Yoga and meditation are what helped Kelly Marshall come to terms with their gender identity. They now run a business offering yoga therapy, massage, mindfulness, Reiki, and other healing tools to the LGBTQ+ community — especially since many don’t feel welcome in traditional wellness spaces.
Growing up in a devout Catholic family, Cole struggled to come to terms with her lesbian identity. But she now runs GAYTX, a company working to empower the community with pride and introduce a new LGBTQ sizing system.
Rachel grew up in a large family on a tight budget, and socks were hard to come by. When she wanted a way to supplement her teaching income, she started Pride Socks to empower anyone — but especially the LGBTQ+ community — to cultivate a sense of pride.
When Michelle and Kelly each moved to Austin to start over, they didn’t know other gay women. They met and decided to start hosting events to build a community for LGBTQ women, and the newly-engaged couple is now hosting Austin Pride’s official women’s events.
When Aydian realized he was transgender, in an effort to feel less alone, he started a YouTube channel. It gained popularity, eventually helping him become the first trans man on the cover of Men’s Health. This is his story of embracing his identity, creating resources for the trans community, and starting a family.
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.
