“I wasn’t addicted to drugs. I was addicted to acceptance.”
Jonathan Gildart
That sentence lands like truth usually does — quietly, then all at once.
In Episode 48 of The Sober Curator Podcast, Jonathan Gildart doesn’t tell a redemption story wrapped in shiny sobriety clichés. He tells a human one. A story about identity, incarceration, and what happens when recovery finally becomes more than just abstinence.
For Jonathan, addiction wasn’t born from rebellion or recklessness — it was born from longing. The longing to belong. To not be the awkward kid. To be accepted without explanation. Substances didn’t just numb pain; they created instant connection.
Until they didn’t.
After relapse, federal prison, and facing the real possibility of losing everything — including time with his parents — something shifted. Not overnight. Not magically. But decisively.
Sobriety became non-negotiable.
Yet staying sober wasn’t the hardest part.
Finding where he fit was.
That’s where LGBTQ+ recovery spaces changed everything. In queer recovery rooms, Jonathan didn’t have to explain himself before he could heal. His identity wasn’t something to work around — it was something honored.
That sense of safety became the foundation for responsibility. Through recovery housing, Jonathan learned how to show up — paying rent, sharing space, being accountable not to authority, but to peers.
And then came service.
Not as a résumé builder. Not as redemption theater. But as a lifeline. Service gave Jonathan something addiction never could: meaning that didn’t evaporate the next morning.
Today, with over 11 years of continuous sobriety, Jonathan’s life looks nothing like the one he once accepted as his fate. He works in recovery housing, supports others reentering society, and helps lead spaces where queer people in recovery can finally exhale.
This episode reminds us of something vital:
Sobriety isn’t just about stopping something.
It’s about starting something better.
And no one should have to do that alone.
🎧 Listen to the full episode on The Sober Curator Podcast.
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Getting sober is one thing—but staying sober? That’s where the real adventure begins.
This show is for you if you’ve ever wondered:
– Where can I find inspiring sober podcasts, apps, and creators?
– How do I give back or stay plugged into the sober community
– What are the best sober-friendly drinks and travel tips?
– Where do I find the good NA drinks that don’t taste like regret?
The Sober Curator is your go-to for sober pop culture, booze-free travel, apps, creators, and community.
We’re not here to help you get sober.
We’re here to help you live sober—and love it.
What happens when sobriety finally clicks — not just in the body, but in the soul? In this powerful episode, Alysse Bryson sits down with recovery advocate and community leader Jonathan Gildart to talk about incarceration, identity, and finding true belonging in LGBTQ+ recovery spaces. With over 11 years of continuous sobriety, Jonathan shares how service, accountability, and queer community didn’t just help him stay sober — they helped him build a life worth staying for.
Key Takeaways
Why sobriety without community often isn’t enough
How LGBTQ+ recovery spaces create safety, accountability, and joy
The myth of “I don’t have a drinking problem” — and how it unravels
Why service is one of the most powerful relapse-prevention tools
How recovery housing builds responsibility, dignity, and connection
Key Timestamps
[01:26] Meet Jonathan Gildart & his sober origin story
[03:00] Incarceration as the unexpected turning point
[05:10] “I thought I could just drink” — relapse myths
[08:00] Acceptance, identity, and the search for belonging
[12:00] Recovery housing & rebuilding adult life skills
[15:00] Service, leadership, and the Gay & Sober Conference
Notable Resources & Mentions
Oxford House recovery housing
Gay & Sober Conference – “The Year of Love” (2026)
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About:
Sobriety isn’t the end of the party—it’s just the start of a better one. Hosted by Alysse Bryson, media powerhouse and sobriety’s ultimate hype woman, The Sober Curator Podcast delivers bold convos, pop culture deep dives, and zero-proof living that doesn’t suck. Subscribe now—because getting sober matters, staying sober matters more.
COMING OUT SOBER: Sober Pride: How a Group of Friends Is Redefining “Partying” Without Alcohol
#ADDTOCART: Sober Pride Gift Guide
COMING OUT SOBER: shares’ personal stories from our Sober Curator contributors in the LGBTQ+ community about living sober, proud, and out loud. From hilarious mishaps to heartbreaking truths—and everything in between—these narratives explore what it means to break free from both booze and societal norms. This space celebrates authenticity, resilience, and the power of living your truth without alcohol.
Don’t miss our LGBTQ+ Recovery Resource Guide for supportive tools, connections, and inspiration.
Help is Available
Addressing the intersection of LGBTQ+ identity and substance use requires a multifaceted approach that acknowledges the unique challenges faced by this community. By advocating for inclusivity and expanding resources, we can create recovery environments where all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, can find support and healing. Click Here for a list of LGBTQ+ Recovery Resources.
