A Jaded Gay

Since 1865, the Salvation Army has provided social services, such as shelter, food, and rehabilitation programs, to people in need. While known for its goodwill and iconic holiday red kettle campaign, the organization has faced controversy within the LGBTQ+ community over past policies and statements perceived as discriminatory.In this episode, we’re exploring the Salvation Army’s complex relationship with the LGBTQ+ community and the steps it has taken in recent years to improve inclusivity.Additional Resources:Committee’s Inquiry into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual AbuseSuit Claims Group's Staff Is Pressured On ReligionSettlement in Salvation Army Suit on ProselytizingNo Ban on Harry Potter, Twilight Xmas Donations, Says Sally AnnThe Salvation Army's History of Anti-LGBT DiscriminationSalvation Army Cuts S.F. Programs / Charity Spurns City's Domestic Partner LawCharity Is Told It Must Abide By Antidiscrimination LawsSalvation Army Uses Homeless to Fight Gay BenefitsB.C. Salvation Army Volunteer Tells Gay Rights Supporters Not to DonateStatement in Response to Australian Radio InterviewSalvation Army Refers People to Ex-Gay GroupsSalvation Army 'Does Not Consider Homosexual Orientation a Sin'Ellie Goulding Threatens to Cancel Her Cowboys Thanksgiving Halftime Show Over Salvation Army ConcernsSalvation Army Says It's No Longer HomophobicChick-fil-A Stops Donations To Anti-LGBTQ GroupsMacy's Won't Host Salvation Army This Holiday SeasonSalvation Army Commander: Yes, We Are Faith-Based Charity. But We Serve and Love Everyone.Support the showGet Your Merch

In previous episodes, we’ve delved into the complex relationship gay men often have with body image shaped by societal expectations and stereotypes that idealize a lean, muscular physique, leading many to experience feelings of inadequacy and self-consciousness about their appearance. According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, gay and bisexual boys are significantly more likely to engage in harmful behaviors such as fasting, vomiting, or using laxatives and diet pills to control their weight.In this episode, Roy Belzer, a body-positive fitness coach, joins us to share his personal journey with body image, discuss how he overcame disordered eating, and highlight the importance of inclusive fitness for the health and wellbeing of the LGBTQ+ community.Related Episodes:Listen to Episode 32. Gay Men and Body ObsessionListen to Episode 82. Gay Gym CultureListen to Episode 91. Fat and Fabulous: Embrace Body Positivity (with Matthew Simko)Additional Resources:Learn More About Roy BelzerSchedule a Chat with RoyFollow Roy on InstagramFollow Roy on TikTokConnect with Roy on FacebookCheck Out Roy’s Men’s Health Magazine FeatureEating Disorder StatisticsSupport the showGet Your Merch

In most episodes, we often discuss how gay men face unique mental health challenges due to societal stigma, discrimination, and internalized stress, which can exacerbate issues like anxiety and depression. Prioritizing mental health and wellness can help address these specific struggles and promote overall well-being as we work to foster resilience and build a fulfilling life.In this episode, Peter DeWitt, founder of Gay Wellness, joins us to discuss how his own wellness journey led him to create an online platform that connects clients with quality gay massage therapists and wellness practitioners.Related Episodes:Listen to Episode 35. Surviving the HolidaysAdditional Resources:Learn More About Gay WellnessFollow Gay Wellness on InstagramFollow Peter DeWitt on InstagramSupport the showGet Your Merch

Situationships are undefined romantic or sexual relationships that lack clear commitment or future plans, often leading to ambiguous expectations between partners. For some gay men, growing up in a heteronormative society can lead to attachment issues or a fear of commitment, making them more likely to find themselves in situationships where emotional vulnerability is limited.In this episode, we’re examining the telltale signs and red flags of situationships, discussing how these ambiguous relationships can affect mental health, and offering guidance on how to navigate a situationship if you find yourself in one.Related Episodes:Listen to Episode 15. Understanding Attachment StylesListen to Episode 70. Good Grief: How to Cope with LossListen to Episode 71. Queer GriefListen to Bonus 14. WTF America?Additional Resources:Situationship DefinitionSituationship vs Friends With BenefitsSituationships: What They Are and 5 Signs You’re in One10 Signs You're in a Situationship, Whether You Know It or NotWhat to Do if Your Situationship is Screwing With Your Mental HealthWhy Situationships Can Be Toxic and How to Break FreeSupport 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 Stefan Mreczko joining us to discuss none other than the Queen of Pop herself, Madonna. As host of MLVC: The Madonna Podcast, Stefan chats with us about the iconic singer, songwriter, and actress’ boundary-pushing music, reinvention of image, and significant influence on pop culture over the past four decadesRelated 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 Bonus 11. Gay Icons: Amy WinehouseAdditional Resources:Learn More About Stefan MreczkoFollow Stefan on InstagramConnect with MLVC: The Madonna PodcastStraight Jacket: Overcoming Society's Legacy of Gay ShameSupport the showGet Your Merch

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