Our Story (LGBTQIA+)

“Gay Lezza Benders” - It's all in the name! After what feels like a forever time, I finally get to sit down with Sam and Sara, cups of tea, and a fish finger sandwich moment. I really wanted to have these absolute babes on the podcast because I love their story, and I have been there alongside Sam during some immensely big changes in her life, holding her hand in her journey to coming out in her thirties. Sam has gone from strength to strength and met Sara, who is an absolute rock. They are two amazing peas, in one strong pod. Prepare for laughs and the odd 'bark'!

This week, Elliott Coleman shares with me what being a Trans man has meant to him. Sharing some of the misconceptions people have about trans life, and also using this as an opportunity to give confidence to others, that maybe feel they share a similar story. Elliott has a very supportive network of friends and family around him, which is not always the case for people who identify as trans or LGBTQIA+.

In todays episode I have my one and only big brother, Ben. We get into his story of self discovery of his sexual identity, the stigmas that came with that, and bisexual erasure. Being Bisexual is a valid and real orientation, as much as being gay or lesbian is. Through time being bisexual has just been seen as a phase, or "half way to being gay". We talk about the impacts and problems this thinking can create for those who identify as Bisexual.

In this short and sweet episode its a whole load of Todd. How I personally handled some awkward situations and feelings in lockdown, and what made the process a bit easier than it could have been.

EPISODE 3, Section 28. I was fairly unknowing to the history of section 28. I've learned a lot through research for this episode. I hope you can take something away from this. I have Grace Anderson and William Barnes on with me to discuss the different views on this law which was brought into place in the late 80's; " It prohibited local councils from distributing any material, whether plays, leaflets, books, etc, that portrayed gay relationships as anything other than abnormal."

In this sleepy Monday episode I get to sit down with my friend James Downs. We have got to know each other over the past 3 or so years, initially through me cutting his hair. I have had many opportunities to talk with him and hear his story when it has come to body image, and his own personal battle with an eating disorder. We touch on these topics today, including growing up and not having much of an understanding how to accept and handle the body we grow into. 

On my first episode, I just wanted to get across why I want to get into making this podcast. How growing up gay with little to no guidance or knowledge of the LGBTQIA+ community has taken me to where I am now, which I will gladly go into more detail in coming episodes! Please feel free to send in questions, or if you have any ideas for topics of conversation you would like to hear to ourstorycast@gmail.com Thank you!