Today we’d like to introduce you to Cara Cochran.
Hi Cara, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started my IG journey after encouragement from my partner. I have always loved to write, and I am extremely passionate about representation within our community, so she told me I should start sharing more about that on Instagram, and so I did! Here I am, two years and thousands of followers later, and I am an still all about the representation for those coming out later in life, those who are same sex parents, and those that are Moms! It’s been one wild ride, but I am forever grateful for her initial suggestion!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Whew… well, it’s been incredible, but I won’t say it’s always been smooth, lol. I had to deal with family being upset about me talking about my journey when it came to coming out. I had to also deal with them in regards to certain beliefs and opinions that I have that don’t align with theirs, and that caused a mighty big rift with certain friends and family. Also, the haters/trolls! People that just get on your page to do nothing but put you down or get a rise out of you! That was a hard lesson for me to learn to just LEAVE IT! You can’t argue with someone who’s elevator doesn’t go to the top, and some of these folks have one that barely gets off the ground floor! Lol! So, that was a hard but very valuable lesson I learned about dealing with folks when you share your life online!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an LGBTQ+ lifestyle and family creator on Instagram and TikTok (@caras_atl). I run both pages myself and share about my journey coming out later in life, what it’s like being a two mom family and normalizing same sex families as a whole.
I’m most proud of the advocacy that I do when it comes to our community. Seeing more LGBTQ+ families normalized and living their lives out loud and proud is something that really sets my heart on fire! I’m glad to be a part of this online community that shows people that there is no greater time than the present to embrace who you are, fully and unapologetically!
Something that sets me apart is the fact that I came out at the age of 30. After having been married to a man before, and after having a child by a man before. I still came out! Sometimes it takes finding a space, away from the views of family and the heteronormative society, to really embrace who YOU actually are inside! I hid myself from everyone, including MYSELF, for a long time. The art of denial was so REAL in my life. However, finally finding that space at 30 years old and as a single mother felt like complete and utter liberation!! It felt like breathing for the first time. It’s absolutely the best thing I have ever done… to live my truth and my life authentically out loud and proud! Now I celebrate my Queerness daily online, and I get to help other folks not feel so alone in their journey to self-discovery and acceptance. And I wouldn’t change it for the world!
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Just reach out!! There are so many people that have been so helpful to me during this journey. Not only that, but I have found lifelong friends via social media that have literally been a game-changer in my life. It all starts with just talking to someone and seeing how you relate. These relationships have been so beneficial in so many ways. From discussing personal things to getting feedback in a professional sense. These are some of my greatest confidantes, and we have truly formed a network of working together and having each other’s backs when it comes to our online businesses and in real life!
Communication is key in any relationship, and especially so when it comes to things that involve your professional life. You’ll never know unless you ask… so ask! That’s my motto every single time!
Contact Info:
- Email: carasatl1@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/caras_atl
- Other: https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPdCgFrKq/
Image Credits
Olivia Hood @oliviabehindthecamera
