Today, authentic LGBTQ+ representation in TV is more important than ever since it reflects the community's diverse experiences, fosters a sense of inclusivity, challenges stereotypes, and provides meaningful representation that resonates with audiences to promote understanding and acceptance. However, in recent years, we’ve seen a trend where LGBTQ+ shows have been increasingly canceled, some after just one season, with Netflix being the biggest culprit.

In this episode, we’re examining Netflix’s recent cancellations of LGBTQ+ shows, comparing their approach to queer content with other media companies, and exploring the streaming giant's controversies surrounding decisions in the realm of LGBTQ+ storytelling.

Full Episode:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/98-dear-netflix-stop-cancelling-our-queer-shows/id1619338054?i=1000652594140

Related Episodes:
Listen to Episode 07. The History of Gay Representation in TV & Film
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/07-the-history-of-gay-representation-in-tv-film/id1619338054?i=1000564654328

Listen to Episode 09. Corporate Greed & Rainbow Capitalism
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/09-corporate-greed-rainbow-capitalism/id1619338054?i=1000566351156

Listen to Episode 55. Gay for Pay: Should Straight Actors Play Queer Characters? 
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/07-the-history-of-gay-representation-in-tv-film/id1619338054?i=1000564654328

Additional Resources:
Every LGBTQ+ Show Cancelled Over the Past Year
https://www.gaytimes.co.uk/originals/recent-lgbtq-shows-cancelled/

30 LGBTQ+ Shows That Got Canceled in 2023
https://www.out.com/gay-tv-shows/lgbtq-shows-canceled-2023#rebelltitem1

Netflix Employees Walk Out Over Dave Chappelle Special
https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2021/10/20/netflix-ted-sarandos-talks-dave-chappelle-backlash-trans-employee-walkout/8524557002/

Netflix Reportedly Gave Exec Second Chance After Investigating His Use Of Anti-LGBTQ Language
https://www.forbes.com/sites/dereksaul/2021/10/18/netflix-reportedly-gave-exec-second-chance-after-investigating-his-use-of-anti-lgbtq-language/?sh=15ddd41d704b

Netflix Cut from LGBTQ Corporate Equality Report over Dave Chappelle’s ‘The Closer’
https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-news/netflix-cut-lgbtq-corporate-equality-report-dave-chappelles-closer-rcna13827

Ricky Gervais Netflix Special Condemned by LGBTQ Groups for ‘Anti-Trans Rants Masquerading as Jokes’
https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2022/may/25/ricky-gervais-netflix-special-condemned-by-lgbtq-groups-for-anti-trans-rants-masquerading-as-jokes

Ricky Gervais Condemned for Crude, Tired and Lazy AIDS Jokes in Controversial Netflix Special
https://www.thepinknews.com/2022/05/25/ricky-gervais-aids-jokes-supernature-glaad/

Netflix CEO Faces Backlash for Wild Comments on Cancelled Shows: ‘They are NOT Allies’
https://www.thepinknews.com/2023/01/24/netflix-ceo-ted-sarandos-cancelled-shows-lgbtq-fans-reactions/

Shane Gillis was Fired from SNL for Anti-Gay Slurs. He Now Has a New Special on Netflix
https://www.them.us/story/shane-gillis-netflix-comedy-special-lgbtq-comedians-to-watch-instead

Dave Chappelle Goes After Disabled Community in 'The Dreamer'
https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2023/12/31/dave-chappelle-netflix-special-the-dreamer/72072148007/

Why Are So Many TV Shows About Queer Women Getting the Axe?
https://www.them.us/story/lesbian-sapphic-tv-cancellations-show-endings

GLAAD's 2022-2023 Where We Are on TV Report
https://assets.glaad.org/m/114d72edf8a779a6/original/GLAAD-2022-23-Where-We-Are-on-TV.pdf

Support the show
https://www.patreon.com/ajadedgaypod

Get Your Merch
https://a-jaded-gay.creator-spring.com/

98. Dear Netflix: Stop Cancelling Our Queer Shows

In previous episodes, we discussed the importance of coming out, which is a deeply personal and pivotal moment for LGBTQ+ individuals. And while living openly can empower us to be our authentic selves, a number of complex factors can keep us in the closet.

In this episode, author, public speaker, and former teacher Kevin O’Connor joins us to discuss his personal journey out of marriage to embrace his sexuality at 55 and live authentically as a gay man.

