For many gay men, the differences between our lives and those of the heterosexual world can feel staggering and depressing. In this episode, Mitchell shares a story about why we need to connect as brothers more than ever so that we don't wander through this life lost forever, and Travis Salway, a social epidemiologist, shares his views in an in-depth interview. Trigger warning: discussion of suicide. 

 Music credits:

Sound from zapsplat.com

'Sad Emotional and Dramatic Piano' by OYStudio

'Time for something new' by OYStudio

'Despair' by SergeQuadrado

As a survivor of sexual abuse, Sydney-based writer, Shannon Molloy, felt compelled to speak up: for himself, and for other male victims. In this episode, Shannon joins Mitchell to discuss his new book, You Made Me This Way and his journey to healing. Trigger warning: sexual abuse.

Links for support are below:
Survivors and Mates Support Network
Blue Knot Foundation
Lifeline
Author photograph by Leon Chen

When it comes to dating, us gay men can really be up against it. If you don’t fit certain stereotypes, or if you can’t handle the toxicity that runs rife on apps, then just the thought of finding love can seem impossible. But does it have to be that way? In this episode,  Davis and I delve into all of this, and we hear from journalist, Paul Ewart, (interview starts at 30:12) about his experiences with Grindr. You can read Paul's article below:

https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/dating/is-tinder-the-new-grindr-why-my-awful-dating-reality-could-become-your-future/news-story/4126e8398c6fa25f44e51e00db1dddd3

Gay men share a truly special bond with other women, but what makes it so magical? In this episode, Mitchell and Samuli discuss their relationship with women, and hear from researcher Eric Russell into some reasons why. Plus, men from around the world share their love letters.

CREDITS:

Music by Lesfm from Pixabay

Music by Ashot-Danielyan-Composer from Pixabay

Acoustic/Folk Instrumental by Hyde - Free Instrumentals https://soundcloud.com/davidhydemusic

Shame has been the shadow of most gay men since time immemorial, but can we ever shake it off? In this episode – which is longer than usual – Mitchell speaks with five gay men about dealing with shames of all kinds, from the body, through to coming out or overcoming  abuse and how we can live authentically.

Details and times of each speaker’s appearance are below:

Davis, South Africa: 06.23

Amador, USA: 33.36

Scott, Australia: 54.25

Kent, USA: 1 hour 15 mins

Christopher, Canada: 1 hour 36 mins

CREDITS:

Acoustic/Folk Instrumental by David Hyde

Music by Lesfm from Pixaby

Sounds from zapsplat.com

Why, in 2022, do so many of us gay men still feel so completely alone? 

In this episode, Mitchell shares a personal story of an intense friendship with another man and is joined by special guest, Sakhile, who shares his experiences of making connections, while another special contributor, Davis, recalls his experience creating a gay men’s group in South Africa.

If you are struggling, or need support, please contact Lifeline: https://www.lifeline.org.au or your local mental health organisation.

Racism is rife amongst gay men, but how does it feel to be on the receiving end? In this episode, Mitchell speaks to Budi Sudarto, a gay Asian Muslim who escaped life in Jakarta in the hope of a new beginning in Australia, and Naveen Kumar, a gay Indian journalist living in the US. They discuss everything from apps, subtle racism, fetishization and how we can work together.  To share your story, visit http://differentkindofgay.com

Links to Naveen’s articles:

https://www.them.us/story/queer-poc-body-image

https://www.vox.com/first-person/22545485/pride-2020-pandemic-gay-bar

Dogs might be a man’s best friend, but to gay men the relationship is often so much more. In this episode, a band of gay men from around the world pay homage to the dogs that have shaped – and sometimes saved – their lives. Guests include Dr Rob Garofalo, whose canine companion helped him after an assault and HIV diagnosis, along with Eric from Ohio, Marcos from Brazil, Ian from LA and Ben from Sydney. For more, see http://differentkindofgay.com

Following a diagnosis with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, author and journalist Rick Morton set about living vulnerably and rediscovering love. It meant telling people close to him, for the first time, that he loved them and experiencing the joy that comes with giving someone a hug.
In this candid conversation, Rick tells us about a childhood trauma that he experienced at seven, coming out and being rejected by his father, the unwavering support of his mum ... and why chickens are so special. 

Different Kind of Gay is a Love Surrender production, created and written by Goran D and Mitchell J. 

It's no surprise that most gay men – ourselves included –  struggle with mental health. In this episode, we share our battles with depression and why we must keep going. Then, in our discussion, we hear from YOU. When we asked our listeners how they find peace, we received responses from around the world that we've shared here. You'll be surprised and inspired by this beautiful rainbow of voices. 
Trigger warning: this episode discusses suicide. If this raises any issues for you, or you need help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14  (Australia) or your local support group.

Different Kind of Gay is a Love Surrender production, created and written by Goran D and Mitchell J. Visit us at differentkindofgay.com