Queer Talker

In this episode of Queer Talker, host Ben Cicchetti sits down with Lewis Oakley, one of the UK’s most visible bisexual voices and a passionate advocate for representation, visibility, and belonging. Lewis opens up about growing up bisexual in a world that often struggles with nuance, where identities are pushed into boxes and the “in-between” is misunderstood or erased altogether. He reflects on t...

In this episode of Queer Talker, host Ben Cicchetti sits down with drag performer, community builder, and cultural force Jessica L’Whor, also known as Miss Jessica, to explore drag as identity, resistance, and care. Jessica reflects on growing up in a deeply sheltered Catholic household, navigating queerness through religious guilt, and the long journey toward self acceptance. She speaks openly ab...

In this episode of Queer Talker, host Ben Cicchetti sits down with comedian Mark Bittlestone whose sharp wit, queer storytelling and emotional honesty have made him one of the most exciting voices in British comedy. Mark opens up about growing up in 1990s Southwest London where homophobia was woven into the everyday language around him, even in an otherwise loving home. He reflects on spending a d...

In this episode of Queer Talker, host Ben Cicchetti sits down with Lord Chris Smith — Britain’s first openly gay male MP, the world’s first openly gay cabinet minister, and a pioneering voice for LGBTQ+ equality in politics. Chris reflects on the moment in 1984 when he stood on stage in Rugby and came out publicly, becoming the first openly gay MP in British history, and the courage it took to do...

In this episode of Queer Talker , host Ben Cicchetti sits down with Jaxon Feeley , former prison officer, public speaker, and trans advocate, for a powerful and deeply human conversation about courage, visibility, and doing it scared. Jaxon opens up about his life before and after transition, from working in the prison service to walking back through the gates as “Mr Feeley.” He shares how he foun...

In this episode of Queer Talker, host Ben Cicchetti sits down with Alex Thomas-Smith — actor and performer whose credits span the West End, TV, and Netflix, including & Juliet, What It Feels Like For A Girl, and Lena Dunham’s Too Much. Alex reflects on their journey from childhood to the stage, sharing early memories of queer representation from Big Brother’s Nadia and Coronation Street’s Hayl...

In this episode of Queer Talker, host Ben Cicchetti sits down with Jordan Gray — award-winning comedian, musician, writer, and the first trans woman to headline the London Palladium. Jordan reflects on her journey from pop singer to stand-up comedian, and how coming out unlocked the freedom to share her authentic self on stage. She talks about creating her hit ITV show Transaction, her Channel 4 s...

In this episode of Queer Talker, host Ben Cicchetti sits down with Seth Insua, debut author of Human, Animal and talented artist, for a thoughtful conversation about queerness, creativity, and finding belonging. Seth shares how a childhood obsession with Pinocchio shaped his creative spirit, how growing up queer in a homophobic all-boys school influenced his search for authenticity, and the inspir...

In this episode of Queer Talker, host Ben Cicchetti sits down with Brandon Wolf — survivor of the Pulse nightclub shooting, national press secretary for the Human Rights Campaign, and one of the most powerful voices for LGBTQ+ equality in the United States. Brandon shares his journey from growing up in a small conservative town, to finding chosen family and queer spaces that gave him the courage t...

In this episode of Queer Talker, host Ben Cicchetti sits down with Rico Jacob Chace, one of the UK’s most visible trans voices, award-nominated activist, and filmmaker, for a powerful conversation about trans rights, intersectionality, and the importance of joy in queer life. Rico shares how his early life shaped his stubborn self-belief, why embracing his authentic identity at 25 changed everythi...

In this episode of Queer Talker, host Ben Cicchetti sits down with Ella Vaday, the multi-talented drag queen and performer who went from West End shows to making it all the way to the final of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Season 3. Ella, also known as Nick Collier, shares stories from a complicated childhood in rural Suffolk, a life shaped by performance and pressure, and the moment drag became an unexpe...

In this episode of Queer Talker , host Ben Cicchetti sits down with the electrifying Love Bailey, artist, musician, activist, and founder of the Savage Ranch, for a powerful and unapologetically fierce conversation about art, identity, rebellion, and queer survival. Love shares her early experiences with homophobia and performance, her journey through fashion and celebrity styling, and her path to...

