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!)

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

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

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  

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

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  

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  

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

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