About Matter of Pride: a comedy education of gay history (with comedian Aaron Twitchen)
Do you know your queer history? Ever had questions about gay lifestyle you've been too embarrased to ask?
This series host, comedian Aaron Twitchen, takes key and current issues from the gay agenda and breaks down their history. Its a comic blend of research, facts and real life stories.
This series is well reasoned, informed and educated breakdowns of the modern issues affecting queer culture. Its weaved with personal stories and real life examples - watered down with enough pop culture to keep it light and entertaining.
I used my experiences of coming out, dating and body confidence to shine a light on Transphobia, Blood Donation and Conversion Therapy. I'm proud to finally have realised how to fuse the things I'm passionate about with friends and the way I make people laugh.
For more info on episodes check out Aaron Twitchens website at www.iloveaaron.co.uk
BONUS EPISODE
Thank you so much for all your support on this podcast series. This is a personal message to everyone who has listened to say thank you and explain whats next...
(You should probably know this was recorded weeks ago and sat uneditted as other projects flew off - so if you're listening thinking "that already happened!" you would be totally right!)
8 Sept 2021
How to trap a husband: Dating in an online world
BONUS EPISODE
Finally, a proper piece of stand up comedy from comedian Aaron Twitchen. Deliving into the murky world of online gay dating apps and the tricks to snagging a husband out of short term relationships join aaron in this bonus episode of his podcast as he tackles ghosting, grindr and getting what you want
13 Jul 2021
Body beautiful
Have you ever been on a diet? Done a 12 week cardio course? Strived for the perfect pectoral? You're not alone. In the modern world, the desire to have the perfect body is imperative. We invest more in gyms and nutrition than ever before - but at what cost.
In this episode we look at the wider impact of social media and societal expectations on body image.
With host comedian Aaron Twitchen
@aarontwitchen on all platforms
Www.iloveaaron.co.uk
RESOURCES
If you're suffering from an eating disorder please feel safe to seek help and the support you deserve. BEAT can help you - https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/
https://gcn.ie/steroid-use-gay-community-drugs/
Mens bodies over time - https://www.thelist.com/56105/mens-perfect-body-types-changed-throughout-history/
Penis enlargement gone wrong - https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/penis-enlargement-wrong-scientists-horror-stories/
READ: about being fat - https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2021/03/04/scottee-world-obesity-day-federartion-fatphobia-queer-gay-lgbt/
Lesbian body image: https://trace.tennessee.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=5248&context=utk_graddiss
Sports steroid usage in the gay community https://gcn.ie/steroid-use-gay-community-drugs/
Mens bodies over time and how we've not always looked like this- https://www.thelist.com/56105/mens-perfect-body-types-changed-throughout-history/
Penis enlargement gone wrong - https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/penis-enlargement-wrong-scientists-horror-stories/
A fascinating article from queer advocate Scottee on being larger in the gay community https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2021/03/04/scottee-world-obesity-day-federartion-fatphobia-queer-gay-lgbt/
Christine Becks research on body image within the lesbian community: https://trace.tennessee.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=5248&context=utk_graddiss
6 Jul 2021
TERFy Potter and the gender recognition act
This week we're discussing trans rights and why the LGB should stand firmly with the T.
We'll cover the JK Rowling row, what a TERF is, the complicated process by which trans people can obtain gender recognition certificates and - of course - pressing issues like 'where can I pee?'.
With host comedian Aaron Twitchen
@aarontwitchen on all platforms
Www.iloveaaron.co.uk
RESOURCES
As always, Stonewall provide great information and advice for anyone in the Queer/Rainbow family who are struggling - www.stonewall.org.uk
I've been advised that anyone who is struggling with their sex or gender can get great support and information from the mermaids website - who would also benefit from any donations you can spare - https://mermaidsuk.org.uk/
Here is a government leaflet the shows the full process to obtain gender recognition and change sex: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/721642/GEO-LGBT-factsheet.pdf
The full transcript of JK Rowlings open letter about trans issues is also available here: https://www.jkrowling.com/opinions/j-k-rowling-writes-about-her-reasons-for-speaking-out-on-sex-and-gender-issues/
Here are details about trans issues within prisons: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/566829/transgender-review-findings-print.PDF
22 Jun 2021
Gay Conversion Therapy
What do we have to do to illegalise gay conversion therapy?
Despite religious leaders and world governments announcing ban proposals for gay conversion therapy - the practise still exists.
This episode, we delve deeper into what the practise involves - from electric shock treatment to lobotomy - and how an openly gay man can become the leader of a conversion cult.
