On this special Getting Fresh episode of Fruitbowl editor Ryan Weadon takes the reins as host and introduces a conversation Dave had with Eric, a nurse and Monkeypox survivor who lives in Portland with his partner Dave. Eric describes what it’s been like dealing with the virus and the challenges he’s had emotionally. Copied below are his very detailed answers to some pre-interview questions Dave asked him in case you wanted more information about his specific treatments and care.

After that, we are proud to present a listener submission from James who describes a summary of his journey as a bisexual and the arrangement he has with his current wife to finally explore his queer identity without shame.

Andrew was a self-described baby drag queen when he was little, putting on makeup and heels and performing for his parents. So when he told his mom at age 10 he was gay, her reaction was, “I know. Do you still wanna go to the mall?”

But just because Andrew was out didn’t mean adolescence was a walk in the park. A self-described awkward kid, he struggled with ADHD and anxiety. At age 8 he was sexually abused at a theater camp and, in his teens, started acting out by abusing substances. His admitted him into a “troubled teen” facility in Utah which was further traumatizing.

Originally recorded in 2019, this episode also features a “follow-up” interview record just one month ago that finds Andrew in a much more secure place now.

Gay men had a lot of variables to balance while coming of age in the 70s and 80s: the sexual revolution & liberation, drug culture, AIDS, social stigma and intimacy and Coming out wasn’t easy while he was working on Wall Street. Through all of it, Mike tried to stay true to himself while figuring out that, as sexual beings, we are in a constant state of evolution.

Later in life, Mike became a leader and activist, sitting on executive boards of many national gay organizations. Now he dedicates himself to educating and learning from younger generations via his popular Instagram account (@bammer47), a YouTube channel and podcast. His hope is that, by engaging with different generations will bring us all closer together.