Bullying, Sexuality and Finding the Strength to Speak | Dom

Some people survive bullying.Some people survive hiding who they are.Some people survive both.In this episode of After The Fall Show, I’m joined by Dom — someone I’ve personally worked with — for one of the rawest and most honest conversations we’ve had on the show so far.⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion around suicide attempts, bullying, sexuality, sexual assault, depression, and mental health struggles. Please listen with care. If you are struggling, please reach out to someone you trust or contact a support service such as Samaritans in the UK on 116 123.From being bullied as a child, through confusion around sexuality, isolation, suicide attempts, pressure, identity, and the fear of disappointing the people around him, Dom shares the reality of what it felt like trying to survive while carrying everything alone.This is not a polished conversation.It’s a human one.We talk about growing up feeling different, the emotional weight of hiding parts of yourself, the pressure of expectations, and how silence slowly becomes unbearable when you carry too much for too long.Dom also speaks openly about his suicide attempts, the moment his family finally realised how serious things had become, and how talking — whether to family, friends, strangers, or services like Samaritans — became one of the biggest turning points in his life.But this episode is also about rebuilding.About finding identity, friendship, rugby, community, love, and learning that healing doesn’t happen instantly — it happens gradually, through connection, honesty, and allowing yourself to finally be seen.What we cover:• Growing up bullied from nursery through school• Moving schools and still feeling isolated• Realising he may not be straight• The pressure of family expectations• Using work and business as emotional escape• Suicide attempts and emotional collapse• The fear of speaking honestly to loved ones• Coming out to parents and family• Relationships, self-acceptance, and rebuilding identity• Rugby, friendship, and finding community• Toxic experiences and staying safe• Why strangers sometimes become lifelines• The importance of support services like Samaritans• Why “it’s okay to talk” may save someone’s lifeChapters:00:00 – Introduction00:39 – Dom’s Early Life & Bullying02:00 – Moving Schools & Starting Again03:30 – Sexuality & Family Pressure05:45 – Suicide Attempts & Emotional Collapse07:11 – Relationships & Opening Up09:02 – Coming Out to Family11:30 – Suicidal Thoughts & Coping Mechanisms14:15 – Night Walks & Honest Conversations15:53 – Beginning to Rebuild17:37 – Calling Samaritans18:27 – Self-Acceptance & Identity20:00 – Finding Community Through Rugby21:15 – Toxic Experiences & Staying Safe22:50 – Rejoining West Country Wasps25:20 – Advice for Others Exploring Identity27:24 – The Power of Human Connection30:05 – “It’s Okay to Talk”31:41 – Final ReflectionsGuest:Dom is a rugby player, creative professional, and survivor of bullying, suicidal thoughts, and identity struggles. In this episode, he shares his journey through sexuality, pressure, self-acceptance, and rebuilding his life through honesty, community, and conversation.Final thought:Sometimes the heaviest thing a person carries…is silence.And sometimes the bravest thing they can do…is finally speak.