A Jaded Gay (A Jaded Gay)
Explorez tous les épisodes de A Jaded Gay
| Date | Titre | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19 Apr 2022 | 01. Hello, Trauma. It's Me, Rob. | 00:25:51 | |
Hello, podcasting world! Welcome to the first episode of A Jaded Gay, a podcast discussing pop culture, politics, and dating hardships, all through the lens of empowerment and well-being for gay men. | |||
| 14 Apr 2022 | Trailer | 00:00:34 | |
Living in a world of fuckboys, homophobes, and inequalities can leave a gay feeling, well, jaded, so tune in for your weekly dose of gay empowerment. We're talking pop culture, politics, and dating hardships, all through the lens of overcoming gay trauma and nurturing our emotional wellbeing. | |||
| 26 Apr 2022 | 02. From Codependency to No Dependency | 00:32:25 | |
We’ve talked about how gay men have a tendency to be emotionally detached due to trauma and shame. But what happens when we establish an intense romantic connection which we may become reliant upon for validation? | |||
| 03 May 2022 | 03. Surviving Another Pandemic | 00:23:02 | |
We’re more than two years into this COVID-19 pandemic, and minority communities, including the LGBTQ+ community, have been disproportionately affected. For some gay men, the fear and response to this pandemic have been reminiscent of the early days of the AIDS crisis.
| |||
| 10 May 2022 | 04. Pop Icons and Their Gay Emotional Appeal | 00:35:15 | |
Why does it seem like pop icons have such an appeal to gay men? Are we simply drawn to the music, or is there a deeper emotional connection? | |||
| 17 May 2022 | 05. Interpersonal Vulnerability: Overcoming the Fear of Rejection | 00:45:11 | |
For years, most of us gay men have repressed our authentic selves and hidden our emotions. But when the time comes for us to form a romantic relationship, we have to lower our guards and reveal those parts that we’ve hidden?
| |||
| 24 May 2022 | 06. Gay Panic Defense | 00:25:00 | |
In a world where gay men already experience increased economic, emotional, and societal hardships, we are disproportionately affected by violent crimes and can be blamed for them because of our sexual orientation. | |||
| 31 May 2022 | 07. The History of Gay Representation in TV & Film | 00:24:36 | |
We’ve come a long way from the days of being portrayed on TV and in film as the sassy, sexless, gay best friend, but there are still improvements to be made. | |||
| 07 Jun 2022 | 08. Finding Your Community | 00:24:16 | |
Making new friends as an adult is difficult for anyone, but for gay men, it can be even harder to find a network of like-minded peers. | |||
| 14 Jun 2022 | 09. Corporate Greed & Rainbow Capitalism | 00:26:24 | |
Every Pride, we see corporations proudly display their rainbow logos and merchandise…but what happens to all that on July 1?
| |||
| 21 Jun 2022 | 10. Out in the Workplace | 00:27:26 | |
We spend approximately one-third of our lives at work, yet many of us struggle with being out in the workplace. And while many companies have tried to increase their DEI efforts, being out at work can still be uncomfortable. | |||
| 28 Jun 2022 | 11. Overcoming Internalized Homophobia | 00:31:54 | |
No matter how long we’ve been out of the closet, many of us hold on to some of the antigay beliefs we were exposed to as children and turn that negativity inwards.
| |||
| 12 Jul 2022 | 13. Perfectly Imperfect: Conquer Your Perfectionism | 00:29:49 | |
Growing up in a heteronormative society, we may have learned to believe that our gay identity was a weakness. As a result, we’ve developed the need to be perfect to manage the feeling of being an outsider. | |||
| 26 Jul 2022 | 15. Understanding Attachment Styles | 00:30:20 | |
John Bowlby’s attachment theory suggests that humans are born with a need to form a close emotional bond. For gay men, social stressors, such as discrimination and rejection, can negatively impact their attachment system and result in unhealthy romantic attachments.
