Queer Love Stories

Rossi Lewis spent six years refusing to date on apps, went viral on TikTok for it, moved to Clapham to become "gay central"'s biggest cheerleader - and then quietly redownloaded Grindr.

Rossi tells me about coming out at 20 after finding a stranger in an anonymous chat room, flying to Indiana on a whim to meet him in person (with his nan warning him not to tell his dad before dinner "or he won't eat it"), and the string of relationships that followed: a four year relationship he jumped into without ever being single, a toxic Marrakech holiday that ended with him finding out via a shower full of pinging Snapchats, and a COVID-era relationship in Belfast so bad he calls it his lowest point.

We get into why he ditched dating apps entirely in favour of organic meets, the police officer he fell for on a Greek island, buying a pair of Speedos on Vinted that turned into a Paris date, and being scouted for Discovery Plus' astrology dating show Written in the Stars. Plus the TikTok video about Clapham going cold-shoulder culture that blew up and genuinely changed how his neighbourhood treats strangers, and the honest reasons he's back on Grindr after six years away.

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Rossi Lewis is a storyteller, content creator, social media manager, and newly appointed Clapham gay as of 2024. 

For six years, Rossi has ditched dating apps in favour of organic meets and shares the hilarious outcome of his dates on his popular TikTok channel @its.me.rossi 

On top of all that, he's a Jessie Ware superfan, a previous contestant on Discovery Plus' reality dating show, 'Written in the Stars,' and a bonified actor.

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Follow Rossi on Instagram ⚡️

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Eden funds this podcast to bring the highest quality content, the most interesting guests and inspiring conversations whilst working full-time. Please support the podcast by checking out the links below:

Sign up to MisterBnB as a guest or host to support the podcast and find your next adventure.

Use my code BBQUEERLOVE at checkout to get 85% off your entire purchase at Skin + Me!

Show your support for the free content we create by buying us a coffee - mine's a brown sugar oat shaken espresso 😉

CREDITS
Queer Love Stories is Hosted and produced by Eden Heath, and mixed by Benji Antonio.
 
Follow Queer Love Stories on Instagram 💕

If you or someone you know has a story to share we'd love to hear from you, send us a message on Instagram or email [email protected]

Get your love story started with Kindling Dating Coaching now 💗

Get your first and fifth Daily Doser for just £3.50 from Skin+Me to finally feel confident in your skin!

Support the show

Christina Maria Garcia on fleeing an unsafe relationship, filing for asylum in the UK, and finding love and self-acceptance as a trans woman of colour.

In this powerful conversation, Christina shares her journey from growing up closeted in Trinidad and Tobago to being accidentally outed, escaping an abusive relationship in the UK, and navigating years in a broken asylum system — including the racism and transphobia she faced along the way. She talks candidly about coming out as trans, becoming an activist and chair of Trans Leeds and Leeds Trans Pride, confronting racism within LGBTQ+ spaces, and how she's rebuilt her relationship with her family since being granted leave to remain.

She also opens up about self-love, dating as a trans woman, and finding a supportive partner who's been by her side since the earliest stages of her transition, plus practical advice for anyone hoping to be a better trans ally.

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Christina Maria Garcia proud trans woman of colour and is a keen activist from the Caribbean living in the UK. She's doing brilliant work within the Trans and broader LGBTQ community. 

Previously identifying as a gay man she came to the UK in 2015 for a holiday which took a turn and resulted in her filing for asylum. 

Since moving to the UK she has rebuilt the relationship with her family and continues to inspire those around her.

 Follow Eden on Instagram 💕
Follow Christina on Instagram 🏳️‍⚧️

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Eden funds this podcast to bring the highest quality content, the most interesting guests and inspiring conversations whilst working full-time. Please support the podcast by checking out the links below:

Sign up to MisterBnB as a guest or host to support the podcast and find your next adventure.

Use my code BBQUEERLOVE at checkout to get 85% off your entire purchase at Skin + Me!

Show your support for the free content we create by buying us a coffee - mine's a brown sugar oat shaken espresso 😉

CREDITS
Queer Love Stories is Hosted and produced by Eden Heath, and mixed by Benji Antonio.
 
Follow Queer Love Stories on Instagram 💕

If you or someone you know has a story to share we'd love to hear from you, send us a message on Instagram or email [email protected]

Get your love story started with Kindling Dating Coaching now 💗

Get your first and fifth Daily Doser for just £3.50 from Skin+Me to finally feel confident in your skin!

