A Jaded Gay

Previously, we discussed how some queer men find solace and empowerment in spiritual practices like astrology, which offers a means of self-discovery and affirmation. Rooted in introspection and symbolism, queer astrology can help individuals reclaim their narratives and connect more deeply with their authentic selves.In this episode, Danny Santos, an astrologer, tarot expert, and psychic medium, joins us to explore how spiritual tools like astrology can support queer individuals in navigating identity, healing, and connection during times of transformation.Related Episodes:Listen to 79. Queer Mysticism: Gay Men & SpiritualityAdditional Resources:Learn More About Danny SantosFollow Danny on InstagramFollow Danny on TikTokListen to Astro Daddy PodcastSupport the showGet Your Merch

Social media has created vibrant online communities where LGBTQ+ people can connect, share experiences, and affirm their identities. Platforms like TikTok offer support, visibility, and a sense of belonging that many may not find in their offline lives.In this episode, Nick Paul of The Wicked Pumpkin joins us to explore how TikTok nurtures queer community, creativity, and connection, especially during spooky season, when Halloween’s themes of transformation and self-expression resonate deeply with LGBTQ+ culture.Related Episodes:Listen to Episode 08. Finding Your CommunityAdditional Resources:Finding Your Community: Navigating LGBTQ+ Friendships Beyond the Party SceneFollow The Wicked Pumpkin on TikTokFollow The Wicked Pumpkin on InstagramFollow Nick Paul on InstagramSupport the showGet Your Merch

Queer beauty celebrates self-expression, authenticity, and fluidity, challenging traditional beauty standards and embracing identities across the spectrum. By centering queer voices, beauty becomes a powerful tool for empowerment, allowing individuals to reclaim their image and take pride in their identity.In this episode, Vincent Branchesi and Karim Fadel, co-founders of Grimoire, join us to discuss how they’re redefining beauty and masculinity with their queer-owned skincare brand and explore the empowering role of self-care in the LGBTQ+ community.Related Episodes:Listen to Episode 89. Beyond the Brawn: Redefining Queer Masculinity (with Erick DuPree)Listen to Episode 92. Metrosexual MadnessAdditional Resources:Metrosexuality: Challenging Masculinity or Reinforcing Problematic Stereotypes?Check Out GrimoireFollow Grimoire on InstagramFollow Grimoire on TikTokFollow Vincent on InstagramFollow Karim on InstagramSupport the showGet Your Merch

Societal pressure on men to appear tough and self-reliant can lead to the avoidance of medical care since vulnerability is wrongly equated with weakness. For gay men, this is further complicated by the fear of discrimination or judgment in healthcare settings, creating additional barriers to accessing necessary treatment.In this episode, Mickie Kennedy, author of Glandscapes, joins us to discuss how queer identity and masculinity intersect with health and vulnerability, breaking taboos around gay men’s health and exploring the enduring queer legacy of survival and resilience.Related Episodes:Listen to Episode 89. Beyond the Brawn: Redefining Queer Masculinity (with Erick DuPree)Listen to Episode 103. A Pulse Check on LGBTQ+ Healthcare (with Max Austin)Listen to Episode 107. Kiss & Release (with Anthony DiPietro)Additional Resources:The Journey of LGBTQ+ Healthcare Professionals and the Path to Inclusive CareLearn More About MickieBuy GlandscapesFollow Mickie on InstagramFollow Mickie on FacebookFollow Mickie on TwitterSupport the showGet Your Merch

Queer bookstores have long been more than just places to buy books, serving as cultural hubs, safe havens, and essential spaces for connection, representation, and affirmation within the LGBTQ+ community. As we navigate an increasingly hostile political landscape, building and sustaining these spaces is not only an act of resistance, but one of resilience and solidarity.In this episode, Greg Newton and Donnie Jochum, co-founders of the Bureau of General Services—Queer Division (the Bureau), join us to explore what it takes to create and maintain queer infrastructure, how the Bureau continues to provide a platform for storytelling and connection, and what the future holds for this essential community space.Additional Resources:Learn More About the Bureau of General Services – Queer DivisionFollow the Bureau on InstagramSubscribe to the Bureau on YouTubeFollow the Bureau on FacebookFollow Greg on InstagramFollow Donnie on InstagramSupport the showGet Your Merch

Many gay men grow up internalizing social norms that dictate how they should act, love, or present themselves—distorting their sense of self and making it harder to connect authentically with others. But we can begin to heal when we embrace radical acceptance, challenge outdated narratives, and learn to show up for ourselves with compassion.In this episode, Sam Fogarty, a licensed therapist and clinical supervisor at myTherapyNYC, joins us to explore the power of affirming, authenticity-centered therapy and how we can begin to unlearn shame by making space for a more expansive, self-loving version of ourselves.Related Episodes:Listen to Episode 121. Unpack Your Gay Emotional Baggage (with Dr. Jason Durant)Additional Resources:Learn More About myTherapyNYCFollow myTherapyNYC on InstagramSubscribe to myTherapyNYC on YouTubeFollow myTherapyNYC on FacebookConnect with myTherapyNYC on LinkedInFollow myTherapyNYC on TwitterFollow Sam on InstagramSupport the showGet Your Merch

Previously, we explored the concept of love bombing, where one partner overwhelms the other with excessive affection and attention early in a relationship to mask manipulative intentions. This behavior often sets the stage for a narcissistic relationship, a toxic dynamic in which one partner uses charm, control, and emotional manipulation to maintain power.In this episode, Mack Ciccone joins us to share his journey of leaving a narcissistic relationship and offers insights on reclaiming autonomy and redefining personal boundaries.Related Episodes:Listen to Episode 29. Love BombingAdditional Resources:Love Bombing Defused: Spot Red Flags, Reclaim Boundaries, and Heal from Toxic RomanceRead Take a Bow. Narcissistic Discard. (Part 1)Read Live to TellSupport the showGet Your Merch

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