Dear Queer,

We catch up on the latest Summer House Episode and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Reunion. Music By: Sean Patrick Brennan @ayeayeayemusic

On this episode, we cover what’s going on in reality TV right now, including (obviously!) the Summer House Scamanda Scandal and Mormon Wives. We talk about why we are enamoured with Love on the Spectrum, introduce some new shows to each other, and cover some oldies but goodies. Victoria’s shows: Traitors (Number one favourite show) The Bachelor The Bachelorette Love on the Spectrum Love is Blind Beverly Hills and Atlanta Housewives Queer Ultimatum Summer House Vanderpump Rules Southern Charm Miss Education Podcast @victoriaen__ Music By: Sean Patrick Brennan @ayeayeayemusic

What makes something “queer cinema”?  Why queer films are important Why Birdcage is a Queer film landmark Casting heteros in Queer roles Is a movie a good first date? Go see Peter at Queer Cinema’s home, the Paradise Theater on Bloor St. @queer.cinema.club @peterknegt Music By: Sean Patrick Brennan @ayeayeayemusic Transcript:

Trans Writer KB Brookins joins us to talk about: Their memoir, Pretty The importance of finding your people Having mentors Writing things down when it's hard to say the thing out loud Refined rage Not excusing behaviours but giving them context Trans news that doesn’t suck Links: https://bookshop.org/p/books/pretty-a-memoir-kb-brookins/46b2a7822f45f3a6 https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTqNmhvEfdi https://transnews.substack.com Music By: Sean Patrick Brennan @ayeayeayemusic

And yes, the lesbians are watching! Tune in for our takes on: The characters, the quiet negotiations Why we are NOT here for the critiques But are here for straight people celebrating a queer romance Why are we all crying in episode 5 Cottage Cottage and more Cottage Is Heated Rivalry the new Pink Shirt Test? This and a whole lot more on this week's Heated Rivalry Episode! Thank you, Jacob Tierney, Connor Storrie & Hudson Williams! SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! Music By: Sean Patrick Brennan @ayeayeayemusic

On this week's episode, we give the gift of dating advice What are we thinking about going into the holidays How to DTR a non-traditional relationship, and what is a QPR? Dating and kids: Is it a deal breaker? Green flags when dating a parent What to do if you are the only queer in your family over the holidays SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! Music By: Sean Patrick Brennan @ayeayeayemusic

On this week's episode, we learn all about our anger. What is it? What's going on in our bodies when we're experiencing anger? What can we do to get in touch with our anger before it gets out of hand? What are some physical/somatic things we can do for ourselves to expel or manage anger? Robin Lacambra (she/they) is a queer Filipinx creative, speaker, and facilitator. Drawing from somatic relational psychotherapy, mindful movement, and conflict mediation, Robin’s work aims to demonstrate how interconnected we are, highlighting our shared responsibility to co-create a just and liberated world. Alongside their roles as the creator of GOODBODYFEEL Movement & Therapy, the director of the Safer Spaces Project, and a counsellor at SACHA (Sexual Assault Center of Hamilton Area), Robin works with individuals, groups, and organizations to foster self-awareness, resilience, and healthier relationships. LINKS https://www.goodbodyfeel.com https://www.instagram.com/saferspacesproject/?hl=en SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! Music By: Sean Patrick Brennan @ayeayeayemusic

Welcome to season two of Dear Queer. We will have episodes coming out every other Thursday. Please enjoy this episode with our favourite apologizer and relational psychotherapist, Robin Lacambra. This weeks Topics include: Why is it hard to apologize How do we apologize How to best set yourself up to get the apology you're hoping for Robin Lacambra (she/they) is a queer Filipinx creative, speaker, and facilitator. Drawing from somatic relational psychotherapy, mindful movement, and conflict mediation, Robin’s work aims to demonstrate how interconnected we are, highlighting our shared responsibility to co-create a just and liberated world. Alongside their roles as the creator of GOODBODYFEEL Movement & Therapy, the director of the Safer Spaces Project, and a counsellor at SACHA (Sexual Assault Center of Hamilton Area), Robin works with individuals, groups, and organizations to foster self-awareness, resilience, and healthier relationships. LINKS https://www.goodbodyfeel.com https://www.instagram.com/saferspacesproject/?hl=en SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! Music By: Sean Patrick Brennan @ayeayeayemusic

