A Jaded Gay

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.In this episode, we’ll dive into internalized homophobia and how we can practice self-compassion to overcome negative attitudes in an effort to live authentically.Additional Resources:Internalized Homophobia, Intimacy, and Sexual Behavior Among Gay and Bisexual Men (1998)The Rainbow Project - Internalised HomophobiaInternalized Homophobia and Relationship Quality Among Lesbians, Gay Men, and BisexualsMeasurement and Correlates of Internalized Homophobia: A Factor for Analytic StudyInternalized Homophobia and Relationship Quality Among Lesbians, Gay Men, and Bisexuals (2009)What is Internalized Homophobia?30 Ways to Combat Internalized Homophobia for Gay and Lesbian PeopleBe Kind to YourselfLife Support by Sarah McKnight (Paperback)Life Support by Sarah McKnight (Audiobook)Support the showGet Your Merch

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.In this episode, we’re talking about the ins and outs (no pun intended) of bringing our authentic selves to work and how we can create greater visibility for the LGBTQ+ community at work.Additional Resources:A Workplace Divided: Understanding the Climate for LGBTQ Workers NationwideJustices Rule LGBT People Protected from Job DiscriminationEven With Ruling, Workplace Still Unequal for LGBTQ WorkersHow the LGBTQ+ Community Fares in the WorkplaceComing Out at WorkPRISMSupport the showGet Your Merch

Every Pride, we see corporations proudly display their rainbow logos and merchandise…but what happens to all that on July 1?In this episode, we dive into the commercialization and commodification of Pride and how some corporations are padding the pockets of anti-LGBTQ+ politicians while donning their faux rainbows.Additional Resources:Why LGBT Pride Festivals Have Become Increasingly CorporateThe Best Part of Pride is Making Fun of Rainbow CapitalismThe LGBTQ+ Community Has $3.7 Trillion In Purchasing Power; Here's How We Want You to Sell to Us.How LGBTQ Pride Month Became a Branded Holiday5 Horrible Pride Campaigns So FarJust Some Brands That Have Absolutely No Business Running a Pride CampaignRainbow Capitalism Raises Questions About Corporate Commitments and Pride Month’s PurposeThese 25 Rainbow Flag-Waving Corporations Donated More Than $10 Million to Anti-Gay Politicians in the Last Two YearsSupport the showGet Your Merch

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.In this episode, we’re discussing ways you can put your authentic self out there and other opportunities to find your community.Support the showGet Your Merch

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.In this episode, we’re diving into the history of gay representation in TV and film and discussing how being our authentic selves can manifest true representation in the media.Additional Resources:Where We Are on TV (2021 - 2022)Support the showGet Your Merch

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.  In this episode, we’re discussing the basis of the gay panic defense and learning how we can take action to end this discriminatory legal strategy.Additional Resources:The Gay/Trans Panic Defense: What It is, and How to End ItLGBTQ+ "Panic" DefenseStudy Finds LGBTQ People Much Likelier to Be Crime VictimsHow to Contact Your Elected OfficialsSupport the showGet Your Merch

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?In this episode, we’re discussing the concept of interpersonal vulnerability and why it can be harder for gay men to open up to a significant other.Additional Resources:Interpersonal Vulnerability and Its Association with Depressive Symptoms Among Gay and Heterosexual MenThe Role of Interpersonal Vulnerability in Cognitive Therapy for DepressionHow Embracing Vulnerability Strengthens Our RelationshipsHow to Be More Vulnerable in Your Relationship (Even if it Scares You)7 Things to Do if You're Having a Hard Time Being Vulnerable in a RelationshipSupport the showGet Your Merch

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?In this episode, we’re looking into some historically significant gay anthems while discussing our iconic pop queens and their gay appeal.Additional Resources:Straight JacketLady Gaga's Born This Way: Gay Anthems and Girl PowerSupport the showGet Your Merch

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.And let’s not forget that decades of HIV research conducted by the LGBTQ community and its allies paved the way for the COVID vaccine.Additional Resources:A Timeline of HIV and AIDSGlobal HIV & AIDS Statistics — Fact SheetGeorge H. W. Bush's Presidency Erased People with AIDS. So Did the Tributes to HimHow HIV Research Paved the Way for the Covid mRNA VaccinesLGBTQ People Face Higher Unemployment Amid Coronavirus Pandemic, Survey FindsThe Lives and Livelihoods of Many in the LGBTQ Community are at Risk Amidst COVID-19 CrisisSupport the showGet Your Merch

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?In this episode, we explore what it means to be codependent and how we can overcome this.Additional Resources:Codependent No MoreSupport the showGet Your Merch