Reaching Out with Blake Mitchell

We've got such a special episode for you this week as it features our first returning guest, Blake Mitchell!

In Episode 2, we were told all about what were essentially Blake's two coming outs: first coming out as gay as a teenager, and then coming out as a drag queen years later as an adult -- both to mixed reviews. Blake also touched on the concept of non-static identity and how we as queer people get to continuously grow into the most authentic versions of ourselves.

Well, since our last conversation, Blake has been doing exactly that (and for much earlier than our conversation, certainly) and has recently come out as non-binary.

In this episode, Blake tells us about the experiences throughout their life that, when looking back, make so much more sense now that they have this clarity on their gender identity. They talk about all of those moments leading up to this point that they attributed to being gay and how, when looking back now, were clearly more of an expression of gender than anything else. They also talk about their recent third coming out to family and what that was like for them.

Per usual, Blake has such amazing advice and hits on topics like how to be a good ally to gender non-conforming people, why they choose to put in the effort to help guide and educate loved ones through their coming out (despite how emotionally taxing it can be), and why ever-evolving identity is so important.

I am so grateful to Blake for sharing their personal story with us and I can't wait for you to hear it, too.

Enjoy!

Links:

• Blake's Instagram: @blakelmitchell
  • "Putting My Southern Dad Into Drag" -- Must Watch!
  • Reaching Out Episode 2: Finding Freedom Through Self-Expression
  • Camp Brave Trails Instagram: @bravetrails
• Gender Non-Conforming Creators
  • Jeffrey Marsh
  • Alok
  • Ty Deran
• Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness
  • "Can We Say Bye-Bye To The Binary?" Trailer

Follow along with Reaching Out!

• Podcast's Instagram: @reachingoutpod
• Podcast's Twitter: @reachingoutpod
• Michael's Instagram: @michaelwingsit
• Share your story!