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From Bullied Theatre Kid To Manhattan Wedding Planner (and Mariah Carey is a fan!)

Coming Out Stories

Wednesday, 28 October 2026 - 32 minutes

A kid who hates sports, gets bullied for being “different”, and finds refuge painting sets backstage does not usually grow up to become one of America’s most in-demand wedding planners.

Jason Mitchell Kahn did, and his story is a reminder that the places that keep us safe early on can end up shaping our whole life. We talk about South Florida suburbs, theatre as sanctuary, and what it feels like when other people think they know your sexuality before you do.

Jason came out as he was finishing school, right as Will & Grace hit TV, and he describes the kind of family response many listeners dream about: loving, calm, and practical. We also dig into how representation lands differently for gay men and lesbians, including how his sister’s journey takes longer because she does not see the same cultural permission to thrive.

If you care about LGBTQ+ visibility, coming out, and chosen family, this conversation holds a lot in a short space.

From there we move into his work creating inclusive weddings in Manhattan, from first planning his sister’s ceremony to becoming known for same-sex weddings that feel personal rather than gendered. We get into the details couples really need help with, why queer weddings can be both joy and protest, and how celebrating love can be a bright spot in dark political times. Jason also shares what led to his book We Do, an inclusive wedding planning guide for anyone who feels othered by the traditional wedding industry.

…and if you’re interested, you could find out more about him through his website. That’s jasonmitchellkahn.com. And if you’re in the market for a big gay wedding, do look him up.

Presented by Emma Goswell

Produced by Sam Walker

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