Support the show

Kayleigh and Meg met while Meg was in a throuple with her then-fiancé, fell for each other over Gilmore Girls and Grey's Anatomy, and ended up proposing to each other in Venice two days apart, both without telling the other.

They talk through the unconventional start to their relationship, coming out to very traditional families who turned out to be far more accepting than expected, and why they're rewriting the rulebook for their second, bigger wedding (two proposals, two ceremonies, and a "man of honour" who happens to be Meg's ex). Then we get into their NHS fertility journey: what it actually involves, why access depends entirely on your postcode, the eye-watering cost of going private, and the shockingly under-informed reactions from some health professionals along the way, including being told to find "a willing male friend" or buy sperm online.

Kayleigh and Meg also speak openly about the early pregnancy losses they've experienced during treatment, and why they started their Instagram page Our Little Gay Life to make fertility information for LGBTQ+ people easier to find.

GIVE YOUR FEEDBACK IN OUR LISTENER SURVEY ⚡️

Kayleigh and Meg are a fabulous Bisexual couple living in Leeds who had an unconventional start to their relationship story, followed by TWO proposals in Venice and a lovely little wedding last year. (with a big gay wedding pending)

In 2023 they launched their inspiring Instagram page @ourlittlegaylife to show the truth of their experience during their NHS fertility journey; including the obstacles they've faced, early pregnancy loss, and the reality of starting a family within the LGBTQ+ community.

 Follow Eden on Instagram 💕
Follow Kayleigh & Meg's Fertility Journey 🍼

If you've been affected by any of the topics mentioned in this episode you can find further support by clicking the links below:

LGBT Mummies
TwoDads U.K
Fertility Network UK

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Eden funds this podcast to bring the highest quality content, the most interesting guests and inspiring conversations whilst working full-time. Please support the podcast by checking out the links below:

Sign up to MisterBnB as a guest or host to support the podcast and find your next adventure.

Use my code BBQUEERLOVE at checkout to get 85% off your entire purchase at Skin + Me!

Show your support for the free content we create by buying us a coffee - mine's a brown sugar oat shaken espresso 😉

CREDITS
Queer Love Stories is Hosted and produced by Eden Heath, and mixed by Benji Antonio.
 
Follow Queer Love Stories on Instagram 💕
Follow Benji on Instagram 💕

If you or someone you know has a story to share we'd love to hear from you, send us a message on Instagram or email [email protected]

Support the Show.

Get your love story started with Kindling Dating Coaching now 💗

Get your first and fifth Daily Doser for just £3.50 from Skin+Me to finally feel confident in your skin!

Support the show

Jonathan Mayor met his husband Leon through a small ad in The Guardian, fell in love over the phone before they'd even met in person, and 23 years later he's telling me it still feels exciting having him in the house.

Jonathan is a Manchester comedy institution, Sarah Millican's go-to warm-up act and host, and a Canal Street favourite - but this episode is really about Leon. About answering machine tennis that turned into months of phone calls, a first meeting that ended with Jonathan opening the door naked and wet in a towel, a proposal on day three (that Jonathan turned down, obviously), and an "I love you" blurted out on ecstasy less than 24 hours after they met.

We talk about the sixteen years they spent commuting between Manchester and Nottingham while Leon was a closeted local politician (he came out for Jonathan, and later became Nottingham's first ever out Sheriff), the family reactions on both sides, and the reality of now navigating Leon's Parkinson's diagnosis together after finally moving in under one roof. Jonathan also opens up about a recent stroke and what it's like relearning his own spontaneity mid-conversation.

Away from the relationship stuff, we get into how a chaotic pub quiz turned Jonathan into "Quizmaster, I am God" and accidentally launched his comedy career, plus his genuinely great advice for anyone struggling to date: stop laser-focusing on a six-pack, go and find your actual people, and be kind to whoever's brave enough to talk to you.

GIVE YOUR FEEDBACK IN OUR LISTENER SURVEY ⚡️

Jonathan Mayor is a huge cult figure in comedy, a Canal Street favourite, and quite frankly, a bit of a Manchester legend.

He was Sarah Millican’s go-to host and support act, MC’ing her new material nights: 'Sarah Millican and Friends,' and performing as the warm-up man for her television series: 'The Sarah Millican Television Show'.

Away from the comdey circuit he is happily married to the real-life former Sheriff of Nottingham and hosts the Manchester Pride Candlelight AIDS Vigil every year.

 Follow Eden on Instagram 💕
Visit Jonathan's website ✨

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Eden funds this podcast to bring the highest quality content, the most interesting guests and inspiring conversations whilst working full-time. Please support the podcast by checking out the links below:

Sign up to MisterBnB as a guest or host to support the podcast and find your next adventure.

