Coming Out Late

In this episode of “How Living Out & Proud Changed My Life”, Robin reminisces and reviews her journey to coming out to herself. Why now? Why this week? Because it was this time NINE years ago nearly-to-the-day that she said those infamous words aloud to herself, “Holy Shit! I’m Gay!” Listen to how living her life out and proud has changed her and what she’s learned along the way. Spoiler Alert: Robin is STILL learning about herself, with each passing year! Enjoy!In this episode, you’ll hear Robin talk about some of the things that she has learned about herself since coming out 9 years ago…Just how much better Robin’s life has been since coming out.All the ways in which coming out has helped shape and inform and educate Robin along the way.Has Robin, or anyone, ever regretted coming out late?Coming out is hard, usually comes at a cost, involves heartbreak and tears - so is it worth it?Wat does loving-kindness, compassion and tolerance have to do with coming out late?Robin and all of her previous phobias.Growth can only occur through changes; and if nothing changes, nothing changes.Wanna support our “Coming Out Late” podcast? Then please consider buying Robin a “virtual” coffee as a sign of your appreciation. Simply go to: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RobinDouglassLinks to Resources:SUPPORT GROUPS:MESSY MIDDLE MONDAYS: EVERY Monday Evening - 75-minutes; 8:00pm EST / 5:30pm PST, in Zoom, via Buy Me A Coffee, $5 pp every week. Register each week using this link:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RobinDouglass/e/165736THE GENDER EXPANSIVE EDITION: EVERY Tuesday Evening - 75 - minutes; 8:00pm EST/ 5:00pm PST, in Zoom via Buy Me A Coffee, $5 pp every week. Register each week using this link:https://buymeacoffee.com/robindouglass/e/253374NOT-STRAIGHT SUPPORT GROUP: EVERY Wednesday Afternoon - 75-minutes; 12:30pm EST/ 9:30am PST, in Zoom via Buy Me A Coffee, $5 pp, every week. Register each week using this link:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RobinDouglass/e/93135COMING OUT LATE RETREATS:Attending a Coming Out Late Retreat in-person, is a MUST DO for 2024. IF you are even remotely interested in attending, please send Robin an email to: Comingoutlater@gmail.com, expressing WHICH Retreat you’re interested-in. Spaces are limited, so act now! The Coming Out Late retreat dates are: Portland, OR: (August 15-18); Traverse City, MI: (Sept. 25-29); and Provincetown, MA: (Oct. 16-20).PRIVATE 1:1 COACHING w/ROBIN DOUGLASSStruggling to make sense-of and MANAGE this new aspect of your COMING OUT LATE life? Then send me an email and request my 1:1 Coaching Information Sheet. It really does make a BIG difference to have someone like myself who ‘gets you’ and who has been through it. Email me at Comingoutlater@gmail.com for my Coaching Info Sheet.Support the show

In this episode, Chris decides to take the podcast reins AND the microphone from Robin and asks her some “Who Is More Likely” questions, allowing Coming Out Late listeners to gain some new perspectives about Robin AND her relationship with Chris. They hope to keep it silly, yet informative, with a few deeper questions sprinkled in there too. No judgment! Robin hasn’t seen the questions ahead of time - so you’ll be hearing them in ‘real time’ when Robin does.Please Rate & Review the podcast and share this episode with a friend. Enjoy!In this episode, you will hear Chris ask Robin these questions and more…Who is most likely to stay up late?Who is most likely to lose track of time?Who is most likely to strike-up a conversation with strangers?Who is more likely to enjoy DIY projects?Who is more likely to hit the ‘snooze’ button in the morning?Who is more likely to fall asleep during a movie?Who is more likely to buy a dildo or a sex toy?Wanna support our “Coming Out Late” podcast? Then please consider buying Robin a “virtual” coffee as a sign of your appreciation. Simply go to: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RobinDouglassLinks to Resources:PRIVATE ONE-on-ONE COACHING w/ROBIN DOUGLASSStruggling to make sense-of and MANAGE this new aspect of your COMING OUT LATE life? Then send me an email and request my 1:1 Coaching Information Sheet. It really does make a BIG difference to have someone like myself who ‘gets you’ and who has been through it. Email me at Comingoutlater@gmail.com for my Coaching Info Sheet.SUPPORT GROUPS:THE NOT-STRAIGHT SUPPORT GROUP:Wednesdays, 12:30pm EST, in Zoom, via Buy Me A Coffee, $5https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RobinDouglass/e/93135MESSY MIDDLE MONDAY:Every OTHER Monday Evening - 75 minutes.8:30pm EST / 5:30pm PST, in Zoom, via Buy Me A Coffee, $5https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RobinDouglass/e/165736COMING OUT LATE RETREATS:Attending a Coming Out Late Retreat, in-person, is a MUST DO for 2024. The locations have been identified and the Lodging is being worked on. IF you are remotely interested in attending any one of the following Retreats, please send Robin an email to: Comingoutlater@gmail.com, expressing WHICH Retreat you’re interested-in so she can put you on the Wait List. PLEASE NOTE: Spaces are limited, so act now to get on the Wait List. The dates for the 2024 Coming Out Late Retreats are as follows: Portland, OR: (August 2024); Traverse City, MI: (Up North Pride, Sept. 25-29, 2024); and Provincetown, MA: (“Women’s Week”, Oct. 16-20, 2024).#   #   #Support the show

