This week I talk with Jacob Butchoff, a British man whom I connected with through a friend I serendipitously sat next to on a plane. His life story is incredibly interesting: he harbored deep self hatred for being gay which sent him on a violent journey, one we’re pleased to say he's on the other side of. Today, he helps kids and adult communities alike with their identity struggles, demonstrating…
Joining me this week is accomplished art historian, genre and sexuality lecturer and gay rights activist, Johnathan Katz. He takes us on a journey through not only his life and career but the discoveries he's made in the history of homosexuality through the lens of art history.
Perry Brass, the accomplished author, playwright and founding member of the Gay Liberation Front joins me to talk about his incredible life as we discover many parallels between us, and discuss many more amazing memories and achievements. It is an honor to converse with a man who has seen and done so much for the gay community as well as art and culture as a whole.
Dastan returns to talk with me about his mountaineering activities around the world and the community he has built with it as well as his more recent escapades in gay rights activism, an update on his ban from Kyrgyzstan and more.
Back after almost 1 year! Today's episode is also available as a video on our Youtube at www.youtube.com/@BAMMER47Mike Art Smith of YouTube Channel Gay Barchives fame and David Kennerley, author of Getting In, a history of gay clubs in 90's NYC, join me, Mike Balaban, to talk Gay Bars Through the Ages. We remember our favorite spots, how our coming out stories were hotly formed by gay bars and…
Suzie Kruger felt like she just fell into the role, but has maintained one of the most impressive careers organizing Adult Parties across London Europe and the rest of the world. Join Mike on a journey with icon, Suzie Kruger as she tells us all about her trials and tribulations at the vibrant center of the UK sex club scene.
In this heartening episode, join Mike as he engages with Mohsin Zaidi, a passionate lawyer, LGBTQ activist, and best-selling author of "A Dutiful Boy". Learn about Mohsin's remarkable journey from a poor London neighborhood to his rise as a celebrated lawyer amidst the challenges and triumphs of growing up as a gay Muslim. Gain deeper insights into the complexities of societal norms, cultural…
It's an honour to have Peter Tatchell on the podcast, a fearless LGBTQ and human right's activist who's launched social movements the world over including in some of the most politically dangerous countries. He and Mike talk early life, influences and trajectory and his own gay journey both in Australia and in the UK, as well as his work founding OutRage! and many other amazing human rights…
Steve Gillon recently retired following 40 years as a professor of American history at some of the most prestigious universities in the US and UK where his students appreciated his dedication to storytelling even more than his in-depth knowledge of history. He also served as long-time spokesperson for the History channel on A & E cable network. Listen to Steve share details from his (previously)…
In her epic roller-coaster of a memoir, "This Time For Me" Alexandra Billings muses on her unlikely journey as an accomplished actor and performer as well as her other lives in sex work, as a HIV positive activist, not to mention a huge LGBTQIA+ icon. Join Mike and Alexandra as she dishes about what she thinks of the next generation of queer activists! We had such a great time with Alexandra and…