OGS Part 4 With YuDam

Adam and Yusef share how intentionally working on their relationship took some focused and very patient rewiring. We also demystify the phrase, love language.

Adam and Yusef are two of my favorite people. They’re change agents who are relationship and mission driven. And that doesn’t just apply to the people around them, but also to themselves. They’re a working example of a gay relationship that grows stronger through mindfulness, awareness, and dedication.

Yusef Garcia’s Bio

For more than 10 years, Yusef has been committed to helping build a more vibrant Chicago region through philanthropy and social impact. As Vice President of Development & Communications, Yusef and his team activate stakeholders with Forefront’s work plus deepen relationships through cultivating collaborative partnerships. Prior to joining Forefront, Yusef led institutional fundraising and engagement strategies for organizations focused on public media, arts & culture, and human services. Yusef actively volunteers as Chair of The Chicago History Museum’s OUT at CHM initiative, and serves as Board Member of AFC (AIDS Foundation of Chicago). In addition to his passion for convening partners, building relationships, and influencing social change, Yusef is a trained chef, having graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. Yusef is a native of Chicago, a lover of House Music, and an avid volleyball player. He and his husband Adam live in the Uptown neighborhood with their dog and two cats.

Adam Christensen’s Bio

With operational and training development experience in the fields of medicine, behavioral health, and academic research, Adam is a highly collaborative and cross-functional Learning & Development leader supporting teams to manage change, grow, engage, and positively impact the communities they serve.

In his most recent role as Director for Learning & Development at Oak Street Health, his aim is always to ensure that team members are equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide patients the highest quality of service and care possible. Additionally, Adam co-founded and currently co-chairs Oak Street Health’s first LGBTQIA+ People Resource Group.

Prior to joining Oak Street Health, Adam served in roles at UCSF, The Family Institute at Northwestern University, and NorthShore University Health System. He earned a BA in Psychology from UC Santa Cruz and an MA of Public Administration from Roosevelt University. Within these organizations he cultivated his passion for being part of a multidisciplinary team to lead the creation of smarter systems, efficient processes, and solid measurement frameworks – resulting in: increased engagement, quality improvement, revenue growth, employee engagement, and strategy development.

Adam lives with his husband, Yusef, in the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago, and is often soaking up the outdoors at a city beach or exploring one of the region’s vibrant communities.

OGS Part 3 With YuDam

In this episode, we discuss how Yusef and Adam explored cultural differences, personal expectations, and leaning into the awareness and discussion of their emotions as divorce loomed on the horizon.

Adam and Yusef are two of my favorite people. They’re change agents who are relationship and mission driven. And that doesn’t just apply to the people around them, but also to themselves. They’re a working example of a gay relationship that grows stronger through mindfulness, awareness, and dedication.

Yusef Garcia’s Bio

For more than 10 years, Yusef has been committed to helping build a more vibrant Chicago region through philanthropy and social impact. As Vice President of Development & Communications, Yusef and his team activate stakeholders with Forefront’s work plus deepen relationships through cultivating collaborative partnerships. Prior to joining Forefront, Yusef led institutional fundraising and engagement strategies for organizations focused on public media, arts & culture, and human services. Yusef actively volunteers as Chair of The Chicago History Museum’s OUT at CHM initiative, and serves as Board Member of AFC (AIDS Foundation of Chicago). In addition to his passion for convening partners, building relationships, and influencing social change, Yusef is a trained chef, having graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. Yusef is a native of Chicago, a lover of House Music, and an avid volleyball player. He and his husband Adam live in the Uptown neighborhood with their dog and two cats.

Adam Christensen’s Bio

With operational and training development experience in the fields of medicine, behavioral health, and academic research, Adam is a highly collaborative and cross-functional Learning & Development leader supporting teams to manage change, grow, engage, and positively impact the communities they serve.

In his most recent role as Director for Learning & Development at Oak Street Health, his aim is always to ensure that team members are equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide patients the highest quality of service and care possible. Additionally, Adam co-founded and currently co-chairs Oak Street Health’s first LGBTQIA+ People Resource Group.

Prior to joining Oak Street Health, Adam served in roles at UCSF, The Family Institute at Northwestern University, and NorthShore University Health System. He earned a BA in Psychology from UC Santa Cruz and an MA of Public Administration from Roosevelt University. Within these organizations he cultivated his passion for being part of a multidisciplinary team to lead the creation of smarter systems, efficient processes, and solid measurement frameworks – resulting in: increased engagement, quality improvement, revenue growth, employee engagement, and strategy development.

Adam lives with his husband, Yusef, in the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago, and is often soaking up the outdoors at a city beach or exploring one of the region’s vibrant communities.