| |||
| 05 Jul 2022 | 12. Queer as Folk | 00:36:30 | |
We previously talked about the importance of LGBTQ+ representation in TV and film and the “gay renaissance” of the 90s. While shows like Ellen and Will & Grace were groundbreaking at the time, they tended to skirt around LGBTQ+ issues and themes...but Queer as Folk did not shy away. | |||
| 02 Aug 2022 | 16. Being an Ally (with Cheyenne Filipczyk) | 00:41:20 | |
The word “ally” gets tossed around frequently, but what does it actually mean? | |||
| 16 Aug 2022 | 18. Setting the Benchmark for Mr. Right | 00:24:24 | |
With all the shirtless, thirst pics on dating apps, it’s easy to get *ahem* distracted. But we must stay focused on attracting the right kinds of guys into our life. | |||
| 19 Jul 2022 | 14. The Ban on Gay Blood Donations | 00:22:23 | |
Amidst the AIDS pandemic, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned gay and bisexual men from ever being eligible to donate blood to protect people receiving blood transfusions from the possibility of getting infected with HIV. Almost 30 years later, science has provided us with new drugs to better protect ourselves from HIV exposures and technology to improve HIV testing by providing quicker and more accurate results.
| |||
| 09 Aug 2022 | 17. Mobsters & Mos: How the Mafia Owned Gay Nightlife | 00:22:36 | |
In 1960s New York City, the Mafia needed a place to conduct business without police detection and gay men needed a safe space to socialize without being arrested. The result: the Genovese family ended up controlling the majority of gay bars in Greenwich Village, which was emerging as a gay hub at the time. | |||
| 23 Aug 2022 | 19. The Queer History of Disco | 00:29:17 | |
In between the politics of the Stonewall Riots and the AIDS pandemic, disco emerged as a haven for gay men to escape the confines of heterosexuality.
| |||
| 30 Aug 2022 | 20. Don't Say Gay | 00:24:11 | |
This past spring, Florida made headlines for its Parental Rights in Education Act, informally referred to as the Don’t Say Gay bill. While this legislation is disturbing, Florida is not the first state to implement such a bill. In fact, approximately 20 other states implemented similar Don’t Say Gay bills between January and April 2022.
| |||
| 13 Sep 2022 | 22. Deeper and Deeper: Building Emotional Intimacy | 00:19:22 | |
We previously talked about the concept of interpersonal vulnerability and why it can be harder for gay men to open up to a significant other. However, connection is an integral part of life—especially when it comes to romantic relationships.
| |||
| 20 Sep 2022 | 23. Let's Talk About the F Word | 00:17:16 | |
We’re all familiar with the F word (rhymes with maggot) and, unfortunately, we’ve probably been called it at some point in our lives. But where did this slur come from?
| |||
| 06 Sep 2022 | 21. Supporting LGBTQ+ Ukrainians | 00:19:59 | |
It’s been seven months since Russia invaded Ukraine, which has had global repercussions. However, an often-overlooked area of this tragic situation is the threat this invasion imposes upon LGBTQ+ Ukrainians.
| |||
| 04 Oct 2022 | 25. Gay Icons: My Name is Kylie | 00:32:58 | |
Previously, we discussed our iconic pop queens and how their songs typically fit into distinct categories that hit an emotional button that appeals to gay men. | |||
| 27 Sep 2022 | 24. Gay Villages: Won't You Be My Gaybor? | 00:18:58 | |
It’s no secret that cities are typically more tolerant of the LGBTQ+ community, and a larger city allows for greater opportunities in general, as well as a larger dating pool. But how did the iconic gay neighborhoods we all know and love come to be?
| |||
| 11 Oct 2022 | 26. Gay & Anxious | 00:26:18 | |
Many of us grew up knowing we were different than our peers, feeling like being “other” and fearing rejection at an early age. Therefore, it’s no surprise that gay men experience increased rates of anxiety compared to their straight peers.
| |||
| 18 Oct 2022 | 27. Matthew Shepard | 00:19:24 | |
On October 8, 1998, a 21-year-old college student was picked up from a gay bar, tortured, and murdered because of his sexuality in a state that had no hate crime laws to protect him. More than twenty years later, we continue to remember his life and legacy.
| |||
| 01 Nov 2022 | 29. Love Bombing | 00:23:46 | |
At the start of a romantic relationship, it’s exciting to receive positive affirmations and affection from your partner. However, if this affection becomes exaggerated and excessive, it can lead to a manipulative cycle of abuse.
