Subscribe to Word of the Gay on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify.

To members of the LGBT+ community words have been used to define our very existence, and much of our daily language is rooted in a deep-seeded history that most of us are completely unaware of. Some words in the queer vernacular that were once harmful slurs have been partially reclaimed and now act as verbal pillars of strength. Many words are rooted in stereotypes, but just as many allow LGBT+ people to express freedoms we’ve worked hard to attain. But what exactly is serving realness? How exactly does one “slay”? What does it mean to be “femme” and what’s the difference between a bear and a twink?

Welcome to Word of The Gay, a weekly podcast dissecting common words in the queer lexicon. Hosts Brendy and Leni will tackle a new word every week, taking a deep dive into its origin, contemporary usage, how it’s used in pop culture and how its perceived by different members of our community.

This episode's Word of the Gay is: Beats! Beats have been a not-so-safe space for gay people to meet others and explore their sexual desires, especially back when homosexuality was literally in the shadows. Leni and Brendy explore the horrific way cruisers were treated in Australia on the beaches of Sydney, how beats have evolved to include sex-on-premises clubs and virtual apps, and the late George Michael as an unashamed poster boy for beats.

Follow Word of the Gay on Twitter at @wordofthegaypod, Facebook at Word of the Gay & Instagram @wordofthegaypod.

Send tweet suggestions and other correspondence to [email protected]. 

Word of the Gay is a Lipp Media production.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.