Coming Out with Lauren & Nicole

Stephanie Beatriz (Brooklyn Nine-Nine) came out as bi in "tiny little bits" over a period of years, until a single tweet unexpectedly launched her out of the closet in a very public way. She talks to us about how the public perception of bisexuality is evolving, how her own coming out story informed Rosa’s on Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and why seeing boobs in a museum was one of the most profound moments of her childhood (relatable).

Writer/director Lauren Ludwig ("Rob Riggle’s Ski Master Academy;" "Passive Aggressive History") grew up in the midst of a family secret that was "like a lesbian erotica," and which later impacted Lauren's own ability to come to terms with being bisexual. They take us through this, and also discuss recently coming out as genderqueer. Plus, we delve into the topic of bi erasure, and Nicole and Lauren (other Lauren) get vulnerable about their DARK PARTS... Check out @ludwigmonster and www.laurenludwig.com

Keira Ferrari grew up in the '70s in Mexico as the oldest of six children in a very religious family. She talks to us about the mental gymnastics she performed for decades to deny the fact that she was trans, until she finally started going "full time" as her authentic self in July of 2015. A lawyer of twenty years, Keira also shares how her transition brought about the decision to follow her true career dream, which is currently underway as we speak! You can find Keira on Facebook at "Keira Ferrari."

The ridiculously charismatic Lance Lowe shares stories about growing up as a queer man of color, advocating for trans folks, and coming out to his mother just TWO WEEKS before we recorded this episode! He also teaches us the expression "queering your space," and tells the tale of his first sexual encounter via Craigslist. (Spoiler alert: it wasn't great.) Find Lance on Facebook, where he is a self-described "hot mess," or follow him on Instagram at @sir_lance_a_thawt.

Funny AF writer/comedian Ally Johnson (Playboy Radio & CBS Radio; "Butch Pal For The Straight Gal") comes on the pod to tell us what it's like when your mom knows you're gay before you do, and how a broken heart can lead to a double expulsion from Catholic school... Also, Lauren is the only one in the closet who's NOT hungover!! To help support Ally's dream of turning "Butch Pal For The Straight Gal" into a series, check out the campaign at www.butchpal.com!

Tony Award winner Daisy Eagan (HBO's Girls; National Tour of "The Humans") was recently described by a friend as having gone from "sort of bi to full-on queer-poly in under a year." Daisy talks us through the ups and downs of her awesome and still-evolving personal renaissance; plus, we take a deep dive into polyamory, and drop an s-ton of f-bombs!

Actor Marc Anthony Samuel (General Hospital; NCIS; etc.) stops by with his dogs Jeff and Rooney to talk about how he evolved from identifying as "I'm gay!" to identifying as "I'm Marc." We also discuss how coming out is a choice and not a necessity; plus Lauren and Nicole court queer-friendly sponsors!

The L Word played a big role in many of our coming out stories, and screenwriter/playwright Ariel Shepherd-Oppenheim (My Little Pony; Llama Llama; Vampirina) is no exception. However, she had to deal with the added impact of her mom and older sister actually being on the show OH MY GOD WHAT YES REALLY BOTH OF THEM. Ariel talks to us about all this and more; plus, Melissa Etheridge and labels and biphobia - oh my! You can find Ariel on Instagram at @shoppenheim.

Our first guest, Brittany Ashley (BuzzFeed's "Lesbian Princess;" assorted lesbian stoner work), tells us her coming out story, which involves an Abercrombie & Fitch manager who looked like Uma Thurman, and a drunken confession in a discotheque bathroom in Mexico. Because of course. You can find Brittany at brittanyashleyfunny.com and @britt27ash on all the things.

In the pilot episode, co-host pals Lauren and Nicole talk about why they wanted to start this podcast, and then tell each other their coming out stories for the very first time! In doing so, Lauren reveals the second-most embarrassing thing that's ever happened to her in bed, and Nicole explains why she absolutely must #findricki...

IT'S HERE, IT'S QUEER, GET USED TO IT. Check out the teaser trailer for Coming Out with Lauren & Nicole, a new weekly podcast launching Wednesday, June 20th! Hosted by pals Nicole Pacent and Lauren Flans, Coming Out with Lauren & Nicole is chock full of coming out stories from queer folks from all walks of life. Follow us at @ComingOutPod on Twitter and Instagram, and check out www.comingoutpod.com. Because who doesn't love a coming out story?! #comingoutpod #findricki