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Queerly Speaking

Queerly Speaking

by Natalie Jones

Spirituality Relationships

Season 1

The Perfect Mormon Doesn’t Exist (But I Tried Anyway)

Episode Summary: In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Queerly Speaking, Nat and Tami sit down with guest Kris Harline to unpack the layered experience of growing up Mormon—from the doctrine to the dissonance. Together, they explore what it means to be a "Jack Mormon," navigating faith transitions, early marriages, and the lingering fears tied to religious teachings. The conversation delves into the emotional weight of tithing, the complexities of Mormon theology around the afterlife, and the healing that can come from divorce and rediscovery. Most importantly, they reflect on the freedom and responsibility of raising children outside of religious constraints—with love, intention, and authenticity. ✨ Key Takeaways: Growing up Mormon shapes identity, relationships, and life choices in deeply unique ways. A "Jack Mormon" is someone who identifies with the faith culturally but is not strict in following the rules. Early marriage is often encouraged due to strict teachings about sex and purity. It's common to question faith when personal experiences clash with religious teachings. Tithing—10% of income—can create significant financial strain for families. Mormon beliefs about the afterlife are complex, including multiple "kingdoms" and a waiting period for souls. Fear-based theology can impact mental health and create lasting anxiety around death and judgment. Divorce, though stigmatized, can be a doorway to healing and self-empowerment. Love after loss often brings unexpected joy and a redefined sense of purpose. Raising kids without organized religion allows for a more expansive, values-based approach to life and identity. 💬 Join the conversation: Have you navigated faith transitions or redefined family outside of religious norms? Share your story with us queerlyspeaking2025@gmail.com or dm us on instagram to be featured in a future episode! [Spotify] | [Apple Podcasts] | [YouTube]

Dear Rachel, I'm all in

Summary: In this episode of Queerly Speaking, hosts Nat and Tami Jones sit down with Rachel Weeks to reflect on their intertwined childhoods, growing up in a conservative religious environment, and their journeys of self-discovery regarding their sexual identities. Rachel shares her deeply personal experiences of navigating faith, family dynamics, and the challenges of coming out. The conversation underscores the significance of acceptance, the power of community, and the courage it takes to embrace one’s true self. Rachel speaks candidly about coming out to her family, the support she received from her siblings, and the cultural and emotional complexities that shaped her experience. Her story is a testament to resilience, the evolving nature of faith, and the love that can flourish within the LGBTQ+ community despite societal and familial pressures. Key Takeaways: Growing up in a conservative religious environment influenced their views on faith and sexuality. Rachel struggled with the pressure to conform to religious expectations. The path to self-discovery often involves reconciling conflicting identities. College became a pivotal time for Rachel to explore her sexuality and find a queer community. Rachel’s coming-out journey was gradual, requiring careful consideration of her family's potential reactions. Supportive friendships played a crucial role in her journey toward self-acceptance. Rachel’s faith evolved as she learned to embrace her identity and let go of shame. The discussion highlights the complexities of family acceptance in relation to LGBTQ+ identities. Rachel’s story showcases the transformation from fear and uncertainty to self-acceptance and love. Her siblings provided unwavering support, reinforcing the importance of allyship in the coming-out process. Self-acceptance and confidence are essential in navigating relationships. Coming out via email allowed Rachel to control her narrative and express her truth on her own terms. Family reactions, though uncertain at first, can be overwhelmingly positive and affirming. Listen Now: Tune in to hear Rachel’s moving story and join the conversation on identity, faith, and the power of love and acceptance. Follow & Subscribe: Stay connected with Queerly Speaking for more stories that amplify queer voices and lived experiences. Follow us on social media and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform! [Spotify] | [Apple Podcasts] | [YouTube]