Use my code BBQUEERLOVE at checkout to get 85% off your entire purchase at Skin + Me!

Show your support for the free content we create by buying us a coffee - mine's a brown sugar oat shaken espresso 😉

CREDITS
Queer Love Stories is Hosted and produced by Eden Heath, and mixed by Benji Antonio.
 
Follow Queer Love Stories on Instagram 💕
Follow Benji on Instagram 💕

If you or someone you know has a story to share we'd love to hear from you, send us a message on Instagram or email [email protected]

Get your love story started with Kindling Dating Coaching now 💗

Get your first and fifth Daily Doser for just £3.50 from Skin+Me to finally feel confident in your skin!

Support the show

Manifestation coach Andy Downs on surviving a mental breakdown during the adoption process, and how self-love and authenticity changed his life.

Andy opens up about meeting his husband in secret before either of them had come out, and the 17 years since. He also shares the story behind his and his husband's adoption journey — getting approved to adopt two children, only for Andy to suffer a major mental breakdown right before they were due to move in, and how that turning point led him to manifestation and the law of attraction as a career.

They get into practical, no-nonsense manifestation advice: the difference between manifesting from ego versus from your authentic self, how to actually manifest love (hint: it starts with self-love and gratitude, not a vision board), and why taking real-world action is the missing half of the law of attraction that most people skip.

GIVE YOUR FEEDBACK IN OUR LISTENER SURVEY ⚡️

From a young age, Andy Downs knew he wanted an exciting life. However, as he entered adolescence he knew there was something different about him.

As a teenager, he knew he was gay, but tried to suppress his sexuality and had accepted this was something he would need to do for the rest of his life.

Thankfully, he chose to be his authentic self which resulted in him meeting his now husband. Continuing his journey of self-discovery, Andy focused his attention on self-development before discovering the Law of Attraction and finding his calling in life as a Manifestation coach.

 Follow Eden on Instagram 💕

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Eden funds this podcast to bring the highest quality content, the most interesting guests and inspiring conversations whilst working full-time. Please support the podcast by checking out the links below:

Sign up to MisterBnB as a guest or host to support the podcast and find your next adventure.

Use my code BBQUEERLOVE at checkout to get 85% off your entire purchase at Skin + Me!

Show your support for the free content we create by buying us a coffee - mine's a brown sugar oat shaken espresso 😉

CREDITS
Queer Love Stories is Hosted and produced by Eden Heath, and mixed by Benji Antonio.
 
Follow Queer Love Stories on Instagram 💕
Follow Benji on Instagram 💕

If you or someone you know has a story to share we'd love to hear from you, send us a message on Instagram or email [email protected]

Support the Show.

Get your love story started with Kindling Dating Coaching now 💗

Get your first and fifth Daily Doser for just £3.50 from Skin+Me to finally feel confident in your skin!

Support the show

GIVE YOUR FEEDBACK IN OUR LISTENER SURVEY ⚡️

History was made in Autumn 2023 when former cosmetic consultant, Ella Morgan, became the first Transgender Bride to take part in the hit reality show Married at First Sight UK. 

Ella quickly became one of the show's most iconic contestants, and one of my personal favourites, for her vulnerability, honesty and all round-bad-bitch energy.

Since she was on MAFS, she's done magazine shoots, TV appearances and now uses her platform to share more about her transition journey and to advocate for trans rights.

During this conversation, we cover Ella's thoughts on JJ's new relationship with Katie Price, what it means to be a trans advocate, how her transition impacted her family, and her time on MAFSUK.

 Follow Eden on Instagram 💕

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Eden funds this podcast to bring the highest quality content, the most interesting guests and inspiring conversations whilst working full-time. Please support the podcast by checking out the links below:

Mister BnB
Sign up to MisterBnB as a guest or host to support the podcast and find your next adventure.

Skin+Me
use my code BBQUEERLOVE at checkout to get 85% off your entire purchase at Skin + Me!

Buy Me a Coffee
Show your support for the free content we create by buying us a coffee - mine's a brown sugar oat shaken espresso 😉

CREDITS
Queer Love Stories is Hosted and produced by Eden Heath, and mixed by Benji Antonio.
 
Follow Queer Love Stories on Instagram 💕
Follow Benji on Instagram 💕

If you or someone you know has a story to share we'd love to hear from you, send us a message on Instagram or email [email protected]

Get your love story started with Kindling Dating Coaching now 💗

Get your first and fifth Daily Doser for just £3.50 from Skin+Me to finally feel confident in your skin!

