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Lord Chris Smith: Britain’s First Openly Gay MP, Section 28 & Fighting for Equality
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 so in a hostile climate. He shares his perspective on Section 28, the chilling effect it had on young LGBTQ+ people, and the long fight to overturn it.
We also discuss his achievements as Secretary of State, from making national museums free for all to helping pass landmark LGBTQ+ legislation under Tony Blair’s government, as well as his later decision to speak publicly about living with HIV and the extraordinary phone call he received from Nelson Mandela afterwards.
From his student days in Edinburgh and Cambridge, to becoming Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, Chris has consistently broken barriers and left a lasting legacy. His story is one of courage, resilience, and hope — a reminder of how far we’ve come and the work still to be done for true equality.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in LGBTQ+ history, politics, and the power of visibility.
Chapters
00:00 Queer Panic Rapid Fire Questions
03:21 Proud Moments in Politics
05:52 Understanding Childhood and Identity
09:38 Journey into Politics
11:00 Coming Out as the First Openly Gay MP
18:09 Reactions in Parliament
20:07 The Impact of Section 28
26:02 Becoming the First Openly Gay Cabinet Member
27:41 Legislative Changes for LGBTQ Rights
32:18 The Importance of Diversity in Leadership
34:29 Going Public with HIV Status
41:48 Role as Chancellor of Cambridge University
45:32 Reflections on the Current Trans Community Climate
47:43 Advice to Younger Self and LGBTQ Youth
Connect with Ben Cicchetti:
Website - https://www.queertalker.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bencicchetti/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@BenCicchetti
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@bencicchetti
View all episodes
By Ben CicchettiIn 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 so in a hostile climate. He shares his perspective on Section 28, the chilling effect it had on young LGBTQ+ people, and the long fight to overturn it.
We also discuss his achievements as Secretary of State, from making national museums free for all to helping pass landmark LGBTQ+ legislation under Tony Blair’s government, as well as his later decision to speak publicly about living with HIV and the extraordinary phone call he received from Nelson Mandela afterwards.
From his student days in Edinburgh and Cambridge, to becoming Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, Chris has consistently broken barriers and left a lasting legacy. His story is one of courage, resilience, and hope — a reminder of how far we’ve come and the work still to be done for true equality.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in LGBTQ+ history, politics, and the power of visibility.
Chapters
00:00 Queer Panic Rapid Fire Questions
03:21 Proud Moments in Politics
05:52 Understanding Childhood and Identity
09:38 Journey into Politics
11:00 Coming Out as the First Openly Gay MP
18:09 Reactions in Parliament
20:07 The Impact of Section 28
26:02 Becoming the First Openly Gay Cabinet Member
27:41 Legislative Changes for LGBTQ Rights
32:18 The Importance of Diversity in Leadership
34:29 Going Public with HIV Status
41:48 Role as Chancellor of Cambridge University
45:32 Reflections on the Current Trans Community Climate
47:43 Advice to Younger Self and LGBTQ Youth
Connect with Ben Cicchetti:
Website - https://www.queertalker.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bencicchetti/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@BenCicchetti
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@bencicchetti