A Jaded Gay

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. These categories often include themes of empowerment, heartbreak, resilience, and self-expression, resonating deeply with the LGBTQ+ community, particularly gay men, who find solace and strength in these anthems.In this episode, we continue our Gay Icons series with none other than… Cher. From her decades-spanning career as a singer, actress, and style icon to her outspoken advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, Cher has become a symbol of reinvention, resilience, and unapologetic individuality.Related Episodes:Listen to Episode 04. Pop Icons and Their Gay Emotional AppealListen to Episode 25. Gay Icons: My Name is KylieListen to Episode 41. Gay Icons: The Queen of DiscoListen to Episode 58. Gay Icons: Our Friend, DorothyListen to Episode 127. Gay Icons: The Queen of Pop (with Stefan Mreczko)Additional Resources:Pop Icons and Emotional Resonance: The Deep Connection Between Gay Men and Pop MusicKylie Minogue: Celebrating a Legacy of Resilience and Artistic ReinventionDonna Summer: The Queen of Disco and Her Enduring LegacyJudy Garland: The Enduring Legacy of Hollywood’s Timeless Star and Gay IconCher (Wikipedia)Cher Singles DiscographyCher Albums DiscographyCher's 'Believe' Turns 20: How the Song Helped Bring Auto-Tune into the MainstreamCher Recalls Being the 'First' to Use Auto-Tune on 'Believe' Record After Argument with ProducerCher Accepts iHeartRadio Icon Award With Unforgettable Speech, PerformanceSupport the showGet Your Merch

For gay men, humor has long been a powerful tool for resilience, offering both a means of survival through marginalization and a way to reclaim joy and identity. As queer comedy evolves and gains mainstream visibility, it remains a radical act of authenticity, resistance, and connection—especially during Pride, when celebrating visibility and community is more important than ever.In this episode, Michael John Ciszewski joins us to share his journey as a queer comedian and explore how humor fuels authenticity, activism, and connection during Pride and beyond in today’s ever-evolving cultural and political landscape.Related Episodes:Listen to Episode 33. Self-Deprecating Humor: Am I Crying or Laughing?Listen to Episode 34. GBF: Gay Best FriendListen to Episode 135. Don't Be A Mean GayAdditional Resources:Self-Deprecating Humor’s Effect on LGBTQ+ Mental Health and Self-EsteemFrom Sidekick to Main Character: Unpacking the 'Gay Best Friend' Trope and Its Impact on Queer MenLearn More About Michael JohnFollow Michael John on InstagramFollow Michael John on TikTokSubscribe to Michael John on YouTubeFollow Michael John on TwitterSupport the showGet Your Merch

We've previously explored how LGBTQ+ history has often been overlooked, ignored, or deliberately erased, demonstrating the importance of remembering and honoring our past. Despite ongoing attacks from the current administration aimed at censoring or rewriting queer history, LGBTQ+ historians continue to preserve it, ensuring that our stories and the figures who shaped them are not forgotten.In this episode, Keith Stern, author of Queers in History, joins us discuss the evolution of his groundbreaking encyclopedia over the past three decades and how understanding our history can empower future generations and strengthen today’s activism.Related Episodes:Listen to Episode 145. Resisting Erasure: Preserving LGBTQ+ History (with Michael Venturiello)Additional Resources:Learn More About Queers in HistoryLearn More About Keith SternSupport the showGet Your Merch

The current state of LGBTQ+ rights and politics reflects both significant progress and mounting challenges, with ongoing debates over transgender rights, workplace protections, and marriage equality. Activism, rooted in the community’s historic struggle for equality, continues to drive the Pride movement’s call for visibility, justice, and protection against rising anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and rhetoric.In this episode, Mari Nemec, Advocacy Counsel for the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association, joins us to discuss the evolving fight for LGBTQ+ rights, the vital role of legal advocacy in countering political threats, and how Pride remains a powerful reminder that activism, visibility, and community are essential to securing lasting equality.Related Episodes:Listen to Episode 06. Gay Panic DefenseListen to Episode 20. Don't Say GayListen to Episode 46. Obergefell v. Hodges and the Ongoing Fight for Marriage EqualityListen to Episode 67. 303 Creative LLC v. ElenisAdditional Resources:The LGBTQ+ Panic Defense: A Threat to Our Safety and EqualityThe Ripple Effects of the "Don't Say Gay" Bill on LGBTQ+ CommunitiesThe Fight for Marriage Equality Isn’t Over: Obergefell & BeyondHow 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis Threatens LGBTQ+ Freedoms and Civil RightsLearn More About the National LGBTQ+ Bar AssociationFollow the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association on InstagramConnect with the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association on LinkedInFollow the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association on FacebookSubscribe to the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association on YouTubeFollow the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association on TwitterSupport the showGet Your Merch

