Hello there and welcome to episode 8 of Out with Susie Ruffle. A big thanks to everyone that has rated, reviewed and shared the podcast.

It really feels like this pod is growing and finding its audience which is wonderful.

So I hope that you're doing okay today. I'm pretty good,

although I must admit this week has been a bit tougher for me. It was the week that Alice

and I was supposed to get married, and I'll be honest, we've had a few tears, a few bottles of fiz, and I'll be honest we've had a few tears a few bottles of fears and I

actually feel a lot better about it now I'm sure lots of you are listening and

would have had similar things cancelled and postponed and it is totally gutting I hope

that you're doing all right.

We've had a fair few emails in from key workers and those that are within the NHS.

I just want to send you guys so much love and thank you for keeping the UK going

and for looking after people.

Okay let's crack on with today's show.

First off, as always we have some letters.

Well I say letters, it's very much emails from our listeners.

First up, one from a listener who wants to remain anonymous.

I've been loving the podcast, thank you so much for making it. Here is my sort of half coming out story.

I grew up in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, so not much gay culture or role models.

We were told at 13 we had to be well-behaved, good girls, study hard and above all else be

virgins. I didn't even consider that I would get to date or know my

future husband before our marriage was agreed by the heads of our families. I think I

hoped at best I would be able to object to prospective partners but definitely never choose my own.

When I was 16 I was very much in love with my female best friend.

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