A Queer POV

Coming out isn’t just one moment. It’s a lifetime of learning to live honestly, of choosing truth again and again, even when it’s hard, even when the world doesn’t make it easy.

As October 11th, National Coming Out Day, approaches, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on what coming out really means, not only for those of us who’ve done it, but for those who are still waiting for the right time, or the right safety, or the right words.

In this episode, I look back on conversations I’ve had through Friends, Loves, & Life and revisit stories from people who opened their hearts and trusted me with their truth, people like Gregg, Alex, Mike, Rich, Stephen, and James. Each one reminds me that while coming out can be scary, it’s also powerful. It builds bridges. It saves lives. It connects us to our chosen family, the people who see us, love us, and remind us that we belong.

For some, family is where the story begins. For others, it’s what we build along the way. Either way, the act of coming out, whether whispered, shouted, or simply lived, is a kind of rebirth.

I share a bit of my own story, too, and the relief that came when my father hugged me and told me he loved me after I said the words, “Yes, I’m gay.” That moment changed everything.

Because when we live as ourselves, we not only free our own hearts, we light the way for others to do the same.

-David

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#comingOut #ComingOutDay, #NationalComingOutDay, #LoveIsLove, and #Pride

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A Queer POV: Friends, Loves, & Life with DavidYou can listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Substack, and YouTube.And if you enjoy it, please leave a review—it helps more than you know.

Connect with me on BlueSky

PS: When I’m not podcasting, I also make wedding, birthday, and anniversary cake toppers. (Yes, really.) Take a peek at the shop: Taylor Street Favors | taylorstreetfavors.etsy.com

This week on A Queer POV: Friends, Loves, & Life, I sit down with someone who has had a remarkable influence on how we think and talk about health, sexuality, and technology: Deb Levine.

Back in the early 1990s, while working as a health educator at Columbia University, Deb co-created Go Ask Alice, one of the very first online spaces where young people could ask their most personal questions about sex, drugs, and relationships, and get real, thoughtful answers. Long before the rest of the world caught up, Deb understood that people needed safe, honest, and judgment-free access to information.

Her work didn’t stop there. She went on to found ISIS (Internet Sexuality Information Services), later known as YTH—Youth Tech Health—an organization that broke new ground by connecting technology, public health, and community voices. Deb has always seen that sexuality and health don’t exist in isolation, they’re deeply tied to our relationships, mental health, and the way we care for one another.

What I admire most about Deb is her humanity. She has always approached her work with courage, humor, and compassion. She’s been a fierce ally to the LGBTQ community, helping to create spaces where our stories and health truly matter. And I’m lucky enough to call her not only a mentor, but also a friend.

In our conversation, Deb shares stories about her early days as a Deadhead, her nonlinear way of thinking, the battles she fought to get institutions to listen, and her commitment to making sure people have the knowledge they need to live healthier, freer lives.

Deb has such a unique way of looking at the world, and I can’t wait for you to hear her perspective.

🎙️ I hope you enjoy my conversation with Deb Levine.

-David

Deb Levine, MA. www.linkedin.com/in/deblevine/

A Queer POV: Friends, Loves, & Life with DavidYou can listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Substack, and YouTube.And if you enjoy it, please leave a review—it helps more than you know.

Connect with me on BlueSky

PS: When I’m not podcasting, I also make wedding, birthday, and anniversary cake toppers. (Yes, really.) Take a peek at the shop: Taylor Street Favors

As I approach my 62nd birthday, I’ve found myself thinking a lot about retirement. Not the kind where you buy an RV and start glamping in national parks (though I’ll admit, that does sound tempting). No, I mean the kind where you sit down with your Social Security statement and suddenly feel overwhelmed, anxious, and a little exhausted from all the questions swirling around in your head. Should I take it at 62? Wait until full retirement age? Hold out until 70? The more I asked, the more overwhelming it all felt.

In this episode, I sit down with my husband, Derek Lenington. You might remember Derek from my very first episode, so it feels especially fitting to have him back as the season one finale. Derek is a financial coach who recently launched his own business, and he’s the perfect person to help me untangle these questions.

We talk about Social Security, Medicare, spousal benefits, working while retired, and how to think about the “break-even” point. Derek also shares why retirement planning is about so much more than numbers—it’s about identity, navigating transitions, and preparing for the future.