| |||
| 25 Oct 2022 | 28. Gay Horror | 00:27:25 | |
The history of horror goes back more than 250 years and has depicted queer themes since its origins. From Frankenstein to Freddy Krueger, horror has always been queer.
| |||
| 08 Nov 2022 | 30. Gay Sex Education (or the Lack Thereof) | 00:17:47 | |
In America, there has been a decrease in the number of teenagers who’ve received formalized sex education over the years. And for LGBTQ+ youth, inclusive sex education is practically nonexistent.
| |||
| 15 Nov 2022 | 31. Gaydar | 00:21:31 | |
The term gaydar, a colloquialism referring to the intuitive ability of a person to assess another’s sexual orientation, has been thrown around casually in the media and among the gay community. However, is there any truth to this concept?
| |||
| 22 Nov 2022 | 32. Gay Men and Body Obsession | 00:31:23 | |
From social media to cover models, society has an obsession with body image, which we all struggle with. But for gay men, our bodies tend to be objectified and labeled to define our worth.
| |||
| 29 Nov 2022 | 33. Self-Deprecating Humor: Am I Crying or Laughing? | 00:17:17 | |
For gay men, humor has played a central role in their resiliency and helped get them through tough times. However, one form of humor, self-deprecating, can become a problem and may actually signify deeper issues.
| |||
| 06 Dec 2022 | 34. GBF: Gay Best Friend | 00:18:31 | |
Since 1984, the gay best friend has been a staple character in movies and TV, often being portrayed as sexless and sassy. However, this stereotype—while often thought to be innocent—can actually be harmful and damaging.
| |||
| 10 Jan 2023 | 39. We Are Family: Part 1 (with Michelle Loveless) | 00:31:54 | |
Even though we may have had similar upbringings compared to our straight peers, members of the LGBTQ+ community still tend to carry trauma from growing up differently. | |||
| 17 Jan 2023 | 40. We Are Family: Part 2 (with Amy Loveless) | 00:27:25 | |
Even though we may have had similar upbringings compared to our straight peers, members of the LGBTQ+ community still tend to carry trauma from growing up differently. | |||
| 13 Dec 2022 | 35. Surviving the Holidays | 00:18:44 | |
While the holiday season is typically viewed as a joyful time, the pressure of gift-giving, traveling, and spending time with loved ones can cause stress. For the LGBTQ+ community, this time of year can also serve as a reminder of their strained relationships with family, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
| |||
| 07 Feb 2023 | 43. Surviving a Breakup (with Sara Sabatino) | 00:38:46 | |
In previous episodes, we discussed how being vulnerable in a relationship can trigger feelings of anxiety since it threatens longstanding psychological defenses formed to avoid emotional pain and rejection. So if we go through a breakup, we can feel alone and lose ourselves. | |||
| 20 Dec 2022 | 36. Make the Yuletide (Movies) Gay | 00:27:54 | |
In previous episodes, we discussed the importance of LGBTQ+ characters in TV and film and how being our authentic selves can manifest true representation in the media. As part of this increase in LGBTQ+ portrayals, Christmas movies have begun featuring gay characters and storylines. | |||
| 27 Dec 2022 | 37. Creating Your Own Closure | 00:21:18 | |
As we approach the end of another year, we may reflect on the past – from relationships to career pursuits to personal matters. And while we may look to a new beginning, we must learn to let go so that we don’t carry negative situations with us. | |||
| 21 Feb 2023 | 45. Feeling Lonely in a Relationship? (with Jordan Nofziger) | 00:35:05 | |
Many of us have experienced “gay loneliness” from growing up gay in a straight society. We can feel isolated from our straight peers and even members of our community. But what happens when we feel that same sense of loneliness in a romantic relationship? | |||
| 03 Jan 2023 | 38. Learning to Accept Kindness | 00:19:55 | |
As gay men, many of us have had to repress our authentic selves and hide our emotions because of negativity we may have experienced growing up differently. Among the myriad of issues this can cause, some of us may not trust acts of kindness from others.
| |||
| 24 Jan 2023 | 41. Gay Icons: The Queen of Disco | 00:32:17 | |
Previously, we discussed our iconic pop queens and how their songs typically fit into distinct categories that hit an emotional button that appeals to gay men.