In this episode, Robin and Chris continue their exploratory conversation about the language and meanings behind gender identity, gender fluidity and sexuality as it pertains to our journey of coming out to ourselves, and ultimately coming out to others. Robin & Chris do not profess to be experts on these topics, but simply want to share with you their explorations and findings about their own identities up to and including present day. Please Rate & Review the podcast and share this episode with a friend. Enjoy!In this episode, you will hear Robin & Chris talk about…What do we mean by “following the breadcrumbs” as it pertains to our coming out late journey?Androgyny, nonbinary, intersex…what does it all mean? And how do you identify? Who are you at your core?What does Chris mean by “two spirits”? And is a third gender ‘real’? Or even possible?Are the terms androgynous and nonbinary the same?Wanna support our “Coming Out Late” podcast? Then please consider buying Robin a “virtual” coffee as a sign of your appreciation. Simply go to: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RobinDouglassLinks to Resources:PRIVATE ONE-on-ONE COACHING w/ROBIN DOUGLASSStruggling to make sense-of and MANAGE this new aspect of your COMING OUT LATE life? Then send me an email and request my 1:1 Coaching Information Sheet. It really does make a BIG difference to have someone like myself who ‘gets you’ and who has been through it. Email me at Comingoutlater@gmail.com for my Coaching Info Sheet.BUY ME A COFFEE:Wanna support our “Coming Out Late” podcast? Then please consider buying Robin a “virtual” coffee as a sign of your appreciation. Simply go to: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RobinDouglassSUPPORT GROUPS:THE NOT-STRAIGHT SUPPORT GROUP:Wednesdays, 12:30pm EST, in Zoom, via Buy Me A Coffee, $5https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RobinDouglass/e/93135MESSY MIDDLE MONDAY:Every OTHER Monday Evening - 75 minutes.8:30pm EST / 5:30pm PST, in Zoom, via Buy Me A Coffee, $5https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RobinDouglass/e/165736COMING OUT LATE RETREATS:Attending a Coming Out Late Retreat, in-person, is a MUST DO for 2024. The locations have been identified and the Lodging is being worked on. IF you are remotely interested in attending any one of the following Retreats, please send Robin an email to: Comingoutlater@gmail.com, expressing WHICH Retreat you’re interested-in so she can put you on the Wait List. PLEASE NOTE: Spaces are limited, so act now to get on the Wait List. The dates for the 2024 Coming Out Late Retreats are as follows: Portland, OR: (August 2024); Traverse City, MI: (Up North Pride, Sept. 25-29, 2024); and Provincetown, MA: (“Women’s Week”, Oct. 16-20, 2024).Support the show

