Q Marriage Mentors
By Jeff Lutes
Q Marriage MentorsOct 08, 2018
#35: MARK & DANA
#34: JENELL & ANGELA
#33: GARY & RICHARD
"ALMOST STONEWALL, ALMOST WOODSTOCK, ABSOLUTE LOVE" - For nearly 36 years, Gary Cooper and Richard Hartgrove have loved one another, faced multiple challenges, and given unselfishly to the LGBTQ community in many ways. They first met when Gary lived in Honolulu and Richard was in New York. For about 4 years their connection was primarily sexual, but that all changed one night when they went to a party in Austin. In this episode, they talk about HIV, cancer, previous relationships, guilt, forgiveness, massage, music, and the surprising way their intimacy improved after sex stopped. Listen closely to the emotion in their voices; the love is palpable.
#32: KELLY & SARAH
"LONGEVITY AND A KING-SIZE ELECTRIC BLANKET" - In this episode, Kelly and Sarah Ross talk about their 17 relationship and how they persevered despite the death of Kelly’s mom, the rejection when Sarah came out to her parents, and the challenges of supporting each other in very different career paths. The secret to their longevity seems to be rooted in the tremendous amount of respect they have for one another, tons of fun on their boat, and unwavering support to each other when life throws them a curve ball.
#31: DENICE & MARY
"NOTHING SAYS LESBIAN LOVE LIKE A PEZ DISPENSER" - In this episode, Jeff talks with Denice Bain and Mary Priddy from Bastrop County, Texas. Denice and Mary have been together 16 years, after a colleague at Dell played matchmaker. Don't miss the heartwarming story about their 3rd date, and how they ended up putting a homeless man in a hotel for 3 nights and giving him money for food. This was the moment they knew their values were in alignment, and they've been caring for animals and the elderly ever since.
#30: TERRY REAL
#29: TONY & ROSS
#28: KAREN & JENA
"FROM UNREQUITED CRUSHES TO THE GIRL SCOUTS" - In this episode, Jeff talks with Jena Recer and Karen Phemister. Karen is a water quality scientist for the City of Austin and Jena is soap maker and a pet sitter. In fact, they were pet sitting when we spoke and you'll hear "Lil Bit", a teacup Chihuahua/Terrier mix in the background. Karen & Jena talk about being roommates at Texas State University, engaging in social activism instead of going to class, and meeting again 8 years later through a chance encounter. Jena and Karen have been leaders in the Girl Scouts for many years and they share the value of giving back to their community. Enjoy!