While Pride is often seen as a time for parades and rainbow flags, it can also be a reminder of the trauma, shame, and disconnection that many LGBTQ+ people, especially gay men, carry within themselves. Yet Pride can also be a time of reclamation, offering an opportunity to honor queer joy and reconnect with our desires and authentic selves.In this episode, Court Vox, a leading somatic sex educator, surrogate partner, and founder of The BodyVox, joins us to discuss how we can heal through pleasure and reclaim Pride as a celebration of embodied authenticity, connection, and the radical act of embracing our fullest selves.Related Episodes:Listen to Episode 5. 05. Interpersonal Vulnerability: Overcoming the Fear of RejectionListen to Episode 22. Deeper and Deeper: Building Emotional IntimacyListen to Episode 108. Celebrate Queer JoyListen to Episode 146. The Velvet RageAdditional Resources:The Power of Vulnerability in Building Authentic Gay RelationshipsEmotional Intimacy in Gay Relationships: Overcoming App Culture and Building Deeper ConnectionsLearn More About CourtFollow Court on InstagramFollow The Body Vox on InstagramFollow The Body Vox on TwitterFollow The Body Vox on FacebookSupport the showGet Your Merch

In previous episodes, we discussed how pop culture has long served as a powerful space for gay men to find representation, expression, and community, offering both a reflection of their struggles and a source of empowerment. Within this space, dolls and collectibles further provide a medium for gay men to explore themes of identity, often becoming symbols of empowerment and nostalgia within queer culture.In this episode, Chris Angelo, a Bratz collector, joins us to discuss the intersection of his queer identity with collecting and why pop culture collectibles provide a source of community for LGBTQ+ people.Additional Resources:Follow Chris Angelo on InstagramFollow The Bratz Barista on InstagramSupport the showGet Your Merch

In recent years, "twink death"—the idea that a young, slim gay man loses social value as he ages out of the "twink" category—has gained traction as a viral online concept. Though often treated as a humorous social media trend, it highlights the deeper issues around ageism, body image, and the pressure to conform to narrow beauty standards within the gay community.In this episode, we unpack the cultural categorization of twinks, explore the origins and implications of "twink death," and discuss how gay men can challenge ageist beauty standards and embrace aging with pride.Related Episodes:Listen to Episode 32. Gay Men and Body ObsessionListen to Episode 60. Is 30 Gay Death?Additional Resources:The Pressure to Achieve Perfection: Body Obsession in the Gay Community and Its Impact on Self-WorthDebunking 'Gay Death': How Gay Men Can Age with PrideTwink (Urban Dictionary)Twink (Dictionary.com)Twinkie (Collins Dictionary)What is a Twink?Twink (Wikipedia)Twink Death (Urban Dictionary)Twink Death (Know Your Meme)Twink Death and Its ConsequencesExoletus (Wikipedia)Twink Death: Is the Party Really Over?Twink DeathSupport the showGet Your Merch

In previous episodes, we explored how LGBTQ+ media representation has evolved significantly since the early days of cinema, shifting from largely negative stereotypes and hidden identities to more nuanced and diverse portrayals of queer experiences. Despite this progress, there still seems to be a lack of LGBTQ+ voices and perspectives behind the cameras, ensuring that characters are authentically represented.In this episode, AJ Mattioli, a trans producer, director, and owner of Mattioli Productions, joins us to explore the critical need for authentic representation both on-screen and behind the scenes, the distinctive challenges encountered by trans-owned film production companies, and how we, as members of the LGBTQ+ community, can actively support and uplift queer filmmakers.Related Episodes:Listen to Episode 07. The History of Gay Representation in TV & FilmListen to Episode 55. Gay for Pay: Should Straight Actors Play Queer Characters?Listen to Episode 97. Diversifying Queer Horror Cinema (with Jose Nateras)Listen to Episode 98. Dear Netflix: Stop Cancelling Our Queer ShowsAdditional Resources:Learn More About Mattioli ProductionsFollow Mattioli Productions on InstagramFollow Mattioli Productions on YouTubeCheck Out Mattioli Productions’ Latest TrailersBrowse Mattioli Productions’ FilmsSupport the showGet Your Merch

LGBTQ+ individuals often navigate the diverse landscape of the queer community to forge connections that resonate with their identities, seeking spaces where they feel seen, understood, and supported. The bear community, with its celebration of body positivity and inclusivity, provides a unique subculture within the larger LGBTQ+ spectrum, fostering a strong sense of belonging and community engagement.In this episode, Mark Singer, founder of Chumley’s BearCruises, joins us to discuss his experiences within the bear community, detailing how it inspired him to create Chumley's BearCruises and how these cruises foster a strong sense of belonging and connection among bears.Additional Resources:Learn More About Chumley’s BearCruisesFollow Chumley’s BearCruises on InstagramSubscribe to Chumley’s BearCruises on YouTubeConnect with Chumley’s BearCruises on FacebookSupport the showGet Your Merch

In a time when relationships are no longer confined to traditional labels, ethical non-monogamy allows gay individuals to build connections that align with their unique desires and values. By fostering open communication, trust, and mutual consent, non-monogamous relationships can provide fulfilling connections that honor the evolving dynamics of love and partnership.In this episode, Jeff Hudson joins us to share his personal journey with ethical non-monogamy, discussing the challenges and misconceptions surrounding non-traditional relationships and how his experience reshaped his views on love and commitment.Related Episodes:Listen to Episode 54. Love in the Third Degree (with Eric Praniewicz)Additional Resources:Read Exploring Polyamory Among Gay Men: Redefining Love, Connection, and AuthenticityFollow Jeff on InstagramRead Deconstructing Us: My Trouble with a ThroupleEthical Non-Monogamy: Basics & Rules for ENM RelationshipsSupport the showGet Your Merch