| |||
| 31 Jan 2023 | 42. Are You Emotionally Unavailable? | 00:22:57 | |
Previously, we discussed how growing up gay can impact our attachment styles when it comes to dating. Unsurprisingly, gay men who were denied affection and emotional support from their caregivers may develop an avoidant attachment type in adulthood and have a harder time getting intimate with others.
| |||
| 14 Feb 2023 | 44. Forget Valentine's Day | 00:15:45 | |
It’s the most dreaded time of the year for single people. | |||
| 28 Feb 2023 | 46. Obergefell v. Hodges and the Ongoing Fight for Marriage Equality | 00:26:06 | |
Correction: The U.S. Supreme Court's landmark decision for Obergefell v. Hodges came on June 26, 2015. It was incorrectly/accidentally stated as January 26, 2015 at the 15:25 time mark.
| |||
| 07 Mar 2023 | 47. Say Goodbye to Abandonment Issues | 00:21:28 | |
As gay men, many of us have feared being rejected by our friends and family as part of our coming out process. It’s no surprise that grappling with this fear can result in struggling with intimacy, attachment, and emotional availability.
| |||
| 14 Mar 2023 | 48. Plant Gays and Mindfulness Lessons | 00:17:17 | |
Over the past few years, there’s been an uptick in millennials’ obsession with houseplants. And with 10.5% of millennials identifying as being LGBTQ+, which is much higher than older generations, it’s no surprise that there has been an increase in plant gays.
| |||
| 21 Mar 2023 | 49. Let's Shatter the LGBTQ+ Wage Gap | 00:21:00 | |
There is a longstanding stereotype that gay men have a disposable income to fund an extravagant lifestyle. However, recent data has found that there is a gay wealth gap, with the average LGBTQ+ worker earning 90 cents for every dollar a typical worker earns.
| |||
| 28 Mar 2023 | 50. Self-Love Tough Love (with Tillie Lee) | 00:29:54 | |
In past episodes, we've talked about how some gay men try to curate the illusion of a "perfect life" to compensate for feelings of shame and rejection. As such, we develop a false sense of confidence through others' validation. | |||
| 11 Apr 2023 | 52. Gayming: Level Up Your Sense of Community (with Jonathan Steele) | 00:34:53 | |
In past episodes, we've talked about how it can be difficult for gay men to find a network of like-minded peers and the importance of finding your community and chosen family. | |||
| 04 Apr 2023 | 51. ACT UP: Silence = Death | 00:16:20 | |
In 1981, reports of a “rare cancer” affecting homosexual men surfaced, which marks the start of the AIDS crisis. For years, those living with AIDS were largely neglected by the government and medical community.
| |||
| 18 Apr 2023 | 53. Stop Comparing Yourself to Other Gays | 00:21:31 | |
In previous episodes, we talked about how gay men may struggle with perfectionism as a means to validate themselves and overcome their gay shame. As a result, it’s easy to compare ourselves to others and compete against other gay men instead of lifting our community up.
| |||
| 25 Apr 2023 | 54. Love in the Third Degree (with Eric Praniewicz) | 00:28:30 | |
We live in a time when we don’t have to be confined to standard labels regarding gender, sexuality, and even relationship types. Regardless of whether we’re monogamous or polyamorous, it’s still important to do the emotional work so we’re bringing our best selves forward into a relationship scenario. | |||
| 02 May 2023 | 55. Gay for Pay: Should Straight Actors Play Queer Characters? | 00:16:36 | |
We’ve come a long way regarding LGBTQ+ media representation, with 92 LGBTQ+ characters appearing on scripted broadcast primetime programming for the 2021-2022 season. However, that representation falls flat when you consider the number of straight actors appearing as LGBTQ+ characters. | |||
| 09 May 2023 | 56. LGBTQ+ Alcoholism | 00:23:03 | |
For many gay men, we struggle with minority stress and discrimination on a daily basis. Along with childhood trauma and gay shame, this adversity causes some to turn to alcohol as a form of self-medicating. In fact, the rate of substance abuse is estimated to be between 20 to 30 percent in LGBTQ+ people compared to 9 percent for the general population.
| |||
| 16 May 2023 | 57. Protect LGBTQ+ Homeless Youth | 00:22:55 | |
Being our authentic selves can be scary since many of us fear rejection—and for good reason. Family conflict and rejection is the main cause of LGBTQ+ youth homelessness, and LGBTQ+ youth are 120% more likely to experience homelessness compared to non-LGBTQ+ youth.