Welcome to season two of Dear Queer. We are coming to you on a Monday for a very special opening-season episode because, well, the Blue Jays are in the World Series, and apparently that's a big deal. This week, Marco, tries to convince us that yes, the Blue Jays are in fact queer culture and we do need to pay attention.  Todays topics include:  Bandwagons, superstition in sports, baseball and reality tv, pride nights, pink washing and more!  We're excited for a really fun season. We will have episodes coming out every other Thursday for the next three months, and we can't wait to be coming to your ears.   SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! Music By: Sean Patrick Brennan @ayeayeayemusic

Dev Matthews and Hailey Froese are back to talk reality TV with Alena and Lauren, and this time it's all about the Queer Ultimatum Season 2 with all our hot and cold takes! They give their definitive answers on what sex is, so if you are our parents.. "Go Away!" SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! Music By: Sean Patrick Brennan @ayeayeayemusic

Our unsolicited advice about your dating life with Alena and Lauren, Happy Pride! _ _ _ SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! Music By: Sean Patrick Brennan @ayeayeayemusic

We're back! Weddings and Pride and what to wear on this episode of dear Queer with Alena and Lauren _ _ _ Show some queer Orginizations some love this month if you can: Rainbow Railroad The 519 _ _ _ SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! Music By: Sean Patrick Brennan @ayeayeayemusic

Alena talks about their later-in-life Autism diagnosis and what it's like to be queer and neurodiverse. _ _ _ READ Unmasking Autism Discovering the New Faces of Neurodiversity By Devon Price, PhD LINK Great resource for newly diagnosed people: https://awnnetwork.org/resource-library/ WATCH 5 TEDx Talks from Women with Autism https://www.myautism.org/news-features/5-tedx-talks-from-women-with-autism _ _ _ SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! Music By: Sean Patrick Brennan @ayeayeayemusic

_ _ _ Alena and Lauren talk about fear-mongering, moral panic, gender-affirming care, and how you can show up in these times. _ _ _ If you need support, check out these organizations: Trans lifeline https://translifeline.org/ The 519 https://www.the519.org/ Rainbow Railroad https://www.rainbowrailroad.org/ Find us on Instagram @dear.queer.podcast  _ _ _ SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! Music By: Sean Patrick Brennan @ayeayeayemusic

Ontario Provincial Elections are today! It is February 27th and it's time to Vote. Head on over to www.elections.on.ca for all the info you could ever need. It's so simple, just grab a piece of ID and look up your voting location. You got this Queers and Allies! See you in two weeks!

Be our Valentine!  Today we talk about Valentine's Day as a concept, explore how basically we both feel about it, and give some ideas for what to do if you're single this Valentine's Day. _ _ _ Find us on Instagram @dear.queer.podcast  _ _ _ SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! Music By: Sean Patrick Brennan @ayeayeayemusic

We are back for part 2 of listener questions with Nick Rovers and Alena shares a Tom Sandoval dream! _ _ _ Find us on Instagram @dear.queer.podcast  _ _ _ SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! Music By: Sean Patrick Brennan @ayeayeayemusic

We have Nick Rovers Back on the podcast to answer listener questions. We talk about flirting, coming out in your 40s, and reciprocity with friends. Shout out to https://www.the519.org/ _ _ _ Find us on Instagram @dear.queer.podcast  _ _ _ SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! Music By: Sean Patrick Brennan @ayeayeayemusic

 Welcome to Dear Queer, today we are talking about resolutions, are we making them? Do we have them? Do we hate them? We are here for all your resolutions, intentions, and goal-setting needs for 2025. _ _ _ Find us on Instagram @dear.queer.podcast  _ _ _ SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! Music By: Sean Patrick Brennan @ayeayeayemusic

