Acknowledging our sexual orientation can be a long road for some of us. We dip our toe out of the closet and quickly withdraw it when this journey feels too difficult or scary to navigate. What I have learned in my years of individual and group coaching of women...
Architectural Photographer Tonda McKay is the guest author of this week’s blog. As a long time out lesbian, she has worked tirelessly for the LGBTQIA+ community. She believes deeply in the importance of National Coming Out Day not only for ourselves, but...
MY FRIEND MIRIAM GRACE AND I HAVE WORKED WITH WOMEN COMING OUT LATER IN LIFE FOR THE LAST SEVERAL YEARS. THE FOLLOWING IS A CONVERSATION BETWEEN THE TWO OF US THAT EXPLORES WHAT IT MEANS TO FALL IN LOVE WITH A CATALYST (THE WOMAN WHO OPENS UP OUR SEXUALITY FOR SOME OF...
As humans, we’re a collection of our physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual experiences; which are intertwined to form the human condition. We might break a bone or have a disease that affects us physically or Intellectually; we worry about how we’re going to...
by Reina Gattuso THIS ARTICLE WAS WRITTEN BY REINA GATTUSO. REINA IS A FEMINIST JOURNALIST WHO COVERS FOOD, SEX, AND POLITICS. As we celebrate Pride this month, Swell is delving into the joys and struggles of living a queer life in America. Below, advice on how to...
There’s a misconception in the heterosexual world that coming out as a member of the LGBT+ community is easier than it was in the past and every gay person in the world has it all figured out by the time they reach their teenage years. Most people in the LGBT+ world...
I provide emotional support to women coming out later in life. This all started after my own experience at 50 years old. I am so blessed to hear hundreds of coming-out stories. When members of the LGBTQIA+ community learn what I do, I become a...
Although there are similarities in the later in life journey, we all come to this place from many different experiences and perspectives. In this short piece I will explore the more common themes I have witnessed over the last several years. Some of us...
I had a major life transition - actually several - over the past four years. These include a divorce from my spouse of twenty-seven years; coming out as a lesbian at fifty; leaving a long held job; moving from my hometown (twice); starting a new life in ...
I moved a couple of years ago after I came out. A confluence of reasons and events brought me to this decision. I still return to the town I lived as a straight married woman from time to time. I have been out for several years now and my hearing has changed....
It’s like a dam and the walls have been duct-taped together for so many years. It was taking so much energy to pretend the dam was supposed to be there, that it was keeping me safe, when really it was just keeping this essential life force away from a thirsty...
Women who come out later in life often report that their husband are supportive and kind in the beginning. John was no exception. As we struggled to figure out a way for me to explore my sexuality and stay married, we thought about all kinds of...