The popular understanding of sexuality is that it develops from a young age and solidifies as a person grows older. “Gay” and “straight” are treated as the default categories, with labels like “bisexual” or “asexual” often entirely forgotten. Although in recent years, more space has been made for people who identify with being gay, lesbian, bisexual, or queer later in life.

Living our truth requires being with the people we love – and for some, this requires the courage to pursue a life they never imagined they would have. In this episode, I am joined by Ashleigh MacDonald – a professional dancer who identifies as lesbian having previously been in heterosexual relationships. Today, she shares how she met her current partner Rosie, what inspired her to live her truth, and how she overcame hardship along the way.

Episode notes

• Ashleigh introduces herself to listeners by describing her childhood. [3:02]
• The point at which Ashleigh began to question her sexuality is discussed. [4:26]
• Navigating the stigma around being bisexual or lesbian while growing up is reflected on. [6:17]
• Ashleigh discusses her life during her marriage to her ex-husband. [9:50]
• Ashleigh touches on meeting her current partner, Rosie. [12:54]
• Letting go of constraints and living a life true to what you want is discussed. [16:08]
• Coming out to her family is explained. [17:45]
• The challenges Ashleigh has faced in her new life and relationship are detailed. [19:23]
• Ashleigh shares the major lessons she has learned through her life. [21:14]
• Recently disabled, Ashleigh explains what happened to her and how she is handling the change to her life. [24:52]
• Ashleigh reflects on what she believes her purpose to be. [30:07]
• The strength of Ashleigh’s relationship with Rosie amidst her recent health struggles is discussed. [32:07]
• The insights that Ashleigh gained through her transformations are explained. [33:05]
• Advice for others struggling to be true to themselves is given. [34:08]
• Ashleigh explains how to follow her journey on social media. [36:06]

Highlights

“I didn’t really know that bisexuality was a thing, I didn’t know that that existed.” [4:33-4:36]

“What’s bisexual? So, I went home and googled it and was like oh, that’s what I am. So, I had decided really early on that’s what I was.” [5:36-5:41]

“Humans don’t like change. So, I think that when you identify as something, even though you’re okay with the change and you’re okay with where you’re going, everyone else is like ‘woah’. [8:42-8:52]

“We were talking about, you know, goals and aspirations and life dreams and I really realized actually the path I’m on isn’t really honouring who I am.” [13:47-13:58]