What does real allyship look like? Sometimes, it’s not loud or showy. Sometimes, it’s simply showing up—over and over again. That’s the kind of love and friendship I’ve been lucky enough to have with my guest this week: my high school friend and first true ally, Julie Arie.
In this episode of Friends, Loves, and Life, we catch up like no time has passed—from algebra class in 10th grade to cruising the Vegas strip in a Galaxy 500, to growing older, wiser (mostly), and a little softer.
Julie has always had a gift for holding space for both love and pain—something she’s done for her parents, her friends, and for me, even when I didn’t make it easy. That’s allyship. It’s showing up when it’s not convenient. It’s saying, “I’ve got you,” when the world says otherwise.
We talk about growing up in the 80s, our wild and fearless younger years, the loss of her best friend Margie, what it’s like to be an aunt who loves deeply, and how she honored her mother in her final days—even after a complicated relationship.
There’s so much laughter in this episode, but also a lot of heart. Julie reminded me what it means to be truly seen by someone—and how powerful that can be, especially for LGBTQ+ folks navigating their identity in a world that doesn’t always make room.
If someone has been that anchor for you—reach out. And if you’ve been that for someone else—thank you. We need more of you.
🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and join the conversation.
🌈 Be bold. Be free. Be you.
-David
A Queer POV: Friends, Loves, & Life with David
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