Aging Out Loud: Media, Identity & Queer Masculinity with Manuel Ambra

In this episode of Empowered & Out, host Jonathan Barbe welcomes Manuel Ambra, a queer academic and marketing professional whose research focuses on the intersection of media, age identity, and mental health among queer men. Together, they explore how cultural expectations, media representations, and internalized norms shape how we see ourselves—and what it means to grow older in queer spaces.

Topics Covered:

• The difference between chronological age and age identity
• How queer men internalize media “scripts” about what aging should look like
• The dual stigma of ageism and heterosexism—and how it affects mental health
• Why authenticity and self-acceptance are vital at any age
• The role of autoethnography and reflexivity in queer research
• Tips for marketers and brands targeting LGBTQ+ communities authentically
• The impact of queer community “tribes” like twink/daddy/bear
• Why “making up for lost time” is bad advice for those who came out later in life

Manuel Ambra is an academic and marketer with a background in psychology, communications, and events. Originally from Italy and now based in the UK, Manuel’s work explores the complex ways queer men experience age, identity, and media influence. He’s the founder of MAVA, a communications and events agency, and is currently expanding his practice into the wedding industry.

📎 Connect with Manuel:

🌐 www.manuelambra.com

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