Unfiltered: A Relationship Q&A Date Night

🎙️ Episode Summary: In this episode of Queerly Speaking, Nat Jones and Tami enjoy a fun at-home date night by diving into deep relationship questions. They explore key themes like communication styles, trust, pet peeves, and unconditional love. Through an honest and engaging conversation, they highlight the importance of vulnerability, support, and stepping outside of comfort zones. Their discussion offers insights into relationship dynamics, personal growth, and the power of connection. 💡 Key Takeaways: Trust is the foundation of any strong relationship. Open communication about pet peeves can improve understanding. Encouragement helps partners step out of their comfort zones. Unconditional love means being present and supportive. Vulnerability strengthens relationships. Personal growth often requires the support of a partner. Being well-liked can influence decision-making. Trust involves believing in each other’s intentions. Sharing experiences strengthens emotional bonds. Taking risks can lead to self-discovery and development. [Spotify] | [Apple Podcasts] | [YouTube]

Desperation for Belonging & Drinking the Kool-Aid

Summary: In this episode of Queerly Speaking with Nat and Tami, Nat reflects on personal growth through transformative experiences, from completing a triathlon to navigating the complexities of Bible school. The conversation unpacks the structure of Bible college, the role of miracles in faith, and the challenges of relationships in strict religious settings. Nat also explores the deeper intentions behind faith practices, the struggles of acceptance within religion, and the risks of seeking belonging in communities that may not have one's best interests at heart. Key Takeaways: Bible school experiences vary widely, shaping individuals in different ways. Miracles hold a deep place in faith but also raise complex questions. Healing practices in religious settings can be both powerful and problematic. Navigating relationships in strict religious environments presents unique challenges. The intention behind faith practices can shape their impact. Acceptance within religion remains difficult for many LGBTQ+ individuals. Seeking belonging can sometimes lead to harmful or controlling faith communities. Religious messaging carries both uplifting and damaging influences. Understanding the complexities of faith is key to personal growth. 🎧 Tune in for an honest, thought-provoking discussion on faith, identity, and the journey to self-acceptance. [Spotify] | [Apple Podcasts] | [YouTube]

Fact Checking Faith

In this episode of Queerly Speaking, Nat and Tami sit down with their sister Anna for a candid conversation about growing up in a religious household while navigating their queerness. Together, they unpack the complexities of their upbringing, the weight of spiritual expectations, and the pivotal moments that led them to question their beliefs. Through humor and vulnerability, they reflect on their personal journeys of self-discovery, the emotional toll of family estrangement, and the profound importance of living authentically. 🎙 Key Takeaways: ✨ The pressure of spiritual expectations can create deep anxiety. ✨ Questioning beliefs is a natural and necessary part of personal growth. ✨ Exposure to diverse perspectives is crucial for understanding identity. ✨ Family dynamics can complicate the journey to self-acceptance. ✨ Navigating queerness in a religious context presents unique challenges. ✨ Authenticity is essential in relationships, even when it’s difficult. ✨ Doubts about spirituality often stem from lived experiences. ✨ Upbringing plays a major role in shaping beliefs and identity. ✨ Setting boundaries is vital for mental health and self-preservation. ✨ Self-discovery is a lifelong process that continues to evolve. Join Nat, Tami and Anna as they share their stories, embrace the messiness of identity, and remind us that healing, growth, and authenticity are always worth the fight. 🎧 Listen now on [Spotify] | [Apple Podcasts] | [YouTube] #QueerlySpeaking #LGBTQPodcast #FaithAndIdentity #Authenticity #Healing #SelfDiscovery

Forgiveness: The Messy Middle

Summary In this episode, Nat Jones, Tami and Emilie unpack the complexities of forgiveness, boundaries, and personal growth. They explore forgiveness as an ongoing process rather than a final destination, emphasizing the importance of self-care and emotional awareness. The conversation dives into family dynamics, trauma, and how small moments can shape relationships. Nat, Tami and Emilie highlight that forgiveness is not just about the other person—it’s an act of self-love and healing. Key Takeaways Forgiveness is a journey, not a one-time decision. Emotional processing is essential in the forgiveness journey. Boundaries are a critical aspect of self-care and maintaining healthy relationships. Forgiving someone doesn’t mean you have to immediately rebuild the relationship. Small moments in relationships can have a profound impact. Time plays a vital role in healing and emotional processing. Forgiveness is ultimately for oneself, not just for the other person. Different levels of access to people are necessary based on their actions. True repair in relationships requires accountability and effort from both parties. Understanding personal needs and boundaries fosters growth and healing. Sound Bites - Emilie Kadlec 🎙️ "It's the biggest form of self-care." 🎙️ "Forgiveness does not assume repair." 🎙️ "Repair takes two willing people." Resources: https://www.sessionspsychology.com/staff - Emilie Kadlec