OGS Part 2 With YuDam

In our second episode, Adam and Yusef share more about Adam’s personal growth, how they navigated individual growth as a couple, and we dip our toes into the awareness of privilege.

Adam and Yusef are two of my favorite people. They’re change agents who are relationship and mission driven. And that doesn’t just apply to the people around them, but also to themselves. They’re a working example of a gay relationship that grows stronger through mindfulness, awareness, and dedication.

Yusef Garcia’s Bio

For more than 10 years, Yusef has been committed to helping build a more vibrant Chicago region through philanthropy and social impact. As Vice President of Development & Communications, Yusef and his team activate stakeholders with Forefront’s work plus deepen relationships through cultivating collaborative partnerships. Prior to joining Forefront, Yusef led institutional fundraising and engagement strategies for organizations focused on public media, arts & culture, and human services. Yusef actively volunteers as Chair of The Chicago History Museum’s OUT at CHM initiative, and serves as Board Member of AFC (AIDS Foundation of Chicago). In addition to his passion for convening partners, building relationships, and influencing social change, Yusef is a trained chef, having graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. Yusef is a native of Chicago, a lover of House Music, and an avid volleyball player. He and his husband Adam live in the Uptown neighborhood with their dog and two cats.

Adam Christensen’s Bio

With operational and training development experience in the fields of medicine, behavioral health, and academic research, Adam is a highly collaborative and cross-functional Learning & Development leader supporting teams to manage change, grow, engage, and positively impact the communities they serve.

In his most recent role as Director for Learning & Development at Oak Street Health, his aim is always to ensure that team members are equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide patients the highest quality of service and care possible. Additionally, Adam co-founded and currently co-chairs Oak Street Health’s first LGBTQIA+ People Resource Group.

Prior to joining Oak Street Health, Adam served in roles at UCSF, The Family Institute at Northwestern University, and NorthShore University Health System. He earned a BA in Psychology from UC Santa Cruz and an MA of Public Administration from Roosevelt University. Within these organizations he cultivated his passion for being part of a multidisciplinary team to lead the creation of smarter systems, efficient processes, and solid measurement frameworks – resulting in: increased engagement, quality improvement, revenue growth, employee engagement, and strategy development.

Adam lives with his husband, Yusef, in the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago, and is often soaking up the outdoors at a city beach or exploring one of the region’s vibrant communities.

OGS Part 6 With Rick Clemons

In this final episode Rick and I discuss what energizes him, and the importance of knowing your WHY.

My favorite thing about Rick is his honest desire to help. If you’re not used to someone offering support it’s a welcome feeling to know that someone is in your corner. And to hear a bit of his journey to the relationship he’s in today is a powerful story.

References

Take the Unapologetic Life Assessment

Rick’s Bio

Rick Clemons is a well-known culture disruptor (in a good way), “closet buster (coming out coach),” and bold move strategist – inspiring people to live life with no excuses, no fears, no apologies. Tapping into his 25+ years experience in personal development, and leveraging being a late bloomer, coming out of the closet at 36, he’s created a no B.S. approach for thriving as a gay man and father – personally and professionally. A frequent contributor to Huffington Post, YourTango, The Good Men Project, Rick loves writing (Frankly My Dear I’m Gay), podcasting (Life (UN)Closeted and 40 Plus: Real Men. Real Talk), facilitating out of the ordinary personal development experiences, and speaking to audiences across the globe on living life without apologies. He loves wine, his two grown daughters, and his husband, in that order but don’t tell the hubby where he fits in the pecking order. Visit his website at RickClemons.com.

Connect with Rick here:

Frankly My Dear I’m Gay | Life (UN)Closeted Podcast – Life Uncloseted | 40 Plus: Real Men. Real Talk. Podcast

Facebook | Twittter | Instagram | LinkedIn

OGS Part 5 With Rick Clemons

In this episode we discuss priorities based on impact and mastering a relationship with self.

My favorite thing about Rick is his honest desire to help. If you’re not used to someone offering support it’s a welcome feeling to know that someone is in your corner. And to hear a bit of his journey to the relationship he’s in today is a powerful story.

References

Take the Unapologetic Life Assessment

Rick’s Bio

Rick Clemons is a well-known culture disruptor (in a good way), “closet buster (coming out coach),” and bold move strategist – inspiring people to live life with no excuses, no fears, no apologies. Tapping into his 25+ years experience in personal development, and leveraging being a late bloomer, coming out of the closet at 36, he’s created a no B.S. approach for thriving as a gay man and father – personally and professionally. A frequent contributor to Huffington Post, YourTango, The Good Men Project, Rick loves writing (Frankly My Dear I’m Gay), podcasting (Life (UN)Closeted and 40 Plus: Real Men. Real Talk), facilitating out of the ordinary personal development experiences, and speaking to audiences across the globe on living life without apologies. He loves wine, his two grown daughters, and his husband, in that order but don’t tell the hubby where he fits in the pecking order. Visit his website at RickClemons.com.

