A Jaded Gay

In previous episodes, we explored how queer themes have been woven into horror for over 250 years, highlighting that the genre has always had an inherently queer essence. It resonates with many members of the LGBTQ+ community since it often reflects feelings of otherness, fear, and survival, which are familiar experiences for those who have faced societal marginalization.In this episode, Sean Abley, a horror journalist, award-winning playwright, and creator of Gay of the Dead, joins us to discuss the significance of queer representation, the power of building a horror community, and his latest project, Queer Horror: A Film Guide.Related Episodes:Listen to Episode 28. Gay HorrorListen to Episode 79. Queer Mysticism: Gay Men & SpiritualityListen to Episode 80. Queer Haunts: Happy Halloween (with Ralph Anthony)Listen to Episode 97. Diversifying Queer Horror Cinema (with Jose Nateras)Listen to Episode 124. Queer Frights & New Media: Horror Beyond the Screen (with Bobby Torrez)Additional Resources:Learn More About Sean AbleyFollow Sean on InstagramBuy Queer Horror: A Film GuideBecome a Gay of the Dead MemberFollow Gay of the Dead on InstagramFollow Gay of the Dead on FacebookSupport the showGet Your Merch

In previous episodes, we explored the history of gay representation in TV and film, touching on stereotypes and the challenges faced by queer creators. One major roadblock has been the "Bury Your Gays" trope, which limits authentic representation by perpetuating harmful narratives that often depict LGBTQ+ characters as tragic or expendable, rather than allowing for diverse, fully realized stories.In this episode, we’re diving into the origins of the "Bury Your Gays" trope, examining its ongoing presence in media, and discussing how creators can shift away from it to foster more authentic and meaningful LGBTQ+ representation in the future.Related Episodes:Listen to Episode 06. Gay Panic DefenseListen to Episode 07. The History of Gay Representation in TV & FilmListen to Episode 28. Gay HorrorListen to Episode 80. Queer Haunts: Happy Halloween (with Ralph Anthony)Listen to Episode 97. Diversifying Queer Horror Cinema (with Jose Nateras)Listen to Episode 108. Celebrate Queer JoyAdditional Resources:Bury Your GaysVasquez Always DiesEver Wondered How to Kill Off a Queer Character Without Falling into the 'Bury Your Gays' Trope?Hollywood's "Bury Your Gays" Trope Explained: History & ControversyDepraved Homosexual15 Recent, Especially Brutal, Examples of the Bury Your Gays TropeSupernatural: Castiel Sacrifices Himself to Save Dean From DeathIt Chapter Two: Adrian Mellon Death SceneSupport the showGet Your Merch

In previous episodes, we've explored how queer themes have been woven into horror for over 250 years, mirroring experiences of otherness, fear, and survival—common realities for those facing societal marginalization. Today, the horror genre has transcended traditional media channels, expanding its reach through platforms like YouTube and podcasts, where creators can explore these themes in fresh, innovative ways.In this episode, Bobby Torrez, a horror YouTuber and podcaster, joins us to discuss the ins and outs of his horror reviews, navigate stereotypes and tropes in horror, and discuss how queer horror can push boundaries to become even more inclusive.Related Episodes:Listen to Episode 28. Gay HorrorListen to Episode 80. Queer Haunts: Happy Halloween (with Ralph Anthony)Listen to Episode 97. Diversifying Queer Horror Cinema (with Jose Nateras)Additional Resources:Follow Bobby Torrez on InstagramFollow Bobby Torrez on TwitterSubscribe to Bobby Likes It SpookyTune in to People Under the ScaresTune in to Scream Kingz PodcastSupport the showGet Your Merch

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.In this episode, I reflect on my coming out journey from a decade ago, sharing the funny, cringey, and self-discovery that have shaped me along the way.Related Episodes:Listen to Episode 77. Coming OutListen to Episode 99. Coming Out Later in Life (with Kevin O’ Connor)Support the showGet Your Merch

Presidential administrations significantly influence the well-being of the LGBTQ+ community through their policies on civil rights, healthcare, and anti-discrimination protections, which can either advance or hinder equality and acceptance. Additionally, an administration's public stance on LGBTQ+ issues sets a national tone, impacting societal attitudes and the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals.In this episode, we’re reviewing the Trump administration's stance on LGBTQ+ rights from 2017 to 2021, examining the impact of its actions on civil rights, healthcare access, and protections for the LGBTQ+ community.Related Episodes:Listen to Episode 03. Surviving Another PandemicListen to Episode 27. Matthew ShepardListen to Episode 112. Project 2025Additional Resources:GLAAD's Trump Accountability TrackerTrump in 1999: "I Am Very Pro-Choice"The Advocate Interview with Donald TrumpDonald Trump’s More Accepting Views on Gay Issues Set Him Apart in G.O.P."It’s Not My Thing": A History of Trump’s Shifting Relationship with the LGBT CommunityDonald Trump Congratulated Elton John on His Civil Partnership in 2005Donald Trump Says He’s Against Gay MarriageDoes Donald Trump Support Civil Unions or Not?Gay Conservatives Bring Trump and the Party to CPACDonald Trump Has Words for Transgender Miss Universe ContestantDonald Trump Comes Out Against North Carolina's HB2LGBT Groups Blast Trump for Voicing Support for HB2 in RaleighRead Donald Trump’s Speech on the Orlando ShootingTrump Has Appointed 216 New Federal Judges and it Could Be 230 By Election DayA Third of Trump's Court Nominees have Anti-LGBTQ History, Report FindsSupport the showGet Your Merch

