Different Kind Of Gay

For many gay men, the differences between our lives and those of the heterosexual world can feel staggering and depressing. In this episode, Mitchell shares a story about why we need to connect as brothers more than ever so that we don't wander through this life lost forever, and Travis Salway, a social epidemiologist, shares his views in an in-depth interview. Trigger warning: discussion of suicide.  Music credits:Sound from zapsplat.com'Sad Emotional and Dramatic Piano' by OYStudio'Time for something new' by OYStudio'Despair' by SergeQuadrado

As a survivor of sexual abuse, Sydney-based writer, Shannon Molloy, felt compelled to speak up: for himself, and for other male victims. In this episode, Shannon joins Mitchell to discuss his new book, You Made Me This Way and his journey to healing. Trigger warning: sexual abuse.Links for support are below:Survivors and Mates Support NetworkBlue Knot FoundationLifelineAuthor photograph by Leon Chen

When it comes to dating, us gay men can really be up against it. If you don't fit certain stereotypes, or if you can't handle the toxicity that runs rife on apps, then just the thought of finding love can seem impossible. But does it have to be that way? In this episode,  Davis and I delve into all of this, and we hear from journalist, Paul Ewart, (interview starts at 30:12) about his experiences with Grindr. You can read Paul's article below:https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/dating/is-tinder-the-new-grindr-why-my-awful-dating-reality-could-become-your-future/news-story/4126e8398c6fa25f44e51e00db1dddd3

Gay men share a truly special bond with other women, but what makes it so magical? In this episode, Mitchell and Samuli discuss their relationship with women, and hear from researcher Eric Russell into some reasons why. Plus, men from around the world share their love letters.CREDITS:Music by Lesfm from PixabayMusic by Ashot-Danielyan-Composer from PixabayAcoustic/Folk Instrumental by Hyde - Free Instrumentals https://soundcloud.com/davidhydemusic

Shame has been the shadow of most gay men since time immemorial, but can we ever shake it off? In this episode – which is longer than usual – Mitchell speaks with five gay men about dealing with shames of all kinds, from the body, through to coming out or overcoming  abuse and how we can live authentically.Details and times of each speaker's appearance are below:Davis, South Africa: 06.23Amador, USA: 33.36Scott, Australia: 54.25Kent, USA: 1 hour 15 minsChristopher, Canada: 1 hour 36 minsCREDITS:Acoustic/Folk Instrumental by David HydeMusic by Lesfm from PixabySounds from zapsplat.com

Why, in 2022, do so many of us gay men still feel so completely alone? In this episode, Mitchell shares a personal story of an intense friendship with another man and is joined by special guest, Sakhile, who shares his experiences of making connections, while another special contributor, Davis, recalls his experience creating a gay men's group in South Africa.If you are struggling, or need support, please contact Lifeline: https://www.lifeline.org.au or your local mental health organisation.

Racism is rife amongst gay men, but how does it feel to be on the receiving end? In this episode, Mitchell speaks to Budi Sudarto, a gay Asian Muslim who escaped life in Jakarta in the hope of a new beginning in Australia, and Naveen Kumar, a gay Indian journalist living in the US. They discuss everything from apps, subtle racism, fetishization and how we can work together.  To share your story, visit http://differentkindofgay.com Links to Naveen's articles:https://www.them.us/story/queer-poc-body-imagehttps://www.vox.com/first-person/22545485/pride-2020-pandemic-gay-bar

Dogs might be a man's best friend, but to gay men the relationship is often so much more. In this episode, a band of gay men from around the world pay homage to the dogs that have shaped – and sometimes saved – their lives. Guests include Dr Rob Garofalo, whose canine companion helped him after an assault and HIV diagnosis, along with Eric from Ohio, Marcos from Brazil, Ian from LA and Ben from Sydney. For more, see http://differentkindofgay.com

Following a diagnosis with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, author and journalist Rick Morton set about living vulnerably and rediscovering love. It meant telling people close to him, for the first time, that he loved them and experiencing the joy that comes with giving someone a hug.In this candid conversation, Rick tells us about a childhood trauma that he experienced at seven, coming out and being rejected by his father, the unwavering support of his mum ... and why chickens are so special. Different Kind of Gay is a Love Surrender production, created and written by Goran D and Mitchell J. 

It's no surprise that most gay men – ourselves included –  struggle with mental health. In this episode, we share our battles with depression and why we must keep going. Then, in our discussion, we hear from YOU. When we asked our listeners how they find peace, we received responses from around the world that we've shared here. You'll be surprised and inspired by this beautiful rainbow of voices.  Trigger warning: this episode discusses suicide. If this raises any issues for you, or you need help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14  (Australia) or your local support group.Different Kind of Gay is a Love Surrender production, created and written by Goran D and Mitchell J. Visit us at differentkindofgay.com

Nastiness is commonplace amongst the gay community. Tired of everything from body-shaming on apps through to our acerbic takedowns of others, some of us just want to live in a kinder world. But how do we do this? In this episode (our first to reach double digits!) we share stories of the men with big hearts who showed us that another gay community is possible. A Love Surrender production. Created and written by Goran D and Mitchell J. 

We've made it to season two! In our first episode, we tackle a topic that's long overdue for discussion: monogamy. Tracking down your partner's fake profiles on Squirt or opening up your relationship. This seems to be the only choice for us gay men. But is that actually true? Why is it that so many gay men think monogamy is something outdated, unappealing or unsustainable? And what happens when you are forced to compromise your values simply so you are no longer alone?Along with sharing our own personal stories (all names have been changed) we also chat to one man about the devastating effect an open relationship had on his life, and how he fought his way back from rock-bottom. Different Kind of Gay is a Love Surrender production. Created and written by Goran D and Mitchell J.

