Proudly in Conversation

🌈 Today is #RainbowLacesDay on this special day we’re joined on the podcast by Charlie Martin and Jamie Ayshford. Our guests share their journey from fearing sport in school to thriving in the gym and on the track. We dive deep into the life of two queer athletes who are helping create an environment welcome to all.Sport, exercise and movement should be fun, welcoming and for everyone. LGBTQ+ people are more likely to suffer from poor mental health, and we know that movement and sport boosts mental as well as physical health. Rainbow Laces is breaking down barriers for LGBTQ+ people in sport - so everyone can access the lifelong benefits movement can bring and create a space where queer athletes can proudly show their colours.In today’s episode of Proudly in Conversation, we are joined by British racing driver and Stonewall’s sports ambassador, Charlie Martin. Charlie competes in endurance racing driving for big names like VR Motorsport and Niemann Autosport. Having raced on household tracks like the Nürburgring, Charlie’s paving the way for trans athletes both on the track and as an ambassador for us at Stonewall and BMW.Also joining us for this special episode is Jamie Ayshford, a Hyrox athlete. Jamie uses his online presence to help people find inner peace and joy. He’s competed at the top of his sport and placed highly such as finishing 3rd in Hyrox Valencia and 2nd in Hybrid X. 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction to Rainbow Laces Day00:48 – Growing Up with Sport: Early Experiences at School01:02 – Charlie on Detesting Cross Country & Finding Running and Skateboarding03:20 – Jamie on Feeling Isolated in School PE & Redefining Sport as an Adult05:43 – Discovering Fitness for Mental Health & Lifting Weights with Mum07:10 – The Mental Well-Being & Grounding Power of Moving Your Body09:15 – LGBTQ+ Representation & Coming Out in Motorsport (Charlie's Journey)11:12 – Competing Authentically at the Highest Level (Jamie on Hyrox)13:20 – The Power of Rainbow Laces at the Grassroots Level15:18 – Visible Allyship and Culture Shifts in British Sport17:21 – Practical Ways Clubs and Coaches Can Create Safe Spaces19:40 – Building Friendships and Community Through Fitness22:26 – Why It's Never Too Late to Start Your Fitness Journey25:12 – What's Next: Upcoming Races & Closing ThoughtsGet your rainbow laces ➡️ https://bit.ly/48oHcmd.Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and Amazon 💬 Tell us your sports story in the comments below!We’d also love to hear your thoughts or questions — email us at: [email protected] #RainbowLaces #LGBTQInSport #Stonewall #TransAthletes #Hyrox #Motorsport #MentalHealth

In this episode, we're joined by Phyllis Akua Opoku-Gyimah, also known as Lady Phyll, co-founder and CEO of UK Black Pride and Executive Director of Diva Charitable Trust. Phyll is a trailblazing political activist and was recently named number 1 on the 2026 Pride Power List.  

They discuss the evolution of UK Black Pride, the need for creating spaces specifically for Black and brown LGBTQ+ people, and what true representation and progress really look like. 

Lady Phyll and Simon explore the power of collaboration and solidarity across the LGBTQ+ movement, why allyship needs to go beyond words and become action, and the importance of understanding intersectionality in the fight for equality. 

They also talk about finding joy in the face of adversity, creating spaces where people can celebrate themselves, and why joy and hope are essential to keeping the movement moving forward. 

✨ In this episode: 

• The evolution and origin of UK Black Pride 

• Intersectionality and the different barriers LGBTQ+ people face 

• The power of collaboration across the LGBTQ+ movement 

🎧 Mentions & links: 

• Kimberlé Crenshaw – intersectionality  

• Sister Outsider, Audre Lorde  

• Cack-Handed – Gina Yashere 

• Sister Anthology 

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In this episode, we’re joined by Josh Babarinde OBE, a campaigner and Liberal Democrat MP for Eastbourne. Raised on a council estate, he founded the award winning social enterprise Cracked It, supporting young people at risk and ex‑offenders into work. This earnt him a Shackleton Award, a Churchill Fellowship, Forbes 30 Under 30, and an OBE at 26. In Parliament, he has become a leading voice on domestic abuse reform, successfully pushing ministers to strengthen domestic abuse law within his first year. Now President of the Liberal Democrats, Josh brings lived experience and an LGBTQ+ lens to his work.   

Despite serving in what is often described as the most LGBTQ+ Parliament in history, Josh argues that many LGBTQ+ issues still receive insufficient attention at Westminster. He discusses why this is the case and what needs to change. 

