You met them in the spotlight… but would you still want them with the lights off? 👀

This week on Shot by Qupid, Ajay sits down with Raheem and Youssra to get into nightlife, personas, and the fine line between being desired and actually being known. From drag alter egos and DJ energy to dating apps, ego, and expectations, we’re asking the real question — are people into you… or the version of you they’ve created in their head?

It’s giving performance, projection, and a little bit of delusion 😭

Plus, Cupid’s Confession Corner returns with one of the most chaotic stories yet (yes… it involves a hookup, a grandad, and a situation you can’t unhear).

💘 Follow Shot by Qupid, share with your group chat, and tell us… are they dating you, or just the show?

What happens when attraction crosses the line into fetishisation? And how do you date when people want the fantasy more than the real you?

In this episode of Shot by Qupid, Ajay sits down with Darren and Amrik to unpack queer dating, identity, and the messy realities of being desired but not always truly seen. From sauna culture and secret hookups to navigating fetishisation and non-binary visibility, the conversation dives into what it means to show up as your full self in a world that often reduces people to types.

Along the way, they talk about closeted dating, confidence, community, and how finding the right person can turn years of feeling invisible into something real.

Plus, Cupid’s Confession Corner returns with one of the most chaotic stories yet — a hookup that may or may not have involved a suspected killer.

💘 Follow Shot by Qupid, share the episode, and tell us: have you ever been someone’s type… or just their fantasy?

From risky glances across a bar to refreshing the Grindr grid — how did queer dating go from eye contact to algorithms?

In Episode 2 of Shot by Qupid, Ajay sits down with Yogesh and Paul to unpack how dating has evolved, what we’ve gained in convenience, and what we may have lost in courage. Was it hotter when you had to leave the house? Has swipe culture made us more connected — or just more available?

This is a conversation about cruising, chemistry, convenience, and whether romance survived the algorithm.

If you’ve ever felt nostalgic for real-life flirting or fatigued by modern dating apps, this one’s for you.

💘 Follow Shot by Qupid, share the episode, and tell us — are we better at dating now, or just faster?

Can dating yourself actually change your love life?

In Episode 1 of Shot by Qupid, we unpack self-love, solo dating, and how learning to enjoy your own company can transform the way you date and connect.

Ajay sits down with Chris to talk about navigating shame in queer spaces, travelling solo, and unlearning the idea that being alone means being lonely. Together, they explore how choosing yourself first can shift your confidence, mental health, and the relationships you attract.

The episode also dives into queer visibility, public displays of affection, and how simply being comfortable in your identity can become representation for others still finding their place.

Because sometimes the most important relationship you’ll ever have is the one with yourself.

💘 Follow Shot by Qupid and share the episode with someone learning to love themselves a little louder.

Welcome to Shot by Qupid — the LGBTQ+ dating podcast where love is messy, dates are wild, and Cupid’s got terrible aim. 🎯

Hosted by Ajay Pabial (he/him), creative, social entrepreneur, and seasoned survivor of situationships, this podcast dives headfirst into the most chaotic, outrageous, and unhinged queer dating stories out there.

Expect:

💘 Dating disasters

📲 Ghosting, red flags & emotional damage

🎭 Honest confessions

🎯 And more drama than your ex's group chat

Hit follow and get ready for the stories you’ll laugh at because you’ve lived them too.

Follow us on Instagram / Tick Tock