| |||
| 23 May 2023 | 58. Gay Icons: Our Friend, Dorothy | 00:34:39 | |
Previously, we discussed our iconic pop queens and how their songs typically fit into distinct categories that hit an emotional button that appeals to gay men. | |||
| 13 Jun 2023 | 61. The Pulse Nightclub Shooting | 00:20:19 | |
During the early morning hours of Sunday, June 12, 2016, a gunman entered Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida, and opened fire on the crowd, who was celebrating Latin Night. After more than three hours of terror, 49 lives were lost and 53 additional people were wounded. In today’s episode, we’re taking a look at the history of Pulse, the events of June 12, 2016, and the response to the shooting. | |||
| 30 May 2023 | 59. Say Bye Bye Bye to Bi Erasure (with Sam McClain) | 00:34:40 | |
Despite the letter B in LGBTQ+, many people, both within and outside of the community, tend to discount the experiences of bisexual people. This ignorance has resulted in bi-erasure, a pervasive problem in which the existence or legitimacy of bisexuality is questioned or denied outright. | |||
| 20 Jun 2023 | 62. Let Go of Your Religious Trauma (with Eric Feltes) | 00:39:35 | |
Many gay men were taught that religion and sexuality are at odds with one another; either you're too gay to be religious, or you're too religious to be gay. As a result, we may have experienced religious trauma, leaving us feeling alone within our faith and the LGBGTQ+ community. | |||
| 27 Jun 2023 | 63. The Stonewall Riots | 00:20:26 | |
In 1960s New York City, gay men needed a safe space to socialize without being arrested, which resulted in many frequenting private bottle clubs, like the Stonewall Inn, which was owned by the Mafia. On June 28, 1969, during a routine police raid, patrons were fed up and resisted. | |||
| 11 Jul 2023 | 64. 40 Single Gay (with Jonathan Lee) | 00:47:46 | |
As gay men, we may experience complexities surrounding modern dating and societal pressures that often place unrealistic expectations of romantic and personal fulfillment. So when we think we’ve found “The One,” what do we do when they break up with us, telling us that we’re only seventy percent of what they need…while having sex? | |||
| 18 Jul 2023 | 65. Fire Island | 00:22:30 | |
Just fifty miles east of Manhattan, Fire Island has been considered a gay village since the 1950s, with the stretch of land between Fire Island Pines and Cherry Grove—known as the Meat Rack—being a safe haven for repressed gay men to fully express and experience their sexuality.
| |||
| 06 Jun 2023 | 60. Is 30 Gay Death? | 00:27:09 | |
Stereotypical gay culture has idolized youth, beauty, and sex, which has resulted in the concept of Gay Death, the all-too-popular myth that gay men have aged beyond attractiveness once they turn 30.
| |||
| 25 Jul 2023 | 66. Shoot Your Shot on Archer (with Michael Kaye) | 00:34:41 | |
While most gay dating apps aim to connect LGBTQ+ people with their community, it can still be challenging to make genuine connections which can lead to feelings of loneliness and rejection. The reality is most gay dating apps are outdated with limited features, lacking inclusivity, and they haven’t adapted to evolving user needs and preferences–until now. | |||
| 08 Aug 2023 | 68. Don't Conflate Infatuation with Love | 00:18:17 | |
In the early stages of dating, it’s normal to feel butterflies and maybe even experience infatuation. But the intoxicating allure of infatuation can grip our hearts and minds, which may result in overwhelming emotions and blurring the line between reality and fantasy.
| |||
| 15 Aug 2023 | 69. That's So Gay (You Really Shouldn't Say That) | 00:18:22 | |
For decades, the phrase “That’s So Gay” has been tossed around carelessly to refer to things that are bad or undesirable. While many consider it a simple playground put down, it is actually a microaggression that perpetuates stereotypes and fosters a culture of exclusion.
| |||
| 01 Aug 2023 | 67. 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis | 00:22:01 | |
Recently, conservatives have used the unrestricted exercise of religious freedom and freedom of speech to promote discriminatory beliefs and harmful ideologies that perpetuate prejudice and undermine the rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ people. On Friday, June 30, 2023, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that the First Amendment entitles some business owners to refuse same-sex wedding work, which is a staggering blow to LGBTQ+ equality.
