In this podcast Erik talks about being young and gay in 2012.
Summary
The podcast recording titled "Erik - Q12" provides an intimate look at a young person's experience with their sexuality in Napier, Hawkes Bay, during the 2010s. Erik shares personal insights on navigating life as a young gay individual in 2012, from self-discovery to establishing an identity within a community that may not be visibly prominent.
The conversation starts with personal anecdotes revealing Erik's background, interests, and personality. Working in the engineering sector at the age of 26, Erik has hobbies such as reading, cooking, engaging in gym sessions, and outdoor activities like fly fishing. It is described how Erik's demeanor, which includes a dry and ironic sense of humor, as well as a straightforward and blunt manner, can be misinterpreted as mean, despite it stemming from honesty.
Erik also discusses their journey of self-acceptance, explaining that they did not fully identify as gay until their early twenties. This realization unfolded as Erik noticed an attraction towards men concurrently with the lack of successful connections with women. The narrative follows the discovery of their sexuality, which was not compelled by denial but rather a natural progression of self-exploration. When discussing coming out, Erik details a timeline of two to two and a half years between realization and openly declaring their sexuality, marked by a forced revelation to family due to a disclosure by a friend.
The interview delves into the dynamics of relationships and interactions within the LGBTQ community. Erik has found support among friends and details their process of coming out, which often involved sending texts to confidantes who would initially respond with shock. The conversation also highlights Erik's discomfort with certain stereotypes and expectations, like being a fag hag, which did not align with their personality or style.
Erik further describes limited romantic experiences, having been in only one serious relationship and several casual encounters facilitated by modern dating platforms such as NZDating and Grindr. The discussion acknowledges the challenges of meeting others in the community, especially in a region like Hawkes Bay, where the gay community is not immediately visible or well-connected.
The podcast touches on Erik's reservations about drinking and going to pubs, as well as their thoughts on virginity, which they consider a purely physical aspect rather than an emotional one. Experiences regarding discrimination are also broached, where Erik feels fortunate to not have endured abuse due to their sexuality, noting their physical presence as a possible deterrent.
Concluding with Erik's perspective on living in Hawkes Bay, the recording captures the sense of isolation they feel due to the lack of an openly active gay community. Despite this, there is no prominent desire to relocate solely for the purpose of being around more gay people, although there is curiosity about life in more gay-populated cities.
The recording serves as a testament to the diverse experiences of LGBTQ individuals, documenting how one navigates gender and sexuality identity, while engaging with dating culture, battling stereotypes, dealing with societal perceptions, and seeking community connection. The podcast enriches the conversation about the LGBTQ experiences, encapsulating the essence of being young and gay in the early 2010s in a relatively conservative region.
This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.
Tags
Tags (computer generated)
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