Queer Talker

Amanda Collier became one of the breakout stars of The Traitors after delivering one of the season’s most memorable lines:

“I can’t be Hugo’s wife. Don’t be so ridiculous. I’m a lesbian.”

But behind that joyful moment is a much bigger story of resilience, public service, representation and finding your purpose.

In this episode of Queer Talker, Amanda joins Ben Cicchetti to reflect on growing up in a working-class family, being bullied at school, and spending three decades in the Metropolitan Police, where she eventually became a Detective Chief Inspector.

Amanda opens up about navigating homophobia within the police in the early 1990s, finding the mentor who helped her keep going, and eventually becoming a leader to some of the people who had once bullied her.

She also takes us inside The Traitors, from nearly joining an earlier series to immediately suspecting Stephen, almost saving herself from elimination, and watching her spontaneous declaration of being a lesbian become a powerful moment of visibility for LGBTQ+ viewers.

Amanda also discusses the heart condition discovered during the casting process, why she now approaches fitness and life differently, and how the platform she gained from the show has helped her support charities, speak to young people and encourage others to find their tribe.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Amanda's early life

01:58 Amanda's childhood and discovering her identity

08:57 Her police career and navigating being LGBTQ+ in law enforcement

17:58 Joining The Traitors and iconic moments

35:05 Amanda's impact as a role model and advocate

49:49 Her diagnosis with hereditary heart disease and future plans

54:09 Final advice and closing thoughts

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

Charlie Craggs is an award-winning author, activist and the creator of Nail Transphobia, the campaign that used free manicures to start conversations about trans lives.

In this episode of Queer Talker, Charlie joins Ben Cicchetti for one of the most honest and uplifting conversations yet.

Together they discuss growing up, bullying, finding authenticity, the importance of representation, why Nadia Almada changed Charlie’s life, and why humour can be one of the most powerful forms of activism.

Charlie also reveals exclusively that Nail Transphobia is returning, shares details of her next book, and explains why she refuses to let anyone take away her joy.

They also discuss:

• Growing up as a queer child
• Being bullied at school
• Nadia Almada and Big Brother
• Finding authenticity
• Nail Transphobia
• Trans rights in 2026
• Social media and activism
• Standing up for yourself
• Why joy is an act of resistance

A funny, emotional and incredibly empowering conversation.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Queer Panic

00:26 First album and music memories

01:21 Lip sync song choice and queer media favorites

01:59 Favorite queer icons and representation

03:06 Meeting Nadia Almada and her impact

08:27 Nadia Almada’s victory and representation

09:07 Young Charlie’s understanding of gender and identity

11:01 Media treatment of trans people over decades

13:28 Trans rights and societal progress

16:48 Trans men in society and bathroom debates

21:23 Authenticity and self-acceptance journey

23:36 The Nail Transphobia campaign’s origins and impact

35:32 Upcoming book and advocacy plans

45:31 Advice to younger self and resilience

48:18 Protecting joy and handling negativity

50:30 Closing remarks and gratitude

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

Simon Blake OBE has dedicated much of his life to making the world a safer, fairer place for LGBTQ+ people.

As CEO of Stonewall, one of the world’s most influential LGBTQ+ organisations, Simon joins Ben Cicchetti for a thoughtful and deeply personal conversation about authenticity, activism, hope and why our goal should never simply be to survive, but to thrive.

Simon reflects on growing up in Cornwall in the 1970s, the first time he saw himself represented on screen, coming out to his parents, and the powerful words his father shared years later: “I’m so glad that you gave us the chance to love you in all of you.”

We also discuss:

• The role and future of Stonewall
• LGBTQ+ rights in 2026
• Why progress isn’t always linear
• Diversity, equity and inclusion
• Why representation matters
• The importance of empathy
• Social media and activism
• Leadership and trusting your gut
• Advice for young LGBTQ+ people
• Why we should aim to thrive, not just survive

This is a conversation full of warmth, wisdom and hope from one of the most important voices in the LGBTQ+ community.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Simon Blake and Queer Panic Questions

03:55 Childhood and Early Influences

08:11 Realizing Difference and LGBTQ+ Awareness

11:46 Authenticity and Coming Out Journey

15:58 Career Path and Leadership Insights

20:10 The Role of Stonewall and Personal Connection

23:40 Navigating the Culture War for LGBTQ+ Rights

26:42 Stonewall's Vision and Strategy for 2026

30:22 Balancing Urgency and Strategy in Advocacy

35:36 The Role of Businesses in Promoting Inclusion

39:46 The Impact of Politicization on LGBTQ+ Lives

47:56 Advice for the Younger LGBTQ+ Generation

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

Joe McElderry first captured the hearts of the nation when he won The X Factor in 2009. But behind the headlines, chart success and sold-out tours was a young man still figuring out who he was.

In this episode of Queer Talker, Joe joins Ben Cicchetti to reflect on the extraordinary journey from winning one of the UK’s biggest television shows to finding comfort in his own identity and creative voice.

Joe opens up about navigating fame at just 18 years old, realising he was gay while living life in the public eye, and the surreal experience of seeing his coming out story splashed across the front page of every national newspaper.

We also discuss his incredible career since The X Factor, performing with George Michael, the lessons he’s learned from nearly two decades in the music industry, and why turning 30 changed his perspective on success, authenticity and happiness.