| |||
| 22 Aug 2023 | 70. Good Grief: How to Cope with Loss | 00:22:35 | |
We’ve all experienced grief, that tender ache that lingers in our hearts following a loss. While the experience of coping with loss is crucial to our emotional well-being, it is also complex since it creates an intricate landscape where sorrow, resilience, and the transformative power of healing coexist. | |||
| 29 Aug 2023 | 71. Queer Grief | 00:23:41 | |
Grief is frequently associated with the LGBTQ+ experience, from fearing rejection to dealing with hate and living in constant terror of being in danger. While any form of grief is both a universal and personal experience necessary to cope with loss, the complexities of queer grief can lead to isolation, mental health challenges, and the suppression of one's authentic self.
| |||
| 05 Sep 2023 | 72. Recovering from Recovery (with Adam Fitzgerald) | 01:06:15 | |
Previously, we discussed the complicated relationship gay men have with alcohol, which is shaped by diverse factors such as social acceptance, coping with discrimination, and navigating the intersection of LGBTQ+ identity and substance use. | |||
| 12 Sep 2023 | 73. Brunch: The Most Important Gay Meal of the Day | 00:20:43 | |
The stereotype of brunch being gay has emerged as a playful nod to the LGBTQ+ community's affinity for this leisurely meal. But, upon deeper examination, the history of brunch has always been a bit controversial, breaking away from conventional standards.
| |||
| 26 Sep 2023 | 75. Sunday Dinners, Moonshine and Men (with Tate Barkley) | 01:15:42 | |
Previously, we discussed the complicated relationship gay men have with alcohol, which is shaped by diverse factors such as social acceptance, coping with discrimination, and navigating the intersection of LGBTQ+ identity and substance use. | |||
| 19 Sep 2023 | 74. Unmask Your Trust Issues | 00:22:29 | |
Previously, we talked about how many gay men have grappled with the fear of rejection, which can result in struggling with intimacy, attachment, and emotional availability. This can often be interconnected with trust issues, as past experiences of feeling abandoned or rejected can lead to difficulties in fully trusting others in future relationships.
| |||
| 17 Oct 2023 | 78. Ghosting | 00:20:11 | |
Ghosting has become an increasingly prevalent phenomenon in today's dating culture, reflecting a shift towards digital communication and a reluctance to confront uncomfortable conversations. For gay men, this can be attributed to the influence of hookup apps, a larger pool of potential partners, and societal pressures, leading to a higher likelihood of casual and transient interactions.
| |||
| 03 Oct 2023 | 76. Finally Free (with Seth Showalter) | 00:52:42 | |
Conversion therapy is a discredited and harmful practice that attempts to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity, often using psychological or religious methods, which can lead to severe emotional distress, trauma, and a negative impact on mental health and well-being. | |||
| 10 Oct 2023 | 77. Coming Out | 00:19:08 | |
Coming out is a deeply personal and pivotal moment for LGBTQ+ individuals, encompassing the courageous act of sharing their authentic identity with others, fostering self-acceptance, and seeking understanding and validation.
| |||
| 31 Oct 2023 | 80. Queer Haunts: Happy Halloween (with Ralph Anthony) | 00:42:25 | |
Happy Halloween, my LGBTQuties! Previously, we discussed how queer themes have been depicted in horror for more than 250 years and that the genre has always been queer. | |||
| 24 Oct 2023 | 79. Queer Mysticism: Gay Men & Spirituality | 00:19:01 | |
Many gay men find solace and empowerment in spiritual practices like tarot, crystals, astrology, and witchcraft, as they offer a means of self-discovery and affirmation. Unlike modern organized religion, these ancient traditions provide a safe space for personal exploration, allowing individuals to connect with their inner selves and find strength in their unique identities.
| |||
| 07 Nov 2023 | 81. Are Mustaches Gay? | 00:22:01 | |
The mustache has traversed centuries, evolving from a symbol of prestige in ancient civilizations to a statement of rebellion in modern counterculture movements. In the 1960s and 1970s, it became an iconic symbol within the gay community, representing a form of self-expression, solidarity, and defiance against societal norms surrounding masculinity and sexuality.
