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 decade in the closet, the fear of being gay that shaped his early years and the moment he finally allowed himself to come out and breathe.

He also shares how devastating loss shaped him. Mark lost his mum shortly before his A levels and his dad shortly before his university finals. He talks about how grief transformed his understanding of life and how comedy became both a coping mechanism and a calling.

Ben and Mark dive into authenticity, dating, Grindr mishaps, the power of teasing straight men in comedy clubs, and the complicated pressure queer comedians feel to stop talking about their identity even when it is central to their story.

Mark also reflects on falling into comedy, getting fired from teaching, building confidence through social media, touring his show I Need a Straight Guy, and figuring out what comes next as he enters the next phase of his career.

Chapters

00:00 Queer Panic Rapid Fire Questions

04:16 Embarrassing Dating Stories

07:16 Proudest Career Moments

10:13 Childhood Influences on Identity

13:15 Awareness of Queerness and Family Dynamics

17:21 Coming Out and Authenticity

20:22 Navigating Loss and Grief

25:33 The Role of Comedy in Coping

27:47 Journey into Comedy

31:02 Queerness and Performance

32:29 Touring Experience and Audience Interaction

36:22 Using Platform for Advocacy

38:14 Future Aspirations and Reflection

39:11 Advice to Younger Self and LGBTQ+ Youth

Connect with Ben Cicchetti:

Website - https://www.queertalker.com 

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YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@BenCicchetti

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