In recent years, several states have enacted bans on queer books, citing unsubstantiated claims ranging from content deemed inappropriate to concerns about age-appropriateness. These bans have restricted access to diverse and affirming literature for the LGBTQ+ community, leading to feelings of erasure and marginalization, and hindered the representation and visibility of queer identities, which is crucial for fostering understanding and acceptance.

In this episode, Alexander Rigby, a New York Times Bestselling Editor at Penguin Random House and curator of the publisher’s LGBTQ+ Network, joins us to discuss the impacts of queer book bans on LGBTQ+ people, how Penguin Random House is continuing to promote queer voices, and ways the LGBTQ+ community can support queer authors and push back against unjust book bans.


Full Episode:
https://www.ajadedgay.com/119-turning-the-page-on-queer-book-bans-with-alexander-rigby/

Related Episodes:
Listen to Episode 95. Take a Page from #GayBookstagram (with Rod Lujano)
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/95-take-a-page-from-gaybookstagram-with-rod-lujano/id1619338054?i=1000650468569

Listen to Episode 101. Sci-Fi: The Future is Queer (with TQ Sims)
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/101-sci-fi-the-future-is-queer-with-tq-sims/id1619338054?i=1000654786064

Additional Resources:
Learn More About Alexander Rigby
https://www.arigby.com/

Follow Alexander on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/alexandermrigby/

Follow Penguin Random House LGBTQ+ Network on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/prhlgbtq/

Check Out Pride in Your Words
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/pride-in-your-words/

Follow Penguin Random House on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/penguinrandomhouse/

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

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

119. Turning The Page On Queer Book Bans (with Alexander Rigby)

Since the 1890s, the term queer was initially used as a derogatory slur against gay men until it was later reclaimed by the LGBTQ+ community as a symbol of empowerment and inclusivity. Today, it’s used non-offensively as an inclusive term that embraces a wide spectrum of sexual orientations and gender identities within the community.

In this episode, we're taking a look into the etymology of the word queer, tracing its origins as a slur, and examining the pivotal moments and motivations behind the LGBTQ+ community's powerful reclamation of the term.

Full Episode:
https://www.ajadedgay.com/120-queer-as-in/

Related Episodes:
Listen to Bonus 12. Spooky Storytime
https://www.patreon.com/posts/bonus-12-spooky-111557531?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Listen to Episode 03. Surviving Another Pandemic
https://www.ajadedgay.com/03-surviving-another-pandemic/

Listen to Episode 23. Let's Talk About the F Word
https://www.ajadedgay.com/23-lets-talk-about-the-f-word/

Listen to Episode 51. ACT UP: Silence = Death
https://www.ajadedgay.com/51-act-up-silence-death/

Additional Resources:
Queer (Etymology)
https://www.etymonline.com/word/queer

Queer (Definition)
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/queer

How the Word ‘Queer’ was Adopted by the LGBTQ Community
https://www.cjr.org/language_corner/queer.php

Marquess of Queensberry
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marquess_of_Queensberry

‘Queer’ History: A History of Queer
https://blog.nationalarchives.gov.uk/queer-history-a-history-of-queer/

Oscar Wilde Trial
https://www.history.com/topics/gay-rights/oscar-wilde-trial

Reviled, Reclaimed and Respected: The History of the Word 'Queer'
https://theconversation.com/reviled-reclaimed-and-respected-the-history-of-the-word-queer-197533

Come Out!
https://outhistory.org/files/original/f6d46c5d90761e3a66edcd4fe32a6785.pdf

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

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

120. Queer As In...

In numerous episodes, we’ve learned that gay men are more likely to struggle with mental health issues due to the trauma experienced from growing up in a society that often stigmatizes their identity. Despite these challenges, we must heal from trauma so we can lead fulfilling lives and make a difference for the LGBTQ+ community, fostering both personal well-being and collective resilience.

In this episode, Dr. Jason Durant, a prominent gay psychologist, joins us to discuss how his own journey has shaped his empathetic and insightful approach to therapy, how he addresses common mental health struggles gay men face, and his new book, which offers valuable guidance and support for gay men navigating their mental health journeys.

Full Episode:
https://www.ajadedgay.com/121-unpack-your-gay-emotional-baggage-with-dr-jason-durant/

Related Episodes:
Listen to Episode 11. Overcoming Internalized Homophobia
https://www.ajadedgay.com/11-overcoming-internalized-homophobia/

Listen to Episode 26. Gay & Anxious
https://www.ajadedgay.com/26-gay-anxious/

Listen to Episode 42. Are You Emotionally Unavailable?
https://www.ajadedgay.com/42-are-you-emotionally-unavailable/

Additional Resources:
Learn More About Dr. Jason Durant
https://drjasondurant.com/

Follow Dr. Jason Durant on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/drjasondurant/

Buy Boy From the North Country: A Queer Therapist Looks Back at Overcoming Trauma With Mindfulness
https://www.amazon.com/Boy-North-Country-Overcoming-Mindfulness/dp/1665756853

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

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

121. Unpack Your Gay Emotional Baggage (with Dr. Jason Durant)

Presidential administrations significantly influence the well-being of the LGBTQ+ community through their policies on civil rights, healthcare, and anti-discrimination protections, which can either advance or hinder equality and acceptance. Additionally, an administration's public stance on LGBTQ+ issues sets a national tone, impacting societal attitudes and the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals.