A big part of the conversation focuses on growing political division. Josh argues that populist politicians often exploit people's fears and insecurities, sometimes targeting already marginalised groups such as trans and non-binary people. Rather than dismissing people who hold different views, he believes it's important to understand where those views come from and have respectful conversations, even when there is disagreement. 

Josh and Simon also discuss how social media has intensified conflict, making debates louder and more hostile. Both agree that many people are afraid of saying the wrong thing when discussing LGBTQ+ issues, which can stop potential allies from speaking up.  

Josh believes politics has become more toxic and divisive than ever, but he remains optimistic that ordinary people can find fair and balanced solutions when they're given the chance. In Eastbourne, he's been experimenting with citizens' assemblies, bringing together randomly selected residents to learn about issues they may know little about. After hearing from experts and discussing the evidence, participants are encouraged to combine the facts with their own values and experiences to make informed decisions. 

He argues that this approach helps people move beyond the noise of party politics, social media arguments and culture wars.  He believes that giving people reliable information and the space to talk openly with one another could help the UK address some of its most difficult and polarising issues. 

 ✨ In this episode: 

• Rising populist politics, and why courage and transformational leadership matter. We discuss growing polarisation in politics and public life 

• Why understanding different perspectives is essential for progress. Josh is clear we don’t have to agree on everything, but we do have to learn how to “disagree well” with humanity and respect.  

• How the loudest voices rarely represent the majority, why no community is a monolith, and how social media can amplify stories and create opportunity 

• Politics has become increasingly toxic and polarised, but through Citizens' Assemblies, citien participation has actually improved outcomes and trust in politics. 

🎧 Mentions & links: 

• Citizens – Book by John Alexander 

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Proudly in Conversation is a Stonewall production. Jingle by legendary rock band @EMF. 

In this episode of Proudly in Conversation, we're joined by activist, author, broadcaster and comedy "clapback queen" Charlie Craggs. Charlie reflects on the intense media focus on trans people in the UK and how trans lives are often reduced to headlines, debates and culture war talking points. Drawing on research from organisations including Amnesty International UK, she discusses the impact of relentless media scrutiny and why trans people deserve to be seen not as a topic for debate, but simply as people. She also speaks candidly about how her approach to allyship has evolved. While much of her early work focused on helping others understand trans experiences, her priorities have shifted towards supporting her own community, "I'm here to help those that are struggling, not those that are struggling to understand." The conversation also explores Charlie's groundbreaking Nail Transphobia campaign, which offered free manicures as a way to start conversations about trans experiences. Travelling across the UK with a pop-up nail salon, Charlie created spaces for genuine human connection in venues including the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Science Museum and Somerset House. What began as a simple idea grew into a powerful movement, demonstrating how small interactions can challenge assumptions and broaden perspectives. As Charlie explains, there is something uniquely powerful about the humanity of holding someone's hand. Charlie talks about her experience with hate crime, if this is something that has affected you, there is support out there. Please visit our website to find organisations that can offer guidance and advice: ▶️ https://www.stonewall.org.uk/resource... You can also find out more about the work we're doing to protect LGBTQ+ rights and changing the law to make anti-LGBTQ+ hate crime an aggravated offence. ▶️ https://www.stonewall.org.uk/get-invo... ✨ In this episode: The scale of anti-trans influence in UK media How visibility is important to help to draw on ones strength Protecting your peace in a world where everyone seems to have an opinion The emotional toll of being constantly exposed to stories of anti-trans discrimination and trauma The story behind the Nail Transphobia campaign Building understanding through everyday human connection 🎧 Mentions & links: Transitioning Teen – BBC documentary (no longer available) To My Trans Sisters - Book by Charlie Craggs Doctor Who: Redacted – Podcast starring Charlie Craggs Aleshia Brevard – One of the first ever people to have gender reassignment surgery Charlie’s Angels – Self defence classes run by trans people for trans people On My Cream Sofa – Podcast by Charlie Craggs The Transgender Issue – Book by Shon Faye Disclosure – Netflix Documentary 💬 Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Youtube and Amazon We’d also love to hear your thoughts or questions — email us at: [email protected] ⭐ Leaving a 5-star review really helps more people discover these stories. Proudly in Conversation is a Stonewall production. Jingle by legendary rock band @EMF.

In this episode, we’re joined by comedian Dan Foxx for a thoughtful and sharply funny conversation about identity, humour and the complexities of queer visibility today. From using comedy as both a defense and a tool for connection, to why villains often make the most compelling characters, Dan reflects on how storytelling shapes the way we understand ourselves and others. 

