Lesbian Chronicles: Coming Out Later in Life

Elina Street and Erica Rose from The Lesbian Bar Project join the show to talk about the importance of preserving lesbian and queer spaces. Erica speaks about her recent op-ed on how "purity politics" is impacting lesbian spaces. And we discuss how this happened recently with Last Ditch in Massachusetts. 

Learn more about The Lesbian Bar Project and view their list of lesbian bars 

Read Erica's piece on Purity Politics
 

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In a world where we can get practically anything online and fulfil most needs instantly, we often expect the same instant gratification in dating and finding love. Alli and Melisa explore how to find patience in dating -- and understanding that sometimes, first dates are just really awkward (so don't write someone off just because they talk about dinosaurs...)

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This week Alli and Melisa talk about how the "Sunk Cost Fallacy" of a relationship can keep you invested in something for far longer than your gut is telling you is right. Also, why Burning Man and camping just isn't for us... 

Read more about Sunk Cost Fallacy: Why We Stick With Bad Decisions

And don't forget to check out Out on Film in Atlanta September 24-October 4, 2026 

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Filmmaker and Out on Film Executive Director Cindy L. Abel joins the Lesbian Chronicles podcast to share about the upcoming Out on Film Festival in Atlanta -- and the importance of telling all LGBTQ+ stories. The 39th Annual Out On Film LGBTQ+ Film Festival takes place September 24 through October 4, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia featuring a variety of films including a special screening of the lesbian classic "Desert Hearts," with director Donna Deitch. podscan_Mg1v5MMcR4yIOrlSkdq2Wp5yNwqlC0oh














Click here for details on Out on Film and the event schedule. 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lesbian-chronicles-coming-out-later-in-life--5601514/support.

Melisa and Alli talk about how those early relationships after coming out can feel safe, but the reality is, you're drowning so anything feels "safe." We share how we've learned from those early relationships how we want to parent and co-parent our children and protect that dynamic. And what it means to feel truly fulfilled in life. 

We also reference this article from the Washington Post about people who choose to be child-free.  

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lesbian-chronicles-coming-out-later-in-life--5601514/support.

This week, Alli and Melisa explore the “cost of being a woman,” including the financial expectations women navigate in dating and everyday life. We unpack Professor Scott Galloway’s argument that men should pay for dates, while also discussing how WLW couples can navigate who pays. We also talk about our own financial insecurities since coming out, as well as women’s mental health and how medication can be a helpful and valid part of treatment.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lesbian-chronicles-coming-out-later-in-life--5601514/support.

Our friend Tennah joins the show to chat about her love for astrology and tarot. She also gives us a bit of an Astrology 101 lesson -- a valuable tool for anyone coming out later who is bound to be asked, "So... what time were you born?"

Follow Tennah on Instagram and YouTube at ZodiacChatline 



Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lesbian-chronicles-coming-out-later-in-life--5601514/support.

Alli shares her very questionable massage experience in NYC. We also discuss what's the "best" or "right" way to tell kids about divorce? And is "no contact" really necessary or is it just a way to have control?

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lesbian-chronicles-coming-out-later-in-life--5601514/support.

Melisa and Alli talk about dating without losing yourself, some early expectations in a relationship and the small ways to show you're in it with someone. 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lesbian-chronicles-coming-out-later-in-life--5601514/support.

Melisa and Alli discuss a survey from the National Survey of Family Growth that found the median number of opposite-sex partners in a lifetime among women aged 25-49 years of age is 4.3. 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lesbian-chronicles-coming-out-later-in-life--5601514/support.