In this episode, we’re reviewing the Trump administration's stance on LGBTQ+ rights from 2017 to 2021, examining the impact of its actions on civil rights, healthcare access, and protections for the LGBTQ+ community.

Full Episode:
https://www.ajadedgay.com/122-a-queer-review-of-the-trump-administration-2017-2021/

Related Episodes:
Listen to Episode 03. Surviving Another Pandemic
https://www.ajadedgay.com/03-surviving-another-pandemic/

Listen to Episode 27. Matthew Shepard
https://www.ajadedgay.com/27-matthew-shepard/

Listen to Episode 112. Project 2025
https://www.ajadedgay.com/112-project-2025/

Additional Resources:
GLAAD's Trump Accountability Tracker
https://glaad.org/trump-accountability-tracker/

Trump in 1999: "I Am Very Pro-Choice"
https://www.nbcnews.com/meet-the-press/video/trump-in-1999-i-am-very-pro-choice-480297539914

The Advocate Interview with Donald Trump
https://books.google.com/books?id=smMEAAAAMBAJ&q=%252522Donald+Trump%252522+AND+%252522gay+rights%252522&pg=PA27#v=onepage&q=%252522Donald%20Trump%252522%20AND%20%252522gay%20rights%252522&f=false

Donald Trump’s More Accepting Views on Gay Issues Set Him Apart in G.O.P.
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/23/us/politics/donald-trump-gay-rights.html

"It’s Not My Thing": A History of Trump’s Shifting Relationship with the LGBT Community
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/its-not-my-thing-a-history-of-trumps-shifting-relationship-with-the-lgbt-community/2017/07/26/92920302-7220-11e7-8f39-eeb7d3a2d304_story.html

Donald Trump Congratulated Elton John on His Civil Partnership in 2005
https://www.washingtonblade.com/2016/04/04/donald-trump-congratulated-elton-john-on-his-civil-partnership-in-2005/

Donald Trump Says He’s Against Gay Marriage
https://www.metroweekly.com/2011/02/donald-trump-says-hes-against/

Does Donald Trump Support Civil Unions or Not?
https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2011/03/donald_trump_has_absolutely_no.html

Gay Conservatives Bring Trump and the Party to CPAC
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2011/02/gay-conservatives-bring-trump-and-the-party-to-cpac/71081/

Donald Trump Has Words for Transgender Miss Universe Contestant
https://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2012/04/donald-trump-has-words-for-transgender-miss-universe-contestant

Donald Trump Comes Out Against North Carolina's HB2
https://abc11.com/trump-hb2-law-north-carolina/1302289/

LGBT Groups Blast Trump for Voicing Support for HB2 in Raleigh
https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/article88026562.html

Read Donald Trump’s Speech on the Orlando Shooting
https://time.com/4367120/orlando-shooting-donald-trump-transcript/

Trump Has Appointed 216 New Federal Judges and it Could Be 230 By Election Day
https://www.newsweek.com/trump-has-appointed-216-new-federal-judges-it-could-230-election-day-1532901

A Third of Trump's Court Nominees have Anti-LGBTQ History, Report Finds
https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/third-trump-s-court-nominees-have-anti-lgbtq-history-report-n1106691

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

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

122. A Queer Review of the Trump Administration (2017  2021)

Coming out is a deeply personal and pivotal moment for LGBTQ+ individuals, encompassing the courageous act of sharing their authentic identity with others, fostering self-acceptance, and seeking understanding and validation.

In this episode, I reflect on my coming out journey from a decade ago, sharing the funny, cringey, and self-discovery that have shaped me along the way.

Related Episodes:
Listen to Episode 77. Coming Out
https://www.ajadedgay.com/77-coming-out/

Listen to Episode 99. Coming Out Later in Life (with Kevin O’ Connor)
https://www.ajadedgay.com/99-coming-out-later-in-life-with-kevin-o-connor/

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

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

123. My Coming Out Story

In previous episodes, we've explored how queer themes have been woven into horror for over 250 years, mirroring experiences of otherness, fear, and survival—common realities for those facing societal marginalization. Today, the horror genre has transcended traditional media channels, expanding its reach through platforms like YouTube and podcasts, where creators can explore these themes in fresh, innovative ways.