We are looking back at the first year of Dear Queer with an early episode we did on Loneliness. We talk about going home for the holidays, the difference between being alone and lonely as well as some tips to help get you through this holiday season. _ _ _ Find us on Instagram @dear.queer.podcast  _ _ _ SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! Music By: Sean Patrick Brennan @ayeayeayemusic

Robin Lacambra is back on the Podcast to talk about dolphins, Jessica Alba and forgetting that they were bi in their 20s, navigating queer spaces, being bi and poly, and honouring their queerness from within relationships. _ _ _ Check out Robin at GOODBODYFEEL https://www.goodbodyfeel.com/blog/robin-lacambra Find us on Instagram @dear.queer.podcast  _ _ _ SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! Music By: Sean Patrick Brennan @ayeayeayemusic

Join Alena as Lauren as they escape from reality by getting into reality TV and talking all about their favourite housewives.. mostly Beverly Hills. _ _ _ Find us on Instagram @dear.queer.podcast  _ _ _ SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! Music By: Sean Patrick Brennan @ayeayeayemusic

In the wake of yesterday’s election results, we know there are a lot of folks hurting today. We see you we love you we will keep fighting alongside you. But also take rest, get in those beautiful bodies, and hopefully find some good practices from the oh-so-smart Robin Lacambra on today’s episode. Robin is a thinker, feeler, speaker, creator and the founder of GOODBODYFEEL Movement Studio and Movement Method. She is an empowered embodiment educator - blending practices like Pilates, yoga and mindfulness and sharing them from anti-oppression, trauma aware and eating disorder informed frameworks. _ _ _ Check out Robin at GOODBODYFEEL https://www.goodbodyfeel.com/blog/robin-lacambra Go Read, Real Self Care by Pooka Lakshmin https://www.poojalakshmin.com/realselfcare Find us on Instagram @dear.queer.podcast  _ _ _ SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! Music By: Sean Patrick Brennan @ayeayeayemusic

On this week's episode of Dear Queer, Alena and Lauren talk about dating, grocery store meetups, and meeting new queers in your neighbourhood. Find us on Instagram @dear.queer.podcast  _ _ _ SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! Music By: Sean Patrick Brennan @ayeayeayemusic

On this weeks Episode of Dear Queer we are talking about Boundaries. Find us on Instagram @dear.queer.podcast  _ _ _ A BIG THANK YOU to Calan Brekon and Sam Valentine who helped us get started. Your calls and guidance have been invaluable! Please go check out our friends and biggest supporters Calan Brekon from The Business Gay Podcast CalanBrekon.com And Sam Valentine from One Broke Actress OneBrokeActress.com _ _ _ SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! Music By: Sean Patrick Brennan @ayeayeayemusic

Bisexual people make up about half of the 2SLGBTQIA population, yet are less likely to be out than others in the queer community, often facing stigma and biphobia, even from people within the queer community. We wanted to get some insight into the bi experience and contribute to some bi visibility, and we're doing so today with dear friend of the pod, Dr. Mandy Wintink. Welcome, Mandy. Enjoy! _ _ _ SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! Music By: Sean Patrick Brennan @ayeayeayemusic Thank YOU!

Today on Dear Queer we have our first episode of our gender series. Join us for some highlights from our conversations with past guests about gender and what it means to them. Featuring relational psychotherapist, Dillon Katrycz and resident neuroscientist, Dr. Mandy, Wintink Enjoy! _ _ _ SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! Music By: Sean Patrick Brennan @ayeayeayemusic Thank YOU!

Today on Dear Queer, we're talking to Tiq Milan, writer and speaker and beautiful soul. Today he's going to tell us more about his experience in coming out as both queer and trans to his mother. Enjoy! _ _ _ Watch Ms. Mary - Tiq's Moth Story https://www.instagram.com/themrmilan/reel/C3RDFZ4vnga/ Instagram - themrmilan Tik Tok - tiqmilan _ _ _ SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! Music By: Sean Patrick Brennan @ayeayeayemusic Thank YOU!