If you’ve ever wondered about your own retirement or just felt confused by all the options, this conversation will help clear things up. Derek reminds us that retirement isn’t just about math—it’s about life, identity, and what comes next.

Listen in and learn with me.

—David

If you would like to work with Derek you can find him here: www.dereklenington.com

A Queer POV: Friends, Loves, & Life with DavidYou can listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Substack, and YouTube.And if you enjoy it, please leave a review—it helps more than you know.

Connect with me on BlueSky

PS: When I’m not podcasting, I also make wedding, birthday, and anniversary cake toppers. (Yes, really.) Take a peek at the shop: Taylor Street Favors

Some kids dream of hitting the winning home run. Gregg dreamed of getting through Little League without having to actually touch the bat. His father was the coach, which made quitting more complicated—because it’s one thing to strike out, but another to let your dad down while doing it. Still, Gregg knew early on that he belonged more in the world of spotlights and scripts than dugouts and scoreboards.

Like so many of us, Gregg carried an “original hurt” from childhood—the kind of moment that lodges itself in your memory and whispers doubts into every friendship and relationship that follows. But what makes his story special is not the hurt, but how he kept showing up for joy anyway. College brought him clarity: a simple newspaper article gave him the language for what he already knew—that he was gay. From there, his life unfolded in unexpected ways, from building community in Tucson and Los Angeles to raising a son with a circle of parents who figured things out as they went.

And then, of course, there’s love. Gregg talks about meeting Steven, the man who would become his husband and co-creator of daily rituals. (Five kisses before bed. Not four. Not six. Exactly five. Non-negotiable.) It’s the small things—cuddle alarms, grocery store trips, quiet moments on the couch—that became the glue of their 25 years together.

Listening to Gregg is like being reminded that life doesn’t have to be grand to be meaningful. It can be messy, funny, and sometimes awkward, but the best parts sneak in through little rituals, trusted friends, and the courage to keep choosing love—even when your brain still plays the old tapes of doubt.

As Gregg puts it, we’re here to experience life—fully, freely, and yes, even joyfully. And maybe that’s the point: you don’t have to hit the home run. You just have to keep stepping up to the plate.

-David

#LGBTQPodcast #QueerVoices #LGBTQCommunity #PrideEveryday #LGBTQAllies #QueerStories

A Queer POV: Friends, Loves, & Life with DavidYou can listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Substack, and YouTube.And if you enjoy it, please leave a review—it helps more than you know.

Connect with me on BlueSky

PS: When I’m not podcasting, I also make wedding, birthday, and anniversary cake toppers. (Yes, really.) Take a peek at the shop: Taylor Street Favors

Every episode of The Queer POV: Friends, Loves, & Life is a chance to sit down with people I admire, and this week’s guest is no exception. I had the joy of talking with my friend Beau Stinnette—a man whose creativity and honesty shine through every part of his story.

Beau grew up as the kid who could always be found in the art room, sketching and painting when life at home was difficult. That early love for creativity shaped not only who he was but who he would become. But Beau’s story isn’t just about art, it’s about resilience. From navigating family struggles and coming out as gay in the 70s, to facing addiction and ultimately finding strength in recovery, Beau’s journey is layered, honest, and deeply human.

Today, Beau is co-founder of Foley & Stinnette Interior Design, a thriving firm he built alongside his longtime friend Dann Foley. Their 25-year partnership in design has become a testament to both hard work and the power of staying true to who you are.

What I loved most in this conversation is Beau’s openness. He doesn’t hold back, whether talking about relapse, sobriety, living with HIV, or even a mile-high adventure. There’s no pretense, no hiding, just Beau, real and unfiltered.

This episode is full of humor, heart, and inspiration. I walked away feeling grateful for his friendship and reminded of how powerful our stories can be when we choose to share them.

👉 Listen now to hear my conversation with Beau Stinnette. I promise you’ll laugh, reflect, and maybe even see a bit of your own story in his.

-David

#QueerPOV #LGBTQStories #QueerVoices #SobrietyJourney #InteriorDesign #CreativeLife #Authenticity

A Queer POV: Friends, Loves, & Life with DavidYou can listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Substack, and YouTube.And if you enjoy it, please leave a review—it helps more than you know.