We explore the paradox of drawing from personal experience, how mining your past can be both healing and emotionally intense and how Dan has honed his voice and audience over time. 

The conversation also goes into social media, its power and its pitfalls. For Dan, the internet was once a lifeline, a vital space for discovering community and culture as a young queer person. But today, that same digital space is far more complicated, from increasingly visible right wing spaces to questions around platform responsibility, moderation, and bans. 

If the issues raised in this episode resonate with you, find out more about the work we're doing to protect LGBTQ+ rights and how you can get involved: ▶️ https://www.stonewall.org.uk/get-involved/campaign-with-us 

 ✨ In this episode: 

• Comedy as both armour and connection 

• The catharsis of comedy 

• Social media, it’s positives and pitfalls  

• The importance of Pride 

🎧 Mentions & links:

• How lovely – Daniel Foxx comedy tour 
• Welcome to Hell - Daniel Foxx and Dane Buckley

• Schitts Creek – Tv series  

• Evenings and Weekends – Book by Oisín McKenna 

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Proudly in Conversation is a Stonewall production. Jingle by legendary rock band @EMF.

In this episode, we’re joined by Marc Thompson. Marc has a very impressive past, he was a co-founder of PrEPster, a pivotal organisation that advocated for the life-changing drug PrEP.  Marc has also worked for the NHS, Terrence Higgins Trust, Gay Men Fighting AIDS, Big Up, and Positively UK. Today he continues his work as the Lead Commissioner of the London HIV Prevention Programme, a health promotion specialist, award-winning podcaster (no pressure) and LGBTQ+ archivist. For over 30 years, he has worked at the forefront of HIV and LGBTQ+ advocacy, focusing particularly on Black and queer communities. 

Together, we travel back to 1985, a time marked by police raids on gay bars, homophobic media narratives, violence, and the looming HIV epidemic that would devastate a generation. From then Marc reflects on what has changed, what hasn’t and what that means for the future of LGBTQ+ communities. 

Drawing on over three decades of experience in HIV and LGBTQ+ advocacy, Marc shares his personal journey, from coming out and receiving his HIV diagnosis, to challenging systems where he didn’t see himself represented, particularly as a black gay man. 

If the issues raised in this episode resonate with you, find out more about the work we're doing to protect LGBTQ+ rights and how you can get involved: ▶️ https://www.stonewall.org.uk/get-involved/campaign-with-us 

 ✨ In this episode: 

What’s changed, and what hasn’t, since 1985, from the HIV crisis to today’s LGBTQ+ landscape 

The importance of solidarity, collective action and rebuilding real community spaces 

Why centring black and brown queer voices remains critical in HIV prevention and advocacy 

The shift to digital communities  

Balancing activism with wellbeing, harnessing productive anger while making space for joy 

🎧 Mentions & links: 

Black and gay back in the day - https://www.instagram.com/blackandgaybackintheday/ 

Let’s rap photo - https://www.instagram.com/p/CMy-ftvFGDT/ 

Revolutionary Acts – Book by Jason Okundaye 

How Queer Bookshops Changed the World – Book by AJ West 

The Log Books – Book by Tash Walker and Adam Zmith 

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Proudly in Conversation is a Stonewall production. Jingle by legendary rock band @EMF.

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Sarah Hughes. As CEO of Mind, she leads national efforts to improve services, influence policy and amplify the voices of people with lived experience.  

She originally trained as a social worker and went on to manage mental health services across community settings, residential care and even HM Prison Holloway. Today she’s a regular voice in the media and a trusted advisor to governments and organisations around the world. 

Drawing on more than 35 years working in mental health, Sarah reflects on the experiences that shaped her commitment to equality, from visit to the London Lighthouse during the AIDS crisis to her work leading one of the UK's largest mental health charities. Together, her and Simon explore the deep connections between mental health and inequality, and why experiences of exclusion and hostility can have a profound impact on wellbeing. They discuss the challenges facing LGBTQ+ communities today, the importance of culturally appropriate access to mental health services and getting people offline and into the community. 

The conversation also talks about mental health issues. If this episode raises difficult feelings for you, please remember support is available.  Mind have many services and resources, plus you can find support services specifically for the LGBTQ+ community at Stonewall. You don't have to face things alone.

