Ben Green grew up trans in a small Connecticut town.

Now an activist and author of "My Child is Trans: Now What?" Ben reflects on just how different his childhood was to his sister's as he tried to navigate the complexities of gender identity without any trans role models.
This story explores the profound impact that representation—or the lack thereof—can have on a young person's journey to self-discovery and authenticity.

From the supportive embrace for his bisexuality, partly due to shows like "Modern Family," to the more challenging acceptance of his trans identity, Ben casts a light on the ever-present need for mainstream representation for all of the LGBTQ+ community.

We round off our time with Ben by discussing his evolution from teaching to public speaking, ignited by a TEDx talk's viral success and his drive to connect with a wider swathe of allies through storytelling. His book serves as a beacon of hope, offering parents of trans children a joy-centered guide in a landscape often clouded by negativity. The conversation also celebrates recent positive strides in LGBTQ legislation, emphasizing the power of local advocacy in effecting change.

Presented by Emma Goswell

Produced by Sam Walker

We'd love to hear YOUR story. Please get in touch www.comingoutstoriespodcast.com or find us on twitter @ComeOutStories and on Instagram @ComingOutStoriesPod

We have a book! Coming Out Stories is available at all major shops now!

JKP.com | Queerlit | Waterstones | Amazon

Coming Out Stories is a What Goes On Media Production

Imagine embarking on a voyage of self-discovery that doesn't truly begin until the age of 40. That's the reality for Jenny, a trans woman with a tale that unfolds with laughter, adversity, and, above all, authenticity. As she reminisces about her childhood in Woking and the challenges of expressing her true identity pre-internet, Jenny's experiences from makeshift gender expression at home to her eventual powerful coming out in Manchester shine a light on the journey many in the trans community face.

For Jenny, the world of Drag was a haven that embraced her when she needed it most, but she soon realised that was not where she truly belonged and found her way to comedy.
Jenny's story is a testament to the power of finding your tribe and the transformative effect of unconditional love. Yet, it's not without its heartbreaks, something she candidly shares, including the violent encounter that marred an early performance and the ongoing struggle for acceptance.

Step into the spotlight with Jenny as she stands tall in the world of comedy, using her wit to disarm hecklers and her compelling stories to carve out a space as a trans entertainer. Her upcoming Edinburgh show "Seahorse" promises to be a whirlwind of humor and honesty, reflecting the unique perspectives of her life. Prepare to be moved and amused!

Presented by Emma Goswell

Produced by Sam Walker

We'd love to hear YOUR story. Please get in touch www.comingoutstoriespodcast.com or find us on twitter @ComeOutStories and on Instagram @ComingOutStoriesPod

We have a book! Coming Out Stories is available at all major shops now!

JKP.com | Queerlit | Waterstones | Amazon

Coming Out Stories is a What Goes On Media Production

Imagine the courage it takes to forge a path as a black queer woman in a world where your identity intersects with a rich tapestry of culture, tradition, and belief systems. This is the life of Anna DeShawn, a social entrepreneur from Chicago. who came out in a religious household and went on to create spaces where queer voices can echo and resonate.

In an intimate exchange, Anna and Emma navigate the complexities of family acceptance in the black community, revealing both the struggles and the victories and the evolution of her identity through terms like 'queer', 'gay', and 'lesbian'.
We learn about Anna's father's journey from disbelief, to becoming a beacon of support, demonstrating how love can transcend even the most rigid of barriers.

Anna also educated us on the queer media landscape, where she is carving out her legacy. She unveils the motivations behind E3 Radio and the Qube app, platforms that amplify marginalized voices and create a symphony of black and brown queer narratives. Her ambition mirrors that of icons like Robin Roberts, who have laid the groundwork for visibility and representation.
Connect with Anna on Instagram X or TikTok

Presented by Emma Goswell

Produced by Sam Walker

We'd love to hear YOUR story. Please get in touch www.comingoutstoriespodcast.com or find us on twitter @ComeOutStories and on Instagram @ComingOutStoriesPod

We have a book! Coming Out Stories is available at all major shops now!

JKP.com | Queerlit | Waterstones | Amazon

Coming Out Stories is a What Goes On Media Production

From his first inklings of being different at a summer camp, to the seismic shift that occurred when he saw real gay representation in corporate America, Michael's journey is one of struggle, resilience, and triumph in the face of adversity.

Michael's story not only peels back the layers of his own coming out journey, but also addresses the emotional challenges that often linger beneath the surface of the LGBTQ+ community in a city known for its progressiveness, New York City.

Michael is also director of brand marketing and communications for Archer, a new dating app committed to fostering genuine relationships within the gay community. Find out more about Archer here

Presented by Emma Goswell

Produced by Sam Walker

We'd love to hear YOUR story. Please get in touch www.comingoutstoriespodcast.com or find us on twitter @ComeOutStories and on Instagram @ComingOutStoriesPod

We have a book! Coming Out Stories is available at all major shops now!

