Note: we are republishing this story which originally made the news in January 2022. In a heartwarming story of love and dedication, Nicolette Popa from Wilmington, North Carolina, took a brave step two years ago by coming out as a lesbian to her husband, Ryan. At the age of 26, Nicolette revealed her truth to Ryan, 27, six years into their marriage.

Their decision to share their story on TikTok garnered praise from other lesbian women in straight marriages, who found inspiration in Nicolette’s journey of self-discovery and acceptance. While their unconventional parenting setup may raise eyebrows among some, Nicolette and Ryan have the full support of both sides of their family. Despite facing criticism from online users who struggle to understand their decision, Nicolette remains steadfast in her belief that prioritizing family life is the most important aspect of their relationship.

Reflecting on her journey, Nicolette acknowledges the challenges she faced growing up in a conservative environment in Missouri. Despite her initial fears, she found the courage to come out to Ryan, who proved to be incredibly supportive from the outset. Ryan, who claims to have seen signs of Nicolette’s sexual orientation before she came out to him, emphasizes the importance of waiting for Nicolette to share her truth on her own terms. Nicolette’s journey of self-discovery didn’t end with her coming out to Ryan. She also had to navigate the complexities of coming out to her conservative family, a process that was both terrifying and liberating.

Sources: Daily Mail