The Queer Family Podcast

Late-in-Life Lesbian & Religious Trauma: Coming Out, Healing & Co-Parenting


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Heather grew up in the Bible Belt as the daughter of a gay man and a pastor’s granddaughter, suppressing her truth for years. She married a man, started a family, and did everything ‘right’—until, at 38, she realized she was a lesbian… while on a literal therapy call in the closet. Now, she’s untangling decades of religious trauma, reclaiming her identity, and proving that it’s never too late to live your truth.

🏳️‍🌈Thanks to our sponsor California Cryobank! Thinking of growing your queer family? Use code LOVEISLOVE at cryobank.com for a FREE Level 2 subscription to their donor catalog!

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🏳️‍🌈 Key Takeaways 🏳️‍🌈

  • 🏳️‍⚧️ Religious trauma and its lasting impact on queer identity
  • 💡 The moment she realized she was a lesbian—while on a literal therapy call in the closet!
  • 💜 Coming out while married with kids: the struggles & breakthroughs
  • Healing generational trauma & embracing authenticity
  • 👩‍👩‍👧 Co-parenting post-divorce and navigating life after coming out


Heather’s story is raw, real, and so damn relatable for anyone who’s ever questioned themselves or had to untangle the messaging they were raised with. And let’s be honest—many of us have. Her journey reminds us that it’s never too late to live in your truth.

🏳️‍🌈About The Guest(s)🏳️‍🌈

  • Heather is a 40-year-old late-in-life lesbian, single mom, and spiritual seeker from Fort Worth, Texas. Raised in a deeply religious environment as the daughter of a gay man, she spent years struggling with religious trauma before fully embracing her truth at age 38. Now, she’s on a mission to heal generational trauma, co-parent with love, and help others navigate the journey to self-acceptance. Heather is also launching a new podcast, Cozy Betches, where she explores healing, queerness, and authenticity.


🏳️‍🌈🎧 Loved this episode?

Leave a review & support The Queer Family Podcast on Patreon for exclusive bonus content!


🏳️‍🌈 💬 What resonated most with you?

Drop a comment, DM us, or email at [email protected]—we love hearing your stories!


🏳️‍🌈 📲 Let’s Connect!

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🎶 Edited by: Jerson Barajas

🎵 Theme song by: Tiffany Topol

🎨 Logo art by: Daneen Stevenato

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📜 Full transcript & more info on our website


The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional advice. While we chat with amazing organizations, The Queer Family Podcast isn’t responsible for any decisions or actions taken by listeners based on the content of the show. Always consult with a trusted professional for your specific situation!



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The Queer Family PodcastBy Jaimie kelton

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