As gay men, the bonds we have with our fathers can be complicated at best. But why is this? In our final episode of the year, we delve into our troubled pasts to see just how much our fathers influenced the men we became. We also look at the dynamics of daddy-son relationships and find some fathers who are making the world an easier place for their children to exist in.A Love Surrender Production, created and written by Goran D and Mitchell J

Look beyond the rainbow flags, pride parades and parties and you'll see an ugly truth: gay men, men like us, are deeply, deeply lonely. We have been rejected from the world where we thought we could belong. In 2020, at a time when gay rights are some of the most progressive they've ever been, this might seem strange, or even misleading, but our suffering is at an all-time high.In this first instalment of our conversations with psychologist and gay-thinker, Calum Anderson, we look specifically at the reasons for loneliness amongst gay men, ways to deal with rejection – be it from your family or over the apps, and how we can feel less alone in the gay world.A Love Surrender Production.

Why is physical appearance so important in the gay community? And why are our faces and bodies the only means of being accepted by others? In this episode, we smash the gay beauty myth and find ways of understanding that we are all beautiful. We also welcome two special guests, psychotherapist and gay thinker, Calum Anderson in Munich, and body liberation activist, Kent Thomas in Washington, who join us in our discussion.A Love Surrender Production. Created and written by Goran D and Mitchell J. Music credits for this episode:Acoustic/Folk Instrumental by HydeTrapped Romance by Theo TravisDoing The Hustle by Gareth Johnson | Simon Clarke | Evan JenkinsBroken by Chris BlackwellFive Over Four by David Tobin | Jeff MeeganTundra by Alex ArcoleoDystopian Destiny by Adam Skinner | Dan SkinnerLost In Solitude by Dario Forzato

When we started this podcast, we promised to share your stories. And now, that's exactly what we're doing.In this episode, Ben from Sydney shares his journey as a gay man finding authenticity and explains what it's like to be a different kind of gay. Different Kind of Gay is a Love Surrender Production. Created by Goran D and Mitchell J.Music credits for this episode:Hopeful Progress by Paul MottramMade Of Stone by Bruce MaginnisAt One by Bruce Maginnis

Under gay capitalism, sex has become a commodity where our bodies and desires have been objectified into meaningless transactions that leave us feeling even more alone. But that doesn't mean we have to live this way. In this episode, we discuss the joys of turning our backs on casual sex and explore how to achieve real intimacy with one another. (Disclaimer: all names have been changed).A Love Surrender Production. Created and written by Goran D and Mitchell J. Music credits for this episode:Acoustic/Folk Instrumental by HydeAdrenaline by Mamoune TalebBetter Days by BensoundThe Hunt by HolfixSolitude by NightmareOwlEnergy by MorningLightMusicDawn of Life by Paul Reeves Hope by Ghostrifter

When we started this podcast, we promised to share your stories. And now, that's exactly what we're doing.In this episode, Steve from New York shares his journey as a gay man finding acceptance with himself, even if it means living a life that is different from others, and describes his mission to help other gay men stop hating themselves. Connect with Steve on Instagram @juststevematosDifferent Kind of Gay is a Love Surrender Production. Created by Goran D and Mitchell J.

What happens when the man you love doesn’t really exist and all that’s hiding behind his sweet, smiling face is the cunning mind of a narcissist? In this episode, we open up about surviving emotional abuse at the hands of two manipulative men, the battle to learn to trust again, and why it's still worth opening your heart. (Disclaimer: all names have been changed).A Love Surrender production. Created and written by Goran D and Mitchell J.

Friends are sometimes the only family members gay men have. They’re the ones we rely on when everyone else is gone, the ones who listen to our broken hearts and accept us. But why is the quest to find true friends so hard for so many gay men? And what happens when you are betrayed? In this episode we share our journey – and struggles – to make companions worth keeping.Music credits for this episode:Acoustic/Folk Instrumental by HydeHome by Whitesand Fragments by NomynDawn by NomynA Love Surrender Production. Created and written by Goran D and Mitchell J.

Is romance dead in the gay world? If not, why are we left feeling like monogamy is positively out-dated and shunned by so many? We talk about the quest for love, and pay tribute to solitude and need for self-love.A Love Surrender Production. Created and written by Goran D and Mitchell J.Music credits for this episode:Acoustic/Folk Instrumental by David Hyde Paris by 2B StudioJazz In Paris by Media Right ProductionsWoodlands by Wiljan & Xandra Sneak Up On You by Redafs.comInto The Sky by Whitesand

From the fairy tales that shaped us through to gender expectations and why they should be ignored, we discuss how to be better gay men and avoid participating in toxic masculinity, along with paying tribute to the gentle boys we were taught not to be.A Love Surrender Production. Created and written by Goran D and Mitchell J.Music credits for this episode:Acoustic/Folk Instrumental by David Hyde Anticipation by David FesliyanMemories by Finley BurchBroken Village by David Fesliyan.

In our first episode, we welcome all those who are different and ask: what does it mean to be a gay man who doesn’t follow the stereotypes and instead chooses to walk his own path? And where can we find others who are like us? As the endemic of gay loneliness spreads, we look at ways to belong and find the courage to be you.A Love Surrender production. Created and written by Goran D and Mitchell J.Music credits for this episode:Acoustic/Folk Instrumental by David Hyde Radiant Voids by UniqQuirky Style by AlexGuz Leave Me Here by Joseph EarwickerArt of Silence by UniqShe Moved Through The Fair sung by Emese VidaStarlight by NoonsolSneaky Adventure by Kevin MacLeodDreams by Firefl!es