I always enjoy recounting how my husband Rich and I met and eventually started dating. The socio-political climate of 2005 was completely different, and we had to face a great deal of challenges early on. For my part, I had to learn self-acceptance, challenge myself to overcome internalized homophobia and gradually work up the courage to take a stand against my homophobic parents.
Recently, Rich and I were invited to talk about how our relationship came to be on a brand-new podcast, Rainbow Pajamas. Focusing on LGBTQ+ couples who have been together for more than five years, the series aims to show others what long-term relationships within the community look like in all of their many forms and "tackle the stigma that our relationships don't last."
From their introductory Instagram post:
"Rainbow Pajamas is a podcast sharing stories from around the world of long-term LGBTQ+ relationships from 5 years to more than 50 years. You’ll hear personal details from our guests about how they met, what they fight about, their sex lives, to practical matters such as having kids, financial planning and retirement, and we’ll also discuss controversial topics like exclusive vs open relationships, polyamory and marriage."
Though I struggle with social anxiety, Rich was excited about the prospect, and I decided it would be a great opportunity not only to share our story, but also to inspire people within the community by showing that LGBTQ+ relationships are just as stable and fulfilling as their straight counterparts.
Rich and I met virtually with Hilton, who hosts the series along with the help of his partner Ken, in February. As is often the case when I stress over social interactions, I had absolutely nothing to worry about. Hilton immediately made us feel comfortable as we spoke at length not only about how we met, but dealing with homophobia, tips for maintaining a successful marriage and other topics pertaining both to our relationship and that of others.
If you have some time to spare, give the episode a listen (Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts) and follow the Rainbow Pajamas Podcast. And if you're reading this and have been in an LGBTQ+ relationship for five or more years, I encourage you to reach out to Hilton and Ken. They'd love to hear from you!
Links:
Rainbow Pajamas Podcast: https://linktr.ee/rainbowpajamas_
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/RainbowPajamas_/
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3wu3vFQ
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3qr4cMk
Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/36jWtIX
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