Today on the podcast we have Mychelle Williams (they/she) who is an EMDR trained therapist, the founder of Therapy To A Tea Co., and a psychedelic assisted therapist. Mychelle specializes in radical trauma informed care practices for those who are radically diverse, neurodiverse, and gender expansive. In this episode, we dive into ADHD, speaking with intention, and Mychelle gives us tips for getting out of activated states, rejection sensitivity and more!  Enjoy! _ _ _ https://www.therapytoatea.com Instagram - queerblacktherapist Tik Tok - queerblacktherapist _ _ _ SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! Music By: Sean Patrick Brennan @ayeayeayemusic Thank YOU!

It's replay Thursday and we are bringing you one of our favourite episodes with our dear pal Nick Rovers. It's the Break up episode! Valentine's day was yesterday but instead of talking about love (again) we're tackling breakups today with guest host Nick Rovers! _ _ _ If you like our podcast, please consider sharing with a pal! _ _ _ SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! Music By: Sean Patrick Brennan @ayeayeayemusic Thank YOU!

This week on Dear Queer, we get into the science of happiness and explore the big and little things that make us happy Enjoy! _ _ _ Check out the VIA Institute's Character Strengths Survey https://www.viacharacter.org _ _ _ FYI we are moving Bi-Weekly episodes for Dear Queer. _ _ _ SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! Music By: Sean Patrick Brennan @ayeayeayemusic Thank YOU!

If Pride gives you social anxiety this episode is for you! Alena and Lauren share their own social anxieties and some tips to help you navigate Pride or really anything this year. Enjoy! _ _ _ FYI we are moving Bi-Weekly episodes for Dear Queer. _ _ _ SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! Music By: Sean Patrick Brennan @ayeayeayemusic Thank YOU!

Happy Pride Dear Queer Listeners! This week we sat down with Myles Sexton to talk about their journey with sobriety and some helpful tips to navigate Pride this year. Myles is a multi-talented Creative Director, Stylist, and Makeup Artist, known for their impactful work as an HIV/AIDS and Sobriety Activist. They are also a prominent TV regular and the engaging host of the acclaimed podcast "Our Private Bits." On this episode we get into our different relationships with sobriety, obstacles people face on their sobriety journeys and helpful tips for the sober and sober curious Enjoy! _ _ _ To Listen to Our Private Bits go to https://shows.acast.com/our-private-bits Follow Myles on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mylessexton/?hl=en _ _ _ SOBRIETY RESOURCES: This Naked Mind - Annie Grace The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober - Catherine Gray In The Realm of Hungry Ghosts - Gabor Maté PRIDE TORONTO Sober Oasis - https://www.pridetoronto.com/festival-map-area-copy/sober-oasis-2/ The 519 - https://www.the519.org/programs/smart-recovery/ SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! Music By: Sean Patrick Brennan @ayeayeayemusic Thank YOU!

We are back with Adaline talking about coming out to her Evangelical family and minister dad through song writing and YouTube comments! Listen to Ghost by Adaline Here: https://youtu.be/kOEw7HczVAU Enjoy! _ _ _ Check out Bad Believer: www.badbeliever.org - They provide resources, therapy referrals, community support for queer people who are figuring it out in and out of their faith communities.  Sign up for an initial call with Bad Believer:  https://shorturl.at/joyKO Adaline's Music: https://adalinemusic.com Follow Dear Queer, on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/adalinemusic/?hl=en Follow Dear Queer, on Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/dear.queer.podcast/ _ _ _ BAD BELIVER RESOURCES: QUEER THEOLOGY BOOKS God and the Gay Christian - Matthew Vines Unclobber - Colby Martin Bible, Gender, Sexuality - James Brownson Walking the Bridgeless Canyon - Kathy Burdock Torn - Justin Lee Radical Love: An Introduction to Queer Theology - Patrick S. Cheng QUEER BOOKS / MEMOIRS One Coin Found - Emmy Kegler Untamed - Glennon Doyle Queer Virtue - Rev Elizabeth M. Edman FIND AN AFFIRMING CHURCH www.gaychurch.org AFFIRMING THERAPY www.thechristiancloset.com RESOURCES FOR PARENTS "For the Love" Episode 6 – https://shorturl.at/6t1Us Resource Sheets - https://shorturl.at/pQGPE SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! Music By: Sean Patrick Brennan @ayeayeayemusic Thank YOU!

