is launching a new, safe ‘n secure Community for all women who love women in Circle.so. This new paid membership community will be officially launching June 1, 2022Join our private FB Group: Coming Out Late Community at: www.facebook.com/groups/comingoutlatecommunity/Want to come to a nighttime WOMEN LOVING WOMEN support group? Or, a daytime WOMEN HELPING WOMEN support group? Email me a request for the Zoom ID & PW’s to: Comingoutlater@gmail.comSupport the show

Robin addresses a recent post written by a woman coming out later in life - in fact - she just came out at the age of 57! Robin highlights the small-, medium- and large-hurdles that we, at ANY age are likely to face during our coming out late journey. In addition to reading and sharing this very vulnerable and relatable post, Robin also shares the compassionate and encouraging responses the author of the post received.In this episode, you will learn…This Coming Out Late stuff is TOUGH! It is NOT an easy journey. But it IS worth it - I promise!In addition to the healing properties of hearing other women’s coming out late stories, SHARING our own stories can be incredibly healing as well.Navigating our new identities as lesbian or queer or bi is really tough.That it’s normal to feel awkward and unsure of ourselves in this process.A few helpful books/resources she read that helped her.What decisions need to be made once you tell your significant other that you are coming out as ‘not-straight’.Am I a baby-gay or an imposter?WLW Retreat October 10-16, 2022 - Provincetown, MA - “Women’s Week” Links to resources:Please consider supporting my podcast efforts by 'buying me a coffee' as a sign of appreciation? Any and all caffeine donations are deeply, deeply appreciated!!  Simply go to: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RobinDouglassRobin is launching a new, safe ‘n secure Community for all women who love women in Circle.so. This new paid membership community will be officially launching June 1, 2022Join our private FB Group: Coming Out Late Community at: www.facebook.com/groups/comingoutlatecommunity/Want to come to a nighttime WOMEN LOVING WOMEN support group? Or, a daytime WOMEN HELPING WOMEN support group? Email me a request for the Zoom ID & PW’s to: Comingoutlater@gmail.comRESOURCES: “Dear John, I Love Jane: Women Write About Leaving Men for Women”, Author: Candace Walsh. “Sexual Fluidity: Understanding Women’s Love & Desire”, Author: Lisa M. DiamondJulia Ruiz Hoffman, MA, MFT, Counselor & Coach. Founder of Bloomers Society. www.bloomerssociety.comSupport the show

Robin shares a beautiful reminder that good things are possible and your life will work out no matter when you decide to come out…In this episode, you will learn…Reflecting on three years post coming out, post moving out, post freaking outEncouragement to feel all your feelings and do the work vs. push emotions downUnderstanding it all works out and that how it works out looks different for everyoneDetails about Julia Ruiz Hoffman’s Bloomer’s Society and coaching services Links to resources:If you've been enjoying my podcast, won't you please consider supporting my podcast efforts by 'buying me a coffee' as a sign of appreciation? Any and all caffeine donations are deeply, deeply appreciated!! Simply go to: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RobinDouglassRobin coaches women coming out late in life in small group sessions AND 1:1. Email her to book your first session: Comingoutlater@gmail.com.Join our private FB Group: Coming Out Late Community at: www.facebook.com/groups/comingoutlatecommunity/Want to come to a WOMEN LOVING WOMEN support group? Email me "WLW" to: Comingoutlater@gmail.com and I will send you the Zoom ID & PW / Link.I mentioned and highly recommend Julia Ruiz Hoffman, MA, MFT, Counselor and Coach for women coming out later in life. Julia specializes in sexual awareness, divorce guidance & co-parenting coaching, issues with young children and straight spouse support. Julia and her new website can be found at: www.bloomerssociety.comSupport the show

Robin explores the idea of change and what change means for us on our coming out journey. She talks about social conditioning as it relates to how we formed our roles in life and how we have lived our whole lives under social conditioning. Robin asks the question — how do we go about living our lives now, and how do we embrace change? She also shares some quotes about change, growth, life, and strength.In this episode, you will learn…About the value of joining Robin's Women Loving Women and Women Helping Women weekly support groups on zoom.Ways to purchase the recording of the Women Loving Women summit held on March 30, in case you missed it.Staying in a space that is safe, familiar, and comfortable is not necessarily 'living'.Learning to come out of your comfort zone and embrace change.Living life as an adventure and being true to yourself, so you can thrive, not just survive.The need to address and expose homophobia, social conditioning, and heteronormativity if we want to see less of it.Personal growth is not a matter of learning new information but of unlearning old limits.Change is inevitable, but there are also opportunities for growth and progress.   Links to resources:Weren't able to attend the Women Loving Women Speaker Summit? You can purchase a copy of the audio recording for $27 by emailing Robin the word "AUDIO" to Comingoutlater@gmail.com. If you've been enjoying my podcast, won't you please consider supporting my podcast efforts by 'buying me a coffee' as a sign of appreciation? Any and all caffeine donations are deeply, deeply appreciated!! Simply go to: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RobinDouglassRobin coaches women coming out late in life in small group sessions AND 1:1. Email her to book your first session: Comingoutlater@gmail.com.Join our private FB Group: Coming Out Late Community at: www.facebook.com/groups/comingoutlatecommunity/Want to come to a WOMEN LOVING WOMEN support group? Email me "WLW" to: Comingoutlater@gmail.com and I will send you the Zoom ID & PW / Link.Support the show

Holly and JJ, transgender and the challenges of navigating relationships and gender reassignment. The importance of a supportive environment for transgender children. Understanding terms that represent gender identity. Holly's experience of coming out as transgender at age 50. Encouragement to be open to possibilities when it comes to sexuality. The joy of transitioning and being accepted. Advice for coming out: embrace your authentic self. Importance of medical support for transition journey.