In this episode, Robin invites her girlfriend Chris back on the podcast to talk about and explore the language and meanings behind gender identity, gender fluidity and sexuality as it pertains to our journey of coming out to ourselves, and ultimately coming out to others. Robin & Chris do not profess to be experts on these topics, but simply want to share with you their explorations and findings about their own identities up to and including present day. Please Rate & Review the podcast and share this episode with a friend. Enjoy!In this episode, you will hear Robin & Chris talk about…What IS gender identity? What does gender mean to each of us, personally?Do you know the date you came out? Let’s all celebrate our re-birthdays!Do we need labels? How important are they to you?Are we truly a binary society?WHat has been Chris’ gender journey so far?Wanna support our “Coming Out Late” podcast? Then please consider buying Robin a “virtual” coffee as a sign of your appreciation. Simply go to: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RobinDouglassLinks to Resources:PRIVATE ONE-on-ONE COACHING w/ROBIN DOUGLASSStruggling to make sense-of and MANAGE this new aspect of your COMING OUT LATE life? Then send me an email and request my 1:1 Coaching Information Sheet. It really does make a BIG difference to have someone like myself who ‘gets you’ and who has been through it. Email me at Comingoutlater@gmail.com for my Coaching Info Sheet.BUY ME A COFFEE:Wanna support our “Coming Out Late” podcast? Then please consider buying Robin a “virtual” coffee as a sign of your appreciation. Simply go to: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RobinDouglassSUPPORT GROUPS:THE NOT-STRAIGHT SUPPORT GROUP:Wednesdays, 12:30pm EST, in Zoom, via Buy Me A Coffee, $5https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RobinDouglass/e/93135MESSY MIDDLE MONDAY:Every OTHER Monday Evening - 75 minutes.8:30pm EST / 5:30pm PST, in Zoom, via Buy Me A Coffee, $5https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RobinDouglass/e/165736COMING OUT LATE RETREATS:Attending a Coming Out Late Retreat, in-person, is a MUST DO for 2024. The locations have been identified and the Lodging is being worked on. IF you are remotely interested in attending any one of the following Retreats, please send Robin an email to: Comingoutlater@gmail.com, expressing WHICH Retreat you’re interested-in so she can put you on the Wait List. PLEASE NOTE: Spaces are limited, so act now to get on the Wait List. The dates for the 2024 Coming Out Late Retreats are as follows: Portland, OR: (August 2024); Traverse City, MI: (Up North Pride, Sept. 25-29, 2024); and Provincetown, MA: (“Women’s Week”, Oct. 16-20, 2024).Support the show

Robin shared in last week’s episode that she plans to take a 4-week hiatus from ‘most’ of the “Coming Out Late” work that she does. And since then, she has decided to ‘come clean’ about how she’s spending these next four weeks (and the months & years beyond) - it’s not what you think she’s doing!After years of actively working her 12-Steps in one recovery Program, Robin recognized it was ‘time’ now to devote that same level of commitment to her 12-Step ACA, (Adult Children of Alcoholics & Dysfunctional Families), Recovery Program. It is NOT for the faint-of-heart and her work will take her far beyond the next four weeks, but it is her desire, through this podcast in the next 4 weeks, to share with you some broad concepts of the ACA Program, the importance of doing this ‘work’, and what she is learning as she embarks on this journey in a deeper, more meaningful way than she has.If this is not your cup of tea don’t worry, ‘regular’ coming out late podcast episodes will start back up again in January.   Links to Resources:PRIVATE ONE-on-ONE COACHING w/ROBIN DOUGLASSStruggling to make sense-of and MANAGE this new aspect of your COMING OUT LATE life? Then send me an email and request my 1:1 Coaching Information Sheet. It really does make a BIG difference to have someone like myself who ‘gets you’ and who has been through it. Email me at Comingoutlater@gmail.com for my Coaching Info Sheet.PLEASE DONATE TO THE PODCAST:Wanna support our “Coming Out Late” podcast? Then please consider buying Robin a “virtual” coffee as a sign of your appreciation. Simply go to: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RobinDouglassJOIN OUR PRIVATE FB GROUP: “COMING OUT LATE”Use the following link to join our private Facebook Group, “Coming Out Late”. Answer ALL of the required registration questions, then wait to have your request approved. https://www.facebook.com/groups/209443717714063/ADULT CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS & DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILIESIf interested in learning more about ACA, use the following link to find resources, zoom meetings and more. www.adultchildren.org Support the show

