Humour and Healing on the Path to Self-Discovery: Featuring The Chill Therapist

I'm not gay, you are

Message Joey!

What if the internal battles we fight daily are as insidious as external judgments? Join me, Joey, as I share my own unvarnished journey of coming out and the complex emotions that accompanied it on "I'm Not Gay, You Are." With Krisztina, the Chill Therapist, guiding our conversation, we address the fragmented path to self-acceptance, the spectrum of internalized homophobia, and the role humour plays as Joey's defense mechanism against fear and self-loathing. By giving a persona to his shame—"Helga"—we explore how labeling impacts identity and expression.
Our conversation takes a deeper look into how shame influences public expressions of affection and the barriers this creates for many in the LGBTQ+ community. We explore the fear of both internalized self-criticism and external bias, leading to self-imposed limitations on genuine connection. Christina and I touch upon experiences from my past, including a painful incident where I was publicly humiliated with a homophobic slur, and how this moment fostered a long-lasting struggle with my self-esteem. These stories underline the ongoing battle with societal norms and the courage it takes to live authentically despite these pressures.
We wrap up with a reflection on the therapeutic journey of understanding and embracing one's true identity beyond past traumas and societal expectations. Through candid storytelling, our conversation aims to be both reflective and healing, encouraging listeners to embark on their own paths of self-discovery. With humour, introspection, and support, the episode seeks to foster inclusivity and hope, inviting listeners to recognize and accept all parts of themselves as they navigate the complexities of identity.
If you're aligned with The Chill Therapist's vibe, and think her approach could work for you, see her IG link below:
https://www.instagram.com/thechilltherapist/

Follow the show on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/imnotgayyouarepodcast/
Stay tuned bi weekly (Wednesday) for a new episode from I'm not gay, you are

Chapters

1. Humour and Healing on the Path to Self-Discovery: Featuring The Chill Therapist (00:00:00)

2. Exploring Queer Identity and Internalized Homophobia (00:00:13)

3. Navigating Shame and Queer Identity (00:09:57)

4. Navigating Queer Identity and Internalized Shame (00:15:46)

5. Navigating Queer Identity and Visibility (00:20:54)

6. Exploring Shame and Self-Understanding (00:36:59)

7. Educational Conversations on Queer Identity (00:52:43)