Norman Goodman knew he was different from a young age. But it was seen as a mental illness. He faced aversion therapy and electroconvulsive therapy to ‘cure’ his feelings. For decades, Norman hid his bisexuality, even from himself, and lived a life as a husband and nurse.

It wasn’t until after his wife Marilyn passed away that Norman found the courage to come out publicly. Now in a loving relationship, Norman shares how embracing his true self brought peace... and why telling his story matters for other older LGBTQ+ people still in the shadows.

Norman speaks with Rich Clarke about decades of silence, mental health struggles, and finally living openly.

📱 Follow us on Instagram and TikTok: @alwaysmepodcast

💬 To share your story, email: alwaysme@global.com

SUPPORT SERVICES

LGBTQ+ Support

Switchboard – LGBTQ+ Helpline

• A confidential helpline for LGBTQ+ people to talk about sexuality, gender identity, and more.

• Phone: 0800 0119 100

• Website: switchboard.lgbt

Stonewall

• Offers support and resources for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families.

• Website: stonewall.org.uk

Open Table Network

• Phone: 07501753618

• Website: opentable.lgbt

Mental Health & Suicide Prevention

Samaritans

• For anyone in distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide.

• Phone: 116 123 (Free, 24/7)

• Website: samaritans.org

Mind

• Provides advice and support for anyone experiencing a mental health problem.

• Phone: 0300 123 3393

• Website: mind.org.uk

PAPYRUS – Prevention of Young Suicide

• Support for people under 35 experiencing suicidal thoughts, and for those concerned about someone else.

•Phone: 0800 068 41 41

• Website: papyrus-uk.org

Shout

•A free, confidential mental health text support service.

• Text: SHOUT to 85258 (24/7, free text service)

• Website: giveusashout.org

Moud Goba speaks to Rich Clarke about her journey from silence to pride. Growing up in Robert Mugabe’s Zimbabwe, she was taught that being gay was sinful, criminal, and impossible. She faced exorcism, was pushed into an arranged marriage, and eventually fled - leaving her home and family behind.

But her fight for freedom didn’t end in the UK. Seeking asylum meant proving her sexuality, living in poverty, and hiding once again... this time in plain sight.

Today, Moud is a mother, a leading LGBTQI+ activist, Chair of UK Black Pride, and National Director at Micro Rainbow - helping others build the safe, free life she once only dreamed of.

📱 Follow us on Instagram and TikTok: @alwaysmepodcast

💬 To share your story, email: alwaysme@global.com

SUPPORT SERVICES

LGBTQ+ Support

Switchboard – LGBTQ+ Helpline

• A confidential helpline for LGBTQ+ people to talk about sexuality, gender identity, and more.

• Phone: 0800 0119 100

• Website: switchboard.lgbt

Stonewall

• Offers support and resources for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families.

• Website: stonewall.org.uk

Open Table Network

• Phone: 07501753618

• Website: opentable.lgbt

Mental Health & Suicide Prevention

Samaritans

• For anyone in distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide.

• Phone: 116 123 (Free, 24/7)

• Website: samaritans.org

Mind

• Provides advice and support for anyone experiencing a mental health problem.

• Phone: 0300 123 3393

• Website: mind.org.uk

PAPYRUS – Prevention of Young Suicide

• Support for people under 35 experiencing suicidal thoughts, and for those concerned about someone else.

•Phone: 0800 068 41 41

• Website: papyrus-uk.org

Shout

•A free, confidential mental health text support service.

• Text: SHOUT to 85258 (24/7, free text service)

• Website: giveusashout.org

Sir Nick Gibb and Michael Simmonds have been together for 38 years, but kept their relationship hidden from the world until 2015 - the year they married.

Nick knew he was gay from university and accepted it, but as a Conservative MP, he felt he had to keep his personal life private to protect his career.

For decades, they lived together but kept up appearances - even owning separate properties and spending holidays apart to avoid suspicion.

In this honest and moving conversation with Rich Clarke, they reflect on the long years of secrecy, the toll it took, and the joy and relief of finally sharing their truth with the world.

This is a story of quiet love, public pressure, and finally, freedom.

📱 Follow us on Instagram and TikTok: @alwaysmepodcast

💬 To share your story, email: alwaysme@global.com

SUPPORT SERVICES

LGBTQ+ Support

Switchboard – LGBTQ+ Helpline

• A confidential helpline for LGBTQ+ people to talk about sexuality, gender identity, and more.

• Phone: 0800 0119 100

• Website: switchboard.lgbt

Stonewall

• Offers support and resources for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families.

• Website: stonewall.org.uk

Open Table Network

• Phone: 07501753618

• Website: opentable.lgbt

Mental Health & Suicide Prevention

Samaritans

• For anyone in distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide.

• Phone: 116 123 (Free, 24/7)

• Website: samaritans.org

Mind

• Provides advice and support for anyone experiencing a mental health problem.

• Phone: 0300 123 3393

• Website: mind.org.uk

PAPYRUS – Prevention of Young Suicide

• Support for people under 35 experiencing suicidal thoughts, and for those concerned about someone else.

•Phone: 0800 068 41 41

• Website: papyrus-uk.org

Shout

•A free, confidential mental health text support service.

• Text: SHOUT to 85258 (24/7, free text service)

• Website: giveusashout.org