A Jaded Gay A Jaded Gay

Societal pressures surrounding marriage often fuel negative perceptions of being single, creating undue stress and stigma for those who haven't followed traditional relationship paths. Meanwhile, gay men may encounter challenges in forming healthy long-term relationships due to societal prejudices, lack of legal recognition, and historical marginalization, contributing to a higher prevalence of singlehood within the community.

In this episode, we’re exploring the joys of embracing singlehood, finding happiness in solitude, and navigating the journey towards self-love while overcoming the societal stigma and pressures of single-shaming.

Additional Resources:
Single PersonHow Many People are Single in the World? Answered 2024What Single Shaming is and How to Respond If Someone Does It to You'Single Shaming': Why People Jump to Judge the Un-PartneredGay Promiscuity StatisticsThe Effect of Sexual Orientation on Singlehood: Evidence from the Greek Cultural Context57% of Single Adults in U.S. Not Looking to Date, Survey SaysNormalize Being Single in Your 30s as a Healthy Relationship StatusReasons Why You Need to Embrace SinglehoodHow to Embrace Being SingleSupport the Show.
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Inclusive representation in various literary genres offers LGBTQ+ people a sense of visibility, validation, and connection as they see their experiences authentically mirrored, which fosters a more affirming narrative for readers. One such genre, sci-fi, often serves as a creative and inclusive space, intertwining with queerness to explore diverse identities, relationships, and societal constructs beyond conventional norms.

In this episode, TQ Sims, author of Godspeed, Lovers, joins us to discuss the importance of inclusive literature, the queerness of the sci-fi genre, and his futuristic novel.

Related Episodes:
Listen to Episode 07. The History of Gay Representation in TV & FilmAdditional Resources:
Follow TQ Sims on InstagramRead Godspeed, LoversVisit The Lovers UniverseJapanese America PodcastWelcome to Japanese America, where we come to talk all things Japanese American.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify
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Gay men often grapple with perfectionism, navigating societal expectations and internalized standards that can intensify the pursuit of an idealized self-image. Known as the Best Little Boy in the World archetype, some gay men overcompensate in certain aspects of their lives, such as their career, appearance, and other achievements, to deflect negative attention away from their sexuality.

In this episode, we’re diving into the origins of the Best Little Boy in the World persona, examining research on how sexual minority men link self-worth more closely to achievement-related domains compared to their straight counterparts, and discussing how we can grow up beyond this archetype by overcoming our internalized homophobia.

Related Episodes:
Listen to Episode 01. Hello, Trauma. It's Me, Rob‪.‬Listen to Episode 13. Perfectly Imperfect: Conquer Your PerfectionismListen to Episode 85. Boundaries: How to Understand and Set ThemListen to Episode 94. Girl, Please: Say No to People-PleasingAdditional Resources:
The Best Little Boy in the World by Andrew TobiasThe Best Little Boy in the World Grows UpThe Social Development of Contingent Self-Worth in Sexual Minority Young Men: An Empirical Investigation of the “Best Little Boy in the World” HypothesisBeing in the Closet Drives You to Be More Successful, More AwfulThe Best Little Boy in the World — That's MeQueer Like PeteWhy Do Young Gay Men Try to Be the Best?Good Little Boy SyndromeBest Little Boy in the WorldJapanese America PodcastWelcome to Japanese America, where we come to talk all things Japanese American.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify
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In previous episodes, we discussed the importance of coming out, which is a deeply personal and pivotal moment for LGBTQ+ individuals. And while living openly can empower us to be our authentic selves, a number of complex factors can keep us in the closet.

In this episode, author, public speaker, and former teacher Kevin O’Connor joins us to discuss his personal journey out of marriage to embrace his sexuality at 55 and live authentically as a gay man.

Related Episodes:
Listen to Episode 77. Coming OutAdditional Resources:
Learn More About KevinFollow Kevin on InstagramFollow Kevin on FacebookRead Two Floors Above GriefJapanese America PodcastWelcome to Japanese America, where we come to talk all things Japanese American.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify
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Today, authentic LGBTQ+ representation in TV is more important than ever since it reflects the community's diverse experiences, fosters a sense of inclusivity, challenges stereotypes, and provides meaningful representation that resonates with audiences to promote understanding and acceptance. However, in recent years, we’ve seen a trend where LGBTQ+ shows have been increasingly canceled, some after just one season, with Netflix being the biggest culprit.

In this episode, we’re examining Netflix’s recent cancellations of LGBTQ+ shows, comparing their approach to queer content with other media companies, and exploring the streaming giant's controversies surrounding decisions in the realm of LGBTQ+ storytelling.

Related Episodes:
Listen to Episode 07. The History of Gay Representation in TV & FilmListen to Episode 09. Corporate Greed & Rainbow CapitalismListen to Episode 55. Gay for Pay: Should Straight Actors Play Queer Characters? Additional Resources:
Every LGBTQ+ Show Cancelled Over the Past Year30 LGBTQ+ Shows That Got Canceled in 2023Netflix Employees Walk Out Over Dave Chappelle SpecialNetflix Reportedly Gave Exec Second Chance After Investigating His Use Of Anti-LGBTQ LanguageNetflix Cut from LGBTQ Corporate Equality Report over Dave Chappelle’s ‘The Closer’Ricky Gervais Netflix Special Condemned by LGBTQ Groups for ‘Anti-Trans Rants Masquerading as Jokes’Ricky Gervais Condemned for Crude, Tired and Lazy AIDS Jokes in Controversial Netflix SpecialNetflix CEO Faces Backlash for Wild Comments on Cancelled Shows: ‘They are NOT Allies’Shane Gillis was Fired from SNL for Anti-Gay Slurs. He Now Has a New Special on NetflixJapanese America PodcastWelcome to Japanese America, where we come to talk all things Japanese American.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify
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In previous episodes, we discussed the history of gay representation in TV and film and roadblocks LGBTQ+ actors encounter in Hollywood, with gay characters continuing to be portrayed by straight actors. While representation is important, authentic LGBTQ+ portrayals in the media fosters inclusivity and visibility, helping to break down stereotypes and promote understanding among audiences.

In this episode, actor, writer, and screenwriter Jose Nateras joins us to discuss his new LGBTQ+ horror movie, Departing Seniors, and how he leveraged his own personal experiences and identity to create an authentic film.

Relevant Episodes:
Listen to Episode 07. The History of Gay Representation in TV & FilmListen to Episode 28. Gay HorrorAdditional Resources:
Watch Departing SeniorsLearn More About Jose NaterasFollow Jose Nateras on InstagramFollow Jose Nateras on TwitterBuy Testament by Jose NaterasGet Your Merch
Japanese America PodcastWelcome to Japanese America, where we come to talk all things Japanese American.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify
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