'I Felt That Way About Pulse' - with JJ Ivey

Lost Spaces: Memories from Gay Bars, Lesbian Clubs, and LGBTQ+ Parties

So, if you're reading these show notes I'm going to go ahead and make the assumption that you know about the Pulse nightclub shooting that happened in Orlando in 2016.

And I'm also going to assume that you've heard some of the stories from survivors and families of victims about the impact of that night.

But, now that we're a few years on and people's attention has moved elsewhere what happens to those feelings that are sitting there for people that were impacted by that night?

What if Pulse was your safe space?

How do you move on whilst never forgetting the importance of that space?

Well, for actor / writer JJ Ivey, who turned up to Pulse every Tuesday for karaoke night, there are still a mix of emotions.

They're obviously really grateful for what that space facilitated for them, but they're still figuring out how to grieve it properly.

What I appreciated most about this week's conversation is that JJ was really open about some of the messiness of their emotions and how they are continuing to make sense of something that will never make sense...

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Takeaways

• Finding a supportive community and embracing one's true self can lead to personal growth and acceptance.

• The mean gay phase may stem from fear and the pressure to be perfect.
• It's important to be aware of our actions and considerate of others in public spaces. Pulse Orlando provided a welcoming and non-judgmental environment for JJ Ivey, marking a shift in their mean and sassy gay phase.
• Exploring drag allowed JJ to discover their non-binary identity and embrace different aspects of their gender expression.
• Finding a group of friends who accepted and supported their authentic self was crucial for JJ's personal growth and happiness.
• Gender euphoria, rather than dysphoria, can be a valid and important aspect of one's gender identity. Self-discovery is a lifelong journey, and it's never too late to learn more about yourself.
• Tragedies like the Pulse nightclub shooting can have a profound impact on individuals and communities, challenging their sense of safety and forcing them to confront their own mortality.
• It's important to embrace the good in people and build connections with others, even in the face of tragedy and uncertainty.
• Finding strength in community and supporting one another can help navigate the challenges and complexities of life.