Tinsel, Trauma, and a Full-Size Santa (Episode 2)

"Two Dads, One Story: Growing Up Gay-Adjacent"

In this episode of Raised Right, Not Straight, host Ethan takes us on a journey through the complexities of growing up with two gay dads in Manhattan during the 90s. Far from being trivial or lazy, Ethan shares heartfelt narratives that challenge societal norms and explore themes of identity, resilience, and community building. Discover the nuances of navigating a non-traditional family structure, the challenges of minority stress adaptation, and the beauty of chosen families. Through candid stories and insightful reflections, Ethan educates listeners on the profound impact of living authentically and the courage it takes to create spaces of acceptance and love.

Tinsel, Trauma, and a Full-Size Santa (Episode 2)

Most families send out a holiday card. Mine hired a Santa, booked a Midtown office, and staged a six-hour shoot with 50 outfit changes, a lighting grid, and one very exhausted teenager (hi, me). This episode, I unpack the year my dad brought Christmas to Manhattan in October — with fake snow, a mildly drunk Santa, and enough emotional damage to last until New Year’s. Because when you’re raised right… but not straight… even Christmas comes with a production budget.

This Was My Childhood (Intro Episode)

I grew up in Manhattan with two gay dads and spent every summer on Fire Island Pines — surrounded by shirtless men, zero boundaries, and a rotating cast of emotionally unavailable houseguests. This is the intro episode, where I break down exactly what that looked like, why it felt normal at the time, and how I ended up pitching a hamster with a PowerPoint. Welcome to the chaos. It’s not a parenting podcast. It’s my actual life.