Bestselling author Julie Cohen speaks to Rich Clarke about coming out as bisexual in her forties, after more than two decades of marriage and a lifetime of quiet questioning.

She reflects on growing up in small-town Maine without the language to understand her feelings, the imposter syndrome that shaped her early experiences of queerness, and how writing became a way to explore the truths she hadn’t yet spoken aloud.

Now living openly, Julie talks about the joy and relief of embracing her identity, and the freedom that came with finally being seen.

Her new thriller, Body Count, is out on 14th August.

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• Phone: 0800 0119 100

• Website: switchboard.lgbt

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Open Table Network

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Mental Health & Suicide Prevention

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Mind

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• Phone: 0300 123 3393

• Website: mind.org.uk

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Zarith speaks to Rich Clarke about surviving violence, secrecy, and state-sanctioned homophobia... and the long road to finding safety in the UK.

Raised in South East Asia, Zarith always knew he was different. But silence felt like the only option in a country where being gay was illegal and the AIDS crisis fuelled fear and stigma. At his elite Islamic boarding school, he was outed, assaulted, and blackmailed by fellow students. Even then, he hid the truth to protect himself and his family.

Years later, as a journalist, he exposed political corruption, putting himself in even greater danger. After a close friend and fellow gay journalist was kidnapped and killed, Zarith fled. He now calls the UK home, having rebuilt his life through the asylum system.... and finally, lives freely.

📱 Follow us on Instagram and TikTok: @alwaysmepodcast

💬 To share your story, email: alwaysme@global.com

SUPPORT SERVICES

LGBTQ+ Support

Switchboard – LGBTQ+ Helpline

• A confidential helpline for LGBTQ+ people to talk about sexuality, gender identity, and more.

• Phone: 0800 0119 100

• Website: switchboard.lgbt

Stonewall

• Offers support and resources for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families.

• Website: stonewall.org.uk

Open Table Network

• Phone: 07501753618

• Website: opentable.lgbt

Mental Health & Suicide Prevention

Samaritans

• For anyone in distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide.

• Phone: 116 123 (Free, 24/7)

• Website: samaritans.org

Mind

• Provides advice and support for anyone experiencing a mental health problem.

• Phone: 0300 123 3393

• Website: mind.org.uk

PAPYRUS – Prevention of Young Suicide

• Support for people under 35 experiencing suicidal thoughts, and for those concerned about someone else.

• Phone: 0800 068 41 41

• Website: papyrus-uk.org

Shout

• A free, confidential mental health text support service.

• Text: SHOUT to 85258 (24/7, free text service)

• Website: giveusashout.org

Al speaks to Rich Clarke about growing up feeling different. Not just because he was gay, but because he was half Chinese in a mostly white school, where he was bullied and made to feel like an outsider.

In the shadow of the AIDS crisis, with strict parents and no one to turn to, Al stayed silent. He chose what felt like the “normal” life: marriage, children, and hiding who he really was.

It wasn’t until his 40s, after the death of his mum and a mental health crisis, that Al found the courage to come out and begin again.

📱 Follow us on Instagram and TikTok: @alwaysmepodcast

💬 To share your story, email: alwaysme@global.com

SUPPORT SERVICES

LGBTQ+ Support

Switchboard – LGBTQ+ Helpline

• A confidential helpline for LGBTQ+ people to talk about sexuality, gender identity, and more.

• Phone: 0800 0119 100

• Website: switchboard.lgbt

Stonewall

• Offers support and resources for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families.

• Website: stonewall.org.uk

Open Table Network

• Phone: 07501753618

• Website: opentable.lgbt

Mental Health & Suicide Prevention

Samaritans

• For anyone in distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide.

• Phone: 116 123 (Free, 24/7)

• Website: samaritans.org

Mind

• Provides advice and support for anyone experiencing a mental health problem.

• Phone: 0300 123 3393

• Website: mind.org.uk

PAPYRUS – Prevention of Young Suicide

• Support for people under 35 experiencing suicidal thoughts, and for those concerned about someone else.

• Phone: 0800 068 41 41

• Website: papyrus-uk.org

Shout

• A free, confidential mental health text support service.

• Text: SHOUT to 85258 (24/7, free text service)

• Website: giveusashout.org