Josh(July 2012)

In the podcast "Josh - Q12", recorded in Auckland, New Zealand in 2012, Josh delves into the experience of being a young individual who identifies as gay during the decade of the 2010s. Originally from South Africa and residing in New Zealand for four years, Josh is engaged in event management and wedding planning while studying architecture. They express a mixed heritage which includes Irish ancestry and discuss various aspects of personal identity, including gender, sexuality, and cultural identity, the latter being characterized as spiritual rather than religious.

Throughout the conversation, Josh recounts the early realization of their sexuality at the age of nine after an exploratory experience involving imitation of content found in a heterosexual adult film. This led to a brief period of identifying as bisexual before accepting a gay identity. Josh reflects on this time as one of confusion and internal conflict, highlighting the challenges of self-discovery in their formative years.

The transition from South Africa to New Zealand was pivotal for Josh. In New Zealand, there is a noted contrast in the level of openness about sexuality and the presence of gay movements and prides, which vary greatly depending on location. Josh's personal coming-out process began with family at the age of 13 and gradually extended to friends over the years. They found it easier to be open about their identity in the university environment, which was more accepting compared to their school experiences.

During the candid discussion, Josh shares insights into their social life and supports system, acknowledging the welcoming and secure atmosphere of the Family Bar in Auckland, where they're a regular and well-known figure. While acknowledging rumors of the venue's unsafety and the presence of underage individuals, Josh insists on its inclusivity and the establishment's active monitoring of potential risks.

Friendships and relationships are pivotal themes within the conversation, with Josh's personal narrative disclosing experiences with both online and local relationships, some developing into meaningful connections while others remain casual. Having had several relationships of varying durations and intensity, they have a clear sense of what they desire in a partner.

Josh also delves into views on virginity and meeting potential partners, contrasting an early loss of virginity with the view that it should be a special experience shared with someone special. They also discuss using dating platforms, such as Grindr and Just Guys, to connect with others, both locally and internationally.

The podcast also touches on more somber topics such as abuse, both in a past relationship and as a reaction to their sexuality and strong sense of self. Josh openly shares experiences of confrontations and the importance of standing up against intolerance.

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.

2010s, abuse, aotearoa new zealand, auckland, bisexual, coming out, dance, dating, family bar (auckland), friends, gay, gym, hui putahi (2012), internet, internet dating, karangahape road, parents, q12 (series), relationships, sex, sexuality, social media, spirituality, sport, support, wellington, youth

africa, blood, community, conflict, culture, dancing, drag, dresses, environment, events, family, fat, gender, gender identity, god, hate, identity, job, long distance relationship, love, makeup, marriage, masculine, other, people, podcast, profile, rainbow, school, security, smoking, south africa, straight, stuff, time, video, virginity, website, wedding, work