Room For Us

Queer mental health is something we talk about on almost every episode, but this time we're diving in deep. First, we read a mailbag from a brave listener who shares their struggle with mental health and how it directly related to their sexuality. We explore some upsetting (but important) stats about the state of mental health across the LGBTQIA+ community. Then, Pers gets real about the most difficult time in her life — and how she overcame it to arrive here as a proud AF gay woman. Our biggest takeaway: it's crucial that every person who identifies as queer knows that they aren't alone in how they're feeling. That's why this convo gets super vulnerable and candid (trigger warning: suicide + physical/sexual assault). How are ya'll feeling? Our DMs are always open @girlxgirlpodcast.

FINALLY! The episode we've been wanting to do since day one. Today, we invite Persis' hot cousin Jacob Joseph to dive into the reality (and beauty) of being queer and Indian! Jacob tells us his entire story — from acknowledging his uniqueness as a kid to coming out as a teen. He gets candid about the disapproval of his parents, even going so far as to send him away to a religious camp that preached homophobia. Jacob talks about getting bullied at school, fighting with his parents, and overcoming the stigma of sex and queerness in Indian culture. He shares how things are today with his parents (and how his mom is still trying to arrange his marriage to a woman). Plus, Persis and Jacob discuss the differences in how they were raised, even though both their parents immigrated from India. How has being a queer minority impact you? Shoot us a DM to share your story @girlxgirlpodcast!

Ever struggled to move on from a relationship? You aren't the only one. On this episode, we talk about what it means to each of us to truly move on. We give amateur advice (and tips from the pro's) about how to keep moving on when you feel stuck on pause — from having a good cry to doing a social media detox. Then, we both get personal about our own moving on experiences, including a debate over staying friends with someone you're attracted to. What are your top moving on tips? DM us @girlxgirlpodcast.

That's right, friends. Today is Coming Out Day AND it just so happens to be our 30th episode! Today, we're celebrating coming out and how it can mean so many different things to different people. We learn about the history of Coming Out Day and where it was first celebrated. Pers shares her coming out stories — yes, plural — and why it was so important for her to come out on the internet. We talk about how an "a-ha" moment can be just as powerful as coming out publicly. Then, we play back clips from some of the FABULOUS guests who have graced this pod, talking about their coming out experiences. Whether you have or haven't "come out", we hope this day (and this episode) is a reminder that queerness is something to be celebrated — not just during Pride month or on October 11th. 

On this very special ep, we're joined by our friends at Big Queer Book Club Podcast! As the experts in all things queer lit, we thought it was only fitting to gossip with Kendra + Amanda about our favourite movie adaptations of queer books. From Disobedience to Fried Green Tomatoes, K + A give us the low-down on how the books compare to the films. Sar reveals her weird disdain for Rachel Weisz while Pers gushes over Rooney Mara + Cate Blanchett. And with two films on our list about conversion therapy, we all explore the topic and how it felt watching it unfold on screen. What are your favourite queer book-to-film adaptations? DM us with the hot takes! Want to hear more from Kendra + Amanda? Find Big Queer Book Club anywhere you get your podcasts and follow them @bigqueerbookclubpod.

What's internalized homophobia and have you ever had it? Chances are, you have. On this episode, Sar & Pers discuss where internalized homophobia stems from and where it might show up in your life. P talks about her experience overcoming internalized homophobia to come out as bi, and then as gay. We explore why internalized homophobia is so prevalent in the queer community and what we can all do about it. Plus, we kick off the convo with a sequel to a previous S & P fan fic (things get weird, tbh). Have you ever noticed your own internalized homophobia? Tell us about it! @girlxgirlpodcast

Are soulmates real? On this episode, Sar & Pers gossip about soul connections — what they are, how they happen, and how they're different from the traditional idea of "soulmates". We get real about the soul connections we've felt in our pasts, and how believing someone is your soulmate can actually be damaging for the relationship. P explains how queer people can fall deep into soul connections based on shared experiences and being in the closet for a number of years. Plus, we both describe the moment we knew we had a soul connection. Do you believe in soulmates? DM us @girlxgirlpodcast and let us know!

What is it like to be queer and religious? On this episode, we're joined by Virgin Radio host and queer icon Shannon Burns to find out! We talk to Shannon about growing up in an extremely religious community and discovering her sexuality along the way. She tells us about her decision to leave her church and the backlash she received because of it, even as she maintained her personal relationship with God. Shannon explains how religion has enhanced her experience as a queer person and why she chooses to be so open about her sexuality on social media (and live on the air). Plus, what it was like to interview Demi Lovato, Ed Sheeran, Lewis Capaldi, and more. Want to keep up with Shannon? Follow her @itsshannonburns and listen to her film podcast, Screen Queens! And don't forget to listen to her show on Virgin Radio from 10 to 2, Monday to Friday.

Why are long distance relationships (LDRs) so common in the queer community? And what's the secret to making them work? On this ep, we sit down with best friend and total cutie Tine Ford! As someone who identifies as open, Tine has experienced LDRs first-hand — the good, the bad, and everything in between. We ask her about the benefits and drawbacks of an LDR, plus her top advice for a healthy, happy relationship (no matter the distance). Have you ever been in an LDR? DM us @girlxgirlpodcast and tell us about it! Want to keep up with Tine? Follow her on IG @christineford_.

On this episode, S & P break down their top 10 favourite queer musical artists, from Fletcher to Frank Ocean and Elton John. Plus, we read a few of the *incredible* S & P fan fictions that you guys sent our way! Who did we miss on our list of top artists? Shoot us a DM @girlxgirlpodcast to let us know.