Full Episode:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/99-coming-out-later-in-life-with-kevin-o-connor/id1619338054?i=1000653311227

Related Episodes:
Listen to Episode 77. Coming Out
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/77-coming-out/id1619338054?i=1000630804727

Additional Resources:
Learn More About Kevin
http://kevinoconnorauthor.com/

Follow Kevin on Instagram
https://instagram.com/kevmaster62

Follow Kevin on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/kevin.oconnor2

Read Two Floors Above Grief
https://www.amazon.com/Two-Floors-Above-Grief-Families/dp/B0BMZ5P3RF

Support the Show.
https://www.patreon.com/ajadedgaypod

Get Your Merch
https://a-jaded-gay.creator-spring.com/

99. Coming Out Later In Life (with Kevin O Connor)

Gay men often grapple with perfectionism, navigating societal expectations and internalized standards that can intensify the pursuit of an idealized self-image. Known as the Best Little Boy in the World archetype, some gay men overcompensate in certain aspects of their lives, such as their career, appearance, and other achievements, to deflect negative attention away from their sexuality.

In this episode, we’re diving into the origins of the Best Little Boy in the World persona, examining research on how sexual minority men link self-worth more closely to achievement-related domains compared to their straight counterparts, and discussing how we can grow up beyond this archetype by overcoming our internalized homophobia.

Full Episode:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/100-best-little-boys-in-the-world-its-time-to-grow-up/id1619338054?i=1000654028208

Related Episodes:
Listen to Episode 01. Hello, Trauma. It's Me, Rob‪.‬
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/01-hello-trauma-its-me-rob/id1619338054?i=1000558015683

Listen to Episode 13. Perfectly Imperfect: Conquer Your Perfectionism
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/13-perfectly-imperfect-conquer-your-perfectionism/id1619338054?i=1000569642304

Listen to Episode 85. Boundaries: How to Understand and Set Them
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/85-boundaries-how-to-understand-and-set-them/id1619338054?i=1000641820212

Listen to Episode 94. Girl, Please: Say No to People-Pleasing
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/94-girl-please-say-no-to-people-pleasing/id1619338054?i=1000649684367

Additional Resources:
The Best Little Boy in the World by Andrew Tobias
https://www.amazon.com/Best-Little-Boy-World-Anniversary/dp/0345381769/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.wNXsFal1fdsVXyEHg3Z0WQ.uzy7G9S7upcshTbEpx8zql7KWrMyMMqY8Sh0B_-BJTw&dib_tag=se&qid=1708361946&refinements=p_27%3A+John+%5BTobias%5CcAndrew%5D+Reid&s=books&sr=1-1&text=Andrew%5D+Reid%2C+John+%5BTobias

The Best Little Boy in the World Grows Up
https://www.publishersweekly.com/9780375501111

The Social Development of Contingent Self-Worth in Sexual Minority Young Men: An Empirical Investigation of the “Best Little Boy in the World” Hypothesis
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/271750098_The_Social_Development_of_Contingent_Self-Worth_in_Sexual_Minority_Young_Men_An_Empirical_Investigation_of_the_Best_Little_Boy_in_the_World_Hypothesis

Study: Being in the Closet Drives You to Be More Successful, More Awful
https://www.queerty.com/best-little-boy-in-the-world-20130510

The Best Little Boy in the World — That's Me
https://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/07/opinion/the-best-little-boy-in-the-world-thats-me.html

Queer Like Pete
https://slate.com/human-interest/2019/11/pete-buttigieg-gay-archetype-best-little-boy.html

Why Do Young Gay Men Try to Be the Best?
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-sexual-continuum/201304/why-do-young-gay-men-try-be-the-best

Good Little Boy Syndrome
https://queerjoe.com/2019/10/30/good-little-boy-syndrome/

The Best Little Boy in the World
https://lifebeyondtherapy.com/the-best-little-boy-in-the-world/#:~:text=It's%20the%20idea%20that%20young,us%20LGBT%20men%20and%20women%3F

Superego
https://www.britannica.com/science/superego

Best Little Boy In The World
https://www.lukeallenphd.com/blog/best-little-kid

30 Ways to Deal with Internalized Homophobia for LGBTQ People
https://www.thegaytherapycenter.com/30-ways-to-combat-internalized-homophobia/

Be Kind to Yourself
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/between-cultures/201802/be-kind-yourself

Support the Show
https://www.patreon.com/ajadedgaypod

Get Your Merch
https://a-jaded-gay.creator-spring.com/

100. Best Little Boys In The World: It's Time To Grow Up

Inclusive representation in various literary genres offers LGBTQ+ people a sense of visibility, validation, and connection as they see their experiences authentically mirrored, which fosters a more affirming narrative for readers. One such genre, sci-fi, often serves as a creative and inclusive space, intertwining with queerness to explore diverse identities, relationships, and societal constructs beyond conventional norms.

