Pride in Bruce: Sylvan Groth on Coming Out, Chosen Family & Finding Light in Springsteen’s Music

Host Jesse Jackson welcomes Sylvan Groth, his Perfectly Good Podcast co-host, who shares growing up in suburban Boston, coming out as bi in the 1990s amid increased queer visibility, and facing emotional abuse and slurs from her stepfather while her mother tried to keep peace. Sylvan describes finding refuge with her aunt in Vermont—where a pride flag on a barn signaled safety—and how Springsteen albums and mix tapes helped her cope, even as her stepfather also loved Bruce. The conversation reflects on grief, activism, and joy, the idea of “family of origin” versus “family of choice,” and the importance of common ground, compassion, and honest storytelling amid polarization. 00:00 Pride in Bruce Intro 01:48 Podcast Welcome 03:09 Sylvan Coming Out Story 06:48 Home Life and Safety 07:52 Vermont Refuge and Bruce 09:23 Why Pride Matters 10:06 Slurs and Breaking Point 12:14 Finding Common Ground 18:19 Faith and Scripture Debate 20:51 Self Acceptance and Activism 24:22 Politics and Polarization 25:36 Thanks and Where to Listen 27:29 Pride in Bruce Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices