Sink or Swim w/ Gregory Drayton

M3 Bearcast – Self-Identity, Patriarchy & The Wounds We CarryWelcome back to the M3 Bearcast. I’m Malcolm Travers, and in this episode I’m joined by Gregory Drayton — the Talented Mr. Drayton — my co-host on M3 Live every Wednesday and Sunday on YouTube.This conversation cuts deep.We explore how self-identity is formed through what psychologist Charles Cooley called the “looking-glass self” — the idea that who we think we are is shaped not by what others actually believe about us, but by what we imagine they believe. From childhood mirrors to adult validation, we unpack how those early reflections become lifelong narratives.We talk about:How identity is shaped through social interaction — from infancy through adulthoodThe impact of childhood wounds on gay menCoping mechanisms disguised as confidenceDisability, resilience, and affirmationInternalized homophobia and masculinity politicsHow queer men sometimes recreate the same patriarchal structures that harmed usOpen relationships vs. “open but not relational” dynamicsRace, privilege, and white gay visibilityDating roles (top/bottom, masc/fem) and identity performanceSocial media couples, curated perfection, and validation cultureThis is the kind of layered, uncomfortable, necessary dialogue we’ll be bringing regularly to M3 Live. Greg joins me for an extended phone conversation here, and we continue breaking this down during our live broadcasts.If you value thoughtful, challenging discussions about identity, community, and growth — this is your lane.🔔 Stay ConnectedSubscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss a live show:YouTubeFacebookInstagramxThreadsTwo StarTick TockAnd support the work directly:👉 Become a patron at patreon.com/ma'amemiPatrons receive:Early access to episodesExclusive aftershows from M3 LivePatron-only content and extended conversationsCommunity isn’t accidental. It’s built.Join us live. Join us on Patreon. And let’s keep doing the work.I’ll catch you in the next episode. Video credits https://www.tiktok.com/@small_asagiant?_t=8YruEk2zhhW&_r=1https://www.tiktok.com/@bigthighthescienceguy?_t=8YruNa9kcwg&_r=1Subscribe to Male Media Mind on social media. Make sure to turn on notifications so you can participate in our live streams.INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/malemediamind YOUTUBE http://www.youtube.com/user/MaleMediaMind2FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/MaleMediaMindTWITTER https://twitter.com/MaleMediaMind