Connect with Rick here:

Frankly My Dear I’m Gay | Life (UN)Closeted Podcast – Life Uncloseted | 40 Plus: Real Men. Real Talk. Podcast

Facebook | Twittter | Instagram | LinkedIn

OGS Part 4 With Rick Clemons

In this episode we go deeper on how expected response from a relationship gets in your way, your motivations for why you do what you do in a relationship, and the choice of letting negativity into your life – or not.

My favorite thing about Rick is his honest desire to help. If you’re not used to someone offering support it’s a welcome feeling to know that someone is in your corner. And to hear a bit of his journey to the relationship he’s in today is a powerful story.

References

Take the Unapologetic Life Assessment

Rick’s Bio

Rick Clemons is a well-known culture disruptor (in a good way), “closet buster (coming out coach),” and bold move strategist – inspiring people to live life with no excuses, no fears, no apologies. Tapping into his 25+ years experience in personal development, and leveraging being a late bloomer, coming out of the closet at 36, he’s created a no B.S. approach for thriving as a gay man and father – personally and professionally. A frequent contributor to Huffington Post, YourTango, The Good Men Project, Rick loves writing (Frankly My Dear I’m Gay), podcasting (Life (UN)Closeted and 40 Plus: Real Men. Real Talk), facilitating out of the ordinary personal development experiences, and speaking to audiences across the globe on living life without apologies. He loves wine, his two grown daughters, and his husband, in that order but don’t tell the hubby where he fits in the pecking order. Visit his website at RickClemons.com.

Connect with Rick here:

Frankly My Dear I’m Gay | Life (UN)Closeted Podcast – Life Uncloseted | 40 Plus: Real Men. Real Talk. Podcast

Facebook | Twittter | Instagram | LinkedIn

OGS Part 3 With Rick Clemons

In this episode Rick recognizes the right relationship in his physical response and the power of choice. Especially when it comes to relationships with family.

My favorite thing about Rick is his honest desire to help. If you’re not used to someone offering support it’s a welcome feeling to know that someone is in your corner. And to hear a bit of his journey to the relationship he’s in today is a powerful story.

References

Take the Unapologetic Life Assessment

Rick’s Bio

Rick Clemons is a well-known culture disruptor (in a good way), “closet buster (coming out coach),” and bold move strategist – inspiring people to live life with no excuses, no fears, no apologies. Tapping into his 25+ years experience in personal development, and leveraging being a late bloomer, coming out of the closet at 36, he’s created a no B.S. approach for thriving as a gay man and father – personally and professionally. A frequent contributor to Huffington Post, YourTango, The Good Men Project, Rick loves writing (Frankly My Dear I’m Gay), podcasting (Life (UN)Closeted and 40 Plus: Real Men. Real Talk), facilitating out of the ordinary personal development experiences, and speaking to audiences across the globe on living life without apologies. He loves wine, his two grown daughters, and his husband, in that order but don’t tell the hubby where he fits in the pecking order. Visit his website at RickClemons.com.

Connect with Rick here:

Frankly My Dear I’m Gay | Life (UN)Closeted Podcast – Life Uncloseted | 40 Plus: Real Men. Real Talk. Podcast

Facebook | Twittter | Instagram | LinkedIn

OGS Part 2 With Rick Clemons

In this episode we dig into why connection in queer community is based in a need to be seen and heard, what it feels like to raise your consciousness, and the security of having someone be there for you.

My favorite thing about Rick is his honest desire to help. If you’re not used to someone offering support it’s a welcome feeling to know that someone is in your corner. And to hear a bit of his journey to the relationship he’s in today is a powerful story.

References

Take the Unapologetic Life Assessment

Rick’s Bio

Rick Clemons is a well-known culture disruptor (in a good way), “closet buster (coming out coach),” and bold move strategist – inspiring people to live life with no excuses, no fears, no apologies. Tapping into his 25+ years experience in personal development, and leveraging being a late bloomer, coming out of the closet at 36, he’s created a no B.S. approach for thriving as a gay man and father – personally and professionally. A frequent contributor to Huffington Post, YourTango, The Good Men Project, Rick loves writing (Frankly My Dear I’m Gay), podcasting (Life (UN)Closeted and 40 Plus: Real Men. Real Talk), facilitating out of the ordinary personal development experiences, and speaking to audiences across the globe on living life without apologies. He loves wine, his two grown daughters, and his husband, in that order but don’t tell the hubby where he fits in the pecking order. Visit his website at RickClemons.com.