 ✨ In this episode: 

• The connection between mental health and social justice 

• How discrimination and exclusion affect LGBTQ+ wellbeing 

• Bringing the language of love, respect and dignity back into public life 

• The importance of community, belonging, connection and hope 

• Building relationships offline 

🎧 Mentions & links: 

• The tales of the City – Book series by Armistead Maupin 

• The London Lighthouse 

• Rainbow Mind 

• Schitts Creek – Series available on Netflix 

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Proudly in Conversation is a Stonewall production. Jingle by legendary rock band @EMF.

In this episode, we’re joined by drag legend Ginger Johnson for an open and honest conversation about identity, belonging, mental health, and what it really means to create and sustain, inclusive queer spaces today. 

We also explore the impact of club closures and the loss of LGBTQ+ venues, and why community spaces still matter more than ever.  

If the issues raised in this episode resonate with you, find out more about the work we're doing to protect LGBTQ+ rights and how you can get involved: ▶️ https://www.stonewall.org.uk/get-involved/campaign-with-us 

✨ In this episode: 

• Drag as art, identity and activism  

• The closure of queer clubs and safe spaces  

• Community, belonging and mental health  

• Finding joy, resilience and expression through performance  

🎧 Mentions & links: 

• David Hoyle - https://www.instagram.com/DavidHoyleUniversal
• The Homo Sapiens Podcast  Elaine Stritch – At Liberty (YouTube)  

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⭐ Leaving a 5-star review really helps more people discover these stories. 

Proudly in Conversation is a Stonewall production. Jingle by legendary rock band @EMF.

TW: This episode discusses serious mental health issues, including self-harm, depression. 

Our first guest is none other than Dame Kelly Holmes. Double Olympic champion, British Army veteran, and one of Britain’s most decorated middle distance runners. A sporting icon whose career made history at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, and whose influence transcends the track. 

In this deeply personal conversation, Kelly reflects on growing up and serving her entire military career through the ban that prohibited LGBTQ+ people from serving openingly. She recalls living through investigations, military police raids where rooms were searched, the threat of dismissal, and the constant fear of losing everything if her sexuality was discovered. 

Having only come out publicly four years ago, Kelly explains that despite being one of Britain's most celebrated athletes, there was still a part of herself she felt unable to accept. It caused breakdowns, she became a self-harmer and clinically depressed.  

Kelly also discusses her involvement in the Etherton Review into the experiences of LGBT veterans, why justice for those affected still matters, and how her own journey has shaped her campaigning for change.  

Simon and Kelly explore how LGBTQ+ visibility in sport has transformed over the past two decades. Rather than blanket policies, Kelly argues for nuanced, case by case conversations that acknowledge the complexities in sport. We won't always have all the answers. However we must be willing to listen to different perspectives and have respectful, constructive conversations about how we create fair and inclusive sport for everyone. 

If you want to find out more about the work we're doing, especially the Justice for Veterans campaign work: ▶️ https://www.stonewall.org.uk/get-involved/campaign-with-us.  

The conversation also talks about mental health issues. If this episode raises difficult feelings for you, please remember support is available. You don't have to face things alone. Visit https://www.stonewall.org.uk/resources/support-services-in-the-sector 

✨ In this episode: 

• Kelly's experience serving in the British Army while hiding her identity 

• Lessons from the Etherton Review and the fight for justice for LGBT veterans 

• The impact of not living authenitically on her mental health and her journey to self acceptance 

• Rainbow Laces and the link between movement and wellbeing 

• LGBTQ+ visibility in elite sport 

  
  

🎧 Mentions & links: 

• The Etherton Review - Independent Review into the service and experience of LGBT veterans who served prior to 2000. 

• Kelly Holmes: Being Me – ITV Documentary  

• Emelie Sande – Read All About It 

• Rainbow Laces – Stonewall inclusion campaign  

• Gay Games 

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⭐ Leaving a 5-star review really helps more people discover these stories. 

Proudly in Conversation is a Stonewall production. Jingle by legendary rock band @EMF. 

 Proudly in Conversation, from Stonewall, brings people together to talk openly about LGBTQ+ life. 

Each episode features voices from across sectors and lived experiences, exploring the issues that matter now, from culture and identity to progress, policy and the challenges facing LGBTQ+ communities. 

These conversations aren’t always easy and perspectives won’t always align. That’s the point. By hearing different voices, we create space for meaningful chats and real understanding. 

Join us as we ask difficult questions, share lived experiences and broaden perspectives together.🔗 Learn more: www.stonewall.org.uk/support-us/proudlyinconversation 

Dropping every Wednesday, subscribe so you don’t miss an episode.