In this episode of the Coming Out Podcast, Stefan chats with his friend JP as they discuss his coming out journey. Growing up in a small village in Plymouth, UK, JP and Stefan met in 2012 in Birmingham. JP shares his experiences growing up in a small village, where being gay wasn’t really a big deal. He shares some funny stories and some more challenging time along the way.
JP works as a Barista in Birmingham and also performs as Cosmic Crum, an artsy drag act.
Listen in to hear the story of his journey to becoming a proud out man.
Episode Highlights:
· [0:40] Intro
· [1:11] More about JP and what he does and where he is from.
· [1:38] JP and Stefan talk about growing up in a small village.
· [2:14] JP talks about his job as a coffee barista.
· [2:49] JP talks about memories from being a child, realizing he was different. Is kisschase a game that would be acceptable today?
· [4:30] JP shares a story about his sister dressing him in ‘mom drag’ when he was younger.
· [5:40] Stefan talks about his drag experiences and how being a tall drag queen wouldn’t suit him.
· [6:02] JP recalls growing us as a camp child and how he has a barbie as a child.
· [6:55] Was being a camp child difficult growing up at school or as home? JP talks about coming out very young at age 14.
· [8:02] JP talks about growing up with a crush on a straight Friend Lloyd.
· [8:36] He talks about how it came about at the age of 14 and talks about telling his friend Laura.
· [9:51] JP talks about his friend Richard being the catalyst to him coming out gay.
· [11:15] JP talks about the moment he told his mother, her response was an anti climax and how he ran away from home.
· [13:36] JP’s mom told his dad and the rest of their family.
· [14:00] JP talks about coming out as a continual process.
· [14:57] He talks about the family response. A very British response that took a long time to change.
· [15:45] Stefan shares he had a similar experience to coming out to his parents.
· [16:23] JP shares his reactions since he came out as gay. Being a drag queen was a harder coming out experience for him.
· [17:28] JP talks about his Drag persona Cosmic Crumb.
· [17:55] JP shares his favourite joke.
· [17:59] What advice would he give to anyone not out yet?
· [18:50] Thanks you and wrap up.
· [18:54] Check out Instagram for annotated images.
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