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June 4, 2025 27 mins

In this heartfelt Pride Month episode, Lisa and Gretchen open up about their personal coming out stories, the mental health struggles within the LGBTQ+ community, and how support, resources, and kindness can truly save lives. From Free Mom Hugs to the Trevor Project, this episode is packed with essential info, tough truths, and beautiful reminders that you are never alone.

 

🎥 Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube: A video version of this episode is available here: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel

 

🎙️ This episode is proudly brought to you by Schoser Talent and Wellness Solutions Struggling with employee burnout, high turnover, or clunky onboarding processes? Feeling overwhelmed by change or unsure how to support your team’s mental health in the workplace? You’re not alone. Visit https://schosersolutions.com today. 💙 Because your mental well-being matters. 💙

📝 Episode Summary:

Lisa and Gretchen share powerful, vulnerable stories about their own journeys in coming out and the intersections between LGBTQ+ identity and mental health. They spotlight the terrifying realities of suicide statistics among queer youth and offer actionable resources and messages of empathy for both individuals and families. This raw, affirming conversation not only honors Pride Month but also amplifies the need for compassion, inclusion, and community support—especially in difficult times. They stress that support is always just a call or click away.

 

🎯 Lessons Learned:
  • Coming out is deeply personal and cannot be rushed. Support must be unconditional and judgment-free.

  • Resources like 988 and The Trevor Project can be life-saving, especially for LGBTQ+ youth struggling with identity and mental illness.

  • Community matters. Whether you're a parent, friend, or ally, empathy and kindness go a long way in saving lives.

  • Visibility saves lives. Wearing a pride shirt, offering a hug, or simply listening can make an enormous difference.

  • Support isn't just for young people—older LGBTQ+ individuals also face challenges and need inclusive care.

 

⏰ Chapters:
  • 00:00 – Trigger Warning & Introduction

  • 01:00 – What Pride Really Means

  • 02:30 – Lisa’s Late-In-Life Coming Out Story

  • 04:10 – The Trevor Project and Suicide Prevention

  • 06:00 – The Reality of Backsliding LGBTQ+ Rights

  • 08:00 – Mental Health Stats That Demand Attention

  • 10:00 – Resources for Parents and Allies

  • 13:00 – Creating a Personal Mental Health Safety Plan

  • 15:00 – How Schoser Solutions Helps with Workplace Wellness

  • 18:00 – Why You Should Never Pressure Someone to Come Out

  • 21:00 – The Power of Community and Free Mom Hugs

  • 25:00 – Final Thoughts: Coexistence of Joy & Sadness in Pride

  • 27:00 – You Are Enough – Closing Message

 

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