Erik came out early to a supportive family and an older sister who was also gay, but it took him a while to find his queer crew: one that honored creativity and alternative options for a gay kid who didn’t necessarily fit into the typical identity of musicals and Madonna. Instead, Prince was an early influence on Erik’s queer life in addition to his musical tastes. An unrequited love in high school proved difficult to shake. Fortunately, Erik’s best friend, a lesbian, convinced him to snap out of it and move on after heartache. In adulthood, Erik learned to abandon the heteronormative, rom-com mode of thinking and learn to let love be love and not try to control it or force it to be something that it’s not.  In addition to being this episode’s interviewee, Erik also provided all the original music cues featured in this episode. Below is a list of all the tracks used in this episode. Find out more at Erik’s bandcamp profile. Big thanks to Erik for letting Fruitbowl use his amazing music to give this episode an extra-special creative identity.  Opener - “Transition #1” from “Music from the film Center of Gravity.” Transition 1 - “Canon #3” from “Canons, Vol.1.” Transition 2&3 - “Canon #4” from “Canons, Vol. 1.” Transition 4 - “Transition #2” from “Music from the film Center of Gravity.” Transition 5&6 - “The Meeting” from “Music from the film Center of Gravity.” Transition 7 - “Shut the F**k Up” from “Music from the film Center of Gravity.” Transition 8 - “Trains Passing” from “Music from the film Center of Gravity.” Transition 9 - “The Ghost In Our House” from “Music from the film Center of Gravity.” Closing Credits - “Something, Please” from “Canons, Vol. 1” Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple Podcasts Fruitbowl is an official sponsee of Seattle’s Northwest Film Forum. Find out how to become a Fruitbowl underwriter - either as an organization or as an individual sponsor. All contributions are 100% tax deductible. Write [email protected] for more information. https://nwfilmforum.org/education/artist-services/nonprofit-fiscal-sponsorship-filmmakers/fiscal-sponsee-fruitbowl-oral-history-queer-sex/ Or become a sustaining donor through our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/fruitbowlpodcast  Please give us a rate & review on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fruitbowl/id1468574292  Subscribe to our YouTube video channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjuUDG5nTc6x0oZtL0guPiA FRUITBOWL on Twitter: https://twitter.com/fruitbowlpod  On iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fruitbowl/id1468574292  On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3LVzFe2HSEWCcWtP9OvSbQ?si=aopBYD9oTOqdXKZ7ZZCmXg  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fruitbowlpodcast/ The official website: https://www.fruitbowlpodcast.com/ Fruitbowl’s fruit artwork was created by Patrick Stephenson of Bearpad! Check out host Saira B’s awesome podcast about erotic fan fiction, FREAKY TALES 4 U!