In this episode, TQ Sims, author of Godspeed, Lovers, joins us to discuss the importance of inclusive literature, the queerness of the sci-fi genre, and his futuristic novel.

Full Episode:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/101-scifi-the-future-is-queer-with-tq-sims/id1619338054?i=1000654786064

Related Episodes:
Listen to Episode 07. The History of Gay Representation in TV & Film
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/07-the-history-of-gay-representation-in-tv-film/id1619338054?i=1000564654328

Additional Resources:
Follow TQ Sims on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/t.q.sims/

Read Godspeed, Lovers
https://www.amazon.com/Godspeed-Lovers-Universe-novel/dp/1665751568

Visit The Lovers Universe
https://www.theloversuniverse.com/

Support the Show
https://www.patreon.com/ajadedgaypod

Get Your Merch
https://a-jaded-gay.creator-spring.com/

101. Sci-Fi: The Future is Queer (with TQ Sims)

Societal pressures surrounding marriage often fuel negative perceptions of being single, creating undue stress and stigma for those who haven't followed traditional relationship paths. Meanwhile, gay men may encounter challenges in forming healthy long-term relationships due to societal prejudices, lack of legal recognition, and historical marginalization, contributing to a higher prevalence of singlehood within the community.

In this episode, we’re exploring the joys of embracing singlehood, finding happiness in solitude, and navigating the journey towards self-love while overcoming the societal stigma and pressures of single-shaming.

Full Episode:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/102-lets-normalize-being-single-and-happy/id1619338054?i=1000655531047

Additional Resources:
Single Person
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Single_person

How Many People are Single in the World? Answered 2024
https://www.iusw.org/how-many-people-are-single-in-the-world/#:~:text=There%20are%20approximately%202.1%20billion,at%20least%20a%20bachelor's%20degree

What Single Shaming is and How to Respond If Someone Does It to You
https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/love-sex/relationships/a32142296/single-shaming/

'Single Shaming': Why People Jump to Judge the Un-Partnered
https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20220405-single-shaming-why-people-jump-to-judge-the-un-partnered

Gay Promiscuity Statistics
https://medium.com/@neuropsychology/gay-promiscuity-statistics-partners-45fc370c0ca5

The Effect of Sexual Orientation on Singlehood: Evidence from the Greek Cultural Context
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0191886921005298#:~:text=Finds%20that%2C%20homosexual%20people%20were%20considerably%20less%20likely%20to%20be,people%20of%20other%20sexual%20orientations.&text=Finds%20that%2C%20homosexual%20men%20but,people%20of%20other%20sexual%20orientations

57% of Single Adults in U.S. Not Looking to Date, Survey Says
https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucelee/2023/02/13/for-valentines-day-5-survey-findings-about-singles-from-pew-research/?sh=25ecc76f288e

Normalize Being Single in Your 30s as a Healthy Relationship Status
https://nicole-skyler.medium.com/normalize-being-single-in-your-30s-as-a-healthy-relationship-status-75817f785443

Reasons Why You Need to Embrace Singlehood
https://mblwrites.medium.com/reasons-why-you-need-to-embrace-singlehood-3375cc905d9d

How to Embrace Being Single
https://au.reachout.com/articles/how-to-embrace-being-single

Support the Show
https://www.patreon.com/ajadedgaypod

Get Your Merch
https://a-jaded-gay.creator-spring.com/

102. Let's Normalize Being Single And Happy

Healthcare promotes the wellbeing of individuals and fosters societal resilience by addressing health challenges, preventing diseases, and providing essential medical support. However, marginalized communities, such as the LGBTQ+ community, have historically encountered challenges in accessing inclusive healthcare, facing discrimination, stigmatization, and inadequate understanding of their unique health needs.

In this episode, Max Austin, author of How Can We Be Wrong?, joins us to discuss his experiences as a nurse coming out during the early 1990s HIV/AIDS crisis and ways to advocate for more inclusive healthcare.

