Jonathan Lovitz: On Finding His Voice and Using it to Promote LGBTQ Empowerment
Jonathan always loved performing in theater and television. Over time, he began taking the stage not to act, but to fight for LGBTQ equality and economic empowerment.
Author: Emily Starbuck Gerson
Emily Starbuck Gerson is a seasoned journalist and storyteller, with over a decade of professional writing and editing experience. She's also an out member of the LGBTQIA+ community, and she launched Profiles in Pride in November 2017 as a platform to share the inspiring and empowering journeys of others. She conducts every interview and writes every profile herself. By day, she's a full-time freelance writer/editor; learn more at EmilyStarbuck.com.
Recording of Profiles in Pride’s Live DreamWeek Event, ‘Journeys in Coming Out’
Profiles in Pride held an event during DreamWeek in San Antonio, Texas, where several LGBTQIA people told their powerful coming out stories in person in front of a live audience. See the recording here.
Julian Tovar: On Coming Into His Own as a Gay Man and Fighting for LGBTQ Equality
When Julian came out as gay in high school, his family didn’t understand. He turned to activism, where he’s found a passion for fighting for LGBTQ equality and lifting up those in the community who need support.
Mel Wells: On Leaving Mormonism, Coming Out, and Creating an Androgynous Swimwear Line
Mel Wells has had to come out of two closets: she left the Mormon church, and she later came out as lesbian. Now she gives back to the LGBTQ community with her genderless swimsuit line, Beefcake Swimwear.
Sarah Shalene Guilbeaux: On Discovering Her Queerness and Exploring Gender Identity
Sarah grew up in a conservative family that wanted her to fit into a specific mold. But she gradually rejected these constraints and came to embrace her queerness, and with the help of her transgender partner, began to further explore gender identity.
Belinda Trevino: On Being an Advocate for Trans Youth and Their Parents
When Belinda came out as gay, she was rejected by her family and religion. These experiences shaped her, and when her son came out as transgender, she welcomed him with open arms and became an advocate for trans youth and their parents.
David Rae: On Being a Financial Planner for the LGBTQ Community
As the child of an NFL player, David grew up witnessing the perks and pitfalls of wealth. Here’s his story of learning about money, coming out as gay, and forging a path as a financial planner for the LGBTQ community.
Alicia Roth Weigel: On Coming Out as Intersex in Front of the Texas Legislature
Alicia’s job entails helping young women tell their stories to create positive change in the world, but she didn’t feel safe sharing her own story. Here’s her path to self-acceptance and eventually coming out as intersex — in front of the Texas legislature.
Hannah Haley: On Being the Partner of a Transitioning Person
Hannah thought she was only interested in women. Then she met Peter at the beginning of his transition from female to male and fell in love and took a chance. This is the story of their relationship and how Peter’s transition has impacted Hannah’s identity.
Andy Bossley: On the Struggle to Come out as Gay — and How it’s Helped Him Become a Successful Marketer
Andy grew up competing as an elite gymnast with his eyes on the Olympics, but despite outward success, he struggled internally with his sexuality. Here’s how he eventually found the courage to live authentically and how it’s helped him excel in his career.