Middle‑aged Women Paying Hundreds for Online 'Coming Out' Coaching Sparks Criticism

Anne‑Marie Zanzal, a former Yale divinity graduate who came out at 52, runs an online coaching service that charges $400 for a private membership and $150 for one‑hour clarity calls. Her 16‑week program, “This Authentic Life,” offers live group and individual coaching plus access to an “Authentically Us” community. Clients report that the coaching helps them navigate late‑life sexual identity transitions while still married or raising children. The model has drawn criticism from podcast host Ben Ferguson, who called the fees “outrageous” and accused the service of monetizing personal struggles with little accountability for family impact. Democratic strategist Kaivan Shroff defended the approach as part of a broader cultural shift toward community‑driven support for older LGBTQ+ women. A 2024 Gallup survey notes that only 1 % of LGBTQ+ women come out at 50 or older.