Building Our Family: A Queer Journey to Parenthood

Host: Nat Jones Co-Host: Tami Jones In this heartfelt episode, Nat Jones and their partner, Tami, share their personal journey toward starting a family. They open up about the unique challenges faced by queer couples when navigating fertility options like IUI and IVF. Key Topics Discussed: Reflections on childhood experiences and visions of parenthood The emotional and financial considerations of fertility treatments The importance of open communication and aligning on family goals Navigating societal expectations and external pressures Choosing a sperm donor and the weight of that decision The excitement, fears, and hopes for the future This candid conversation sheds light on the complexities of family-building within the queer community while emphasizing love, resilience, and the power of choice. Listen now and join the conversation! 🎧💜

The Cost of Being Me

Title: The Cost of Being Me Episode Summary At 17, I was outed—before I was ready, before I had a plan, before I even fully understood myself. In this episode, I share what it was like to have my truth taken from me and the fallout that followed. Moving out, trying to survive on my own, and missing my family so much that I ultimately made a choice I never thought I would: I gave up my own identity just to have them back. This is my story of survival, sacrifice, and the complicated love that ties us to the people we come from. And, most importantly, what it took to finally reclaim me. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: ✨ The moment I was outed and how it changed everything ✨ Leaving home at 17 and what survival looked like ✨ The unbearable ache of missing my family ✨ Why I made the choice to deny my identity just to be accepted ✨ The cost of that decision—and in future episodes you will hear how I made my way back to myself. Let’s Keep the Conversation Going This is a deeply personal story, but I know I’m not alone. Have you experienced something similar? Let’s talk about it. DM me on [Instagram or email me at queerlyspeaking2025@gmail.com 💛 If this episode resonates with you, please share it. Someone out there needs to hear that they’re not alone. #LGBTQStories #ComingOut #ChosenFamily #LetsHaveCompassion

Breaking the Mold: Challenging Societal Norms

Breaking the Mold: Challenging Societal Norms In this episode, Nat shares her journey of finding the perfect tux—an exciting and affirming experience that highlighted just how far she’s come after years of being pushed into traditional gender norms. From childhood expectations of “girls’ clothing” to the ever-present divide between “boys’ toys” and “girls’ toys,” Nat and Tami explore how societal norms shape our identities, limit choices, and reinforce outdated stereotypes. How do these early messages impact us into adulthood? And how can we break free with confidence and compassion? Let’s talk about it. Join the discussion! 🎙️ Listen now on [Spotify, apple, youtube] 💬 Follow us on Instagram Tiktok

The Story Of Us

Episode Description: In this heartfelt episode of The Story Of Us, Nat and Tami share the beautiful story of how they met. They take you on an intimate journey filled with laughter, vulnerability, and the magic of connection. It’s a story about timing, trust, and the courage to follow your heart—even when it leads you somewhere unexpected. What You'll Hear: A candid recounting of the first moments Nat and Tami crossed paths. The unexpected twists and turns that brought them together. Reflections on vulnerability, timing, and the role of serendipity in love. The lessons they’ve learned about trust and following your heart. Personal anecdotes filled with laughter, warmth, and authenticity. Why This Matters: Sharing love stories reminds us of the beauty and unpredictability of connection. It’s a testament to the idea that love often finds us when we least expect it and teaches us the value of being open to life's possibilities. A Message from Nat and Tami: "Our story is unique, but the feelings of hope, fear, excitement, and love are universal. We hope that sharing our journey inspires you to embrace your own path, wherever it may lead." Connect with Us: We'd love to hear your love stories, reflections, or thoughts after listening to this episode. Reach out and share your journey with us!

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