Bammer and Me

Mike Balaban

BAMMER.co - Building community through storytelling and facilitating the sharing of LGBTQ+ experiences.

  1. 6 FEB · VIDEO

    Jacob Butchoff: Self Destruction to Self Acceptancence

    This week I talk with Jacob Butchoff, a British man whom I connected with through a friend I serendipitously sat next to on a plane. His life story is incredibly interesting: he harbored deep self hatred for being gay which sent him on a violent journey, one we’re pleased to say he's on the other side of. Today, he helps kids and adult communities alike with their identity struggles, demonstrating how important it is to be one's authentic self. Join me as we hear about Jacob's journey toward self discovery and self acceptance.   You can find Jacob on Instagram @jacobcharlesthomas

    1h 9m

  2. 03/10/2025

    Johnathan David Katz: Homosexuality Through Art History

    Joining me this week is accomplished art historian, genre and sexuality lecturer and gay rights activist, Johnathan Katz. He takes us on a journey through not only his life and career but the discoveries he's made in the history of homosexuality through the lens of art history.

    45 min

  3. 13/09/2025

    Perry Brass: Southern, Jewish, Impoverished, Gay

    Perry Brass, the accomplished author, playwright and founding member of the Gay Liberation Front joins me to talk about his incredible life as we discover many parallels between us, and discuss many more amazing memories and achievements. It is an honor to converse with a man who has seen and done so much for the gay community as well as art and culture as a whole.

    1h 3m

  4. 12/09/2025

    Dastan Kasmamytov Returns: Mountain Climbing and New Activism Efforts

    Dastan returns to talk with me about his mountaineering activities around the world and the community he has built with it as well as  his more recent escapades in gay rights activism, an update on his ban from Kyrgyzstan and more.

    37 min

  5. 26/04/2025

    Art Smith & David Kennerley: Gay Bars Through The Ages

    Back after almost 1 year! Today's episode is also available as a video on our Youtube at www.youtube.com/@BAMMER47Mike Art Smith of YouTube Channel Gay Barchives fame and David Kennerley, author of Getting In, a history of gay clubs in 90's NYC, join me, Mike Balaban, to talk Gay Bars Through the Ages. We remember our favorite spots, how our coming out stories were hotly formed by gay bars and spaces available at the time and what the state of LGBTQ+ friendly bars is right now. We also chat about the continued importance of gay-only spaces to the community, trends we've recognized and where they could be headed next. Check out Art's incredible collection of stories from and about gay bars across America at either www.gaybarchives.com or on www.youtube.com/@GayBarchives. Check out David's awesome book at https://www.gettinginclubbook.com/

    1h 14m

  6. 07/06/2024

    Suzie Kruger: London Fetish Maven

    Suzie Kruger felt like she just fell into the role, but has maintained one of the most impressive careers organizing Adult Parties across London Europe and the rest of the world. Join Mike on a journey with icon, Suzie Kruger as she tells us all about her trials and tribulations at the vibrant center of the UK sex club scene.

    42 min

  7. 01/03/2024

    Mohsin Zaidi: The Remarkable Journey of a Gay Muslim

    In this heartening episode, join Mike as he engages with Mohsin Zaidi, a passionate lawyer, LGBTQ activist, and best-selling author of "A Dutiful Boy". Learn about Mohsin's remarkable journey from a poor London neighborhood to his rise as a celebrated lawyer amidst the challenges and triumphs of growing up as a gay Muslim. Gain deeper insights into the complexities of societal norms, cultural identities, and Mohsin's truth-seeking voyage towards authenticity. Dive into Mohsin's childhood where he fearlessly recounts his struggles and alienation, his diligent balancing act between becoming 'too Western' and maintaining his cultural identity, and the role of cultural traditions and religion in shaping deeply ingrained stigmas, particularly around homosexuality within the Islamic community. His balanced exploration makes space for the aspects of love, hope, and faith that guided his path, rendering an honest portrayal of life within a religious, immigrant family. Mosin's conversation spans across societal class structures in the UK and US, highlighting the hurdles faced by individuals from lower-income backgrounds attempting to scale societal ladders. Get a candid look into his educational voyage from public education to Oxford, inspired by mentors and supporters that believed in him, teaching the immense importance of determination and hard work. In this explosive episode, Mohsin switches gears to discuss his professional life, his shift from a corporate lawyer to a criminal barrister, and his subsequent plunge into the sphere of LGBTQ activism. Recognized as one of UK's top 20 future LGBT leaders, he reflects on his struggle for race representation within the gay community and offers valuable insights into negotiating with religiously conservative families. Embark with us on this enlightening journey filled with profound reflections urging for acceptance and diversity, beautifully narrated by Mohsin himself. Produced by Mike Balaban and Tom Walker, with audio editing by Henry Ley.

    48 min

  8. 15/12/2023

    Peter Tatchell: Fearless Human Rights Activist

    It's an honour to have Peter Tatchell on the podcast, a fearless LGBTQ and human right's activist who's launched social movements the world over including in some of the most politically dangerous countries. He and Mike talk early life, influences and trajectory and his own gay journey both in Australia and in the UK, as well as his work founding OutRage! and many other amazing human rights projects.

    1h 3m
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About

BAMMER.co - Building community through storytelling and facilitating the sharing of LGBTQ+ experiences.

Information

  • Creator
    Mike Balaban
  • Episodes
    43
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Bammer and Me