Pride means something different to everyone—and sometimes, figuring out what it means toyou can feel a little messy.On this week’s episode, Aidan Wharton gets muddy about what Pride really means—outside of corporate floats, circuit parties, and Instagram carousels. As a Broadway actor, writer, and founder of the popular Substack "Gay Buffet," Aidan brings humor and heart to a thoughtful conversation about identity, community friction, and finding your own way to celebrate queerness. From the beauty of queer joy to the anxiety of not fitting into “the right kind” of Pride, this episode honors the messy, personal journey of discovering what Pride looks like for you. Whether you're partying in Fire Island or quietly walking Christopher Street alone, you're not doing it wrong as long as it brings you joy and hope.
Bio: Aidan is an actor, writer, and the creator of Gay Buffet, a popular Substack newsletter serving up thoughtful Queer takes on sex, culture, and self-improvement. Though technically born in Seattle, his family relocated to a yurt in rural Hawaii when he was six months old, and he spent his childhood running through the jungle, reading, and cultivating a wildly active imagination.
After earning a degree in Musical Theatre from Penn State, Aidan performed on Broadway, in national tours, and on regional stages across the country in Girl From the North Country, Wicked, Footloose, and more. He also appeared in films such as Fire Island and Bros. During this time, he also worked with the NYC Pride March and then launched Gay Buffet as a way to raise awareness and funds for LGBTQ+ nonprofits while building Queer community. What began as a creative outlet has since grown into a robust community rooted in kindness, critical thinking, and unapologetic Queer joy.
Aidan’s Social Media: gaybuffet.substack.com or follow along on IG: @aidanwharton
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Your Hosts: Alex Kumin (@Alex.Kumin) and Drew King (@DrewKingNYC). Audio mixed by Sarah Webb (@SWAudioPost). Filmed and recorded in the Barrow Lounge at @TheMalin West Village.
www.IntoTheMudPodcast.com