In this episode, Bobby Torrez, a horror YouTuber and podcaster, joins us to discuss the ins and outs of his horror reviews, navigate stereotypes and tropes in horror, and discuss how queer horror can push boundaries to become even more inclusive.

Full Episode:
https://www.ajadedgay.com/124-queer-frights-new-media-horror-beyond-the-screen-with-bobby-torrez/

Related Episodes:
Listen to Episode 28. Gay Horror
https://www.ajadedgay.com/28-gay-horror/

Listen to Episode 80. Queer Haunts: Happy Halloween (with Ralph Anthony)
https://www.ajadedgay.com/80-queer-haunts-happy-halloween-with-ralph-anthony/

Listen to Episode 97. Diversifying Queer Horror Cinema (with Jose Nateras)
https://www.ajadedgay.com/97-diversifying-queer-horror-cinema-with-jose-nateras/

Additional Resources:
Follow Bobby Torrez on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/bobbytorrez/

Follow Bobby Torrez on Twitter
https://x.com/BobbyTorrez

Subscribe to Bobby Likes It Spooky
https://www.youtube.com/@BobbyTorrez

Tune in to People Under the Scares
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/people-under-the-scares/id1586105275

Tune in to Scream Kingz Podcast
https://www.youtube.com/@screamkingzpodcast

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

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

124. Queer Frights & New Media: Horror Beyond The Screen (with Bobby Torrez)

In previous episodes, we explored the history of gay representation in TV and film, touching on stereotypes and the challenges faced by queer creators. One major roadblock has been the "Bury Your Gays" trope, which limits authentic representation by perpetuating harmful narratives that often depict LGBTQ+ characters as tragic or expendable, rather than allowing for diverse, fully realized stories.

In this episode, we’re diving into the origins of the "Bury Your Gays" trope, examining its ongoing presence in media, and discussing how creators can shift away from it to foster more authentic and meaningful LGBTQ+ representation in the future.

Full Episode:
https://www.ajadedgay.com/125-bury-your-gays/

Related Episodes:
Listen to Episode 06. Gay Panic Defense
https://www.ajadedgay.com/06-gay-panic-defense/

Listen to Episode 07. The History of Gay Representation in TV & Film
https://www.ajadedgay.com/07-the-history-of-gay-representation-in-tv-film/

Listen to Episode 28. Gay Horror
https://www.ajadedgay.com/28-gay-horror/

Listen to Episode 80. Queer Haunts: Happy Halloween (with Ralph Anthony)
https://www.ajadedgay.com/80-queer-haunts-happy-halloween-with-ralph-anthony/

Listen to Episode 97. Diversifying Queer Horror Cinema (with Jose Nateras)
https://www.ajadedgay.com/97-diversifying-queer-horror-cinema-with-jose-nateras/

Listen to Episode 108. Celebrate Queer Joy
https://www.ajadedgay.com/108-celebrate-queer-joy/

Additional Resources:
Bury Your Gays
https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/BuryYourGays

Vasquez Always Dies
https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/VasquezAlwaysDies#:~:text=The%20Trope%20Namer%20is%20from,simply%20too%20badass%20to%20live

Ever Wondered How to Kill Off a Queer Character Without Falling into the 'Bury Your Gays' Trope?
https://www.pridereads.co.uk/bury-your-gays-trope

Hollywood's "Bury Your Gays" Trope Explained: History & Controversy
Depraved Homosexual
https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/DepravedHomosexual

15 Recent, Especially Brutal, Examples of the Bury Your Gays Trope
https://www.out.com/television/2022/9/19/most-brutal-examples-of-bury-your-gays-trope-in-television-movies#rebelltitem1

Supernatural: Castiel Sacrifices Himself to Save Dean From Death
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-hKXE_ip7g

It Chapter Two: Adrian Mellon Death Scene
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YG2kL8rByks

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

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

125. Bury Your Gays

In previous episodes, we explored how queer themes have been woven into horror for over 250 years, highlighting that the genre has always had an inherently queer essence. It resonates with many members of the LGBTQ+ community since it often reflects feelings of otherness, fear, and survival, which are familiar experiences for those who have faced societal marginalization.

In this episode, Sean Abley, a horror journalist, award-winning playwright, and creator of Gay of the Dead, joins us to discuss the significance of queer representation, the power of building a horror community, and his latest project, Queer Horror: A Film Guide.