Connect with me on BlueSky

PS: When I’m not podcasting, I also make wedding, birthday, and anniversary cake toppers. (Yes, really.) Take a peek at the shop: Taylor Street Favors

Join us in this heartfelt episode as we dive into the life and journey of Stephen Crouse. From his early days in very religious Colorado Springs to the decadence of San Francisco, Stephen shares his path from self-doubt to unapologetic self-acceptance. Along the way, he reveals unexpected passions, from the leather bars of the Bay Area to jaw-dropping LEGO MOC creations built during COVID, and how he rebuilt his life brick by brick, just like his intricate builds.

Stephen’s story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to like yourself, reinvent your narrative, and embrace your authentic path. Whether you’re facing challenges or looking for inspiration to build the life you want, this episode offers humor, honesty, and hope.

Tune in and be inspired to keep building—one brick, one choice, one leap at a time.

-David

#StephenCrouse #BuildingALifeOneBrickAtATime #LEGOJourney #SelfAcceptance #AuthenticLiving #CreativeJourney #PodcastEpisode #PersonalGrowth #Inspiration #LifeTransformation #PodcastLife #NewEpisode #MindsetPodcast #IdentityJourney #PodcastCommunity #KeepBuilding

A Queer POV: Friends, Loves, & Life with DavidYou can listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Substack, and YouTube.And if you enjoy it, please leave a review—it helps more than you know.

Connect with me on BlueSky

PS: When I’m not podcasting, I also make wedding, birthday, and anniversary cake toppers. (Yes, really.) Take a peek at the shop: Taylor Street Favors

Meet Brett Klein. If you haven’t crossed paths with him yet, get ready ‘cause here we go. Brett’s journey is a vivid tapestry woven with courage, humor, and the unapologetic pursuit of living life on his own terms.

At 32, Brett faced two life-altering truths at once: coming out and receiving an HIV diagnosis. In many stories, that might sound like a crossroads of despair. But for Brett, it was more like a clarion call, a message to live loud, live full, and live real. There’s a certain spirit in Brett’s story, where hardships and heartaches mingle effortlessly with laughter, openness, and a community that feels like chosen family.

Picture this: a guy showing up at LAX in nothing but a trench coat and boots, not for a stunt, but because that’s Brett’s playful way of saying, “Here I am!” It’s moments like these that illuminate the colorful, raw, and honest life he’s built. Brett doesn’t just talk about love and loss; he embodies the hard-won, messy beauty of aging in the queer community with a wink and a smile.

Throughout the conversation, Brett weaves stories of mentorship, community, and personal transformation with an authenticity that’s both comforting and electric. He’s seen friends lost and found, faced stigma head-on, and embraced the complexities of dating, intimacy, and identity in his 60. All while staying rooted in laughter and radical self-acceptance.

Whether he’s cheering on friends at Pride events or sharing quiet reflections on caregiving and grief, Brett’s presence is a testament to what it means to be truly alive, boldly, vulnerably, and with a generous heart. His reflections don’t shy away from the difficult or the profound, but like any great character writing his own story, they’re delivered with a lightness that invites you in.

So take a seat, pour your favorite drink, and tune in to a conversation that’s as real as it is radiant. Brett Klein’s story is not just one of surviving; it’s about thriving with joy, sass, and an open heart in the desert sun.

Listen to Friends, Loves, and Life with Brett Klein—where every moment is a chance to live out loud and love without apology.

-David

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🎙️ Don’t miss this unforgettable conversation.

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#QueerVoices #LGBTQStories #HIVAwareness #LivingOutLoud #PalmSpringsPride #ResilientAF #PodcastLife #ComingOutJourney #AuthenticLiving #ChosenFamily #HIVPositiveAndProud #FriendsLovesAndLife #QueerJoy #ListenNow

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A Queer POV: Friends, Loves, & Life with DavidYou can listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Substack, and YouTube. And if you enjoy it, please leave a review—it helps more than you know.

Connect with me on BlueSky

PS: When I’m not podcasting, I also make wedding, birthday, and anniversary cake toppers. (Yes, really.) They’re heartfelt, handmade, and meant to be kept long after the last bite of cake.

