Vulnerable Bodies, Heavy Hearts: Sexual Minority Stress & Homophobic Hate in the Wake of ICE Violence

Vulnerable Bodies, Heavy Hearts: Sexual Minority Stress & Homophobic Hate in the Wake of ICE Violence

Author: Anne-Marie Zanzal 1ac1f670-c17c-11f0-806a-ef1502adef07 January 23, 2026 Duration: 49:56

Authentically Us is a support community for later-in-life LGBTQ women at all stages of the coming out and beyond process. Coming out later in life is often accompanied by suffering. Whether you're looking to deconstruct messages from a conservative faith tradition, experience divorce-related guilt, or struggle with feelings of shame around your coming out or sexual identity, Authentically Us has the right kind of support for you. Monthly subscription to Authentically Us on Mighty Networks is $35/month, but you can try your first week for free. Find Authentically Us at https://bit.ly/Authentically-Us

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses violence against women and Queer people, ICE violence, the Pulse nightclub tragedy, gun violence, and the murder of Renee Nicole Good.

In this episode of "Coming Out and Beyond," host Anne-Marie Zanzal welcomes back psychotherapist Miriam Grace to discuss the profound impact of recent tragic events on the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly focusing on the murder of Renee Nicole Good. The conversation delves into the emotional responses elicited by such violence, the intersection of privilege and identity, and the unique challenges faced by later-in-life lesbians. Miriam shares her insights on the psychological implications of these events, emphasizing the importance of community support and the need for deeper understanding of women's experiences in the queer community. Together, they reflect on their personal journeys of coming out and the ongoing struggles for safety and acceptance in society.


Read Anne-Marie's article 'Renee Good Will Not Be Erased' on Substack: https://annemariezanzal1.substack.com/p/renee-good-will-not-be-erased-on


Read Miriam's article about Renee Good, 'The Thing Later-in-Life Lesbians Don't Get' here: The thing Later-in-Life Lesbians don’t get - blue skies


What to Expect in This Episode:

✨Discussion about sexual minority stress that arises from violence against Queer bodies.

✨Real talk about white privilege and how that factors into vulnerability of LGBTQ individuals.

✨A declaration from Miriam to no longer smile and placate men, and why.

✨A spectrum of emotions in the wake of the killing of Renee Nicole Good, from anger to sadness and all of the grief in between.


You can find Miriam Grace online at https://blue-skies.org.uk/


💬 Join the Conversation:

What is sitting with you since the murder of Renee Nicole Good? How are you coping in the wake of recent ICE related tragedies? Let's talk about it in the comments.


🔗 Visit our website:

Anne-Marie's : [ annemariezanzal.com]


🔗 Follow us on social media:

💠 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amzanzal

💠 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/annemariezanzalcoaching/

💠 Twitter: twitter.com/annemariezanzal

💠LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/annemariezanzalpurposefulempowerment/


It can feel incredibly isolating to question your sexuality after years of living a different story. Coming Out & Beyond Support for Women Questioning Their Sexuality Later in Life is a companion for that specific journey, created for those who find themselves navigating these waters from a place of established life-perhaps within a marriage, after a divorce, or while building a family. Host Anne-Marie Zanzal brings her perspective as an ordained minister and hospice chaplain to conversations that gently unravel complex layers of identity, faith, and fear. This podcast delves into the real, often unspoken challenges: confronting compulsory heterosexuality, processing religious or spiritual conditioning, and managing the anxiety of how a personal revelation might ripple through your closest relationships. Episodes offer a blend of personal reflection, insightful interviews, and practical support, focusing on emotional and mental well-being without offering simplistic answers. It’s a space where you can hear stories that resonate with your own, fostering a sense of clarity and community. Tuning in, you’ll find a resource that honors the full spectrum of this experience-the confusion, the liberation, and everything in between-always grounded in compassion and deep understanding.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Coming Out & Beyond  Support for Women Questioning Their Sexuality Later in Life
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