In this podcast Ed talks about what it's like to be an older gay man in 2012.
Summary
This podcast, titled "Ed Jenner - Older Gay Men," provides an intimate account of Ed Jenner's life experiences as an older gay individual, touching on aspects of their identity, personal history, and societal changes throughout the years. Recorded in Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand, and lasting 14 minutes, the podcast captures a conversation between Ed Jenner and John Kelly held on September 19th, 2012.
In the dialogue, Ed Jenner discusses growing up in North Kent, England, during the 1940s, in a suburb known as Northfleet. Jenner reflects on a hobby of knitting, which they picked up from family members at a young age but mostly performed in private to avoid negative attention. They assert that knitting at home or during idle times, like on ferry rides, never caused them issues with others, which implies a quiet reconciliation between traditional gender activities and their own preferences.
When it comes to their sexual identity, Jenner indicates an early awareness without feeling 'different' or encountering discrimination. Their parents accepted them unconditionally, and in school, they navigated social dynamics to avoid trouble despite attending a rough all-boys school. Reflecting on terminology, Jenner describes a shift from not labeling themselves in their youth to openly using the term "poofter" later in life to describe their gay identity.
The interviewer questions Jenner about their relationships, to which they recount their last significant partnership, which began in 1991 with someone they met in New Zealand and continued with a move to Australia. Jenner has not been in a long-term relationship since and expresses no regrets about their life as a gay individual. They have embraced their unique self throughout their life, whether it pertained to their gay identity or any other aspect of their person.
Professionally, Jenner worked as a computer programmer from the late 1960s, but left the career at 51. Subsequently, Jenner contributed to their community through volunteering at Herne Bay House, supporting individuals with HIV/AIDS. Drawing on a deeply personal experience of caring for a former partner until their passing, Jenner was equipped to provide compassionate assistance to others at Herne Bay House.
Now retired, Jenner maintains their physical and mental wellness through daily walking, swimming, and occasional adventurous pursuits such as bungee jumping. Reflecting on their financial situation, Jenner remarks on the welcome addition of a government pension to their already sufficient means, thanks to early mortgage repayment and prudent living.
In terms of family and support, Jenner has a brother in New Zealand and maintains close relationships with their nieces and nephews. Looking forward, Jenner lives each day fully without a predetermined 'bucket list' and plans to age with the same zest for life that has always characterized them. They also ensure their wishes are legally protected via a will.
Concluding the recording, Jenner offers advice to younger gay individuals based on their own satisfying and trouble-free life. They emphasize the importance of self-acceptance, living authentically, and approaching life with contentment and joy. Jenner's experience and outlook reflect a resilient life amidst societal and personal challenges, celebrating an identity that has remained constant and unapologetic throughout changing times.
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