Full Episode:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/103-a-pulse-check-on-lgbtq-healthcare-with-max-austin/id1619338054?i=1000656247201

Additional Resources:
Learn More About Max Austin
https://www.maxaustinauthor.com/

Buy How Can We Be Wrong?
https://www.amazon.com/How-Can-We-Wrong-bio-fictional/dp/1915905362/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.fDIKAism7e6reM8tst3SzjpyIiMEKYDvnxScysnsM8GQXewNucx3X6yh6jcHuqZjF-GMnDQprJNCSUuM7HNSZwwbs3roVl_uicHW1XLqBy2wIDMX1qeCucxJvY-YpvPOZH1aEktNI8iA6ilsRNklDyPrN5ye5cnuFXQ688OjSRZuNs45ZPZnAuRhMD6quMbQw16yoyXFeTimiJVFhlKe6ViPtFGzjMug1COM-FVbHyM.kKLSy3H0RavXlRnw_sY8NcJM3OG2seZmyF2IfiKpreE&qid=1715098761&sr=8-1

Follow Max Austin on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/maxaustin50/

Follow Max Austin on TikTok
https://www.tiktok.com/@max.austin7

Follow Max Austin on X
https://twitter.com/maxaustinauthor

Support the Show
https://www.patreon.com/ajadedgaypod

Get Your Merch
https://a-jaded-gay.creator-spring.com/

103. A Pulse Check On LGBTQ Healthcare (with Max Austin)

Following the Stonewall Riots, San Francisco’s Castro District gained a reputation for its relative openness and soon emerged as a gay haven. During the 1970s and 1980s, a group of predominantly white, masculine-presenting gay men gained prominence for their uniform aesthetic, characterized by closely cropped hair, well-groomed mustaches, denim attire, and a rugged, hyper-masculine appearance.

In this episode, we’re exploring the origins and characteristics of this archetype, referred to as the Castro Clone, along with some famous Clones, and how this subculture both challenged and perpetuated narrow ideals of masculinity.

Full Episode:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/104-the-castro-clone-wars/id1619338054?i=1000657009411

Related Episodes:
Listen to Episode 19. The Queer History of Disco
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/19-the-queer-history-of-disco/id1619338054?i=1000577073123

Listen to Episode 24. Gay Villages: Won't You Be My Gaybor‪?‬ 
https://podcasts.apple.com/fj/podcast/24-gay-villages-wont-you-be-my-gaybor/id1619338054?i=1000580773743

Listen to Episode 81. Are Mustaches Gay?
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/81-are-mustaches-gay/id1619338054?i=1000633980771

Listen to Episode 82. Gay Gym Culture
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/82-gay-gym-culture/id1619338054?i=1000634753158

Listen to Episode 86. Turn Off Your Code-Switching
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/86-turn-off-your-code-switching/id1619338054?i=1000642614551

Listen to Episode 92. Metrosexual Madness
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/92-metrosexual-madness/id1619338054?i=1000648056196

Additional Resources:
Castro Clone
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castro_clone

Castro District, San Francisco
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castro_District,_San_Francisco

The History of the Castro
https://www.kqed.org/w/hood/castro/castroHistory.html

Cruisin’ with the Mustache Crew
https://www.thecut.com/2019/04/cruisin-with-the-mustache-crew.html

Arthur Evans
https://lgbtqreligiousarchives.org/profiles/arthur-evans

How the '70s “Clone” Look Paved the Way for the Queer Clothing of Today
https://www.gq.com/story/70s-clone-look-queer-clothing

The Incredibly Gay History of Manly Clothes
https://www.stitchfashion.com/home//the-incredibly-gay-history-of-manly-clothes

Afraid You're Not Butch Enough?
https://commiepinkofag.org/post/112371436647/satirical-red-queen-leaflet-by-arthur-evans-sf-1978

The Fabulous Sylvester: The Legend, the Music, the Seventies in San Francisco
https://archive.org/details/fabuloussylveste00gams/page/221/mode/2up

Support the Show
https://www.patreon.com/ajadedgaypod

Get Your Merch
https://a-jaded-gay.creator-spring.com/

104. The Castro Clone Wars

In previous episodes, we discussed the origins of Pride and the importance of continuing to stand up for equality. However, members of the LGBTQ+ community debate the meaning, purpose, and execution of modern-day Pride celebrations, which highlights the lack of diversity within mainstream events.