Support the show

In our season finale, Aaron Parr takes us on a journey through his incredible story of finding love, grieving a break-up, and trying to remain friends.

The episode kicks off with a candid conversation on navigating friendships after a breakup, the challenges, and the importance of maintaining those connections. Aaron delves into his own experiences, offering insights and wisdom on coping with a rough breakup. Things take a mystical turn as Aaron surprises Eden with a tarot card reading, unraveling the mysteries of his past, present and future.

Get ready for a mix of laughter, heartfelt moments, and a touch of magic in this season finale!

Key Topics:
Navigating friendships post-breakup
Coping with grief after a rough breakup
Surprise tarot card reading

Follow Aaron on instagram 🤝

READING LIST
 
Throughout this podcast, we mention incredible LGBTQ+ must-reads. By clicking the links below and purchasing the books you will support the podcast:
 
Buy Queer Up by Alexis Caught 📚💕
Buy The Velvet Rage by Alan Downs 📚💕
Buy Straight Jacket by Matthew Todd 📚💕
Buy Solve for Happy by  Mo Gawdat 📚💕

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Eden fully funds this podcast to bring the highest quality content, the most interesting guests and inspiring conversations whilst working full-time. Please support the podcast by checking out the affiliate links below:

Mister BnB
Sign up to MisterBnB as a guest or host to support the podcast and find your next adventure.

Skin+Me
use my code BBQUEERLOVE at checkout to get 85% off your entire purchase at Skin + Me!
www.skinandme.com/?ref=bb-4dddbd

Buy Me a Coffee
Show your support for the free content we create by buying us a coffee - mine's a brown sugar oat shaken espresso 😉

CREDITS
If you love this podcast leave us a review wherever you're listening to it and don't forget to hit the follow button as it really helps us out.
 
 Queer Love Stories is Hosted by Eden Heath, and Produced and mixed by Benji Antonio.
 
 Follow Eden on Instagram 💕
Follow Queer Love Stories on Instagram 💕
Follow Benji on Instagram 💕
 
If you or someone you know has a story to share we'd love to hear from you, send us a message on Instagram or email [email protected]

Get your love story started with Kindling Dating Coaching now 💗

Get your first and fifth Daily Doser for just £3.50 from Skin+Me to finally feel confident in your skin!

Support the show

In this heartwarming episode of Queer Love Stories, Eden sits down with the delightful Andy Brennan, a man whose journey from single life to marriage is nothing short of extraordinary. Join us as we delve into Andy's experiences, from the challenges of a toxic on-off situationship that tested his self-confidence to finding love at last.

Key Topics
- Navigating the ups and downs of toxic relationships
- Rebuilding self-confidence and banishing negativity
- Embracing self-discovery and personal growth
- The transformative power of meeting the love of his life
- The joyous influence of the Spice Girls on his journey

Andy's story is not just about love; it's a celebration of self-empowerment, resilience, and the unexpected twists that life throws our way.

Connect with Us:
Follow us on Instagram: @QueerLoveStories
Join the conversation: #QueerLoveStories

Note: This episode was recorded in May 2023 as the very first installment of Queer Love Stories. A special thanks to Andy for being our inaugural guest and setting the tone for a fantastic season!*

READING LIST
 
Throughout this podcast, we mention incredible LGBTQ+ must-reads. By clicking the links below and purchasing the books you will support the podcast:
 
Buy Queer Up by Alexis Caught 📚💕
Buy The Velvet Rage by Alan Downs 📚💕
Buy Straight Jacket by Matthew Todd 📚💕
Buy Solve for Happy by  Mo Gawdat 📚💕

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Eden fully funds this podcast to bring the highest quality content, the most interesting guests and inspiring conversations whilst working full-time. Please support the podcast by checking out the affiliate links below:

Mister BnB
Sign up to MisterBnB as a guest or host to support the podcast and find your next adventure.

Skin+Me
use my code BBQUEERLOVE at checkout to get 85% off your entire purchase at Skin + Me!

Buy Me a Coffee
Show your support for the free content we create by buying us a coffee - mine's a brown sugar oat shaken espresso 😉

CREDITS
If you love this podcast leave us a review wherever you're listening to it and don't forget to hit the follow button as it really helps us out.
 
 Queer Love Stories is Hosted by Eden Heath, and Produced and mixed by Benji Antonio.
 
