Lesbian Chronicles: Coming Out Later in Life

Filmmaker and Out on Film Executive Director Cindy L. Abel joins the Lesbian Chronicles podcast to share about the upcoming Out on Film Festival in Atlanta -- and the importance of telling all LGBTQ+ stories. The 39th Annual Out On Film LGBTQ+ Film Festival takes place September 24 through October 4, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia featuring a variety of films including a special screening of the lesbian classic "Desert Hearts," with director Donna Deitch. Click here for details on Out on Film and the event schedule . Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lesbian-chronicles-coming-out-later-in-life--5601514/support .

Melisa and Alli talk about how those early relationships after coming out can feel safe, but the reality is, you're drowning so anything feels "safe." We share how we've learned from those early relationships how we want to parent and co-parent our children and protect that dynamic. And what it means to feel truly fulfilled in life. We also reference this article from the Washington Post about people who choose to be child-free. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lesbian-chronicles-coming-out-later-in-life--5601514/support .

This week, Alli and Melisa explore the “cost of being a woman,” including the financial expectations women navigate in dating and everyday life. We unpack Professor Scott Galloway’s argument that men should pay for dates, while also discussing how WLW couples can navigate who pays. We also talk about our own financial insecurities since coming out, as well as women’s mental health and how medication can be a helpful and valid part of treatment. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lesbian-chronicles-coming-out-later-in-life--5601514/support .

Our friend Tennah joins the show to chat about her love for astrology and tarot. She also gives us a bit of an Astrology 101 lesson -- a valuable tool for anyone coming out later who is bound to be asked, "So... what time were you born?" Follow Tennah on Instagram and YouTube at ZodiacChatline Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lesbian-chronicles-coming-out-later-in-life--5601514/support .

Alli shares her very questionable massage experience in NYC. We also discuss what's the "best" or "right" way to tell kids about divorce? And is "no contact" really necessary or is it just a way to have control? Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lesbian-chronicles-coming-out-later-in-life--5601514/support .

Melisa and Alli talk about dating without losing yourself, some early expectations in a relationship and the small ways to show you're in it with someone. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lesbian-chronicles-coming-out-later-in-life--5601514/support .

Melisa and Alli discuss a survey from the National Survey of Family Growth that found the median number of opposite-sex partners in a lifetime among women aged 25-49 years of age is 4.3. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lesbian-chronicles-coming-out-later-in-life--5601514/support .

Our friend Robin joins the show to chat with Alli about her evolving style and what inspires their individual styles today -- and the power of "boy jeans" Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lesbian-chronicles-coming-out-later-in-life--5601514/support .

Melisa and Alli explain why your brain naturally ruminates after a breakup. It's not because you're "stuck," but because your mind is trying to make sense of what happened and solve an unresolved problem. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lesbian-chronicles-coming-out-later-in-life--5601514/support .

Briana Smith joins the show to talk about growing up Mormon, getting married at 20 years old, having four kids by the time she was 29 --- and how meeting a woman at a wedding changed everything. Connect with Bri here! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lesbian-chronicles-coming-out-later-in-life--5601514/support .

Melisa and Alli answer a listener email about their attraction to masc women vs. femme after coming out. Also, is there a power dynamic when kissing? Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lesbian-chronicles-coming-out-later-in-life--5601514/support .

This week Alli and Melisa explore the "3+1" theory from Simon Sinek which says that relationships require three core pillars of compatibility combined with one external factor -- Intellectual Compatibility, Emotional Compatibility, Creative/Sexual Compatibility and the key factor, Circumstances. Learn more about Simon Sinek here. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lesbian-chronicles-coming-out-later-in-life--5601514/support .

Trigger Warning: Episode mentions rejection of trans kids, a violent murder, and self harm Liliana Bakhtiar -- the first queer Muslim person to be elected in Georgia and the first non-binary councilmember of a major U.S. city -- joins the show to speak about issues currently facing the residents of Atlanta. Liliana also shares their upbringing in a family of political refugees and immigrants, their coming out story and how their family is accepting of them and their two partners. Follow Liliana on Instagram https://www.lilianaforatlanta.com/ Georgia lawmaker comes out as nonmonogamous Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lesbian-chronicles-coming-out-later-in-life--5601514/support .

What distinguishes femme energy versus masculine energy when you take away the heels and the backwards hats? Our friend Robin joins the discussion with Alli and Melisa as they talk about how these energies present in different ways in our lives. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lesbian-chronicles-coming-out-later-in-life--5601514/support .

Alli shares how the book "When Things Fall Apart" is helping her right now. We also get into how to get comfortable with the discomfort of not knowing the future. (And how sometimes seeing a medium helps a little bit...) Buy "When Things Fall Apart" Buy Lesbian Chronicles Merch! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lesbian-chronicles-coming-out-later-in-life--5601514/support .

Sometimes we take someone's capacity for a relationship really personal when the reality is, it's not that deep. This week Melisa and Alli discuss how much capacity plays a role in emotional bandwidth for a relationship. Sometimes someone's unavailability stems from having so much on their plate in other areas of life. But the bigger part of that is how the lack of capacity is communicated -- or if it's communicated at all. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lesbian-chronicles-coming-out-later-in-life--5601514/support .

Kiki Joy joins us to share about life living in Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Minnesota and being on her own since the age of 17. She talks about her journey to coming out later in life and how the pandemic forced her to face her own sexuality. Kiki also shares how she's working to find her place in the queer community while struggling with body image and learning to honor and love herself. Follow Kiki on Instagram Trigger Warning: This episode mentions suicidal ideation and sexual assault. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lesbian-chronicles-coming-out-later-in-life--5601514/support .

Alli and Melisa explore the emotional ups and downs of relationships, both romantic and platonic that have taught us some lessons along the way. And accepting the fact that not everyone is going to like you or invite you to everything. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lesbian-chronicles-coming-out-later-in-life--5601514/support .

Dr. Lorri Sulpizio joins us to talk how modern “therapy speak” can sometimes make people second-guess themselves. What's the difference between true intuition and overthinking? Also, how do we hold space for our partner's anxious feelings and communicate with empathy and boundaries. Learn more about Dr. Lorri Sulpizio... lorrisulpizio.com Follow Dr. Lorri on Instagram and TikTok Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lesbian-chronicles-coming-out-later-in-life--5601514/support .

Singer-songwriter Abby Nissenbaum joins the show to share her story of growing up in a Jewish-Catholic household, being outed as a teenager by a neighborhood mom and what life is like today navigating her music career, full-time job and dating in Nashville. Learn more about Abby - abbynissenbaum.com Follow her on Instagram and Spotify Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lesbian-chronicles-coming-out-later-in-life--5601514/support .