We sit down with Adaline to chat about her experience growing up in an Evangelical religious household and how she’s reconciled that with her queerness. Enjoy! _ _ _ Adaline's Music: https://adalinemusic.com Bad Believer's Website:  www.badbeliever.org Sign up for an initial call with Bad Believer:  https://shorturl.at/joyKO Follow Dear Queer, on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/adalinemusic/?hl=en Follow Dear Queer, on Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/dear.queer.podcast/ _ _ _ BAD BELIVER RESOURCES: QUEER THEOLOGY BOOKS God and the Gay Christian - Matthew Vines Unclobber - Colby Martin Bible, Gender, Sexuality - James Brownson Walking the Bridgeless Canyon - Kathy Burdock Torn - Justin Lee Radical Love: An Introduction to Queer Theology - Patrick S. Cheng QUEER BOOKS / MEMOIRS One Coin Found - Emmy Kegler Untamed - Glennon Doyle Queer Virtue - Rev Elizabeth M. Edman FIND AN AFFIRMING CHURCH www.gaychurch.org AFFIRMING THERAPY www.thechristiancloset.com RESOURCES FOR PARENTS "For the Love" Episode 6 – https://shorturl.at/6t1Us Resource Sheets - https://shorturl.at/pQGPE SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! Music By: Sean Patrick Brennan @ayeayeayemusic Thank YOU!

It's a Dear Queer crossover episode with Happy To See Me With Erika Casupanan. Ever wonder if you’re queer enough? Erika and Alena share their experiences with queer imposter syndrome and the insecurities that follow coming out in your 30s. The pair talk about making queer friends, entering queer spaces for the first time, choosing labels, figuring out how to dress and more! Enjoy! _ _ _ To Listen to More Happy to See Me Episodes go to https://thesonarnetwork.com/happy-to-see-me/ Follow Happy to See Me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/happytoseemepod/ Follow Erika on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/erika_cas/ _ _ _ Follow Dear Queer, on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dear.queer.podcast/ _ _ _ SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! Music By: Sean Patrick Brennan @ayeayeayemusic Thank YOU!

Today on Dear Queer we have Relational Psychotherapist (Qualifying) Dillon Kartrycz back on the Podcast! Dillon (he/they) is a Registered Psychotherapist based in Toronto. Dillon has three years of experience in private practice, working with clients both in person and online, in Canada and beyond. Their approach to therapy is relational, anti-oppressive, and collaborative. On this episode they help us unpack the differences between guilt and shame. Enjoy! _ _ _ SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! Music By: Sean Patrick Brennan @ayeayeayemusic Thank YOU!

We are back for part two of our lessons for our younger selves series and with us is our bestie Nick Rovers. On this episode we get into some of our favourite recurring themes: people pleasing, anxiety, acceptance, how to show up for your self and remembering that your parents are human too. We also tackle a listener question about what to do when a partner cheats. Can you take them back? Enjoy! _ _ _ SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! Music By: Sean Patrick Brennan @ayeayeayemusic Thank YOU!

Nick is back on the Podcast and we are giving our younger selves some advice and also getting some inspiration from young people today! _ _ _ SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! Music By: Sean Patrick Brennan @ayeayeayemusic Thank YOU!

This week Alena and Lauren sit down with Dev to answer some listener questions and talk the Gay Agenda. _ _ _ SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! Music By: Sean Patrick Brennan @ayeayeayemusic Thank YOU!

