Ellen(May 2014)

In this poignant podcast, titled "Ellen - South" and recorded in Dunedin, Otago, the speaker shares a personal narrative of self-discovery and identity as it pertains to their bisexuality. The speaker discusses the complexities of coming to terms with their sexual orientation, including the internal and external factors that impacted their journey. Early in life, attraction to both sexes was apparent, yet the speaker did not claim the label of bisexual until later.

Having grown up with a limited understanding of bisexuality as an option, the speaker initially did not find language to express or explore these attractions, instead experiencing them silently or dismissing them as part of commonplace behaviors at parties. It was not until moving from Australia to New Zealand that the speaker could embrace their identity more freely, suggesting that change in environment played a significant role in their coming-out journey.

The speaker touches upon the shifting language surrounding sexual identity, noting personal growth in this context as well. Relationships with both men and women are mentioned, with significant emphasis on the notion that feelings toward women were both genuine and more than simply a societal fetishization commonly portrayed. It’s also revealed that this identity shift allowed for greater transparency and acceptance in the speaker's personal and professional circles.

The conversation further delves into the challenges encountered, such as fetishization versus biphobia, and the societal pressure to conform to a binary understanding of sexual orientation. Despite these obstacles, there has been an increasing visibility, albeit stereotypical at times, of queer and trans identities in the media, which offers some comfort, though the speaker acknowledges the need for broader, more accurate representation.

Furthermore, the narrative highlights the positive shift in societal attitudes following the Marriage Amendment Act (2012) in New Zealand, projecting a sense of envy towards this progressive move in contrast to the speaker's home country of Australia. The importance of institutional support for queer and trans people is alluded to, advocating for increased representation of these communities in various sectors to aid in normalizing and validating such identities.

Looking towards the future, the speaker hopes for further representation and normalization to inspire and support the young queer and trans individuals. Words of encouragement are offered to those who might still be struggling with their bisexual identity, reinforcing the notion that self-acceptance and the pursuit of personal happiness are paramount.

The recording concludes with an optimistic note on the freedom and joy of being a young queer bisexual person in a progressive country like New Zealand, emphasizing the liberating experience of being able to love openly. The speaker's appreciation is evident in the acknowledgment of New Zealand's welcoming and affirming atmosphere compared to other less accepting locales worldwide.

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, australia, biphobia, bisexual, coming out, dating, discrimination, dunedin, employment, family, fetishism, freedom, fun, gender, growing up, homonormativity, identity, invisibility, labels, language, marriage, marriage amendment act (2012), marriage equality, media, monogamy, orange is the new black (tv), parents, parties, questioning, relationships, representation, role model, rule foundation, sexuality, skype, south (series), stereotypes, tabby besley, the o.c. (tv), transgender, university, university of otago, youth

2000s, agenda, board, books, christmas, coffin, community, cuba, culture, difference, environment, equality, events, feelings, film, friends, future, gay, history, hope, kissing, lesbian, lifestyle, love, marriage equality, news, normal, other, people, podcast, politics, prejudice, queer, race, sex, sexual orientation, social, space, straight, stuff, support, time, trans, trans man, trans woman, wedding, women, work