JKP.com | Queerlit | Waterstones | Amazon

Coming Out Stories is a What Goes On Media Production

Remember that gut-punch moment when everything you thought you knew about yourself was turned on its head? That's where Kirsty Loehr found herself at 16, blindsided by the realisation that her sexuality wasn't what she'd always assumed...

In this episode, meet Kirsty, author of "A Short History of Queer Women," and hear her journey of self-discovery against the backdrop of a Manchester council estate. This episode peels back the layers of what it means to come to terms with one's queer identity, pre-social media whirlwind and without a blueprint for what lies ahead.

With humor and heart, Kirsty recounts the early clues of her attraction to women—yes, including that trademark lumberjack shirt—and the role her incredible mother played in fostering a space where being gay was never an issue. From the rough-and-tumble of adolescence to the profound impact of a supportive family, our conversation is a testament to the courage it takes to embrace who you are.
As we explore the vibrant tapestry of queer women's experiences, and perhaps you'll see a bit of your own story reflected in Kirsty’s.

Buy Kirsty's book here, or wherever you get your books.

Presented by Emma Goswell

Produced by Sam Walker

We'd love to hear YOUR story. Please get in touch www.comingoutstoriespodcast.com or find us on twitter @ComeOutStories and on Instagram @ComingOutStoriesPod

We have a book! Coming Out Stories is available at all major shops now!

JKP.com | Queerlit | Waterstones | Amazon

Coming Out Stories is a What Goes On Media Production

Moe Ari Brown, was born into a working-class, religious family and raised on the South side of Chicago amid the Black church's rich traditions. Moe felt invisible during their youth but at college, they had an epiphany – that gender identity and sexuality are not fixed points but vibrant spectrums.

As a relationship therapist and guide, Moe's insights are not only personal milestones but also lighthouses for others on similar journeys, from their bisexual awakening to the discovery of a transgender community that felt like home.
Moe also discusses the tribulations that bisexual daters encounter!

Find Moe on instagram here and check out their NFAQ page on Hinge here.

Presented by Emma Goswell

Produced by Sam Walker

We'd love to hear YOUR story. Please get in touch www.comingoutstoriespodcast.com or find us on twitter @ComeOutStories and on Instagram @ComingOutStoriesPod

We have a book! Coming Out Stories is available at all major shops now!

JKP.com | Queerlit | Waterstones | Amazon

Coming Out Stories is a What Goes On Media Production

Growing up in Peterborough, in the centre of England, Arthur's story tells of the intimate struggles of growing up with a gender identity that defies societal norms.

With insights into the complexity of coming out to loved ones when you're trans, the battles fought within gender clinics, and the ongoing need for visibility and support for trans youth, this episode is a celebration of the trans community as they face very difficult times.

This episode also celebrates TRUK United FC—the safe haven Arthur helped create for trans men to unite through the love of football. The team stands as a beacon of hope, not just for its members but for the wider community, providing a space where acceptance and understanding are the rules of the game.

Presented by Emma Goswell

Produced by Sam Walker

We'd love to hear YOUR story. Please get in touch www.comingoutstoriespodcast.com or find us on twitter @ComeOutStories and on Instagram @ComingOutStoriesPod

We have a book! Coming Out Stories is available at all major shops now!

JKP.com | Queerlit | Waterstones | Amazon

Coming Out Stories is a What Goes On Media Production

Imagine discovering your true self at a time where even the word "transgender" was seldom whispered, then fast-forward to seeing that reality reflected on national TV!

Annie Wallace, a pioneering trans soap actress, takes us through her life, from her earliest memories of gender identity struggles, to life in Aberdeen's first gay bar, and the bullying endured by those who dared to be different, through her influential role behind the scenes of beloved TV characters like "Coronation Street's" Hayley Cropper to her own starring role as Sally St. Claire in the Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks.

Annie's story is a testament to resilience. She takes us on her emotional rollercoaster of transitioning, the heartwarming tale of her family's reactions, and the ripple effect her brave choices had on breaking barriers in the media industry.

This is an episode that celebrates the victories, acknowledges the struggles, and honors the ongoing quest for equality, with Annie's story reminding us all of the transformative power of living authentically.

Presented by Emma Goswell

Produced by Sam Walker

We'd love to hear YOUR story. Please get in touch www.comingoutstoriespodcast.com or find us on twitter @ComeOutStories and on Instagram @ComingOutStoriesPod

We have a book! Coming Out Stories is available at all major shops now!

JKP.com | Queerlit | Waterstones | Amazon

Coming Out Stories is a What Goes On Media Production