🎙️ What’s This Episode About?

Franz Genau is a drag king, host and chaos-stirrer - better known to some as Queer Artisan.

Franz joins John to talk about what it means to perform masculinity not just for laughs, but to shake things up. As Queer Artisan, Franz has carved out space in Liverpool’s cabaret and DIY drag scene — running events, creating platforms, and making room for other queer artists to get weird, loud, and unapologetically themselves.

They talk gender performance, creativity, community care, and why some of the most important work happens off-stage. Expect sharp insight, scrappy joy, and a healthy disregard for anything that smells like respectability.

This one’s for the artists, the outsiders, and the ones doing the work - with sequins, sweat, and absolutely no apologies.

🗣️ Why Listen?

If you’re seeking genuine conversations that reflect the diverse experiences within the LGBTQ+ community, Proudly Said offers a platform for those narratives.

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🎙️ What’s This Episode About?

Gary Harper is a contemporary artist whose work hits harder than most – abstract, emotional, and unapologetically honest. Known for his landscapes and visual storytelling, Gary brings mental health, queerness and working-class identity into all he does.

In this episode, Gary joins John for a conversation that’s equal parts art school, therapy session and Scouse defiance. They talk about turning trauma into texture, the limits of representation, and why he refuses to make art that’s just ‘nice’. Gary shares how painting became a survival tool - and why vulnerability, especially as a queer person, can be the most radical thing of all.

🗣️ Why Listen?

If you’re seeking genuine conversations that reflect the diverse experiences within the LGBTQ+ community, Proudly Said offers a platform for those narratives.

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Subscribe: Stay updated with new episodes.

Share: If this resonates with you, share it with others who might find it meaningful.

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🎙️ What’s This Episode About?

Sarah Lovelock is one of the ultimate LGBTQ+ allies in Liverpool. Owner of Lovelocks Coffee Shop, she has, without intention, created the only daytime queer safe space for the community; with the vast majority of her regulars being from the community.

Sarah talks about the origins of Lovelocks, why it's important to 'not be d*ck', and demonstrating why she's so fabulous.

🗣️ Why Listen?

If you’re seeking genuine conversations that reflect the diverse experiences within the LGBTQ+ community, Proudly Said offers a platform for those narratives.

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Subscribe: Stay updated with new episodes.

Share: If this resonates with you, share it with others who might find it meaningful.

Feedback: We value your thoughts. Reach out with comments or suggestions.

🎙️ What’s This Episode About?

Connie Frankish is a transgender woman and proud activist for the last 18, no 12, wait actually 9 months - and has quickly become a powerhouse within the community of Liverpool. She reflected on her time as a teacher, and how her being openly trans had an impact on both the young people she taught, and the adults around her.

Please note: this episode was filmed prior to the UK Supreme Court's ruling on the definition of 'sex'.

🗣️ Why Listen?

If you’re seeking genuine conversations that reflect the diverse experiences within the LGBTQ+ community, Proudly Said offers a platform for those narratives.

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Subscribe: Stay updated with new episodes.

Share: If this resonates with you, share it with others who might find it meaningful.

Feedback: We value your thoughts. Reach out with comments or suggestions.

🎙️ What’s This Episode About?

Ketona Madrave is Liverpool's DJ Drag Queen, hitting the decks across multiple LGBTQ+ venues in the city. John and Ketona sat down and talked about how she came into drag, her musical background, and also the potential issues around misunderstanding her namesake in light of recent events within the local community.

🗣️ Why Listen?

If you’re seeking genuine conversations that reflect the diverse experiences within the LGBTQ+ community, Proudly Said offers a platform for those narratives.

📣 Connect with Us

Subscribe: Stay updated with new episodes.

Share: If this resonates with you, share it with others who might find it meaningful.

Feedback: We value your thoughts. Reach out with comments or suggestions.

🎙️ What’s This Episode About?

In this short introduction, host John Hyland shares the motivation behind launching Proudly Said - a podcast that amplifies LGBTQ+ voices, especially those often unheard. John discusses the importance of creating spaces where queer individuals can share their stories authentically, without filters or apologies.

🔑 Episode Highlights

00:00 – Welcome and purpose of the podcast

01:15 – The significance of platforming marginalized voices

02:30 – What listeners can expect in upcoming episodes

🗣️ Why Listen?

If you’re seeking genuine conversations that reflect the diverse experiences within the LGBTQ+ community, Proudly Said offers a platform for those narratives. This episode sets the stage for the stories to come, emphasising the podcast’s commitment to authenticity and inclusivity.

📣 Connect with Us

Subscribe: Stay updated with new episodes.

Share: If this resonates with you, share it with others who might find it meaningful.

Feedback: We value your thoughts. Reach out with comments or suggestions.