| |||
| 14 Nov 2023 | 82. Gay Gym Culture | 00:41:57 | |
Gay men tend to grapple with complex feelings about body image, influenced by societal ideals that often emphasize a lean and muscular physique. As a result, gay gym culture is often marked by a complex interplay of such body standards, which can both motivate and challenge individuals within the community to base their self-perception on chasing an idealized appearance.
| |||
| 12 Dec 2023 | 83. Best of Guests (So Far): Part 1 | 00:35:40 | |
As the end of the year approaches, it’s important to take a retrospective look to appreciate the challenges overcome, goals achieved, and lessons learned. In doing so, we can use the knowledge gained to build a stronger foundation for the year ahead.
| |||
| 19 Dec 2023 | 84. Best of Guests (So Far): Part 2 | 00:34:44 | |
Happy Holidays, my LGBTQuties! As the end of the year approaches, it’s important to take a retrospective look to appreciate the challenges overcome, goals achieved, and lessons learned. In doing so, we can use the knowledge gained to build a stronger foundation for the year ahead. In this episode, we're revisiting some of our featured guest episodes, exploring topics such as sobriety, conversion therapy, media representation, and more!
| |||
| 16 Jan 2024 | 85. Boundaries: How to Understand and Set Them | 00:30:01 | |
Boundaries are essential guidelines, defining the limits of acceptable behavior and establishing a framework of respect and mutual understanding. But due to societal pressures, stereotypes, and the historical stigmatization of non-heteronormative relationships, some gay men may exhibit people-pleasing tendencies, which makes it challenging to implement boundaries and contributes to feelings of isolation and a reluctance to assert personal limits. | |||
| 23 Jan 2024 | 86. Turn Off Your Code-Switching | 00:25:58 | |
Gay men sometimes shift between different modes of expression, including language, behavior, or mannerisms, to navigate between their authentic identity and societal expectations or contexts related to their sexual orientation. Known as code-switching, this practice can reinforce societal norms that marginalize certain linguistic or cultural expressions, leading us to suppress our authentic identities and perpetuating a sense of disconnection or internal conflict. In this episode, we’re taking a look into the intricate history of code-switching, how it manifests within the LGBTQ+ community, and ways we can cultivate an inclusive environment, where authenticity thrives and the necessity to code-switch diminishes. Related Episodes:
Additional Resources:
| |||
| 06 Feb 2024 | 88. Reparent Your Daddy Issues | 00:33:34 | |
Daddy issues is a colloquial term often used to stigmatize psychological or emotional challenges that may arise in an individual's life due to a perceived absence, neglect, or strained relationship with their father. Some gay men may experience their fathers subtly distancing themselves as a form of rejection of their sexuality, which has the potential to negatively influence the way they learn to navigate and sustain lasting relationships between men.
Additional Resources:
| |||
| 30 Jan 2024 | 87. Breaking the Binary (with Travis McMaster) | 01:30:07 | |
Within the many letters of the LGBTQ+ spectrum, non-binary individuals embrace identities outside the traditional binary of male or female, challenging societal norms and fostering a more diverse understanding of gender. Often overlooked, non-binary visibility is crucial in dismantling stereotypes and building a more inclusive world where individuals of all gender identities can authentically express themselves while being recognized for their unique contributions.
Additional Resources:
| |||
| 20 Feb 2024 | 90. The UpStairs Lounge Arson Attack | 00:21:43 | |
On Sunday, June 24, 1973, a gay bar in New Orleans was intentionally set ablaze, killing 32 people and injuring another 15. Fifty years later, despite ample evidence, no arrests have ever been made.
Additional Resources:
| |||
| 13 Feb 2024 | 89. Beyond the Brawn: Redefining Queer Masculinity (with Erick DuPree) | 01:19:49 | |
Societal perceptions of masculinity are often rooted in traditional and restrictive norms, which can pressure gay men to conform to stereotypical ideals, leading to internalized homophobia, feelings of inadequacy, and a diminished sense of self-worth. Even within the queer community, ideals of masculinity and femininity can be at odds, creating a complex dynamic for gay men who are navigating their identity.