Take a peek at the shop: Taylor Street Favors

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Every June, riders gather at the Cow Palace in San Francisco, helmets on, hearts full, and begin a 545-mile journey to Los Angeles as part of the AIDS/LifeCycle ride. But this year was different. This year was the last ride.

I sat down with two friends, Sean Rhodes and Mike Chandler, who trained for months and rode side by side (well, most of the time) on the final AIDS/LifeCycle. What they shared with me was more than a recap. It was a reminder of what it means to persevere, and proof that sometimes the road can heal you.

Mike had never done it before. Sean had, but it had been a long time. They trained together with the Desert Roadrunners in Palm Springs, and something clicked. They weren’t just riders. They were a team. The kind that texts “Where are you?” at rest stops and understands the rhythm of what someone needs. Quiet sometimes. Jokes other times. Space. Encouragement. Snacks.

What made this conversation special is that it wasn’t about the glamour of finishing a big ride. It was about what happens in the middle. The breakdowns. The moments of doubt. The feeling when someone chooses to stay with you, mile after mile. That’s the part that stuck with me.

Sean talked about coming back to the ride as a way to reclaim a part of himself. It had been a hard few years. He was ready to draw a line in the sand and say, “This is the start of something new.” Mike showed up for the first time with names in his heart—people he’d lost to HIV and AIDS. And along the way, he picked up new names, new stories, people riding for someone, people who are someone.

There’s a point in the conversation where Sean says something like, “It’s not about the ride. It’s about the people.” And that’s exactly it. The ride is a structure. A container. But what fills it is love, and community, and the kind of quiet courage it takes to keep pedaling when you’re not sure you can.

It all ends in Santa Monica, riding down into the roar of a crowd. The ocean’s on your left. People are cheering. Some are crying. And you realize this isn’t just about finishing a ride. It’s about remembering. And holding space for those who didn’t get to cross the line.

Even though this was the last official AIDS/LifeCycle, the spirit of it doesn’t end here. Smaller rides are already forming. The community is still rolling forward. The love doesn’t stop just because the event does.

You don’t ride alone. You never did.

You can listen to the full conversation with Sean and Mike on Friends, Loves, & Life. It’s about bikes. But it’s also not about bikes at all. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this one.

-David

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#AIDSLifeCycle #LGBTQStories #GriefAndHealing #RideForLove #CommunityMatters #FriendsLovesLife #GayMenOnBikes #HIVAwareness #KeepPedaling

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A Queer POV: Friends, Loves, & Life with DavidYou can listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Substack, and YouTube. New episodes Wednesday. And if you enjoy it, please leave a review—it helps more than you know.

Connect with me on BlueSky

PS: When I’m not podcasting, I also make wedding, birthday, and anniversary cake toppers. (Yes, really.) They’re heartfelt, handmade, and meant to be kept long after the last bite of cake.

Take a peek at the shop: Taylor Street Favors

Some stories don’t shout. They hum. They make you want to sit down with a glass of wine in a crystal goblet and a cookie someone’s grandmother taught them to bake.

This week on The Queer POV: Friends, Loves, & Life, I talked with Kevin Chiodini, who pronounces it Key-oh-dee-nee thank you very much, because it’s Italian and he’s earned the right to say it like they do back in Lombardy. Kevin’s the kind of person you notice not because he’s loud, but because he’s so completely himself. You get the sense that he knows who he is, and he’s okay if you’re still figuring that out for yourself.

Kevin grew up in Rockford, Illinois. A place with good schools and a lot of churches. Being out wasn’t exactly on the syllabus. He didn’t come out until his early thirties, and even then, he didn’t make a big announcement. No rainbow confetti moment. More like, “If you ask, I’ll tell you.” And most people didn’t need to ask. They already knew. They were just waiting for him to catch up.

And maybe that’s the most Kevin thing of all. No drama, just grace.

He’s got a thing for tradition, especially the kind that comes with china cabinets and family stories. The crystal in his home isn’t just pretty. It belonged to his grandmothers. It lived through weddings and birthdays and probably a lot of coffee after Mass. Kevin doesn’t hoard these things. He honors them. And when he sets a table, he really sets it. Cloth napkins. Flatware. Champagne flutes that you’re allowed to break once, but only if you’re very sorry.

