Vico Ortiz is a non-binary actor who has appeared in many top TV shows including ‘Transparent’, ‘Criminal Minds’ and ‘Lucifer’ to name a few. In this interview we chat to them about their latest role as Jim in the HBO Max show ‘Our Flag Means Death’ which is vaguely inspired by the life of 18th century aristocrat turned pirate Stede Bonnet. One of the minds behind the series is Oscar winner Taika Waititi (JoJo Rabbit, 2019). We also ask Vico about non-binary representation and the importance of non-binary actors playing non-binary roles. Find out more about Vico: http://imdb.me/vico-ortiz 

Akiva joins us for a second podcast appearance to talk about his new book ‘The Magnus and the Fool’ which has been described as a ‘modern, queer and trans-positive retelling of The Great Gatsby’. Akiva’s first book ‘Boy In The Hole’ was released to mark National Coming Out Day in 2019. We also get Akiva’s thoughts on anti-LGBTQ legislation in the United States, and he has a few choice words for some of our elected officials! More information on Akiva: http://akivahersh.com 

Jill Gutowitz is a lesbian writer from New Jersey (now living in LA) and has been published in the likes of 'The New Yorker' and 'Vanity Fair' and she joins us to talk about her first book 'Girls Can Kiss Now' which is a collection of personal essays which focus on identity, desire and self-worth. In this episode Jill talks about the book, self-worth in the LGBTQ community, the influence of popular culture on how we see ourselves and how 'Orange Is The New Black' changed everything for her.Find out more about Jill: http://www.jillgutowitz.com 

In our second LGBTQ Elders episode Sam interviews Ken Pinkela who is a U.S. military veteran and served as a Lieutenant Colonel. Ken began serving when being gay in the military was illegal as well as during the 'don't ask, don't tell' days. Ken's story is one of a man who wanted to serve only to face discrimination and a grave injustice. Since 'leaving' the military Ken has went on to advocate for people living with HIV and wants to get rid of outdated HIV criminal laws that have not caught up with science. 

Jonathan Larkin is a writer for the British TV soap 'Hollyoaks' writing a number of high impact stories including on LGBTQ storylines. Now he's back with his first stage play in 10 years 'Cherry Jezebel' which follows three drag queens in Liverpool. The play has been described as 'hilarious and heart-breaking' and looks beyond the glitter and the makeup of drag. Sam chats to Jonathan about the play, writing for TV, homophobia in the UK and more.

Transgender author Emme Lund joins us to talk about her new book 'The Boy With A Bird In His Chest', a novel which follows Owen Tanner who literally has a bird in his chest and is forced to flee home and live with his Uncle and Cousin in Washington. Emme currently lives in Portland, Oregon and has an MFA from Mills College. In 2019 Emme was awarded an Oregon Literary Arts Fellowship in Fiction. 

Ukrainian LGBTQ activist Maxim Potapovich joins us to give an LGBTQ perspective on the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Maxim is based in the suburbs of Kyiv and represents 'Kyiv Pride' and says the Ukrainian spirit is pulling them through and giving them hope. Maxim shares his story, how he thinks the international community are dealing with the war, LGBTQ rights and more.

Gay underwear model Alex Gede joins us to talk about going from believing he had turned himself straight to embracing his true self. Alex moved to the U.K. from Nigeria to study and then got married and had two children, four years later Alex came out as gay and found himself a boyfriend. Sam chats to Alex about his coming out process, what it's like for LGBTQ people in Nigeria and founding his 'Club Seven Menswear' underwear brand for gay and bisexual men. 

In the first of our 'LGBTQ Elders Series' we talk to the CEO of LGBTQ elder organisation SAGE, Michael Adams about the organisation which was founded in 1978. SAGE is dedicated to improving the lives of older LGBTQ people. Sam chats to Michael about his early life as a gay man, the challenges faced by elders today including ageism and discrimination in care, the importance of remembering the past and much more.

To mark LGBTQ History Month in the U.K. we are joined by Head of Policy and Research at the LGBT Foundation Ibtisam Ahmed to discuss this years theme 'Politics in Art', in particular LGBTQ representation in superhero media from graphic novels to TV and movies. As a big superhero fan Ibtisam felt he never saw himself represented growing up and there was always a set image of what a superhero should look and act like. Also - Ibtisam reflects on the LGBT Foundation's response to recent anti-transgender sentiment from the Equality and Human Rights Commission.