In this heartfelt episode of Queer Talker, host Ben Cicchetti sits down with writer, podcaster, and creative force Andrew Flewitt to explore his powerful journey, from growing up queer in a conservative town to building an unapologetically authentic life grounded in creativity, connection, and self-discovery. Andrew opens up about what inspired his moving book Do You Believe In Life After Loss, wh...

In this episode of Queer Talker, host Ben Cicchetti sits down with Chris McAllister—comedian, writer, actor, and self-described “person-next-door funny”—to explore how humor, identity, and visibility can work together to spark real social change. Chris shares how growing up as a tomboy in Northern England shaped their early sense of self, why they came out as a lesbian before later identifying as...

In this powerful episode of Queer Talker, host Ben Cicchetti sits down with Ali Najjar, Pride Award winner, proud gay Muslim man, and fierce advocate for hope, to explore a life marked by resilience, reinvention, and radical authenticity. Ali opens up about growing up gay in a Muslim household, surviving relentless bullying at school, facing trauma in the workplace, and living two lives before fin...

In this episode of Queer Talker, host Ben Cicchetti sits down with Helen Scott — author of Live, Laugh, Lesbian, radio DJ, stand-up comedian, and content creator — to explore her vibrant queer journey and the power of showing up authentically online and offline. Helen opens up about navigating bullying as a child, discovering her sexuality in an era with little representation, and the moment queer...

In this episode of Queer Talker, host Ben Cicchetti sits down with Zander Murray, who made history as Scotland’s first openly gay senior footballer. From the weight of secrecy to the freedom of coming out, Zander shares his deeply personal journey—one shaped by resilience and the hope of creating lasting change in the world of sport. Zander opens up about the moment he knew he had to come out, the...

In this episode of Queer Talker, host Ben Cicchetti sits down with author Robby Weber, whose joyful and heartfelt queer love stories have helped thousands of readers see themselves on the page—and escape into something beautiful. Robby shares how a lifelong love of stories turned into a career, the surprising power of writing flawed queer characters, and why authenticity is an ongoing journey—not...

In this episode of Queer Talker, host Ben Cicchetti sits down with Rebecca Minor, gender specialist, author, educator, and clinician, to explore her powerful work supporting trans and gender-diverse youth on their journey of becoming—and helping their families affirm them every step of the way. Rebecca opens up about her own queer journey, growing up in creative spaces, navigating compulsory heter...

In this episode of Queer Talker, host Ben Cicchetti sits down with Zac Haniff—Senior Social Video Journalist at Metro UK, content creator, and proud pop culture obsessive—to explore his journey from camcorder kid to one of the UK’s most vibrant queer voices in media. Zac opens up about growing up in a very “non-queer” household with two brothers, discovering his passion for video editing and Disne...

In this episode of Queer Talker , host Ben Cicchetti sits down with Blair Imani—historian, educator, author, and creator of Smarter in Seconds —to explore her remarkable journey as a Black, queer, Muslim woman navigating identity, visibility, and activism in today’s world. Blair shares how her early experiences shaped her deep sense of purpose, how discovering intersectionality changed everything,...

In this episode of Queer Talker, host Ben Cicchetti sits down with Olly Pike, author, educator, and founder of Pop’n’Olly, to explore his incredible journey—from aspiring performer to leading the charge for LGBTQ+ inclusive education in schools. Olly shares how his early experiences shaped his passion for storytelling, why representation in children’s education is more important than ever, and how...

In this episode of Queer Talker, host Ben Cicchetti sits down with Christopher Kenna, founder and CEO of BA Diversity Inc., to explore his extraordinary journey—from a challenging childhood and military service to leading a media company focused on true representation. Christopher opens up about how his early experiences shaped his relentless drive, why authenticity is key to success, and the less...

Queer Talker is a podcast celebrating the stories and journeys of LGBTQ+ individuals from all walks of life, from business leaders to celebrities and influencers. Through open and authentic conversations, we explore themes of identity, authenticity, and the power of living boldly. Follow me: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bencicchetti/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@BenCicchetti TikTok...