Episode 16

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Published on:

26th May 2021

John Pendal - I Wasn't a Very Good Gay - 027

This week I’m joined by experienced BDSM educator and kinky stand-up comedian John Pendal (he/ him). In 2003, John became the 25th (and only British) winner of the International Mr. Leather contest in Chicago. Since then he has travelled extensively leading workshops, giving speeches, as a master of ceremonies or doing stand-up comedy. He now works online with English-speaking clients anywhere in the world and loves helping people who identify as outsiders.

Join us as we chat about accidentally qualifying for and winning International Mr. Leather, being so late to the podium he was almost killed by fireworks, immersing himself in kink culture, the oppression experienced by the gay community in the 1990s, supporting others to undo a lifetime of being squashed, learning he was autistic and unpacking internalised ableism, punching up in comedy and so much more!

If you haven't already, be sure to join our Facebook community to connect with other like-minded queer folks and allies.

Find out more about Gem Kennedy and Queers & Co. 

Podcast Artwork by Gemma D’Souza.

Resources

Find out more about John’s coaching practice

John’s Leather website

Find out more about John’s work with Thriving Autistic

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About the Podcast

Queers and Co.
A podcast for queer folks and allies on self-empowerment, body liberation and activism.
Welcome to the Queers and Co. Podcast with facilitator, coach and speaker, Gem Kennedy (they/them). Each episode of the latest series poses the compelling question, “What happens when…” and delves into topics such as anxiety, AuDHD, gender identity, and beyond. Gem takes centre stage this series, sharing personal insights and reflections after a particularly difficult time in which it felt more important than ever for them to focus on living in alignment with the truest expression of themselves.

If you’ve not listened before, be sure to check out the previous two series in which Gem has thought-provoking conversations with queer folks and allies who are at the forefront of change-making in areas such as fat activism, sex positivity, drag/cabaret, LGBTQ+ activism and children’s rights.

Find out more about Gem's work: www.gemkennedy.com

About your host

Profile picture for Gem Kennedy

Gem Kennedy

I’m Gem. I’m a facilitator, transformational coach, podcaster and speaker. I’m passionate about advocating for and supporting Queer and Autistic people (I also am one!)

I believe that living in alignment with the truest expression of ourselves has a massive impact on not just us, but also our communities and the wider world. It’s what I love to help people do and I’m pretty good at it.