The Moth Podcast: Pride and Family
Release Date: June 20, 2025

Celebrating Pride Month, this episode of The Moth delves into the diverse and heartfelt experiences surrounding LGBTQ+ families. Through three poignant stories, listeners explore themes of love, resilience, and the creation of chosen families. Here’s a detailed summary capturing the essence of each narrative.

1. Gary Bremen: A Journey of Love and Commitment

Story Slam Theme: Anniversary
Timestamp: [02:15]

Gary Bremen opens his story with a nostalgic recount of his relationship with his husband, Roger. Their journey began with modest wedding rings purchased at the Grand Canyon gift shop during their early days together, symbolizing their commitment when legal marriage was unattainable. He nostalgically shares:

“It was not legal for us to be married at the time, but those cheapo rings meant everything that a real wedding ring would have meant.”
(02:45)

Fast forward to their 20th anniversary, Gary and Roger finally marry at Biscayne National Park amidst friends, casual attire, and heartfelt vows. A touching moment unfolds when Gary is presented with a new black tungsten ring engraved with “143” (a beeper code for "I love you"), unbeknownst to him:

“My eyes filled with tears. Apparently I was the only one who didn't know I was getting a new ring that day.”
(06:15)

Tragedy strikes when Gary accidentally loses this symbolic ring in Jones Lagoon, symbolizing the impermanence and enduring nature of their love. He reflects poignantly on their journey:

"On January 10th, we will celebrate our 25th anniversary together. I anticipate ... the only evidence we have of the 15 minutes where we had matching rings."
(07:30)

Host Commentary:
Mark Salinger highlights Gary’s story as a testament to long-term commitment and the evolving recognition of LGBTQ+ relationships:

“It's really special for me to hear a story about a LGBTQ+ couple in a long-term relationship... It’s strange to think about how quickly everything changed...”
(08:00)

2. Carly Spotsfelzone: Growing Up with Two Dads Amidst Gossip

Story Slam Theme: Gossip
Timestamp: [09:23]

Carly Spotsfelzone shares her childhood experiences growing up in a family with two dads, navigating the challenges of being the only child with same-sex parents in her community. At age 12, she recounts a humiliating moment when classmates gossip about her family’s structure:

“And when I looked around and I saw the class was laughing, I realized that they were laughing at me and not him.”
(11:00)

Facing societal prejudices, Carly’s parents instilled a strong sense of love and resilience in her. They countered negativity with unwavering support, emphasizing:

“For every F word that was thrown at them, we got 100 words of love thrown at us.”
(13:30)

Carly reflects on the strength derived from her family’s unity and the powerful affirmation they provided her:

“Don't forget for a single minute you weren't born under our heart, but in it.”
(14:50)

Host Commentary:
Mark Salinger emphasizes the importance of representation and positive familial support in shaping one’s identity:

“When you don't hear stories about something, it's hard to imagine it existing for you.”
(09:00)

3. Chris Conde: Finding Healing Through a Found Family

Story Slam Theme: Up Close
Timestamp: [17:57]

Chris Conde’s story is a raw and honest exploration of battling addiction intertwined with internalized homophobia. Awakening in a vulnerable state, Chris feels overwhelmed by despair and contemplates suicide. A fateful call to a friend, Celso Zepeda, marks the beginning of a transformative encounter:

“I don't know how to live my life anymore.”
(19:30)

Celso responds with calm encouragement, leading to an unexpected meeting where Chris is introduced to the empowering world of drag. This moment becomes a turning point, allowing Chris to embrace his authentic self:

“I just did a call for a moment of clarity... Maybe, maybe I don't have to do this.”
(20:45)

As Celso applies makeup, Chris describes the therapeutic experience of becoming a stunning drag queen, which instills a newfound sense of beauty and self-worth:

“I felt pretty, I felt gorgeous. And I didn't feel so worthless anymore.”
(25:00)

This bond blossoms into a mission to support other sober queer individuals, creating a community of healing and acceptance through sober drag shows.

Host Commentary:
Mark Salinger underscores the significance of found families and community support in overcoming personal struggles:

“It was a healing moment for me, and it allowed me to be my queer self.”
(26:00)

Conclusion: Celebrating Diverse Families

Timestamp: [27:55]

Mark Salinger wraps up the episode by reflecting on the powerful narratives shared, emphasizing the strength and diversity of LGBTQ+ families. He extends gratitude to the storytellers and highlights the importance of visibility and self-acceptance within the community.

Final Thoughts: This episode of The Moth poignantly captures the essence of LGBTQ+ family dynamics through personal stories of love, adversity, and empowerment. Each narrative underscores the resilience and profound connections that define chosen families, offering listeners both inspiration and a deeper understanding of the LGBTQ+ experience.

For more stories and to view photos of the storytellers, visit themoth.org and explore the extras section.

Produced by Mark Salinger, with contributions from Sarah Austin, Janess, and Sarah Jane Johnson. Special thanks to The Moth leadership team and executive producer Leah Rees Dennis. All stories are true as remembered by their storytellers.