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What happens when we stop assuming that every instance of male touch must be sexual? In this powerful conversation, John and Jerry sit down with Travis Matthews (WLF Massage, Salt Lake City) to explore how Thai massage, fascia release, and somatic bodywork help queer men relax, refresh, and reset. We unpack why touch between men is often stigmatized, how arousal can simply be energy moving (not a sexual invitation), and practical ways to cultivate safe, affirming touch that supports healing, intimacy, and community.

You'll learn:

- Why many queer men equate touch with sex--and how to shift that paradigm

- The difference between erotic and sensual/energetic experiences

- How Thai massage & somatic work release stored tension/trauma and invite vulnerability

- Concrete practices to build touch literacy (hugs, handshakes, supportive touch) without sexual pressure

- How "Relax, Refresh, Reset" can become a daily embodiment practice

Guest:

Travis Matthews -- WLF Massage (Thai massage, fascia work, lymphatic & Swedish modalities) • Salt Lake City, UT

Website: WLFmassage.com

Key Takeaways:

- Touch can be healing, relational, and spiritual--not only sexual.

- Somatic work helps create space for new energy, clarity, and connection.

- Build community by practicing non-sexual touch in safe contexts.

- Reframe labels as conversation starters, not destinations.

Listen on audio: Apple Podcasts & Spotify

Watch more: Mindfully Gay Podcast on YouTube

Connect: MindfullyGay.com • IG: @mindfully_gay • TikTok: @MindfullyGay

Have a question or topic idea? Drop a comment or DM--we read everything.

If this helped you, like, subscribe, and share with a friend who needs it.

@mindfully_gay (Instagram)

Send us a text

What happens when we stop assuming that every instance of male touch must be sexual? In this powerful conversation, John and Jerry sit down with Travis Matthews (WLF Massage, Salt Lake City) to explore how Thai massage, fascia release, and somatic bodywork help queer men relax, refresh, and reset. We unpack why touch between men is often stigmatized, how arousal can simply be energy moving (not a sexual invitation), and practical ways to cultivate safe, affirming touch that supports healing, intimacy, and community.

@mindfully_gay (Instagram)

Send us a text

What happens when queer generations sit down together to truly listen? In this thought-provoking episode of The Mindfully Gay Podcast, hosts John Cottrell and Jerry Buie welcome two younger queer voices, Quinn and Andi, for a rich intergenerational conversation about identity, activism, and community

Together, they explore how queer language and labels have evolved—from the days when “gay” and “lesbian” were the only visible terms, to today’s broader spectrum of identities like non-binary, transgender, gender-fluid, and queer. The discussion highlights both the empowerment and challenges of this expanded vocabulary, and why labels matter for history, identity, and solidarity.

Jerry and John share stories from their activism in the 80s and 90s—organizing through phone trees, rallies, and protests—while Quinn and Andi reflect on Gen Z queer realities shaped by technology, online community, and political backlash. The group also wrestles with powerful questions:

• What can older LGBTQ+ folks learn from the passion and perspective of younger generations?
• How can younger queer people gain wisdom from the struggles, strategies, and victories of their elders?
• What does activism look like today, and how do we build queer communities that thrive across generations?

This heartfelt and candid conversation reminds us that queer survival is about more than fighting—it’s about connection, joy, and vision for a liberated future.

🎧 Listen to the full audio episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

📺 Watch the video podcast on YouTube: Mindfully Gay Podcast.

✨ Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your community so others can join the conversation.

Donate to Help Quinn Access Top Surgery: http://gofund.me/0fac6bdb

@mindfully_gay (Instagram)