With host comedian Aaron Twitchen
@aarontwitchen on all platforms
Www.iloveaaron.co.uk
RESOURCES
As always, Stonewall provide great information and advice for anyone in the Queer/Rainbow family who are struggling - www.stonewall.org.uk
Article with the cult leader mentioned in the podcast, McKrae Game: https://www.postandcourier.com/news/conversion-therapy-leader-for-2-decades-mckrae-game-disavows-movement-he-helped-fuel/article_fb56dcfc-c384-11e9-970d-bb9a2a8656c5.html
Article about problems with the practise: https://www.hrc.org/resources/the-lies-and-dangers-of-reparative-therapy
Informative news story about conversion therapy practises: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-55263392
15 Jun 2021
Gay Blood Donation
On June 14th 2021, the NHS Blood Transfusion service relaxed rules on blood donation to allow gay men to donate for the first time within monogamous relationships. Prior to that, rules had varied banning men who have sex with men from 12 months up to a life time of bans.
This episode deep dives into the reasons behind this, where does this come from and what impact does the change have on HIV infection risks. As ever, it does so with a cheeky comedic wink and at least one reference to an early 00's girlband.
With host comedian Aaron Twitchen
@aarontwitchen on all platforms
Www.iloveaaron.co.uk
To donate blood, which you should, and find out your eligibility to donate blood please visit: https://www.blood.co.uk/who-can-give-blood/
Great information on HIV, and all sexual testing and protection is available from the Terrence Higgins trust: www.tht.org.uk
An excellent article about the risk of blood donation was written by Benjamin Weil for Huck Magazine: https://www.huckmag.com/perspectives/opinion-perspectives/easing-the-gay-blood-ban-means-more-sexual-stigma/
For more about the weird APAUSE sex education programme Aaron contributed too.... http://www.sreproject.org/apause
8 Jun 2021
Who owns the Rainbow flag?
Rainbow flag.
With the rainbow flag now adopted as a supportive symbol of “clap for carers” - in particular the nhs nurses - where does that leave the gay pride 6 stripe flag created in 1978 by Gilbert Baker?
In this episode, we consider the impact of symbol appropriation and the impact the flag has had over the past 40 years of pride progress answering the question....... WHO OWNS THE FLAG? (Is it love or is it art?)
With host comedian Aaron Twitchen
@aarontwitchen on all platforms
Www.iloveaaron.co.uk
Further reading:
For info about the original NHS rainbow badge, Evelina badge:
https://www.evelinalondon.nhs.uk/about-us/news-events/2019-news/20190321-nhs-rainbow-badges-promote-inclusion.aspx or follow them on twitter @RainbowNHSBadge
News story about a Plymouth citibus being rebranded to nhs from pride -
https://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/news/plymouth-news/plymouth-citybus-apologises-turning-pride-4145496
Link to the negative comments on Facebook from the rainbow bagel challenge: hhttps://www.facebook.com/8864516071/posts/10158365115336072/?extid=0&d=n
Article about the Gilbert baker flag being acquired by Museum of modern art: https://www.moma.org/explore/inside_out/2015/06/17/moma-acquires-the-rainbow-flag/
Link to my favourite flag - the pride progress flag by artist Daniel Quasar https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/danielquasar/progress-a-pride-flag-reboot/posts
26 May 2021
No Outsiders: The march against Birmingham schools
In March 2019 crowds of parents gathered outside a primary school in central Birmingham. The angry, placard carrying mob tapped their feet and welded signs reading “My child, my choice”, “let kids be kids”
Their concern? A program called No Outsiders which taught that bullying was bad and no one should be made to feel isolated. Oh, included in that was a note that same sex relationships were ok. But who won the court case..... parents of the school?
This episode covers education in schools, the rise and fall of section 28 and a quick journey into Aarons experience of teaching sex education in schools (it was rough!)
With host comedian Aaron Twitchen (@aarontwitchen on all platforms)
Www.iloveaaron.co.uk
Resources and further reading:
As always, the greatest start point is Stonewall website: www.stonewall.org.uk
Link to the no outsiders website providing great training, lesson plans and educational materials: https://no-outsiders.com/
BBC news story from the protests: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-47569096
Excellent piece from huffing on post with no Outsiders creator Andrew Moffat https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/andrew-moffat-interview-parkfield-school-no-outsiders-pr otests-one-year-on_uk_5ef5ecadc5b612083c4c57bf
Voting records of your mp are shared here and regularly updated https://www.theyworkforyou.com/ - voting records
25 May 2021
But first, a warning...
Welcome to my new show, Matter of Pride: a comedy education for queers and allies.
I am SO passionate about this project. After 10 years of stand up comedy this is my first audio show and I wanted it to be important. Its about all the social issues affecting our LGBTQ+ family. Its a fusion of data, jokes and real life stories. All weaved together with my favourite pop culture insights. I hope you love it. And I hope this introduction gives you an insight into what to expect. I can't wait to share and grow with you. For compliments and complaints, please email aaron@iloveaaron.co.uk
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