Connect with Rick here:

Frankly My Dear I’m Gay | Life (UN)Closeted Podcast – Life Uncloseted | 40 Plus: Real Men. Real Talk. Podcast

Facebook | Twittter | Instagram | LinkedIn

OGS Part 1 With Rick Clemons

In the first episode with Rick we get into what it means to be present with someone, recognizing what it means to show up, and how the pandemic is changing how gay men think about connections.

My favorite thing about Rick is his honest desire to help. If you’re not used to someone offering support it’s a welcome feeling to know that someone is in your corner. And to hear a bit of his journey to the relationship he’s in today is a powerful story.

References

Take the Unapologetic Life Assessment

Rick’s Bio

Rick Clemons is a well-known culture disruptor (in a good way), “closet buster (coming out coach),” and bold move strategist – inspiring people to live life with no excuses, no fears, no apologies. Tapping into his 25+ years experience in personal development, and leveraging being a late bloomer, coming out of the closet at 36, he’s created a no B.S. approach for thriving as a gay man and father – personally and professionally. A frequent contributor to Huffington Post, YourTango, The Good Men Project, Rick loves writing (Frankly My Dear I’m Gay), podcasting (Life (UN)Closeted and 40 Plus: Real Men. Real Talk), facilitating out of the ordinary personal development experiences, and speaking to audiences across the globe on living life without apologies. He loves wine, his two grown daughters, and his husband, in that order but don’t tell the hubby where he fits in the pecking order. Visit his website at RickClemons.com.

Connect with Rick here:

Frankly My Dear I’m Gay | Life (UN)Closeted Podcast – Life Uncloseted | 40 Plus: Real Men. Real Talk. Podcast

Facebook | Twittter | Instagram | LinkedIn

Jerome is one of my favorite people in this world. He’s kind, open, and trying to leave the world better than he found it. And through all of it, he hears you, sees you, and always has a kind word. Of course, this totally ups his sexy game. So he’s a man you want to spend more time with.

I hope you enjoy this conversation with Jerome.

In this final episode of Our Gay Stories with Jerome we chat about taking friendships deeper, traumas in the queer community, and his advice for gay men on their own relationship journey

In the fifth episode of Our Gay Stories, Jerome and I chat about owning your truth and working on saying NO.

In the fourth episode Jerome and I discuss his philosophy on therapy and how you can still build on a cracked but repaired foundation.

In the third episode Jerome and I discuss “being on”, catastrophizing, and touch on imposter syndrome.

In the second episode, Jerome and I talk about what it feels like when you make a connection, that butterflies don’t always mean you get to smash, and what the fear of rejection is like (and the results of falling prey to it).

In the first episode, Jerome and I chat about the multiple roles of brother, son, and friend. The bond that exists between a brother and sister. And what it means to have a friend for 35 years.

Join PAtreon NowSupport these stories, monthly readings, and more!

More About Jerome

Jerome Harper is a Broker Associate at Baird & Warner in the South Loop. His practice is focused on providing services to investors seeking to explore Chicago’s fast moving multi-family market and assisting new and experienced home buyers to purchase or sell their home.

Jerome began his real estate career in 2000 at a brokerage in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood. After leaving this role, he turned his focus to philanthropy and corporate social responsibility. Over the next 15 years, he worked for The Chicago Community Trust and Northern Trust.

He has been a featured speaker for Chicago United, The United Way of Metro Chicago and Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. He served as a faculty member for the 2016 Global Ethics Summit in New York. The same year, a MarketWatch.com article featured his comments to the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. In 2013, the United Way of Metropolitan Chicago awarded Jerome with its Diamond Award for his leadership. He is also the 2013 recipient of the Connecting Cultures award from Chicago-based nonprofit Changing Worlds.

Jerome is a lifelong Chicago resident and enjoys exploring the amazing restaurant scene the city has to offer.

You can find Jerome on instagram and facebook @JhSellsChicago

The Top 5 Secrets To Grow Your RelationshipLet’s open up how you’re thinking, speaking, feeling, and what you want most.Enter your email address and I’ll send you the RAW Review worksheet to help you map out and understand the relationship you’re in.BONUS: And I’ll also send the Tarot Guide to Safety, Security, & Love (Without the Disappointment). To start creating life on your terms.It’s free and easy to start creating the life you’ve always dreamed. Pairs well with a vodka martini or whisky neat.I want the tips & the...