Additional Resources: | |||
| 27 Feb 2024 | 91. Fat and Fabulous: Embrace Body Positivity (with Matthew Simko) | 01:02:22 | |
For years, society’s sense of body image has been negatively affected by standards that often perpetuate unrealistic ideals and contribute to the prevalence of negative body image perceptions. Some gay men grapple with an additional layer of body image issues, navigating societal expectations and stereotypes that can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-consciousness about their physical appearance. Additional Resources: | |||
| 12 Mar 2024 | 93. Unlock Financial Freedom (with David & John Auten-Schneider) | 01:23:03 | |
In today's complex and rapidly changing landscape of economic uncertainty and unexpected global events, comprehensive financial planning is more crucial yet intricate than ever. But for gay men, navigating resilient financial strategies has been historically challenging due to the economic burden of increased healthcare costs during the AIDS pandemic, prevalent job discrimination, and the LGBTQ+ wage gap. Additional Resources:
| |||
| 05 Mar 2024 | 92. Metrosexual Madness | 00:24:05 | |
The term "metrosexual" emerged in the mid-1990s, coined to describe a new wave of urban, fashion-forward men who embraced grooming, fashion, and a heightened sense of personal style, challenging traditional masculinity. However, critics argue the trend appropriates “the gay aesthetic,” reinforcing stereotypes and implying that an interest in fashion and grooming is inherently linked to one's sexual orientation.
Additional Resources:
| |||
| 19 Mar 2024 | 94. Girl, Please: Say No to People-Pleasing | 00:19:02 | |
The fine line between genuine kindness and people-pleasing can pose a challenge, as the latter may lead to sacrificing one's own needs, compromising authenticity, and fostering unhealthy dependencies in relationships. But gay men, in particular, tend to be influenced by societal expectations and the desire to counter stereotypes, resulting in a higher likelihood to engage in excessive people-pleasing behaviors as they navigate social dynamics and seek acceptance.
Additional Resources:
| |||
| 26 Mar 2024 | 95. Take a Page from #GayBookstagram (with Rod Lujano) | 00:32:05 | |
Inclusive representation in literature offers LGBTQ+ people a sense of visibility, validation, and connection as they see their experiences authentically mirrored, which fosters a more inclusive narrative for readers. While it was historically challenging to engage with LGBTQ+ literature, today’s social media communities actively promote and amplify inclusive representation, providing a space for queer voices to be celebrated, shared, and discovered, creating a sense of community and expanding the visibility of these narratives in the literary landscape. | |||
| 09 Apr 2024 | 97. Diversifying Queer Horror Cinema (with Jose Nateras) | 01:34:26 | |
In previous episodes, we discussed the history of gay representation in TV and film and roadblocks LGBTQ+ actors encounter in Hollywood, with gay characters continuing to be portrayed by straight actors. While representation is important, authentic LGBTQ+ portrayals in the media fosters inclusivity and visibility, helping to break down stereotypes and promote understanding among audiences.
Additional Resources: | |||
| 02 Apr 2024 | 96. Should You Swipe Left on Gay Dating Apps? | 00:33:34 | |
From early chatrooms of the 90s to geolocation apps in the 2010s, gay men have been considered to be early adopters of online dating. While today's gay dating apps offer unprecedented convenience for gay men to connect within their community, their widespread use has brought about some negative impacts, including issues related to sexual racism, body image, and the changing dynamics of social spaces for gay men.
Additional Resources:
| |||
| 16 Apr 2024 | 98. Dear Netflix: Stop Cancelling Our Queer Shows | 00:42:21 | |
Today, authentic LGBTQ+ representation in TV is more important than ever since it reflects the community's diverse experiences, fosters a sense of inclusivity, challenges stereotypes, and provides meaningful representation that resonates with audiences to promote understanding and acceptance. However, in recent years, we’ve seen a trend where LGBTQ+ shows have been increasingly canceled, some after just one season, with Netflix being the biggest culprit.
Additional Resources:
| |||
| 23 Apr 2024 | 99. Coming Out Later in Life (with Kevin O’Connor) | 01:15:38 | |
In previous episodes, we discussed the importance of coming out, which is a deeply personal and pivotal moment for LGBTQ+ individuals. And while living openly can empower us to be our authentic selves, a number of complex factors can keep us in the closet. Additional Resources: | |||