Full Episode:
https://www.ajadedgay.com/126-gay-of-the-dead-unleashing-queer-horror-with-sean-abley/

Related Episodes:
Listen to Episode 28. Gay Horror
https://www.ajadedgay.com/28-gay-horror/

Listen to Episode 79. Queer Mysticism: Gay Men & Spirituality
https://www.ajadedgay.com/79-queer-mysticism-gay-men-spirituality/

Listen to Episode 80. Queer Haunts: Happy Halloween (with Ralph Anthony)
https://www.ajadedgay.com/80-queer-haunts-happy-halloween-with-ralph-anthony/

Listen to Episode 97. Diversifying Queer Horror Cinema (with Jose Nateras)
https://www.ajadedgay.com/97-diversifying-queer-horror-cinema-with-jose-nateras/

Listen to Episode 124. Queer Frights & New Media: Horror Beyond the Screen (with Bobby Torrez)
https://www.ajadedgay.com/124-queer-frights-new-media-horror-beyond-the-screen-with-bobby-torrez/

Additional Resources:
Learn More About Sean Abley
https://www.seanabley.com/

Follow Sean on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/seanabley/

Buy Queer Horror: A Film Guide
https://mcfarlandbooks.com/product/queer-horror/

Become a Gay of the Dead Member
https://www.patreon.com/GayoftheDead

Follow Gay of the Dead on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/gay_of_the_dead/

Follow Gay of the Dead on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/GayoftheDead/

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

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

126. Gay Of The Dead: Unleashing Queer Horror (with Sean Abley)

Previously, we discussed our iconic pop queens and how their songs typically fit into distinct categories that hit an emotional button that appeals to gay men. These categories often include themes of empowerment, heartbreak, resilience, and self-expression, resonating deeply with the LGBTQ+ community, particularly gay men, who find solace and strength in these anthems.

In this episode, we continue our Gay Icons series with Stefan Mreczko joining us to discuss none other than the Queen of Pop herself, Madonna. As host of MLVC: The Madonna Podcast, Stefan chats with us about the iconic singer, songwriter, and actress’ boundary-pushing music, reinvention of image, and significant influence on pop culture over the past four decades

Full Episode:
https://www.ajadedgay.com/127-gay-icons-the-queen-of-pop-with-stefan-mreczko/

Related Episodes:
Listen to Episode 04. Pop Icons and Their Gay Emotional Appeal
https://www.ajadedgay.com/04-pop-icons-and-their-gay-emotional-appeal/

Listen to Episode 25. Gay Icons: My Name is Kylie
https://www.ajadedgay.com/25-gay-icons-my-name-is-kylie/

Listen to Episode 41. Gay Icons: The Queen of Disco
https://www.ajadedgay.com/41-gay-icons-the-queen-of-disco/

Listen to Episode 58. Gay Icons: Our Friend, Dorothy
https://www.ajadedgay.com/58-gay-icons-our-friend-dorothy/

Listen to Bonus 11. Gay Icons: Amy Winehouse
https://www.patreon.com/posts/bonus-11-gay-amy-110703208?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Additional Resources:
Learn More About Stefan Mreczko
https://linktr.ee/Stefanwithanf

Follow Stefan on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/stefanwithanf/

Connect with MLVC: The Madonna Podcast
https://stefanmreczko.wixsite.com/mlvcpodcast

Straight Jacket: Overcoming Society's Legacy of Gay Shame
https://www.amazon.com/Straight-Jacket-Overcoming-Societys-Legacy/dp/0552778400/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

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

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

127. Gay Icons: The Queen Of Pop (with Stefan Mreczko)

Situationships are undefined romantic or sexual relationships that lack clear commitment or future plans, often leading to ambiguous expectations between partners. For some gay men, growing up in a heteronormative society can lead to attachment issues or a fear of commitment, making them more likely to find themselves in situationships where emotional vulnerability is limited.

In this episode, we’re examining the telltale signs and red flags of situationships, discussing how these ambiguous relationships can affect mental health, and offering guidance on how to navigate a situationship if you find yourself in one.

Related Episodes:
Listen to Episode 15. Understanding Attachment Styles
https://www.ajadedgay.com/15-understanding-attachment-styles/

Listen to Episode 70. Good Grief: How to Cope with Loss
https://www.ajadedgay.com/70-good-grief-how-to-cope-with-loss/

Listen to Episode 71. Queer Grief
https://www.ajadedgay.com/71-queer-grief/

Listen to Bonus 14. WTF America?
https://www.patreon.com/posts/bonus-14-wtf-115483493?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Additional Resources:
Situationship Definition
https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/situationship

Situationship vs Friends With Benefits
https://drawingdownthemoon.co.uk/situationship-vs-friends-with-benefits/

Situationships: What They Are and 5 Signs You’re in One
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-a-situationship

10 Signs You're in a Situationship, Whether You Know It or Not
https://www.instyle.com/what-is-a-situationship-5378299

What to Do if Your Situationship is Screwing With Your Mental Health
https://www.wondermind.com/article/situationship/

Why Situationships Can Be Toxic and How to Break Free
https://www.radiantselftherapy.com/writing/why-situationships-can-be-toxic-and-how-to-break-free

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

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

128. Situationships: What's the Sitch?

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.

125. Bury Your Gays

A Jaded Gay

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