Mahs(August 2012)

The podcast titled "Mahs - Q12," recorded in Whanganui, Manawatū on August 16, 2012, presents an intimate discussion with an individual named Mahs, focusing on themes of identity, sexuality, and personal discovery during the early 2010s. During the 18-minute conversation, Mahs shares experiences of being young, demisexual, and panromantic in 2012.

Through a lively dialogue with the interviewer, Mahs recounts moving from Australia to New Zealand at the age of nine and embarking on a career as a hairdressing student with a penchant for asymmetrical styles. Alongside a passion for hairdressing, Mahs identifies as a "giant geek," enjoying video games, art, and the visual arts movement Dada. Despite a humorous attempt to downplay these interests, they are acknowledged as an integral part of Mahs' identity.

The conversation dives into Mahs' exploration and understanding of sexuality. Identifying as demisexual, Mahs explains that this means experiencing sexual attraction only after forming a strong emotional connection with someone. The journey to this realization involved a progression from identifying as bisexual to pansexual, before finally resonating with the concept of demisexuality—a middle ground between sexuality and asexuality.

Mahs shares candidly about the process of coming out, highlighting initial reluctance due to fears sparked by the experiences of schoolmates and societal perceptions. Ultimately, courage was found, and the first person Mahs confided in was a best friend. Reactions from friends were mostly supportive, with many already suspecting or affirming Mahs' sexuality. By contrast, the family response was initially negative, with Mahs' mother struggling to understand and accept the situation, although support was still present.

Another aspect of the conversation tackles romantic relationships and Mahs' current partnership with a straight male best friend who finds Mahs' sexuality fascinating rather than problematic. Mahs' describes a balance between a sometimes masculine presentation and feminine dressing when required, as well as past challenges with gender identity.

Mahs also discusses the methods used to interact with the broader LGBTQ+ community and finds common ground with others through shared interests such as video gaming and attending events like Armageddon. Accessories like a bracelet for a friend with leukaemia and another promoting safe sex practices symbolize Mahs' supportive network and engagement with wider issues.

Finally, the recording delves into Mahs' perception of virginity as a personal and subjective concept, highlighting that definitions may vary greatly among individuals and be influenced by religious or cultural backgrounds.

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, aotearoa new zealand, arts, australia, bisexual, coming out, demisexual, family, friends, gender identity, panromantic, parents, q12 (series), relationships, school, sex, support, video games, visual arts, whanganui

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