Obama Urges Men to Gain Empathy Through Gay Friendships, Petty Divorce Rumors Debunked

On a recent episode of Michelle Obama’s “IMO” podcast, former President Barack Obama emphasized that men benefit enormously from having gay and non-binary friends. Speaking alongside Michelle and her brother Craig Robinson, he highlighted that such relationships build empathy and kindness—qualities essential for raising emotionally aware children

Obama shared a personal anecdote from his Occidental College days, recalling a gay professor who challenged and educated him. “He would call me out when I started saying stuff that was ignorant,” Obama recounted, underscoring the importance of diverse voices in one’s inner circle.

He went further, explaining these friendships prepare families for children who may identify as gay or non-binary. “You need that person in your friend group…so…a boy who’s gay or non-binary…has somebody…‘I’m not alone in this,’” he said.

The segment also addressed swirling rumors of marital discord. Obama joked, “She took me back!” while Michelle affirmed, “There hasn’t been one moment…where I’ve thought about quitting my man.” Their joint appearance is the first time they’ve directly tackled the divorce speculation.

The candid, lighthearted episode represents both a call for inclusive masculinity and a testament to the Obamas’ enduring bond.

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