My guest today is Rick Clemons, Podcast host, and Author of the book, Frankly My Dear I'm Gay: A Late Bloomer Guide To Coming Out.
Rick explains that every one of us is in some sort of closet, and why coming out is our life’s journey toward living authentically. Oh, and spoiler alert, much of this conversation has nothing to do with sexuality and everything to do with unapologetically owning who you really are.
After all, isn't that the ultimate joyful Rebellion?
Connect with Rick:
rickclemons.com
lifeuncloseted.com
fortyplusgaymengaytalk.com
instagram - @therickclemons
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Summary
Rick Clemens, podcast host and author of the book 'Frankly, My Dear, I'm Gay,' shares his journey of coming out and living authentically. He discusses the challenges he faced, the reactions of his loved ones, and the importance of embracing one's true self. Rick emphasizes that coming out is not just about sexuality, but about being authentically who you want to be in the world. He encourages listeners to embrace their own 'closet stories' and live a life without fear, excuses, or apologies. Rick Clemens shares his journey of coming out as a gay man and the challenges he faced in accepting his true self. He discusses the importance of giving oneself permission to be authentic and aligning actions with values and beliefs. Rick also talks about his coaching work with clients who are going through various transitions in their lives, helping them overcome fears and gain confidence. He shares stories of individuals who have found the courage to live their truth and the impact it has had on their lives. Rick's podcasts, 'Life Uncloseted' and '40 Plus: Real Men, Real Talk', provide a platform for sharing stories of personal growth and empowerment.
Keywords
coming out, authenticity, closet stories, self-acceptance, support, relationships, societal pressure, coming out, authenticity, values, beliefs, permission, confidence, coaching, personal growth, empowerment
Takeaways
- Coming out is a journey towards living authentically, and it is not limited to sexuality.
- The reactions of loved ones can vary, and it's important to set boundaries and prioritize self-acceptance.
- Everyone has their own 'closet story' and something they're hiding from others.
- Embracing one's true self requires courage, resilience, and the willingness to face societal pressure and expectations. Give yourself permission to be authentic and live your truth.
- Align your actions with your values and beliefs.
- Challenge the false stories you tell yourself and rewrite your narrative.
- Build confidence by recognizing past successes and applying that energy to new challenges.
- Big conversations and life transitions require courage and self-reflection.
- Rick Clemens' podcasts, 'Life Uncloseted' and '40 Plus: Real Men, Real Talk', provide inspiration and support for personal growth and empowerment.
Sound Bites
- "Every one of us has a closet story."
- "What was that moment that you looked at your life and you said something's got to change?"
- "I knew my whole world was about to implode."
- "Welcome to what it's like to be somebody who's LGBTQ and told, 'nope, you're supposed to show up in the world this way, not the way you want.'"
- "I feel like you're right in my head. I feel like you're reading every thought I'm having, but you're also giving me the courage to realize it's time for me to be me."
- "Sometimes you touch a nerve authenticity is just hitting the nerve."
Chapters
00:00Living Authentically: The Journey of Coming Out
09:47Navigating Support and Reactions
13:08Friendships and Relationships
24:40Living Authentically: The Journey of Coming Out
32:31Aligning Actions with Values and Beliefs
36:15Challenging False Stories and Rewriting Your Narrative
38:10Building Confidence and Overcoming Fears
39:33Big Conversations and Life Transitions
43:19Podcasts for Personal Growth and Empowerment
