In this episode of the Coming Out Podcast, Stefan chats with his friend JP as they discuss his coming out journey. Growing up in a small village in Plymouth, UK,  JP and Stefan met in 2012 in Birmingham. JP shares his experiences growing up in a small village, where being gay wasn’t really a big deal. He shares some funny stories and some more challenging time along the way.

JP works as a Barista in Birmingham and also performs as Cosmic Crum, an artsy drag act.

Listen in to hear the story of his journey to becoming a proud out man.

Episode Highlights:

· [0:40] Intro

· [1:11] More about JP and what he does and where he is from.

· [1:38] JP and Stefan talk about growing up in a small village.

· [2:14] JP talks about his job as a coffee barista.

· [2:49] JP talks about memories from being a child, realizing he was different. Is kisschase a game that would be acceptable today?

· [4:30] JP shares a story about his sister dressing him in ‘mom drag’ when he was younger.

· [5:40] Stefan talks about his drag experiences and how being a tall drag queen wouldn’t suit him.

· [6:02] JP recalls growing us as a camp child and how he has a barbie as a child.

· [6:55] Was being a camp child difficult growing up at school or as home? JP talks about coming out very young at age 14.

· [8:02] JP talks about growing up with a crush on a straight Friend Lloyd.

· [8:36] He talks about how it came about at the age of 14 and talks about telling his friend Laura.

· [9:51] JP talks about his friend Richard being the catalyst to him coming out gay.

· [11:15] JP talks about the moment he told his mother, her response was an anti climax and how he ran away from home.

· [13:36] JP’s mom told his dad and the rest of their family.

· [14:00] JP talks about coming out as a continual process.

· [14:57] He talks about the family response. A very British response that took a long time to change.

· [15:45] Stefan shares he had a similar experience to coming out to his parents.

· [16:23] JP shares his reactions since he came out as gay. Being a drag queen was a harder coming out experience for him.

· [17:28] JP talks about his Drag persona Cosmic Crumb.

· [17:55] JP shares his favourite joke.

· [17:59] What advice would he give to anyone not out yet?

· [18:50] Thanks you and wrap up.

· [18:54] Check out Instagram for annotated images.

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