The holidays can be particularly challenging for those who’ve just come out. Robin shares how to handle difficult situations with care and the importance of keeping lines of communication with your children and/or family as open as possible. Robin also discusses why the New Year is a perfect time to prioritize self care!In this episode, you will learn…How to handle the holidays with your significant other or former significant other.You don't have to spend an uncomfortable holiday unless there are children involved.Suggestions for how to manage difficult feelings in the same space with others.Advice for asking your children what they expect on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.Try to be the one that initiates cohesiveness and togetherness and connectedness.The sooner our children realize and can adapt to and embrace change as something that just simply happens, and it's not something to be feared is good.The importance of making self care your number one priority.Encouragement to let go of toxic relationships—no matter who they’re with.We're gonna learn how to love ourselves or we're gonna learn how to shed our codependency because it's a new year.Links to Resources:PRIVATE ONE-on-ONE COACHING w/ROBIN DOUGLASSStruggling to make sense-of and MANAGE this new aspect of your COMING OUT LATE life? Then send me an email and request my 1:1 Coaching Information Sheet. It really does make a BIG difference to have someone like myself who ‘gets you’ and who has been through it. Email me at Comingoutlater@gmail.com for my Coaching Info Sheet.PLEASE DONATE TO THE PODCAST:Wanna support our “Coming Out Late” podcast? Then please consider buying Robin a “virtual” coffee as a sign of your appreciation. Simply go to: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RobinDouglassJOIN OUR PRIVATE FB GROUP: “COMING OUT LATE”Use the following link to join our private Facebook Group, “Coming Out Late”. Answer ALL of the required registration questions, then wait to have your request approved. https://www.facebook.com/groups/209443717714063/Support the show

Robin continues her conversation with Holly and JJ in this Part Two “Coming Out Late & Trans” episode on the Coming Out Late podcast. about what it means to be transgender, the challenges of navigating relationships and gender reassignment, and why being honest with yourself and embracing who you are should always come first.In this episode, you will learn…What does it mean to be transgender?The challenges of navigating relationships.Should you or shouldn’t you? Gender reassignment is the question.Encouragement to be open to possibilities when it comes to your sexualityThe joy of transitioning and being accepted for who you truly areThe importance of being upfront about your identity after you come outAdvice for those worried about coming out to lean into your authentic selfEverybody’s body is different, medical support is crucial for your transition journey  Links to Resources:PRIVATE ONE-on-ONE COACHING w/ROBIN DOUGLASSStruggling to make sense-of and MANAGE this new aspect of your COMING OUT LATE life? Then send me an email and request my 1:1 Coaching Information Sheet. It really does make a BIG difference to have someone like myself who ‘gets you’ and who has been through it. Email me at Comingoutlater@gmail.com for my Coaching Info Sheet.BUY ME A COFFEE:Wanna support our “Coming Out Late” podcast? Then please consider buying Robin a “virtual” coffee as a sign of your appreciation. Simply go to: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RobinDouglassSUPPORT GROUPS:THE NOT-STRAIGHT SUPPORT GROUP:Wednesdays, 12:30pm EST, in Zoom, via Buy Me A Coffee, $5https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RobinDouglass/e/93135FIFTY PLUS & FABULOUS:Every OTHER Thursday Evening8pm EST / 5pm PST, in Zoom, via Buy Me A Coffee, $5https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RobinDouglass/e/93024MESSY MIDDLE MONDAY:Every OTHER Monday Evening - 75 minutes.8:30pm EST / 5:30pm PST, in Zoom, via Buy Me A Coffee, $5https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RobinDouglass/e/165736MEETING SCHEDULE:December 4, 18JJ (Jessica Jarrard), Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Owner of Rainbow Counseling & Consultation, a group private practice serving the LGBTQ community. www.rainbowcounselingservices.comSupport the show

Robin talks with Holly and JJ about what it means to be transgender, the challenges of navigating relationships and gender reassignment, and why being honest with yourself and embracing who you are should always come first.In this episode, you will learn…Holly’s experience of feeling like a prisoner in her body and what it means to be transgenderThe importance of a supportive and accepting environment for transgender childrenBeing in a double-closet and underdressing to alleviate pain of gender dysphoriaUnderstanding which terms represent gender identityHolly’s heterosexual relationships and feeling like an imposterWhat it was like for Holly to finally come out as transgender at age 50Gender reassignment and gender affirmation surgeriesReflecting on coming out: Don’t worry about the reaction of others, fear manifests in many ways, don’t try to hide it because it’s not going to changeEncouragement to be open to possibilities when it comes to your sexualityThe joy of transitioning and being accepted for who you truly areThe importance of being upfront about your identity after you come outAdvice for those worried about coming out to lean into your authentic selfEverybody’s body is different, medical support is crucial for your transition journey  Links to Resources:JJ (Jessica Jarrard), Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Owner of Rainbow Counseling & Consultation, a group private practice serving the LGBTQ community. www.rainbowcounselingservices.comPRIVATE ONE-on-ONE COACHING w/ROBIN DOUGLASSStruggling to make sense-of and MANAGE this new aspect of your COMING OUT LATE life? Then send me an email and request my 1:1 Coaching Information Sheet. It really does make a BIG difference to have someone like myself who ‘gets you’ and who has been through it. Email me at Comingoutlater@gmail.com for my Coaching Info Sheet.BUY ME A COFFEE:Wanna support our “Coming Out Late” podcast? Then please consider buying Robin a “virtual” coffee as a sign of your appreciation. Simply go to: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RobinDouglassSUPPORT GROUPS:THE NOT-STRAIGHT SUPPORT GROUP:Wednesdays, 12:30pm EST, in Zoom, via Buy Me A Coffee, $5https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RobinDouglass/e/93135FIFTY PLUS & FABULOUS:Every OTHER Thurs. Evening, (alternating w/Women Loving Women),8pm EST / 5pm PST, in Zoom, via Buy Me A Coffee, $5https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RobinDouglass/e/93024MESSY MIDDLE MONDAY:Every OTHER Monday Evening - 75 minutes.8:30pm EST / 5:30pm PST, in Zoom, via Buy Me A Coffee, $5https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RobinDouglass/e/165736MEETING SCHEDULE:November 6, 20; December 4, 18Support the show