 Follow Eden on Instagram 💕
Follow Queer Love Stories on Instagram 💕
Follow Benji on Instagram 💕
 
If you or someone you know has a story to share we'd love to hear from you, send us a message on Instagram or email [email protected]

Get your love story started with Kindling Dating Coaching now 💗

Get your first and fifth Daily Doser for just £3.50 from Skin+Me to finally feel confident in your skin!

Support the show

Charlie Hagston is a non-binary, autistic artist who discovered their passion for dance at the age of 9. Starting with jazz, tap, ballet, and freestyle, Charlie's heart found its true home in contemporary dance.
 
They now lead workshops at Leeds Dance Studio, providing a safe and welcoming space for everyone to express themselves through dance, regardless of their identity. Their mission is to create an inclusive environment for all individuals no matter what body they have.

In March 2020, Charlie began exploring their gender identity, embracing they/them pronouns and embarking on a journey of self-love with the support of their partner, extended family, and community.

In this  conversation we talk about embracing a non-binary identity, struggling with feelings of not fitting in, pansexuality and 


Follow Charlie on instagram 🤝

READING LIST
 
Throughout this podcast, we mention incredible LGBTQ+ must-reads. By clicking the links below and purchasing the books you will support the podcast:
 
Buy Queer Up by Alexis Caught 📚💕
Buy The Velvet Rage by Alan Downs 📚💕
Buy Straight Jacket by Matthew Todd 📚💕
Buy Solve for Happy by  Mo Gawdat 📚💕

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Eden fully funds this podcast to bring the highest quality content, the most interesting guests and inspiring conversations whilst working full-time. Please support the podcast by checking out the affiliate links below:

Mister BnB
Sign up to MisterBnB as a guest or host to support the podcast and find your next adventure.

Skin+Me
use my code BBQUEERLOVE at checkout to get 85% off your entire purchase at Skin + Me!
www.skinandme.com/?ref=bb-4dddbd

Buy Me a Coffee
Show your support for the free content we create by buying us a coffee - mine's a brown sugar oat shaken espresso 😉

CREDITS
If you love this podcast leave us a review wherever you're listening to it and don't forget to hit the follow button as it really helps us out.
 
 Queer Love Stories is Hosted by Eden Heath, and Produced and mixed by Benji Antonio.
 
 Follow Eden on Instagram 💕
Follow Queer Love Stories on Instagram 💕
Follow Benji on Instagram 💕
 
If you or someone you know has a story to share we'd love to hear from you, send us a message on Instagram or email [email protected]

Get your love story started with Kindling Dating Coaching now 💗

Get your first and fifth Daily Doser for just £3.50 from Skin+Me to finally feel confident in your skin!

Support the show

Bridie Daniels is a digital marketer, keen baker, videogamer and activist living in Leeds. 

In July 2023 they launched 15-minute friendships which is a social project designed to combat loneliness within the queer community through pop-up events in and around Leeds and West Yorkshire. 

Throughout the conversation, we discussed the use of dating apps to make friends, the importance of community, pansexual and bisexual representation in tv, coming out and being non-binary.

Follow Bridie on Instagram 💕
Follow 15-minute Friendships on Instagram 💕

Visit their website ✨

READING LIST
 
Throughout this podcast, we mention incredible LGBTQ+ must-reads. By clicking the links below and purchasing the books you will support the podcast:
 
Buy Queer Up by Alexis Caught 📚💕
Buy The Velvet Rage by Alan Downs 📚💕
Buy Straight Jacket by Matthew Todd 📚💕

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Eden funds this podcast to bring the highest quality content, the most interesting guests and inspiring conversations whilst working full-time. Please support the podcast by checking out the links below:

Mister BnB
Sign up to MisterBnB as a guest or host to support the podcast and find your next adventure.

Skin+Me
use my code BBQUEERLOVE at checkout to get 85% off your entire purchase at Skin + Me!

Buy Me a Coffee
Show your support for the free content we create by buying us a coffee - mine's a brown sugar oat shaken espresso 😉

CREDITS
Queer Love Stories is Hosted by Eden Heath, and Produced and mixed by Benji Antonio.
 
 Follow Eden on Instagram 💕
Follow Queer Love Stories on Instagram 💕
Follow Benji on Instagram 💕

If you or someone you know has a story to share we'd love to hear from you, send us a message on Instagram or email [email protected]

FURTHER SUPPORT
BEAT eating disorders

BDD support from MIND

Support the show

Get your love story started with Kindling Dating Coaching now 💗

Get your first and fifth Daily Doser for just £3.50 from Skin+Me to finally feel confident in your skin!

Support the show