Jakob Végh, shares his personal journey of sexual expression and art. From coming out at 18 to marrying his husband two years ago, Jakob reveals how his sexuality has evolved and how he expresses it through his clothing and art projects. He also discusses the challenges and opportunities of navigating the intersectionality of his identity, the importance of healthy and consensual sexual relationships, and his vision for a more inclusive and fulfilling sexual culture.

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I'm Jakob, a 35-year-old gay man who has been happily married to my incredible husband for two years. By day, I navigate the dynamic world of Social Media Marketing for a university. Off-duty, you'll find me cherishing moments with family and friends, indulging in self-care through long baths, staying fit with cardio workouts, enjoying drag shows, 90s TV shows, savoring Thai cuisine, and marveling at the beauty of nature, architecture, and cinema.

What does sexuality mean to you, and how has your understanding of it evolved over time?

Sexuality is a deeply personal facet of identity that goes beyond societal norms. Growing up in an environment that stigmatized being queer created initial challenges, but my understanding evolved through self-discovery and changing societal attitudes. Coming out at 18 marked a liberating moment, allowing me to celebrate my authentic self.

Over time, my understanding of sexuality has transformed into a celebration of love, connection, and intimacy. In my monogamous relationship with my husband, sexuality is a shared journey of joy and continuous exploration. The experiences we've shared have deepened my appreciation for the fluidity of sexuality and the importance of embracing one's unique journey.

How do you express your sexuality, and what factors influence them?

My sexual expression is intertwined with my identity and relationship with my husband. I enjoy exploring gender identity through my art projects and clothing and appreciate the beauty of diverse expressions. My journey in embracing my body and experimenting with clothing has been influenced by a desire to challenge narrow beauty standards within the gay community.

Amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, we delved into art projects involving the recreation of iconic images. This not only provided a creative outlet but also allowed us to play with and challenge traditional gender norms. These projects garnered recognition from prestigious platforms like Vogue Magazine, The Met in New York, Versailles, and the Art History Museum of Vienna. The positive feedback underscores the evolving acceptance of diverse sexual expressions. While we celebrate the support, we've also faced backlash from traditionalists, reinforcing our commitment to promoting inclusivity and challenging societal norms.

How do you navigate the intersectionality of your sexual identity with other aspects of your identity, such as race, class, ability, or religion?

As a cis, white, gay man, I'm acutely aware of my privilege and actively engage with the diverse facets of the queer community. Embracing inclusivity and diversity, I recognize the profound influence of race, class, ability, and religion on my experiences, striving to contribute positively to the intersectionality of my identity.

How do you ensure that your sexual relationships are healthy, consensual, and respectful, and what are your boundaries and communication strategies?

Sustaining a healthy sexual relationship involves transparency, communication, mutual respect, and consensual exploration. Regular check-ins, open expression of desires, and creating a safe, judgment-free space are integral components that contribute to the resilience and longevity of our relationship.

How do you envision a more inclusive and fulfilling sexual culture that embraces diverse sexual identities and expressions, and how can we work towards it?

I envision a sexual culture that exuberantly celebrates diversity, challenges stereotypes, and embraces all sexual identities. Fostering education, awareness, and inclusivity are paramount. By promoting diverse representations in media, challenging narrow beauty standards, and cultivating safe spaces for open dialogue, we can collectively work towards a more inclusive and fulfilling sexual culture.