OurPath (formerly SSN) Open Forum / New Our Path Podcast: Marta Kauffman, Creator of Grace & Frankie

**Posted by MJM017** February 1, 2022 6:59 pm

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Last edited by MJM017 (September 24, 2024 6:17 pm)

**Posted by Ellexoh_nz** February 1, 2022 8:36 pm

I watched Grace and Frankie. Loved it. Then it just became more salt to the wound when what was happening to my life became more obvious

I've stopped watching the podcasts. It all seems to becoming a bit too gay

**Posted by Gloria** February 2, 2022 9:15 am

I don't think that I would enjoy the podcasts

**Posted by Ellexoh_nz** February 2, 2022 12:52 pm

MJM017 wrote:
It's a big deal to get an accomplished, successful woman like Marta Kauffman to do an interview. I thought I'd point it out for that reason & it was a good podcast.....

Absolutely Mj 😊 if you have an accomplished creator, the best scriptwriters, popular actors and a truckload of money to throw at a series that portrays a life experience of a spouse coming out as gay you can camouflage the confusion, the anger, sadness and loss of what we, as true straightspouses feel... you can cover it (rather like a beard?) with all the bling, makeup and scene-setting at the beach that your contract allows

But hey, after all.... let's be real, we're not talking about reality. This is a moneymaking and ratings business

**Posted by Ellexoh_nz** February 5, 2022 4:56 am

MJM017 wrote:
Elle, Most television sitcoms feature good looking people in nice places. It attracts the most viewers. No one wants to watch what we are going through. It's not pretty or funny.

I know I know... And just about every series or movie made these days has a token same sex element. In fact... I expect it now.
It's just another way to attract viewers.
Graphic violence, strong language, sex scenes, LGBTQ.

But what a powerful impact if our story, our truth were told, all our pain laid bare, our strength shining, not hidden behind the men and women hiding their 'authenticity' from everyone else

Oh man it's a late night ramble.... lol
Night all

Elle

**Posted by lily** February 5, 2022 1:23 pm

In order to speak about the pain we experience we have to say a straight needs another straight - bisexual will not do. And to say that is to run counter to story of the moment - the world according to bisexual women.

**Posted by clintonia** February 15, 2022 12:09 am

MJM017 wrote:
Ellexoh_nz wrote:
But what a powerful impact if our story, our truth were told, all our pain laid bare, our strength shining, not hidden behind the men and women hiding their 'authenticity' from everyone else

Oh man it's a late night ramble.... lol
Night all

Elle
We have some talented writers here.... The elements are there.

That sounds nice. I feel like it's a bit of a dream at this point because of selective listening, but someday I hope some will listen.

I've really thought about adding something on this to my professional life "to do" list-- which has always focused on environmental/climate issues. And then I wonder, what's more important? Will actions on either make a difference? (What time frame do we have given climate change?) Do people listen? And we can go to various subfields of psychology for some of the answers we already know. But simply to elevate it to an accepted cultural topic and welcome perspective would be great progress.

And while climate issues "everyone"* can get on board with, I'd think there'd be an outspoken, vehement and vitriolic backlash to those who do try to share this (as JK Rowling, cancel culture, other examples show-- and the insertion of LGBTQ issues into everything).

I don't think that I could handle the vitriol. The experience already semi-broke my soul (for now). And I've always felt silenced *by those I know*-- let alone strangers. How many others don't have the fortitude to try to convey it? Are already too broken?

I guess all it takes is a few talented people though, and people who will listen.

Last edited by clintonia (February 15, 2022 12:11 am)

**Posted by PixelArt** July 4, 2023 10:21 am

I really appreciated this podcast episode. I noticed some similarities. The episode talks about partners coming out to us in restaurants or other public places. And a "honeymoon" type of experience right after disclosure. These elements resonated with me.