In numerous episodes, we’ve learned that gay men are more likely to struggle with mental health issues due to the trauma experienced from growing up in a society that often stigmatizes their identity. Despite these challenges, we must heal from trauma so we can lead fulfilling lives and make a difference for the LGBTQ+ community, fostering both personal well-being and collective resilience.In this episode, Dr. Jason Durant, a prominent gay psychologist, joins us to discuss how his own journey has shaped his empathetic and insightful approach to therapy, how he addresses common mental health struggles gay men face, and his new book, which offers valuable guidance and support for gay men navigating their mental health journeys.Related Episodes:Listen to Episode 11. Overcoming Internalized HomophobiaListen to Episode 26. Gay & AnxiousListen to Episode 42. Are You Emotionally Unavailable?Additional Resources:Learn More About Dr. Jason DurantFollow Dr. Jason Durant on InstagramBuy Boy From the North Country: A Queer Therapist Looks Back at Overcoming Trauma With MindfulnessSupport the showGet Your Merch

Since the 1890s, the term queer was initially used as a derogatory slur against gay men until it was later reclaimed by the LGBTQ+ community as a symbol of empowerment and inclusivity. Today, it’s used non-offensively as an inclusive term that embraces a wide spectrum of sexual orientations and gender identities within the community.In this episode, we're taking a look into the etymology of the word queer, tracing its origins as a slur, and examining the pivotal moments and motivations behind the LGBTQ+ community's powerful reclamation of the term.Related Episodes:Listen to Bonus 12. Spooky StorytimeListen to Episode 03. Surviving Another PandemicListen to Episode 23. Let's Talk About the F WordListen to Episode 51. ACT UP: Silence = DeathAdditional Resources:Queer (Etymology)Queer (Definition)How the Word ‘Queer’ was Adopted by the LGBTQ CommunityMarquess of Queensberry‘Queer’ History: A History of QueerOscar Wilde TrialReviled, Reclaimed and Respected: The History of the Word 'Queer'Come Out!Support the showGet Your Merch

In recent years, several states have enacted bans on queer books, citing unsubstantiated claims ranging from content deemed inappropriate to concerns about age-appropriateness. These bans have restricted access to diverse and affirming literature for the LGBTQ+ community, leading to feelings of erasure and marginalization, and hindered the representation and visibility of queer identities, which is crucial for fostering understanding and acceptance.In this episode, Alexander Rigby, a New York Times Bestselling Editor at Penguin Random House and curator of the publisher’s LGBTQ+ Network, joins us to discuss the impacts of queer book bans on LGBTQ+ people, how Penguin Random House is continuing to promote queer voices, and ways the LGBTQ+ community can support queer authors and push back against unjust book bans.Related Episodes:Listen to Episode 95. Take a Page from #GayBookstagram (with Rod Lujano)Listen to Episode 101. Sci-Fi: The Future is Queer (with TQ Sims)Additional Resources:Learn More About Alexander RigbyFollow Alexander on InstagramFollow Penguin Random House LGBTQ+ Network on InstagramCheck Out Pride in Your WordsFollow Penguin Random House on InstagramSupport the showGet Your Merch

Heterosexism is a system of attitudes, biases, and discrimination that privileges heterosexuality and marginalizes and oppresses LGBTQ+ people. This pervasive bias can lead to significant negative impacts on LGBTQ+ individuals, including increased rates of mental health issues, social isolation, and barriers to accessing healthcare and other essential services.In this episode, we’re delving into the concept of heterosexism, exploring how it manifests in various aspects of society, the trauma it can inflict on LGBTQ+ individuals, and strategies for overcoming this pervasive bias.Related Episodes:Listen to Episode 39. We Are Family: Part 1 (with Michelle Loveless)Listen to Episode 59. Say Bye Bye Bye to Bi Erasure (with Sam McClain)Listen to Episode 63. The Stonewall RiotsListen to Episode 69. That's So Gay (You Really Shouldn't Say That)Additional Resources:Homophobia DefinitionGeorge WeinbergHeterosexism (Definition)The Stonewall Riots: Coming Out in the StreetsHeroes of Stonewall: Craig RodwellBeyond “Homophobia”: Thinking About Sexual Prejudice and Stigma in the Twenty-First CenturyPrejudice, Social Stress, and Mental Health in Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Populations: Conceptual Issues and Research EvidenceThe Context of Anti-Gay ViolenceHomophobia: A Weapon of SexismHeterosexism & HomophobiaHeterosexist Microaggressions, Student Academic Experience and Perception of Campus Climate: Findings From an Italian Higher Education ContextMicroaggressions in Everyday Life: Race, Gender, and Sexual OrientationHow Heterosexism Can Be TraumaticHow to Combat HeterosexismSupport the showGet Your Merch

In previous episodes, we explored pop culture’s resonance with the LGBTQ+ community, serving as both a reflection of societal changes and a source of representation and validation. Pop icons in music, film, television, and other media often highlight diverse narratives and characters that resonate with the experiences and identities of LGBTQ+ people while advocating for equal rights and visibility.In this episode, Carmine Davis, singer and host of The Carmine Davis Show, joins us to discuss his relationship with pop culture, icons who have inspired his career, and how inclusive pop culture can be a positive force of change for the LGBTQ+ community.Related Episodes:Listen to Episode 04. Pop Icons and Their Gay Emotional AppealAdditional Resources:Learn More About Carmine DavisFollow Carmine Davis on InstagramTune in to The Carmine Davis ShowStream All Friendship is RomanticBook Carmine Davis on CameoSupport the showGet Your Merch