Dr. Mandy Wintink chats with us this week about Neurodiversity, including its links to gender and queerness. Alena and Lauren get into their own experiences with Autism and ADHD as well.   If you have questions about your own brain set up, it may be helpful to reach out to a professional to further help you better understand and celebrate yourself. Alena's Reading List: Women and Girls on the Autism Spectrum by Sarah Hendrickx _ _ _ SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! Music By: Sean Patrick Brennan @ayeayeayemusic Thank YOU!

We’re back with Dev and we are chit chatting about our fave subject, reality TV. This week we talk Vanderpump Villa, The Valley, Housewives, The Batchelor, and Traitors. We get into it just enough to confuse you if you aren’t watching and not enough detail if you are. Enjoy! What are you watching!? Tell us @dear.queer.podcast _ _ _ SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! Music By: Sean Patrick Brennan @ayeayeayemusic Thank YOU!

Alena takes on her first Solo Episode! And this one is oh so good! Alena gives some of her best advice for those questioning while in, or coming out of, a straight marriage such as how to "know," how to handle guilt, how to be in that difficult limbo stage and so much more. Find us on instagram @dear.queer.podcast a _ _ _ SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! Music By: Sean Patrick Brennan @ayeayeayemusic Thank YOU!

It's time to turn those Red Flags into Green Flags. Your host Alena Papayanis and Producer Lauren get into their green Flags when it comes to dating! Find us on instagram @dear.queer.podcast and share some of yours! _ _ _ SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! Music By: Sean Patrick Brennan @ayeayeayemusic Thank YOU!

You know you have them! Today we are talking all about Red Flags in Dating, Dear Queer, edition! Are they friends with their ex, do they tip well? We get into it all on this weeks episode. Come back next week for our Dating Green Flags episode. _ _ _ SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! Music By: Sean Patrick Brennan @ayeayeayemusic Thank YOU!

On this episode we get to listener questions and are back with resident guest expert Dillion Katrycz. This is part two of a two part series on attachment styles! Please bear with us this week as we had some technical difficulties with our guest audio. _ _ _ SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! Music By: Sean Patrick Brennan @ayeayeayemusic Thank YOU!

The time has come!! We are getting into attachment styles with resident guest expert Dillion Katrycz. This is part one of a two part series! Please bear with us this week as we had some technical difficulties with our guest audio. _ _ _ SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! Music By: Sean Patrick Brennan @ayeayeayemusic Thank YOU!

Welcome to Dear Queer, reality TV edition! With the most special of guest hosts Dev & Hailey! Watch us struggle to remember everyone's names as we talk about trying to find the Queerness in every reality tv show, we see you Kyle Richards! We are talking Love is Blind the OG Queer dating season that was Are you the One shout out to Kai! Also Mal @igobymal when’d do we get the next Queer ultimatum!! And a big thank you to Toronto's very own Survivor winner and podcast host Erika Casupanan @happytoseemepod _ _ _ This episode is not sponsored by uHaul though we would like to be ;) _ _ _ SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! Music By: Sean Patrick Brennan @ayeayeayemusic Thank YOU!

We are back to even the scales with our fave Guest host Nick Rovers. Today we are talking about Reciprocity in relationships; romantic, friends, family even our pets! _ _ _ A BIG THANK YOU to Calan Brekon and Sam Valentine who helped us get started. Your calls and guidance have been invaluable! Please go check out our friends and biggest supporters Calan Brekon from The Business Gay Podcast CalanBrekon.com And Sam Valentine from One Broke Actress OneBrokeActress.com _ _ _ SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! Music By: Sean Patrick Brennan @ayeayeayemusic Thank YOU!

We are off this week but we have plenty of great episodes in the works for all our Dear Queers! SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! You can also send any questions or comments to our DM's @dear.queer.podcast If you have liked what you have been hearing do us a solid and give us a review as well! _ _ _ THANKS for LISTENING _ _ _ Music By: Sean Patrick Brennan @ayeayeayemusic