The Queer Ritual Podcast

What queer men can teach the Looksmaxxing movement

With the growth of Looksmaxxing content online, and the recent implosion of Looksmaxxing influencer Clavicular; I wanted to take this opportunity to speak on the wider ramifications of how this content harms young men (and where it might actually be helpful). Drawing on my experience working in the beauty industry for over a decade, and seeing the rise and fall of beauty trends for men. This episode is not meant to be a deep dive on Looksmaxxing or any particular influencer, but instead on how to not make bad choices with one's body or looks with irreversible consequences. (Also, Happy Pride Month!) This episode uses the track "Tight Soul" by Ketsa under a Creative Commons license, accessed through the Free Music Archive.

Eulogy for my mother with Delusional Disorder

Content warning: mental illness, stalking, child abuse, homophobia In this episode, I speak on my childhood experiences growing up with a mom who was diagnosed with Delusional Disorder. I am primarily sharing my experiences to help and offer support for those who have had similar experiences with mentally ill caregivers. This episode is not meant to diagnose, demonize, or stigmatize any psychiatric disorders. "Reclaimed" by Ketsa used with permission from the Free Music Archive. I can be reached at the podcast email: tqrpodcast@gmail.com

Finding peace during uncertain times

With recent news of war and other violence, it can be difficult to maintain one's equilibrium. In this episode, I offer a spiritual perspective on how to maintain your own peace when violence around the world is escalating. I delve into the concepts of radical acceptance, karma yoga, and selfless giving (dana). This episode could be heavy for some listeners. I avoid going into too much detail, but take care of yourself first and foremost! Music in this episode: "Tight Soul" by Ketsa, accessed from the Free Music Archive under a Creative Commons license (CC BY)

Heated Rivalry and Fujoshi

This episode is 17+ only! Happy Lunar New Year to those who celebrate! This episode is a bit of a departure from my usual content. I'll be discussing Heated Rivalry, where it can be problematic, and how this gay Eurasian podcaster from a hockey family who even dated a Slavic European in Boston in 2010 is...not the target audience demographic? I talk about the fujoshi phenomenon (women who read gay male erotica) and how white writers can learn to write better minority (especially Asian) characters. I know I'm in the minority opinion when it comes to not liking this show. Please keep any comments civil or simply keep them to yourself! Articles cited: "Girls Who Love Boys Who Love Boys" by E. Alex Jung: https://www.vulture.com/article/heated-rivalry-fujoshi-fan-fiction.html "Everyone Needs to Stop Being So Weird About the Gay Hockey Show" by River Page: https://www.thefp.com/p/everyone-needs-to-stop-being-so-weird-heated-rivalry Music in this episode: "Goes Red" by ketsa & "osaka" by snoozybeats, both accessed from the Free Music Archive under a Creative Commons license (CC BY)

My recent experience with the Buddhist Walk for Peace (February 4, 2026)

Here I share my recent experience at the Buddhist Walk for Peace rally in Caroline County, Virginia. I try to summarize the Venerable Bhikkhu Paññakāra's Dharma talk and a potentially upsetting incident that happened at the rally. (Content warning for religious trauma and most likely mental illness. Listener discretion advised.) I do my best to answer any possible questions about this Buddhist pilgrimage, including the lineages of the monks participating and how to find a similar Buddhist teacher near you (especially in Eastern Virginia)! I wish to extend my deepest gratitude to the organizers of the Buddhist Walk for Peace, both layperson and monastic, as well as all the local volunteers and law enforcement personnel who have kept these events safe and open to the public. Buddhist topics, groups, & temples discussed in this episode: Vietnamese Buddhism Vipassana meditation Theravada Buddhism Pure Land Buddhism Buddhist ordination Buddhist monk robes Buddhist etiquette Chùa Hương Đạo (Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center, Fort Worth, Texas) Insight Meditation Community of Fredericksburg / Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Fredericksburg Saddhamma Meditation Society - Tâm Pháp Thiền Viện (Bumpass, Virginia) Ekoji Buddhist Temple (Burke, Virginia) If you are on Spotify, let me know in the episode comments any questions or related topics you would like to hear after listening! Music in this episode: "osaka" by snoozybeats, accessed from the Free Music Archive under a Creative Commons license (CC BY) Audio clip included in this episode was from a public event and intended for fair use, with commentary.