Health matters to him too. He’s a regular at the gym, mostly for his heart. His dad had a hard go of it, and Kevin decided a long time ago he’d do everything he could not to follow that path. He lifts weights, does spin class, and eats pretty healthy unless there’s biscotti involved. Then all bets are off.

He moved to Palm Springs in 2018. Left his old life behind, sold a house he loved, and started over. It wasn’t easy. But it was time. And now? He’s content. Single. Open to dating. Not desperate for it. He likes his life. And that’s not nothing.

We talked about queer history too. He mentioned Harvey Milk. Said we should still be talking about him. Still learning from him. Still reminding each other that visibility matters, even now. Maybe especially now.

I agree!

Kevin’s story isn’t one of wild reinvention. It’s quieter than that. It’s about learning to trust yourself. To let go of what people expect and live the way you want. It’s about routine, and crystal, and knowing what time the gym in the morning. 5am. And sharing your family biscotti recipe with friends.

It’s about doing the thing that scared you. Then doing it again. And then one day realizing you’ve built a life that fits you just right.

Thanks for listening! Until next time, be bold, be free, be you.

-David

#FriendsLovesAndLife, #KevinChiodini, #QueerStories, #ComingOutLaterInLife, #LGBTQVoices, #FamilyTraditions, #CrystalCollector, #BiscottiBaking, #PalmSpringsLife, #QueerHistory, #AuthenticLiving, #ChosenFamily, #GayMenOver30, #DavidBegorPodcast

A Queer POV: Friends, Loves, & Life with DavidYou can listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Substack, and YouTube. New episodes Wednesday. And if you enjoy it, please leave a review—it helps more than you know.

Connect with me on BlueSky

Some people live out loud. Jeff Heinkel lives with just enough humor and mischief to keep you on your toes.

In this week’s episode of Friends, Loves, & Life, Jeff shares the kind of life story that reminds you we’re all just figuring it out as we go. He came out in his 30s, got sober after a meth addiction nearly stole his eyesight, and walked away from a long career in television to become a personal trainer in Palm Springs. What he found here surprised even him.

We talk about all of it. The gym flirtations. The fear of rejection. The joy of finally living in a body he worked hard to feel good in. The regret of not giving his mother a chance to fully love him as he was. And the kind of friendships that form when you sit by someone’s side during chemo and stay long after.

There’s so much laughter in this conversation, but it’s the tenderness underneath that sticks with me. Jeff doesn’t pretend to have all the answers. What he does have is perspective, a lot of heart, and the willingness to keep showing up.

He says, “Sometimes it feels like my life is better because I was a drug addict.” Not because it was easy. But because it forced him to rebuild, to choose joy, to become someone he’s proud of.

This episode is for anyone who’s made a mess, survived it, and found something beautiful on the other side. It’s for anyone trying to become more of themselves.

I hope you enjoy this conversation with my friend Jeff.

And my notes from the show intro…

👉🏻 Link to Jeff’s Website for Personal Training: www.fitnesscoachps.com

This weekend, I sat in a dark theater with my husband, our son, and a few friends to watch the new Superman. It was good,more comic book than brooding epic, and while I’ll always have a soft spot for Henry Cavill walking out of the ocean shirtless (I mean, come on!), I found myself excited about what’s ahead, especially Supergirl with Milly Alcock. A new take. A new voice.

This last week I was also introduced to Andrea Gibson work. They were a poet, an artist, and a light. And even though Andrea passed away, their words are new to me — arriving in my life right on time. Sometimes art shows up exactly when you’re ready to receive it.

Until next time, be bold, be free, be you.

-David

#ComingOutLater, #QueerResilience, #GayAndSober, #LGBTQHealing, #QueerStrength, #GayFitnessJourney, #OpenRelationships, #SoberLife, #RecoveryJourney, #SoberAndProud, #StartingOver, #FromAddictionToRecovery, #HealingThroughMovement

A Queer POV: Friends, Loves, & Life with DavidYou can listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Substack, and YouTube. New episodes Wednesday. And if you enjoy it, please leave a review—it helps more than you know.

Connect with me on BlueSky