A Jaded Gay

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

Art has been a vital form of expression for queer people, providing a powerful platform to explore, celebrate, and communicate their identities, experiences, and struggles in a world where their voices are often marginalized.In this episode, Jacoby Nordberg joins us to discuss his experiences as a queer artist, exploring how art serves as a profound medium for expressing his identity and the broader impact of art in empowering and giving voice to the LGBTQ+ community.Additional Resources:Learn More About Jacoby NordbergFollow Jacoby on InstagramFollow Jacoby on TikTokCheck Out Jacoby’s PortfolioSupport the showGet Your Merch

LGBTQ+ individuals often struggle to find their community and a place of support, encountering societal stigma and discrimination that can make it challenging to connect with others who share their experiences and understand their unique needs. LGBTQ+ individuals who also have autism often navigate a complex intersection of identities, facing distinct challenges and experiences that require support and understanding.In this episode, Max Korten joins us to discuss his experiences as a gay man with autism, queer dating with a developmental disability, and how we can all work together to make the LGBTQ+ community a more inclusive space.Additional Resources:Follow Max Korten on InstagramSupport the showGet Your Merch

Located at the northern tip of Cape Code in Massachusetts, Provincetown is a coastal town renowned for its vibrant arts scene and historic significance and celebrated as a premier gay tourist destination known for its inclusive atmosphere, lively LGBTQ+ events, and welcoming community.In this episode, we’re diving into Provincetown's rich history, exploring how it evolved into a premier gay tourist destination and uncovering the vibrant tapestry of its queer heritage.Related Episodes:Listen to Episode 17. Mobsters & Mos: How the Mafia Owned Gay NightlifeListen to Episode 24. Gay Villages: Won't You Be My Gaybor‪?Listen to Episode 65. 65. Fire Island Additional Resources:US Census BureauA Brief History of Provincetown, MassachusettsHow Ptown Got So Gay, Gay, GayWhy Is Provincetown So Gay?Cape Queer? A Case Study of Provincetown, MassachusettsThe Pilgrim HouseThe Pilgrim House Hotel (May 17, 1973)Fantasia Fair: Miscellaneous DocumentsWomencraftsProvincetown Business GuildCarnivalPtown Hacks (Towleroad 2015)Bear Week ProvincetownBear WeekSupport the showGet Your Merch

LGBTQ+ advocacy dates back to early 20th-century efforts, such as the formation of the Society for Human Rights in 1924, and gained momentum with landmark events like the 1969 Stonewall Riots, which galvanized a global movement for equality and rights. Despite significant progress, ongoing advocacy is crucial to combat persistent discrimination, ensure legal protections, and promote societal acceptance for LGBTQ+ individuals worldwide.In this episode, Anthony Munger, Program Manager for the Louisville Pride Foundation and a licensed social worker, joins us to discuss the importance of continued LGBTQ+ advocacy, especially around areas impacting LGBTQ+ health.Additional Resources:Follow Anthony Munger on InstagramLearn More About Louisville Pride FoundationSupport the showGet Your Merch

The Trump administration had a detrimental impact on LGBTQ+ rights by rolling back protections and supporting religious exemptions that allowed discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals. Looking ahead to the 2024 election, The Heritage Foundation has published Project 2025, a 920-page extremist policy agenda and staffing blueprint with conservative ideals, for the next Republican administration to swiftly implement upon taking office in January 2025.In this episode, we’re dissecting the Heritage Foundation's conservative influence, including its significant impact on the Trump administration's policies, and why Project 2025 poses a serious threat to LGBTQ+ Americans and democracy at large.Related Episodes:Listen to Episode 30. Gay Sex Education (or the Lack Thereof)Listen to Episode 46. Obergefell v. Hodges and the Ongoing Fight for Marriage EqualityListen to Episode 67. 303 Creative LLC v. ElenisAdditional Resources:The Heritage FoundationMandate for LeadershipHow One Conservative Think Tank is Stocking Trump’s GovernmentKevin RobertsDonations Have Surged to Groups Linked to Conservative Project 2025Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative PromiseThe White House Gender Policy CouncilCongressional Leaders Form Task Force to Counter Project 2025 and Defend DemocracySign the Petition to Reject Project 2025Sign the Petition Urging Congress to Pass the Equality ActSupport the showGet Your Merch