Join the Maybe I’m Not Straight 3-Day Clarity Experience, January 6-8, 2026. For women who need a safe, affirming opportunity to explore their sexuality.: https://annemariezanzal.com/this-authentic-life-3-day-clarity-experience/
Happy New Year! In our first episode of 2026 host Anne-Marie Zanzal welcomes special guest, queer entrepreneur Anna Empey. Anne-Marie and Anna have a long history of working together, but in this episode Anne-Marie draws on Anna’s personal story of deconstructing internalized homophobia and conditioning from a conservative faith tradition. In this compelling conversation, they explore the complexities of coming out and the ongoing journey of self-discovery. They discuss the pressures of societal expectations, the emotional landscape of coming out, and the importance of finding queer community and support. This episode is a poignant reminder that coming out is not a one-time event, but a continuous process of growth and change, highlighting the need to cultivate resilience, self-reflection, and finding joy in the journey.
❓ What to Expect in This Episode:
✨Understanding that change happens over time in layers and conversations.
✨Deconstruction is about asking what can be discarded from our ‘before’ life and what is worth carrying forward.
✨Why coming out is never ‘once-and-done’ but rather a continuous journey.
✨How opposite things can be true, like grief and relief that coexist in the coming out process.
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 is deconstructing the lessons of your life prior to coming out? What are your takeaways from this episode? 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
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💠 Twitter: twitter.com/annemariezanzal
💠LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/annemariezanzalpurposefulempowerment/
You can also tune into this episode of Coming Out & Beyond: LGBTQIA+ Stories on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/coming-out-beyond-lgbtqia-stories/id1569859569
Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/27kocr4llm6syHKaeX1x9e
