The podcast Coming Out Stories will take you to one the most important moments in many people’s lives. It will perch you on sofas in suburban sitting rooms, stand you in front of officials’ desks, put you at the center of a crowd in a noisy classroom, everywhere where these conversations have happened.
Brad’s coming out story is a testament to the power of being true to yourself. He had to navigate the challenges of coming out later in life, after getting married and having a child. However, he found the strength to come out and live his life authentically.
Brad’s story shows that it is never too late to come out and be true to yourself. The coming out is a journey may be vastly different for each individual. Hear Brad’s unique story about the path he took.
Links:
Coming Out Stories Podcast
Check out the Coming Out Stories book by Emma Goswell and Saw Walker
The book on the U.S. Amazon Website
The Trevor Project website
Brad’s Coming Out Story
Brad Shreve did not come out until his thirties, although he had known he was gay since he was 12 years old. Growing up in North Carolina, Brad did not have any role models, and he knew that being gay was not socially acceptable. He had anonymous sexual encounters with men in video arcades and adult bookstores. Brad got married and had a child, living a straight life while keeping his attraction to men secret. It was not until he went bar-hopping with an openly gay man in Las Vegas that he experienced life as a gay man and felt alive. Brad came out to his wife and daughter, and although the divorce was amicable, he did not tell his family and friends for another 10 to 15 years.
Resources for Individuals Who May Not Have Support
Coming out can be a daunting experience, especially for those who may not have support from family, friends, or their community. There are resources available for individuals who may need support. The Trevor Project is a national organization that provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ youth. The Human Rights Campaign has a Coming Out Center that provides resources and support for individuals who are considering coming out. PFLAG is a national organization that provides support and resources for families, allies, and LGBTQ+ individuals.
If you would like to come out but are uncomfortable or don’t feel safe doing so, there are organizations you can reach out to who can provide you support and be there with you if you decide to take those important steps.
The link to The Trevor Project is above.
About the Trevor Project
From the Trevor Project Website:
Help save a life.
The Trevor Project estimates that more than 1.8 million LGBTQ young people seriously consider suicide each year in the U.S. and could benefit from our services. Our trained counselors connect with LGBTQ young people 24/7, 365 days a year.
Crisis Support
One accepting adult decreases the risk of suicide by 40% for LGBTQ young people. We provide LGBTQ youth with 24/7 crisis counseling via phone, text, and chat.
Advocacy
Legislation, movements, education, and more — there is so much we do every day to change our world for the better.
Research
Our original research is examined, in depth, through the lens of intersectionality by way of our national survey, research briefs & reports, and peer-reviewed journal articles.
Education
The more everyone understands the challenges facing young LGBTQ people, the faster we can solve them.
How Can You Help
Be a Fundraiser
Donate for your birthday or just use your social channels to gather friends and loved ones in support of your cause.
Volunteer your time
Our volunteer support teams are the most vital force behind everything we do. Take a look at our opportunities to become a trained Trevor counselor.
