It's OK To Be Gay

The One About The Pup

This amazing Pup Tale! Kris (aka Pup Atlas) is just the nicest guy (says everyone who knows him). But when you grow up being nice to everyone, having a kind heart, and being so trusting, you get teased and made fun of, a lot! And that's exactly what happened to Kris. As a youth, Kris endured the torments of his peers and siblings, but all of that continued to shape him into a person who is respected, appreciated, and welcomed in many circles. Finding a solid group of friends through his dabbling with martial arts, Kris was able to conquer several major hurdles in life - his family moving, his father being very ill, and the ever-lingering doubt and uncertainty of his sexuality. Kris has found consolation and comfort in embracing the Pup Life, now living a life as an out and proud gay man. What does the Pup experience provide? What is this niche kink in the gay community? Well, come listen to Kris' story now and hear his incredible adventure of finding and embracing his true self! Pup Atlas was also so brave as to share his written words for our website. You can read his and many other stories, here: https://itsoktobegaypodcast.com/your-stories Kris (Pup Atlas) is also participating in the Route 66 Kink Weekend in Oklahoma City - July 20-23, 2023. Go and support Pup Atlas! https://www.okckinkweekend.com

The One About The Edgy Wiccan, Pt. 2

PART TWO of The One About The Edgy Wiccan What's more stressful for a gay kid growing up in a small, Christian town in Texas? Growing up as a Mormon in a small, Christian town! Travis, who goes by Avis now, identifies as a gay man and uses the pronouns he/him/his. Coming from a large, blended family, Avis was actually born an uncle, and certainly had his fair share of difficulties growing up.  Discovering that he was part of the LGBTQ+ community at an early age, Avis did what all adolescents did in the mid 90's and explored his sexuality through the Internet. Knowing that his sexuality was going to be a complicated concept for his family to accept, Avis turned to a pretty exotic outlet, adapting an interest in being a witch and dabbling with Wicca.  Surprisingly, he found a niche in his high school years and found the confidence and assurance to let his family know his truth. Their acceptance was slow-rolling, but has progressed over the years.  Avis also boasts a background in hermeneutics and philosophy, which always makes for excellent discussion and arguments.The star of his own YouTube channel, as well, Avis certainly has an exciting tale to tell, and we are pleased to be able to share a portion of his life's story! Listen now to Part One of Avis' wonderfully edgy Wiccan tale!

The One About The Edgy Wiccan, Pt. 1

What's more stressful for a gay kid growing up in a small, Christian town in Texas? Growing up as a Mormon in a small, Christian town! Travis, who goes by Avis now, identifies as a gay man and uses the pronouns he/him/his. Coming from a large, blended family, Avis was actually born an uncle, and certainly had his fair share of difficulties growing up.  Discovering that he was part of the LGBTQ+ community at an early age, Avis did what all adolescents did in the mid 90's and explored his sexuality through the Internet. Knowing that his sexuality was going to be a complicated concept for his family to accept, Avis turned to a pretty exotic outlet, adapting an interest in being a witch and dabbling with Wicca.  Surprisingly, he found a niche in his high school years and found the confidence and assurance to let his family know his truth. Their acceptance was slow-rolling, but has progressed over the years.  Avis also boasts a background in hermeneutics and philosophy, which always makes for excellent discussion and arguments.The star of his own YouTube channel, as well, Avis certainly has an exciting tale to tell, and we are pleased to be able to share a portion of his life's story! Listen now to Part One of Avis' wonderfully edgy Wiccan tale!

The One About the Gay Underground Railroad

Authentic. Unapologetic. Hilarious. "A Bulldozer of a personality." You will want to listen to every word of Rose's story! Rose uses the pronouns Zie/Zir and adopts a beautiful persona as a Trash Lesbian. Currently working as a professor and director in the operatic arts, zie travels around the world engaging youth and young adults with zir dynamic and incredibly outgoing personality. Zie explains the journey growing up in incredibly rural Wisconsin and recognizing that zie was a member of the LGBTQ+ community at an early age. Zie worked hard to discover zir gender identity and embrace that in every aspect of zir life. With a boisterous, but genuinely kind personality, Rose has an exciting and informational story to share. Running a gay underground railroad in her early years, having been on the forefront of gay marriage, and now working in the arts, Rose's story is enlightening, encouraging, and entertaining. With the help of David, zie WAS able to reclaim zir website mentioned in the episode: TrashLesbian.com :)  :) Yaaaaaaassss! Also mentioned is the outstanding work of Alison Bechdel "Dykes to Watch Out For." A great read for anyone in the LGBTQ+ circle, but especially our lesbian sisters and trans friends. DykesToWatchOutFor.com And this wouldn't be complete without a link to Rose's professional website: rosefreeman.org

The One About The Code-Switching Actor

Corey is in his early 20s and recognized and accepted his own sexuality early on in his youth. As a young man, Corey experienced the pains and hardships of being sent away to military school, being alone in his self-recognition, and being disowned by his parents (his adoptive, Christian parents, nonetheless). Despite these hardships and incredible struggles, Corey remains true to himself and stands strong against bending and flexing to fit into the boxes that his family and society suggest he must. His journey to becoming his authentic self has required years of code-switching between being the Corey that everyone wanted him to be and being the Corey who he knew he was, deep inside. As a youth, he was never able to openly identify and it wasn't until high school that he found the courage and determination to be himself. Come hear Corey's Story and learn about how this incredible young man conquered a tremendous amount of judgment, hate, and nonacceptance to become the proud and strong gay man that he is now. YouTube.com/@ItsOKToBeGayPodcast