Matter of Pride: a comedy education of gay history (with comedian Aaron Twitchen)

BONUS EPISODE

Thank you so much for all your support on this podcast series. This is a personal message to everyone who has listened to say thank you and explain whats next...

(You should probably know this was recorded weeks ago and sat uneditted as other projects flew off - so if you're listening thinking "that already happened!" you would be totally right!)

BONUS EPISODE

Finally, a proper piece of stand up comedy from comedian Aaron Twitchen. Deliving into the murky world of online gay dating apps and the tricks to snagging a husband out of short term relationships join aaron in this bonus episode of his podcast as he tackles ghosting, grindr and getting what you want

Have you ever been on a diet? Done a 12 week cardio course? Strived for the perfect pectoral? You're not alone. 

In this episode we look at the wider impact of social media and societal expectations on body image. 

With host comedian Aaron Twitchen

@aarontwitchen on all platforms 

Www.iloveaaron.co.uk

RESOURCES

If you're suffering from an eating disorder please feel safe to seek help and the support you deserve. BEAT can help you - https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/ 

https://gcn.ie/steroid-use-gay-community-drugs/ 

Mens bodies over time - https://www.thelist.com/56105/mens-perfect-body-types-changed-throughout-history/ 

Penis enlargement gone wrong - https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/penis-enlargement-wrong-scientists-horror-stories/ 

READ: about being fat - https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2021/03/04/scottee-world-obesity-day-federartion-fatphobia-queer-gay-lgbt/

Lesbian body image: https://trace.tennessee.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=5248&context=utk_graddiss

Sports steroid usage in the gay community https://gcn.ie/steroid-use-gay-community-drugs/ 

Mens bodies over time and how we've not always looked like this- https://www.thelist.com/56105/mens-perfect-body-types-changed-throughout-history/ 

Penis enlargement gone wrong - https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/penis-enlargement-wrong-scientists-horror-stories/ 

A fascinating article from queer advocate Scottee on being larger in the gay community https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2021/03/04/scottee-world-obesity-day-federartion-fatphobia-queer-gay-lgbt/

Christine Becks research on body image within the lesbian community: https://trace.tennessee.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=5248&context=utk_graddiss

This week we're discussing trans rights and why the LGB should stand firmly with the T. 

We'll cover the JK Rowling row, what a TERF is, the complicated process by which trans people can obtain gender recognition certificates and - of course - pressing issues like 'where can I pee?'.

With host comedian Aaron Twitchen

@aarontwitchen on all platforms 

Www.iloveaaron.co.uk

RESOURCES

As always, Stonewall provide great information and advice for anyone in the Queer/Rainbow family who are struggling - www.stonewall.org.uk

I've been advised that anyone who is struggling with their sex or gender can get great support and information from the mermaids website - who would also benefit from any donations you can spare - https://mermaidsuk.org.uk/ 

Here is a government leaflet the shows the full process to obtain gender recognition and change sex: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/721642/GEO-LGBT-factsheet.pdf

The full transcript of JK Rowlings open letter about trans issues is also available here: https://www.jkrowling.com/opinions/j-k-rowling-writes-about-her-reasons-for-speaking-out-on-sex-and-gender-issues/

Here are details about trans issues within prisons: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/566829/transgender-review-findings-print.PDF

What do we have to do to illegalise gay conversion therapy?

Despite religious leaders and world governments announcing ban proposals for gay conversion therapy - the practise still exists. 

This episode, we delve deeper into what the practise involves - from electric shock treatment to lobotomy - and how an openly gay man can become the leader of a conversion cult.

With host comedian Aaron Twitchen

@aarontwitchen on all platforms 

Www.iloveaaron.co.uk

RESOURCES

As always, Stonewall provide great information and advice for anyone in the Queer/Rainbow family who are struggling - www.stonewall.org.uk

Article with the cult leader mentioned in the podcast, McKrae Game: https://www.postandcourier.com/news/conversion-therapy-leader-for-2-decades-mckrae-game-disavows-movement-he-helped-fuel/article_fb56dcfc-c384-11e9-970d-bb9a2a8656c5.html

Article about problems with the practise: https://www.hrc.org/resources/the-lies-and-dangers-of-reparative-therapy 

Informative news story about conversion therapy practises: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-55263392

On June 14th 2021, the NHS Blood Transfusion service relaxed rules on blood donation to allow gay men to donate for the first time within monogamous relationships. Prior to that, rules had varied banning men who have sex with men from 12 months up to a life time of bans. 

This episode deep dives into the reasons behind this, where does this come from and what impact does the change have on HIV infection risks. As ever, it does so with a cheeky comedic wink and at least one reference to an early 00's girlband. 

With host comedian Aaron Twitchen

@aarontwitchen on all platforms 

Www.iloveaaron.co.uk

To donate blood, which you should, and find out your eligibility to donate blood please visit: https://www.blood.co.uk/who-can-give-blood/ 

Great information on HIV, and all sexual testing and protection is available from the Terrence Higgins trust: www.tht.org.uk 

An excellent article about the risk of blood donation was written by Benjamin Weil for Huck Magazine: https://www.huckmag.com/perspectives/opinion-perspectives/easing-the-gay-blood-ban-means-more-sexual-stigma/

For more about the weird APAUSE sex education programme Aaron contributed too.... http://www.sreproject.org/apause

Rainbow flag. 

With the rainbow flag now adopted as a supportive symbol of “clap for carers” - in particular the nhs nurses - where does that leave the gay pride 6 stripe flag created in 1978 by Gilbert Baker?

In this episode, we consider the impact of symbol appropriation and the impact the flag has had over the past 40 years of pride progress answering the question....... WHO OWNS THE FLAG? (Is it love or is it art?) 

With host comedian Aaron Twitchen

@aarontwitchen on all platforms 

Www.iloveaaron.co.uk

Further reading: 

For info about the original NHS rainbow badge, Evelina badge: 

https://www.evelinalondon.nhs.uk/about-us/news-events/2019-news/20190321-nhs-rainbow-badges-promote-inclusion.aspx or follow them on twitter @RainbowNHSBadge

News story about a Plymouth citibus being rebranded to nhs from pride -

https://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/news/plymouth-news/plymouth-citybus-apologises-turning-pride-4145496 

Link to the negative comments on Facebook from the rainbow bagel challenge: hhttps://www.facebook.com/8864516071/posts/10158365115336072/?extid=0&d=n

Article about the Gilbert baker flag being acquired by Museum of modern art: https://www.moma.org/explore/inside_out/2015/06/17/moma-acquires-the-rainbow-flag/

Link to my favourite flag - the pride progress flag by artist Daniel Quasar https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/danielquasar/progress-a-pride-flag-reboot/posts

Welcome to my new show, Matter of Pride: a comedy education for queers and allies. 

I am SO passionate about this project. After 10 years of stand up comedy this is my first audio show and I wanted it to be important. Its about all the social issues affecting our LGBTQ+ family. Its a fusion of data, jokes and real life stories. All weaved together with my favourite pop culture insights.