In this episode, Tyrell Brown, Executive Director of the radical social justice organization Galaei, joins us to discuss the importance of intersectionality and the ongoing work needed to ensure that Pride truly reflects the diversity of our community.

Full Episode:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/105-the-pride-divide-with-tyrell-brown/id1619338054?i=1000657776395

Related Episodes:
Listen to Episode 08. Finding Your Community
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/08-finding-your-community/id1619338054?i=1000565489291

Listen to Episode 09. Corporate Greed & Rainbow Capitalism
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/09-corporate-greed-rainbow-capitalism/id1619338054?i=1000566351156

Additional Resources:
Learn More About Tyrell Brown
https://www.galaeiqtbipoc.org/tyrell-brown/

Follow Tyrell Brown on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/say_it__loud_/

Learn More About Galaei
https://www.galaeiqtbipoc.org/

Learn More About Philly Pride 365
https://phillypride365.org/

Follow Galaei on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/galaeiphilly/

Follow Galaei on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/galaei/

Follow Galaei on X
https://twitter.com/galaeiphilly

Support the Show
https://www.patreon.com/ajadedgaypod

Get Your Merch
https://a-jaded-gay.creator-spring.com/

105. The Pride Divide (with Tyrell Brown)

In previous episodes, we discussed how the shifting dynamics of gayborhoods and dating app culture have impacted queer nightlife. While the closure of traditional gay bars might be viewed by some as a cause for concern, it fosters a broader conversation about the organic evolution of queer social spaces.

In this episode, Amin Ghaziani, Professor of Sociology and Canada Research Chair in Sexuality and Urban Studies at the University of British Columbia and author of six books and countless academic articles, joins us to discuss his research and findings on today’s queer nightlife and how we can all work together to create a future where every individual finds belonging and celebration in our shared spaces.

Full Episode:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/106-long-live-queer-nightlife-with-amin-ghaziani/id1619338054?i=1000658591206

Related Episodes:
Listen to Episode 17. Mobsters & Mos: How the Mafia Owned Gay Nightlife
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/17-mobsters-mos-how-the-mafia-owned-gay-nightlife/id1619338054?i=1000575496788

Listen to Episode 24. Gay Villages: Won't You Be My Gaybor?
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/24-gay-villages-wont-you-be-my-gaybor/id1619338054?i=1000580773743

Listen to Episode 96. Should You Swipe Left on Gay Dating Apps?
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/96-should-you-swipe-left-on-gay-dating-apps/id1619338054?i=1000651167791

Additional Resources:
Learn More About Amin Ghaziani
https://www.aminghaziani.net/

Follow Amin Ghaziani on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/amin_ghaziani/

Follow Amin Ghaziani on X
https://twitter.com/Amin_Ghaziani

Read Long Live Queer Nightlife
https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691253855/long-live-queer-nightlife

Read Why Gayborhoods Matter: The Street Empirics of Urban Sexualities
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7978650/

Support the Show
https://www.patreon.com/ajadedgaypod

Get Your Merch
https://a-jaded-gay.creator-spring.com/

106. Long Live Queer Nightlife (with Amin Ghaziani)

Poetry serves as a rich medium where the intersecting identities of gay men, encompassing aspects of sexuality, gender, race, class, and more, intertwine to craft narratives that reflect the multifaceted experiences and perspectives within the LGBTQ+ community.

In this episode, Anthony DiPietro, author of kiss & release, joins us to discuss the importance of inclusive literature, the queerness of poetry, and incorporating pride in his writing.

Full Episode:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/107-kiss-release-with-anthony-dipietro/id1619338054?i=1000659374992

Additional Resources:
Learn More About Anthony DiPietro
https://www.anthonywriter.com/

Follow Anthony DiPietro on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/ant.providence/

Read kiss & release
https://www.unsolicitedpress.com/store/p452/kissandrelease.html

Support the Show
https://www.patreon.com/ajadedgaypod

Get Your Merch
https://a-jaded-gay.creator-spring.com/

107. Kiss & Release (with Anthony DiPietro)

Living in a world of fuckboys, homophobes, and inequalities can leave a gay feeling, well, jaded, so tune in for your weekly dose of gay empowerment. We're talking pop culture, politics, and dating hardships, all through the lens of overcoming gay trauma and nurturing our emotional wellbeing.

103. A Pulse Check On LGBTQ Healthcare (with Max Austin)

A Jaded Gay

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