Wellington Nascimento, aka Tony Orion & Welly, is an award-winning entrepreneur, wellness coach, and DEI advocate. From adult entertainment to brand consulting, he now leads conversations on sexual wellness, confidence, and inclusivity. Author of Neodivergence™ – The Mindset Shift to Fearlessly Thrive as LGBTQIA+
Coming out is more than just a declaration; it’s a deeply personal journey of self-acceptance, courage, and transformation. It’s the moment you realize that living authentically is not just an option but a necessity for true happiness. Whether you’re stepping into your identity for the first time or redefining it in new ways, the path to self-discovery is rarely linear, but it is always meaningful.
Living your truth starts with a moment of clarity
Imagine waking up one day and realizing you’ve been living someone else’s story, a script dictated by society, expectations, or fear. The moment you uncover your truth is both thrilling and daunting. Coming out isn’t a single event; it’s an ongoing journey toward authenticity and personal growth.
Since becoming an American citizen, I’ve explored my queer identity anew, discovering a freedom I never knew I was missing. My first Pride event as a U.S. citizen profoundly shifted my confidence, offering me a deeper, more authentic sense of belonging. Today, I’m sharing my journey, the highs, the struggles, and the incredible people who shaped my path. Plus, I’ll give you practical tips to help you confidently embrace your own truth.
Owning your truth: The Billy Porter moment
Picture this: lounging poolside on an Atlantis cruise when Billy Porter, a three-time Tony, Grammy, and Emmy winner, and a five-time NAACP Award nominee, walks in. His energy? Magnetic. He invited me to his onboard pocket show, igniting not just a friendship but a realization that our authenticity is our greatest strength.
Months later, walking alongside him at International Mr. Leather in Chicago, I felt an undeniable surge of courage. If Billy can live fiercely in his truth, why can’t I?
Your move: Think of someone who inspires you, a mentor, a celebrity, or a friend. Draw strength from their journey to fuel your own.
Affirming my identity: The Pit Crew connection
Backstage at an LGBTQ+ event, I met Bruno Alcantara. Our shared Brazilian roots and resilience highlighted the power of fearless openness. Seeing him shine on RuPaul’s Drag Race inspired me to live proudly and openly.
Your move: Connect with people who understand your journey. Community can transform your self-discovery process.
Finding strength in music: A Chappell Roan anthem
In 2022, amid a tough breakup, Chappell Roan’s My Kink Is Karma became my anthem, helping me reclaim my worth. Two years later, meeting Chappell backstage, the Pink Pony Club icon herself, felt surreal and affirming.
Your move: Dive into music, art, or literature that resonates deeply. Creative outlets can be powerful tools for self-affirmation.
Wellington’s coming-out experience
Growing up surrounded by religious and cultural pressures, coming out felt overwhelming. But authenticity became my pathway to true happiness. A transformative mentorship with Steve Callow, a pioneer in sexual wellness, helped me find clarity and strength. Today, those experiences fuel my passion for guiding others.
Neodivergence™ isn’t just advice; it’s a movement celebrating authenticity and shared growth.
Coming full circle: The power of connections
The relationships we build shape our journeys. Friends, mentors, and chosen family have been milestones on my road to self-acceptance. My connections with Billy, Bruno, Chappell, and others have shown me that authenticity is not a solo endeavor.
Your move: Take your time. Build a supportive community with those who uplift you. This is your journey; move at your own pace.
Practical tips for coming out: Neodivergence™ style
Coming out can feel daunting, but you’re not alone. Here are practical steps to ease your journey:
Timing is everything: Choose a moment that feels safe and comfortable.
Start small: Begin with someone you deeply trust.
Find your tribe: Join local LGBTQ+ groups or organizations. (Chicagoans, the Center on Halsted is a fantastic resource!)
Prepare for mixed reactions: Your self-acceptance matters most.
Lean into your comforts: Music, art, and friendships can inspire and strengthen you.
Join the Neodivergence™ movement and share your story
Coming out is more than a moment; it’s a daily commitment to authenticity. I still vividly remember the excitement (and nerves) of my first Pride float. Each shared story reaffirmed my belief that living authentically is powerful, even revolutionary.
Society often tells us we’re "too much", too queer, too loud, too complicated. But what if being "too much" is our greatest asset? Embracing our identities unlocks unmatched strength.
Neodivergence™ isn’t just a book; it’s a mindset shift empowering LGBTQIA+ individuals (and allies) to redefine success, navigate mental health, and thrive in their identities. It’s a blueprint for living boldly, authentically, and fearlessly.
Ready to fiercely level up your authenticity?
It’s time to embrace your truth and live boldly. Download my book, Neodivergence™ – The Mindset Shift to Fearlessly Thrive as LGBTQIA+, for FREE on Amazon.
Get the book here.
Beyond the spotlight, a new purpose emerged
After a decade in the adult industry as Tony Orion, I saw more than just performances; I saw the silent battles with shame, identity, and self-acceptance. That experience ignited my mission: to help others break free from stigma, reclaim their pleasure, and live without fear.
Through holistic wellness, pleasure, positivity, and radical self-acceptance, I’ve explored everything from DNA analysis to brain scans, heart health tracking, and preventive hereditary disease screening. Combined with lifestyle and nutrition planning, I’ve achieved prime wellness, and now, I want to help you do the same.
Because you deserve to know your body, inside and out, you deserve to live fully, fearlessly, and unapologetically.
Neodivergence™: The mindset shift to fearlessly thrive as LGBTQIA+
This is more than a memoir; it’s a movement for authenticity, empowerment, and sexual liberation. It’s a blueprint for thriving in a world that refuses to see us.
Are you ready to step into your power?
Read more from Wellington Nascimento
Wellington Nascimento, Award Winner Brazilian American Entrepreneur
A content creator, entrepreneur, and wellness coach, Welly turns wellness into a religion rooted in love, pride, and radical self-acceptance. His journey is shaped by moments shared with icons like Chapel Roan, Billy Porter, and Bruno Alcantara—artists who inspire unapologetic expression. Through his work in sexual wellness, DEI, and brand consulting, he empowers others to embrace their power and rewrite their narratives.
