Really Queer

Up close and personal with Ben & Silva! Here is a chance to hear from the hosts about what drives them, what brought them together and how Really Queer got started.

Cliff Joannou is Editor In Chief at Stream Publishing working across Attitude magazine, the UK and Europe’s biggest LGBTQ+ media brand, and Rolling Stone UK, the world-famous music, film, and TV brand. What is shame? It is usually unspoken and undetected because it is uncomfortable and/or part of some people’s everyday experiences. We all have shame because it is a normal human emotion. But shame...

Dalia is the Exec Director of Keshet UK, a charity whose ethos is that no-one should be made to choose between their Jewish and gay identity.  Currently, her work often reaches those who have not traditionally considered or engaged with LGBT+ inclusion, and this is further explored during this episode.  Being Queer means different things to different people, and there are some people who hate the...

In this episode Silva and I are joined by 2 guests - Monty Moncrieff MBE & Yvonne Shell. Monty Moncrieff - MBE is The Chief Exec of London Friend, a charity working to promote the health and well-being of LGBTQ+ people and is the oldest LGBTQ+ charity in the UK providing support since 1972 and Yvonne Shell is a Consultant Clinical and Forensic Psychologist, and senior academic. Yvonne currentl...

Deenah is a Programs Officer for Hidayah LGBTQI+, an award-winning registered UK charity dedicated to queer Muslims. Her important work for Hidayah primarily focuses on its events, which aim to create safe spaces for Queer Muslims to meet each other and share experiences. What does it mean to be able to reconcile your sexuality or gender identity with the values that you yourself hold, as well as...

Tash (she/her) is an Inclusion and Diversity Consultant, presenter, speaker and LGBTQ+ activist, who is at the forefront of conversation. Tash uses her lived experience and identity as a proud Black Queer Woman to continue the focus on diversity and inclusion in society and in the workplace. Tash feels that her intersectionality can provide valuable insight into how to make both the workplace and...

Learning to love ourselves is very important, especially when society gives us so many opportunities to self loathe. Nurturing the part of us that is self-loving, self-caring and treating ourselves like our best friend is paramount to overall well being - but it can be a tough road for many people; there is no rush, it is important to be present and aware of the journey rather than wanting the des...

Connecting with others is one of the primal needs that we have as human beings. Our brain is wired for connections. Without connections, we become unwell. Because of shame and poor self-esteem/self-worth, Queer people have a hard time connecting with others meaningfully because connecting meaningfully requires “showing up” and therefore being vulnerable. Instead, we walk around with our armour bec...

Surviving is not enough for our community anymore, we deserve to thrive! During this episode leading trans activist, Dani St James, talks openly about her lived experiences and draws on the lessons she has learnt on her own journey to a life that embodies the importance of living her truly authentic and best life. Silva and Ben also explore key issues around what inner psychological resources are...

Hello and a big 'Really Queer' welcome to those who have found our podcast. We look forward to you being part of our Really Queer journey and hope you enjoy listening to the upcoming episodes as much as we have enjoyed making them. A huge thank you to everyone who has made this series possible! This trailer is a little taster of what's in store...