"Maybe I'm Not Straight" and "When the Catalyst Relationship Ends" are do-at-your-own-pace courses for women who are reconsidering their sexual orientation and overcoming the end of their first lesbian relationship. Accessible, information-packed, and easy to do, these courses represent many years worth of experience working with women who come out later in life. Purchase your course and receive your first month subscription to Authentically Us, a safe online space for women who are coming out and beyond, for free! Learn more at https://annemariezanzal.com/courses-from-anne-marie-zanzal/

Dating got you down? Does the idea of dating scare you? Or maybe you've been dating all the wrong people? Lavender Dating offers coaching for women dating women, helping you overcome mental blocks surrounding the dating experience. Book a free connection call with dating coach Barbara Rowlandson and let's talk about how to get you to a place of authentic connection in love and relationship! https://calendly.com/lavender-dating-team/connection-call-with-barb

TW: Religious trauma

Queer author, poet, and storyteller Rebecca Wilson is this week's guest, and hers is a story of rejection, rising up, and finding belonging. Rebecca, an ex-minister in the Methodist church, found herself in the center of a storm when the New York Times posted her photo, her expression belying the heartbreak she felt when the United Methodist Church (UMC) voted at a special session of the general council to strengthen a ban of LGBTQ clergy and same-sex weddings. Consequently, the UMC have lost 5,800 churches through disaffiliation. After the photo was published Rebecca found herself in a position as a lightning rod for hate and ultimately left the UMC ministry. In this impactful conversation with host Anne-Marie Zanzal, Rebecca shares her story of courage, transformation, and the quest for self-acceptance in the face of adversity. Her journey of healing through her writing project, 10 Camels, is a reminder of the power of storytelling.

❓ What to Expect in This Episode:

🏳️‍🌈Rebecca shares the story of her journey in seminary and her struggles with mental health.

🏳️‍🌈After leaving the UMC, Rebecca finds the gift of queer community.

🏳️‍🌈Rebecca shares the how her project, 10 Camels, helped her navigate the wilderness of healing.

🏳️‍🌈Rebecca's story exemplifies the importance of prioritizing authenticity over institutional acceptance.

✨ Why This Matters:

In a society where active suppression of LGBTQ rights emboldens homophobic actions (e.g. the Pulse nightclub shooting), finding healing and a sense of home in queer community is fundamental to the health and well-being of queer individuals. The power of storytelling, of being seen and heard, is a powerful catalyst for healing trauma associated with oppression. 

You can connect with Rebecca Wilson and learn more about her project, 10 Camels, here: https://10camels.com/

Rebecca's first book of poetry, "Unraveling", is available now on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Unraveling-Rebecca-Wilson/dp/1960326708

Rebecca's coming out song is "It's a Miracle" by Culture Club: https://youtu.be/YewVugPHon4?si=qsji3zYCRoNuoz-i

A film that resonates with Rebecca is 1985's "The Goonies": https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0089218/

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 now or have you been a member of the UMC? How did their decision to ban LGBTQ clergy and same-sex marriage impact you? Are you someone who uses their creativity for healing? Let's talk about it in the comments!

🔗 Visit our website:

Anne-Marie's : [ annemariezanzal.com]

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