In this podcast Shane talks about being young and gay in 2012.
Summary
This summary encapsulates the experiences and reflections of Shane, who discusses their journey of self-discovery and the struggles associated with growing up gay in the early 2010s in Aotearoa New Zealand. Conversing in a podcast titled "Shane - Q12" recorded on March 22, 2012, in Auckland, Shane delves into their personal life, including their interests in hairdressing, makeup, and photography, and their love for their partner and friends.
At the age of 18 and having recently completed a course in hairdressing, the individual conveys a profound interest in makeup, enjoying time spent with friends and their partner. Shane reveals a history of trying to mask their true sexual identity, initially coming out as bisexual to test the waters before fully embracing their gay identity. This confession, made at the age of 15, led to the loss of numerous friendships and significant emotional turmoil.
The podcast portrays the small-town environment where Shane spent their formative years in Wellsford and the social challenges that come with living in such a close-knit community—especially for someone grappling with their sexuality. The individual also recounts dealing with a negative reaction to their coming out from their then-girlfriend, which resulted in widespread ostracization and hostility at school.
Their coming out story unfolds in a series of instances where Shane first confides in a friend, who had already suspected their true identity, and later experiences a mixture of reactions from other friends. The discussion touches upon Shane's gender expression and the confusion it sometimes causes with others mistaking them for a different gender due to their fondness for makeup and a feminine look.
Shane also details the complex dynamics of their family relationships, highlighting an understanding mother who had their suspicions about Shane's sexuality long before it was openly acknowledged. With their father, Shane implies that their sexual orientation and identity might be an open secret, evidenced by their confidence in wearing a full face of makeup and dressed in a gender-nonconforming way during visits.
Discussing their education and career, Shane speaks positively about the inclusive environment of their academy, which welcomes students from all walks of life and sexual orientations. They touch upon finding support from friends initially, later from their mother, and ultimately becoming their own source of empowerment and confidence.
The interview takes a darker turn when Shane speaks candidly about the mental and physical abuse they endured, including being raped. Despite these traumatic experiences, they exhibit resilience and a strong sense of self-worth. They discuss their present relationship, which has endured for over a year, and the supportive nature of their partner, even amid Shane's unique gender expression.
Shane provides insight into the realities of 'K Road' in Auckland, acknowledging both the dangers present and its role as a central hub for the LGBTQ+ community during the night. Through these details, Shane conveys a vibrant picture of queer life and the challenges faced by gay youth in New Zealand during this time.
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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