A journey of self-discovery, coming out and navigating love and loss within the gay community, with author John Giarelli.

Becoming Wilkinson

CHAPTERS:
00:00
Introduction and Setting the Scene
03:03
John's Journey of Self-Discovery
06:07
College Life and Relationships
08:55
Love and Loss: The Story of Ted
12:11
Reflections on Coming Out
14:58
Life After Antioch: Moving and New Beginnings
18:05
The Impact of the AIDS Epidemic
21:01
Family Dynamics and Acceptance
23:57
Final Thoughts and Reflections
24:20
Coming Out and Family Dynamics
28:32
Life in New York and the Search for Belonging
32:53
Embracing Identity and Personal Growth
36:30
The Journey of Writing a Memoir
41:43
Struggles with Addiction and Recovery
48:55
The Future: Theater Adaptation and Life Lessons
TAKEAWAYS:
John's journey of self-discovery began in college.
He had a significant coming out moment while biking.
His relationship with Ted was transformative and deeply impactful.
Family acceptance played a crucial role in his life.
John reflects on the challenges of navigating love and loss.
The AIDS epidemic shaped his experiences and relationships.
He emphasizes the importance of embracing one's identity.
SUMMARY:
In this engaging conversation, John Giarelli shares his personal journey of self-discovery, coming out, and navigating love and loss within the LGBTQ community. He reflects on his experiences at Antioch College, the impact of the AIDS epidemic, and the complexities of family acceptance. John discusses the lessons learned throughout his life, the importance of embracing one's identity, and the motivation behind writing his book. The conversation culminates in a heartfelt exploration of belonging and the ongoing quest for self-acceptance.
BIO:
John Giarelli was born in Connecticut in 1957. He received his BA from Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio in 1980 and his MA from the University of Connecticut in 1988. He taught English literature and writing for 30 years at several colleges and universities across the country. He has lived in Boston, Washington, DC, San Francisco, New York City, and Los Angeles, and has traveled extensively throughout Europe. He is done with cities and currently lives in a small town in the mountains between Los Angeles and Palm Springs.

His recently published memoir, “A Gay Boomer Story,” is a roller coaster ride through the past seven decades. His story begins in the straight-laced 1950s, and runs through the tumultuous 60s, “Coming Out” in the Disco era of the 70s, moving to San Francisco in the 80s, and wandering through America’s Gay ghettos in the 90s. He finally settled down with dogs and nature in the mountains, and is currently producing a theatrical adaptation of his book and taking it on the road.

Contact John: Email: [email protected]. Phone# [phone]

Contact Wilkinson: [email protected]