My Five Stages of Grief? Denial, Denial, Denial, Cry, Self-Pity. Grief is often associated with loss, but it’s a concept that many people struggle to fully understand. It’s more than just a fleeting emotion—it’s a complex, d…
Protect LGBTQ+ Homeless Youth LGBTQ+ homelessness, particularly among youth, remains a pressing yet often overlooked issue. Across the United States, LGBTQ+ individuals, especially young people, are disproportionately affected by housing insecurity…
The Double-Edged Sword of Social Drinking in LGBTQ+ Culture Social drinking has long been intertwined with LGBTQ+ culture, tracing back to the era when gay bars served as vital safe havens for queer individuals seeking connection and community in a…
“If I Have the Choice Between Disappointing You and Myself, I'm Probably Gonna Pick You.” Many gay men pour a tremendous amount of effort into looking “attractive.” We hit the gym religiously, splurge on stylish clothes, per…
Survival of the Fiercest? In the world of dating, particularly within the gay community, it’s common to find oneself comparing to others, especially potential partners. Thoughts like “Is he more muscular?” or “Does he seem m…
Men May Let You Down, But Succulents Never Disappoint In recent years, a growing trend on social media has sparked conversations around the rise of the "plant daddy" and "plant gay" identities. Whether it's a Millennial phenomenon, a queer cultural…
Am I Crying or Laughing? We’re all too familiar with the “sassy gay best friend” trope—a character armed with campy humor and sharp wit, always ready with a quick comeback. While entertaining, these stereotypes have bled int…
Because Putting a Condom on a Banana Doesn’t Cut It Growing up gay comes with its own set of unique experiences, setting us apart from our straight peers in ways that extend far beyond the obvious. For many of us, these differences impact our…
It’s Giving Anxious Anxiety is a universal experience that affects everyone, regardless of sexual orientation. It's natural to feel anxious in certain situations—whether you're preparing for a big presentation at work or anticipating a …
Be Nice, But Not Too Nice As we begin a new year, many of us embrace the idea of a fresh start. For some, this includes wading back into the dating pool, eager for love and connection. However, without addressing unresolved issues from the past, we…
And That, My Friend, is What They Call Closure As each year draws to a close, it's natural to feel a whirlwind of emotions. We often look back on the highs and lows, reflecting on how much has changed. For some, the end of the year brings a sense o…
If Being Anxious Was a Form of Exercise, I’d Be Jacked Body image pressure is a prevalent source of anxiety for many gay men. The "perfect" body—often imagined as tall, muscular, and traditionally masculine—has become the standard…
As Nina Sayers Says in Black Swan, “I Just Want to be Perfect.” Perfectionism is a complex personality trait that manifests across various aspects of our lives, including career success, body image, and personal achievements. At its cor…
Just Because I Don’t Fit Into the Gay Party Scene Doesn't Mean I Have to Settle for Mediocre Heteros Finding a sense of community within the LGBTQ+ world is essential, especially for those of us who have experienced gay loneliness. Yet, some …
Is It Me? Am I the Homophobe? Many have heard the term internalized homophobia, but few fully understand it. It's often used to describe a gay man who seems sexually repressed or self-loathing. However, the concept delves much deeper than these sur…
Oh, Shit, We're Really Doing This Here we are, diving headfirst into the deep end. Buckle up because we're about to explore some real truths. In an earlier blog post, I explained that I launched A Jaded Gay to create a space for like-minded gay me…
