In this podcast [name withheld] talks about being young and gay in 2012.
Summary
This podcast episode, recorded on July 16, 2012, in Waikato, Aotearoa New Zealand, focuses on the experiences of a 20-year-old identifying as gay in the 2010s. The individual provides insight into their daily life, working at a supermarket and living in Hamilton. They express a liking for pop music, particularly Lady Gaga, and enjoy leisure time drinking coffee with friends, mostly gathering at locales like Starbucks, which is highlighted as a popular hangout for the gay community of Hamilton.
The conversation also touches upon Shine nightclub, described as the only dedicated gay bar in Hamilton, which has extended its operation from one to multiple nights a week reflecting a growing acceptance and visibility of not just the gay community but also bisexual, transgender, and lesbian individuals. The guest mentions never attending the local youth group, suggesting it's not in line with their personal style.
On the subject of gender identity, the speaker simply states they are a gay male and doesn't feel a compelling need to openly express that identity beyond being content and proud. They recall realizing their attraction to the same sex during their teenage years, specifically around 15 or 16, while attending an all-boys high school. However, despite the attraction to classmates, actions on those feelings were limited and private.
Regarding coming out, the podcast guest remarks on a relatively smooth experience with friends, but some difficulty with family acceptance. The individual's father, in particular, is described as struggling with the concept, while their mother is supportive. The process of coming to terms with their orientation and sharing it with others took a few months after realization.
The interviewee elaborates on the dynamics of dating within the gay community, pointing out the challenges of dating someone who is not open about their orientation, such as the reluctance of public displays of affection. This lack of openness was listed as one of the factors leading to a breakup.
A highlight of the conversation is the discussion on virginity, where the interviewee presents a nuanced view, distinguishing between oral and anal sexual experiences and their differing levels of intimacy. They chuckle at the mention of a 'gay handshake', a phrase circulating on Twitter, signifying oral sex as a casual greeting in the gay community—a testament to the light-hearted way the community can discuss such topics.
The interviewee also discusses the role of Twitter as a platform for expression and connectivity within the gay youth community in New Zealand, contrasting it with the permanence of posts on Facebook.
Despite a changing and more accepting society, the guest acknowledges instances of public abuse. They share a story where their boyfriend retorted to a derogatory comment with humor, effectively diffusing the situation, emphasizing that confrontational encounters, though rare, are handled with quick wit.
Lastly, the podcast delves into sexual health, clarifying some misconceptions about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and reinforcing the practice of safe sex, which the guest follows strictly.
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Tags
Tags (computer generated)
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