TEA WITH JULES - Alex Perilli on faith, coming out and finding himself.

My friend of over 3 decades, Alex Perilli joins me for this deeply connected conversation today. As some of you know about me, I grew up in a Pentecostal church in Adelaide. It’s a place that I hold very dear to me. It’s a place that helped mould me into the human I am today. The environment set me up with strong values and morals and a connection with God that I cherish and call upon daily. For me, it was a wonderfully positive experience where I made life long friends and even met my future husband!
It is in this church that I met Alex. A life of the party, talented and all round awesome guy. He is magnetic, kind, thoughtful and fun. We were instant friends (albeit - we were 5!), and have remained close since then. Unbeknownst to myself and our close knit community of friends, Alex was in a battle we never saw - a struggle with his sexuality.
His journey to get to this place of honesty was big, complicated and difficult. He is one of the best people I know, and him coming to share his story was one of the most emotional days I have had in the history of Tea with Jules.
Just a side note - we talk about some heavy stuff in this chat, mostly about faith and sexuality - it might trigger someone listening or watching on, but stick with us. I truly believe that this will bring comfort and strength to anyone who might be experiencing something similar to Alex. If you are triggered and feel like you might need someone to talk to please do not hesitate to reach out for help. I’ll add some links in the show notes. You are never alone.
If you are struggling and want to reach out, here are some helpful sites.
au.reachout.com/
headtohealth.gov.au/supportin...
www.ruok.org.au/
www.beyondblue.org.au/
www.healthdirect.gov.au/austr...

[@salleadempsey4089]

I just watched this. Cried my eyes out and I could see Jesus shining all over Alex, he still has the spirit in him after all this. X

[@davideverlingieri]

Alex, thank you for your courage in telling your story to the world. It’s been a long time since we last saw each other (I think it was at a wedding??), but if you’re ever bored in Sydney one day, I’d love to catch up with you again and introduce you to my wife and kids. I’ve always got plenty of pasta in the pantry ready to entertain guests!

[@JD-lp3tt]

Thanks Jules for giving Alex the opportunity to share his story on your show. It was beautiful to see and hear you both together. Took me back! ❤️

[@justlinsu]

Congratulations Jules......I love how you encourage people to be themselves and make it easy to share. Alex Perilli is an amazing human being.....Bless him where he is.

[@guy4ever08]

Thank you Alex for sharing your story with us. xx

[@bobbieaegis2837]

Beautiful talk. Thank you for sharing.

[@andreasheward1273]

Thank you for sharing Alex story

[@theresesmith8714]

Such a wonderful story & life changing for many, I'm sure. Well done Alex, such a beautiful human being & Jules , you're made up of the most amazing stuff 💗💯👌👌

[@ladys2560]

Thankyou for sharing xx You guys shared some really real truths that spoke to me. I to was raised in a pentecostal chruch and also been to the church you both were raised in. about 6 or 7 years ago I left my church that i was at as i was struggling with a different kind of war different to what Alex went through but i could really relate to some things he said. I still havent gone back to a chruch yet, but i hope that ill get to a place that i will happy and confident in. So thank you dearly for sharing your story Alex and thank you Jules for making a difference by sharing other peoples stories and struggles out there. Love from your Adelaide fan :) xx

[@jdowsett1]

Mahalo for sharing your story Alex❣️

[@meredithmiller3115]

Wow 😳 This is such an amazing interview between close friends! Raw, truthful and real. Alex you are a true inspiration to so many people xx

[@heididelboux5385]

Thank you so much for sharing this! I know a lot of people will see themselves in this story and feel a little more empowered and empathetic. Thank you both Alex and Jules for being vulnerable and brave in your discussion and for putting positive content into the world. Much love to you both xx

[@danagodfrey2979]

Beautiful chat Jules 💖🌻💐

[@rebeccaoxenbould5428]

Bravo Alex! What a fantastic and brave story you have shared :)

[@Soteria333]

Great stuff Alex and Jules...thanks for sharing...great message. from Nathan Rowe. X

[@MsSingingcindy]

Thank you for sharing. Such a needed and powerful message. 💓💓💓

[@razzyp3999]

When is Guy coming out?