Belonging Beyond the "Perfect" Physique (Epi 44)

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In this powerful episode of the Mindfully Gay Podcast, John and Jerry sit outdoors in the warmth of late summer to explore one of the most universal and vulnerable topics in queer life: body image, comparison, and belonging.

A lunch with Kevin and Landon, founders of Salt Lake City's social group Morning Wood, sparks a candid discussion about how community spaces can unintentionally heighten body anxiety--especially in the season of speedos, gym selfies, and constant social media comparison.

Jerry shares his transformative health journey at age 60 and the hidden shame he had to confront even while making progress. John reflects on modeling gigs, racial identity, and the pressure of standing next to "influencer bodies." Together, they reveal how cultural messages, porn, and advertising shape what is considered desirable--and how those narrow standards exclude many queer men.

But the conversation doesn't end with critique. John and Jerry introduce practical tools for radical self-acceptance: mindfulness, tantric yoga practices, self-touch, and the power of gratitude for your own body. They challenge the idea that sex and intimacy should be a "performance" and instead promote authentic subject-to-subject connection--valuing energy, soul, and presence over abs, inches, or flawless skin.

Throughout the episode, they celebrate Morning Wood's intentional representation of diverse ages and body types as a model for inclusive queer community. With honesty, humor, and hope, John and Jerry invite you to see yourself as worthy, desirable, and already whole.

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