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 Season 1 Trailer
• Spunk by Greek Buck (Queer as Folk Opening Theme)
• Queer as Folk Series Premiere (American Series)
• Queer as Folk Complete Soundtrack

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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)
• The Rainbow Project - Internalised Homophobia
• Internalized Homophobia and Relationship Quality Among Lesbians, Gay Men, and Bisexuals
• Measurement and Correlates of Internalized Homophobia: A Factor for Analytic Study
• Internalized Homophobia and Relationship Quality Among Lesbians, Gay Men, and Bisexuals (2009)
• What is Internalized Homophobia?
• 30 Ways to Combat Internalized Homophobia for Gay and Lesbian People
• Be Kind to Yourself
• Life Support by Sarah McKnight (Paperback)
• Life Support by Sarah McKnight (Audiobook)

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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: Understanding the Climate for LGBTQ Workers Nationwide
• Justices Rule LGBT People Protected from Job Discrimination
• Even With Ruling, Workplace Still Unequal for LGBTQ Workers
• How the LGBTQ+ Community Fares in the Workplace
• Coming Out at Work
• PRISM

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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
• The Best Part of Pride is Making Fun of Rainbow Capitalism
• The LGBTQ+ Community Has $3.7 Trillion In Purchasing Power; Here's How We Want You to Sell to Us.
• How LGBTQ Pride Month Became a Branded Holiday
• 5 Horrible Pride Campaigns So Far
• Just Some Brands That Have Absolutely No Business Running a Pride Campaign
• Rainbow Capitalism Raises Questions About Corporate Commitments and Pride Month’s Purpose
• These 25 Rainbow Flag-Waving Corporations Donated More Than $10 Million to Anti-Gay Politicians in the Last Two Years

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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.

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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)

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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
• LGBTQ+ "Panic" Defense
• Study Finds LGBTQ People Much Likelier to Be Crime Victims
• How to Contact Your Elected Officials

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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 Symptoms Among Gay and Heterosexual Men
• The Role of Interpersonal Vulnerability in Cognitive Therapy for Depression
• How Embracing Vulnerability Strengthens Our Relationships
• How to Be More Vulnerable in Your Relationship (Even if it Scares You)
• 7 Things to Do if You're Having a Hard Time Being Vulnerable in a Relationship

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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
• Lady Gaga's Born This Way: Gay Anthems and Girl Power

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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
• Global HIV & AIDS Statistics — Fact Sheet
• George H. W. Bush's Presidency Erased People with AIDS. So Did the Tributes to Him
• How HIV Research Paved the Way for the Covid mRNA Vaccines
• LGBTQ People Face Higher Unemployment Amid Coronavirus Pandemic, Survey Finds
• The Lives and Livelihoods of Many in the LGBTQ Community are at Risk Amidst COVID-19 Crisis

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