In this replay of episode #55, Robin introduces us to one of her listeners, Michelle, hailing all the way from Australia. Struck by a note she received from Michelle, Robin knew she had to share it with her listener’s, with Michelle’s consent of course. Robin also knew that the impact of Michelle’s words and all the sentiment behind them would be better spoken by Michelle herself. Michelle agreed and read her own letter, aloud to us.This episode touches upon topics which get us thinking about . . .The universal nature of coming out late, no matter where in the world we live.The effect of women in non-traditional, but male-dominated occupations.Is it a woman’s responsibility to help make a man feel ‘whole’ if he feels emasculated or threatened by a woman?Being with men, cutting off bits of myself and making myself smaller in order that they would feel like men.Many of the late in life stories include complex arrangements and rearrangements of marriages and courageous and challenging journeys. This guest doesn’t have children, and is not married.There is more to “identity” than just our sexuality.A life lived out of other people's expectations is a life dominated by fear and resentment.Am I an “L”? A “B”? Or maybe a “P”? Do we need labels?Do I now need to dress differently and wear beanies?Which life-lived is my real reality? Everything feels completely flipped upside-down, or sideways, or completely averse.Sexual identity versus cultural conditioning; internalized homophobia, people pleasing and the female anatomy.It seemed that the rainbow world offered many possibilities for stepping out of one cage and into another.Wanna support our “Coming Out Late” podcast? Then please consider buying Robin a “virtual” coffee as a sign of your appreciation. Simply go to: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RobinDouglassLinks to Resources:PRIVATE ONE-on-ONE COACHING w/ROBIN DOUGLASSStruggling to make sense-of and MANAGE this new aspect of your COMING OUT LATE life? Then send me an email and request my 1:1 Coaching Information Sheet. It really does make a BIG difference to have someone like myself who ‘gets you’ and who has been through it. Email me at Comingoutlater@gmail.com for my Coaching Info Sheet.BUY ME A COFFEE:Wanna support our “Coming Out Late” podcast? Then please consider buying Robin a “virtual” coffee as a sign of your appreciation. Simply go to: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RobinDouglassSUPPORT GROUPS:THE NOT-STRAIGHT SUPPORT GROUP:Wednesdays, 12:30pm EST, in Zoom, via Buy Me A Coffee, $5https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RobinDouglass/e/93135FIFTY PLUS & FABULOUS:Every OTHER Thurs. Evening, (alternating w/Women Loving Women),8pm EST / 5pm PST, in Zoom, via Buy Me A Coffee, $5https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RobinDouglass/e/93024MESSY MIDDLE MONDAY:EVERY Monday Evening - 75 minutes.8:30pm EST / 5:30pm PST, in Zoom, via Buy Me A Coffee, $5https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RobinDouglass/e/165736MEETING SCHEDULE: November 20; December 4, 18Support the show

The podcast discusses the keys to living a fulfilled life, including acceptance, surrendering, expectations, and letting go. It highlights the importance of prioritizing self-care and embracing change, as well as choosing our responses and letting go of the past. The concepts of acceptance, surrender, and letting go are explored as keys to serenity and happiness. It emphasizes the need to surrender expectations and take control of our own responses and actions.