In this interview, we dive into the fascinating journey of Jack Doug, an Australian paramedic and competitive rower who found his true self and meaningful friendships in London. From his professional experiences and personal growth to his hobbies and passion for inclusivity, Jack's story is one of resilience, adventure, and self-discovery. Join us as we explore the life of this remarkable individual and his contributions to both the medical field and the LGBTQ+ community.
Photography by Bartek Szmigulski | Interview by Adrian Gomis Exposito
The images are cropped/ made safe for online purposes, full images available inside Yummy Issue Eight
ADRIAN GOMIS EXPOSITO. Hey Jack! How’s it going? We’re thrilled to have you in Yummy.
JACK DOUG. Thank you very much for having me! Yummy always has such amazing photographs; I’m very lucky to be included. Smiggi did an incredible job turning me into something that could join the ranks.
A.G.E. To start off, you’re an Australian living in London. What prompted this change?
J.D. One of many! Australians are a bit like pigeons; you can find us everywhere, usually in packs, multiplying and clogging up the pavement. After I finished university, I was offered jobs in Australia and in London. I initially took the London offer because I wanted the opportunity to have some adventures! Australia is lovely, but it’s so far from everywhere else. I wanted to spend a few years seeing other countries and cultures and ended up staying.
A.G.E. You mentioned that you didn't feel comfortable in Australia but found meaningful friendships in London. Can you elaborate on how your relocation has shaped your personal and professional growth?
J.D. I think moving away gave me room to grow and figure myself out. Growing up, I felt like Australia had a lot of strict norms about how to live, what a man should be like, and what you should aspire to. Getting out of that and deciding those things for myself let me find friends who were like me. I had so much trouble making friends in school and university, and at each stage, my parents always told me that at the next one, I’d find my people, but I spent a lot of time lonely and feeling very different from everyone else. In London, that finally changed and I found my place.
A.G.E. You work as a paramedic. What drew you to this specific field and what do you love the most about your job?
J.D. I actually wanted to be a doctor growing up. I didn’t get the marks at university to make the top tiny fraction that can get straight into a medical degree, so I chose paramedicine to get some experience in the field and then move on to medicine later. I realized, after some time working in the ambulance, that I really enjoy being there for people at what is sometimes one of the hardest moments of their lives. I’ve certainly had times where I felt overwhelmed, but I have been lucky to have met wonderful people there to guide me through this journey. I hope I can be that for other people too.
A.G.E. You also have a strong connection to sports, especially rowing. How has your background as a competitive rower influenced your approach to teamwork and problem-solving in your role as a paramedic?
J.D. Rowing is, sometimes annoyingly, a sport where if any member of the team doesn’t show or can’t work with the rest, the whole boat is off-balance at best. At worst, you can’t even get on the water. It taught me to be more trusting of others and let go of trying to do everything myself, which was daunting, but particularly at work is something you cannot function without.
A.G.E. How do you balance the demands of your job with your other interests such as gardening, video games, and rowing?
J.D. I’m lucky a lot of my hobbies can be done solo, for some stress relief and relaxation, but figuring out how to see other people when your equivalent of Saturday night is a Tuesday drives me insane. Shift work is a very tough thing to fit the rest of your life around, particularly a social life. I’ve had to become an avid planner. That and the understanding of friends have gone a long way to keeping me sane and not huddled in my living room talking to myself.
A.G.E. As a member of the London Otters, the gay rowing club, how do you think inclusivity and diversity play a role in both your personal and professional life? How important do you think inclusivity and representation are?
J.D. In the past, representation to me always seemed like a minor thing before I really understood its impact. Moving somewhere that had more easily-seen versions of me in society (other gay and queer people) showed me that there is indeed a place for me in the world, and how many different ways that might look. It went a long way to helping me feel like I belong. It’s such a joy to see the support and inclusivity of teams like the Otters having all shapes and sizes of people come out of the woodwork and find each other.
A.G.E. Let’s talk about Yummy. First off, what does the word “yummy” mean to you?
J.D. It’s cheeky. A little something you can have that makes you happy, and sneakily suspect you might have to have a lot more, possibly to your own future inconvenience.
A.G.E. You shot a stunning story with Smiggi for Yummy 8. Tell us about this experience and how was the process of it all. Did you enjoy it?
J.D. The vision was all Smiggi’s! It was actually a little out of my comfort zone; I don’t always feel confident playing up to more traditionally feminine styles, but I had seen Smiggi’s work and thought it always delivered, so I decided to relax and trust him. And the photos turned out amazing! I had a great time.
A.G.E. Your physique is stunning. What do you do to keep fit and looking so incredible, besides rowing?
J.D. Ah, stop it. I enjoy gymming about five times a week. It’s good stress relief for me and hopefully helps me look good naked. Cycling to work has also been surprisingly enjoyable. I’ve found a nice route I enjoy, put on some absolutely embarrassing dance-pop, and get on with the day.
A.G.E. Meeting new people is one of your main interests at the moment. What’s the first thing you perceive or find sexy in another person?
J.D. I’m torn between confidence with a dumb sense of humour and a great set of pecs. Do you know anybody?
A.G.E. What’s your preferred choice of underwear and swimwear? Do you sometimes sunbathe in the nude? Tell us about your approach to nudity.
J.D. Undies and swimwear are always briefs; gotta keep everything locked down under clothes, but tight and suggestive when it’s on show. I love being nude though; it feels sexy and fun, and very in the moment. I love spending the day on a nude beach, hanging out (literally) in the sun and in the water, sneakily seeing everyone check each other out. It’s exciting.
A.G.E. What do you keep on your bedside table?
J.D. Listen, the top level is respectable. At the moment, I have two books, some cute notes from a nice boy, a few plants in a mini-aquarium jar that you can watch making little bubbles of oxygen (thrilling, there goes my whole day), and my alarm clock. The lower level is less polite; that’s the lube and other salacious things.
A.G.E. Looking ahead, what are your primary career and personal goals for the next five years, and how do you plan to work towards achieving them?
J.D. I’m actually doing my master’s degree in Advanced Paramedic Practice at the moment. I want to specialize in a less emergency style of practice before my adrenal glands burn out and help people with everyday issues where they might need a friendly face.
