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 laxativ…
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…
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…
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 am…
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 am…
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 Que…
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 Que…
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…
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…
Living in a world of fuckboys, homophobes, and inequalities can leave a gay feeling, well, jaded, so tune in for your weekly dose of gay empowerment. We're talking pop culture, politics, and dating hardships, all through the lens of overcoming gay trauma and nurturing our emotional wellbeing.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/ajadedgaypod)
Get Your Merch (https://a-jaded-gay.creator-spring.com/)
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 More (https://www.amazon.com/Codependent-No-More-Controlling-Yourself/dp/0894864025)
Support the show (https://www.pa…
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 AIDS (https://www.h…
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 Symptom…
Hello, podcasting world! Welcome to the first episode of A Jaded Gay, a podcast discussing pop culture, politics, and dating hardships, all through the lens of empowerment and well-being for gay men.
Let’s dive into the gay trauma.
Additional Resources:
• The Epidemic of Gay Loneliness by Michael Hobbes (https://highline.huffingtonpost.com/articles/en/gay-loneliness/)
• The Velvet Rage by Alan Downs, PhD (https://www.amazon.com/Velvet-Rage-Overcoming-Growin…
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 Jacket (https://www.amazon.com/Straight-Jacket-Overcoming-Societys-Legacy/dp/0552778400/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=)
• Lady …
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 It (https://www.americanb…
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) (https://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/GLAAD%20202122%20WWATV.pdf)
…
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 show (https://www.patreon.com/ajadedgaypod)
Get Your Merch (https://a-jaded-gay.creator-spring.com/)
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 Corporate (https://www.marketwatch.com/story/why-lgbt-pride-festivals-have-be…
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: Understandi…
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) (https://books.google.com/bo…
We previously talked about the importance of LGBTQ+ representation in TV and film and the “gay renaissance” of the 90s. While shows like Ellen and Will & Grace were groundbreaking at the time, they tended to skirt around LGBTQ+ issues and themes...but Queer as Folk did not shy away.
In this episode, we’re dissecting the sexually charged, unapologetic serial drama, including the original British series and the 2022 reboot.
Additional Resources:
• Queer as Folk …