Plus, Joe shares the story behind his brilliant new single Love Me Out Loud, a heartbreak disco anthem inspired by artists like Robyn, Jessie Ware and Dua Lipa, and explains why now felt like the right time to return to pop music.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Joe McElderry

03:00 The Creative Process Behind New Music

06:01 Memorable Moments from X Factor

08:57 The Impact of George Michael

12:04 Navigating Fame and Personal Identity

15:03 Coming Out Journey

17:53 Life After Winning X Factor

25:14 The Journey of a Music Career

26:14 Reflecting on 'Wide Awake' Album

29:20 Exploring Musical Versatility

31:52 Finding Authenticity in Performance

34:53 The Joy of New Music: 'Love Me Out Loud'

38:10 The Creative Process Behind 'Love Me Out Loud'

40:45 Queer Joy and Community Spirit

46:06 The Impact of 'That's Ridiculous' Podcast

50:11 Advice to Younger Self

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

In this episode of Queer Talker, host Ben Cicchetti sits down with X Factor winner and pop artist Matt Terry for his most open and honest conversation yet.

Matt reflects on growing up feeling like he had to hide who he was, the pressure of trying to present as “straight enough,” and what it was really like being thrust into the spotlight on one of the biggest TV shows in the world at just 23 years old.

He opens up about the rumours surrounding his sexuality during X Factor, feeling unprotected by the industry, and the emotional toll of trying to play a version of himself that never truly fit.

Matt also shares the deeply personal story behind His Car, why Heartstopper meant so much to him, and how his new music including Skittles and Party In My Room represents freedom, joy, and finally feeling comfortable in his own skin.

This episode is funny, emotional, nostalgic, and incredibly honest. A conversation about fame, identity, pressure, healing, and what happens when you stop performing for everyone else and finally become yourself.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Matt Terry

02:18 Musical Inspirations and Collaborations

03:58 Queer Icons and Representation

04:40 X Factor Journey and Performances

05:49 The Meaning Behind 'Party in My Room'

06:18 Finding Identity and Self-Discovery

08:18 Musical Journey and Early Influences

10:26 Awareness of LGBTQ Figures

12:29 Experience on X Factor

17:10 Navigating Fame and Personal Struggles

20:06 Confidence on Stage

23:30 Performing 'Secret Love Song' and Its Impact

25:49 Winning X Factor and Its Aftermath

26:20 The Highs and Lows of Fame

30:04 Navigating the X Factor Experience

33:58 Finding My Voice: The Journey to Authenticity

38:17 His Car: A Personal Revelation

45:20 Being a Voice for the LGBTQIA+ Community

47:03 Advice to My Younger Self

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

In this episode of Queer Talker, Ben Cicchetti sits down with Emmy and GLAAD Award-winning creator, HIV activist, and Plus Life Media founder Karl Schmid for a deeply honest conversation about identity, stigma, survival, and hope.  

Karl opens up about growing up between Australia, Fiji, New Zealand and the UK, his early experiences in the entertainment world through his brother’s fame on Neighbours, and how those experiences shaped the person he is today.  

The conversation then turns deeply personal as Karl reflects on discovering his sexuality, internalised shame growing up during the AIDS crisis, and the lasting impact of being diagnosed HIV positive at 27 years old. He shares the fear, stigma, and silence he carried for years, including why he kept his diagnosis private for nearly a decade.  

Karl also explains the life-changing impact of the U=U message (Undetectable = Untransmittable), why HIV stigma still exists in 2026, and how creating Plus Life Media became part of his healing journey.  

The episode also explores:

* Why storytelling matters in LGBTQ+ communities

* The importance of HIV education and visibility

* Internalised stigma and rebuilding self-worth

* HIV Unwrapped and bringing HIV conversations to New York Fashion Week

* Why hope is essential for survival

This is a powerful, vulnerable, and deeply human conversation about survival, visibility, and creating spaces where people feel seen.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Carl Schmid and His Work

02:57 Exploring Carl's International Upbringing

05:56 The Impact of Celebrity and Family on Carl's Career

08:55 Navigating Early Awareness of LGBTQ+ Identity

12:07 Personal Journey of Self-Discovery and Authenticity

18:13 Coming Out as HIV Positive and Its Impact

24:05 The Importance of Storytelling in HIV Awareness

27:02 Understanding the 'You Equals You' Message

28:58 Trust Issues in the Medical System

29:53 The Impact of U=U on Personal Health

31:21 Overcoming Internalized Stigma

35:38 Building Healthy Relationships

36:45 The Mission of Plus Life Media

39:31 Changing the Narrative Around HIV

42:20 The Importance of Education and Visibility

46:03 HIV Unwrapped: Fashion Meets Science

50:12 Reflecting on Personal and Professional Growth

54:54 Advice for the Younger Self and the Newly Diagnosed

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

In this episode of Queer Talker, Ben Cicchetti sits down with model, writer and asexuality advocate Yasmin Benoit for a powerful conversation about identity, visibility, and challenging assumptions.

Yasmin shares what it really means to be asexual, breaking down common misconceptions and explaining the difference between sexual attraction, libido, and how people experience identity.  

She opens up about growing up feeling different, being labelled by others before she had the language to define herself, and how discovering the term “asexual” both resonated and created new challenges due to a lack of representation.  

The conversation explores the reality of representation, from the stereotypes often associated with asexuality to why the community is still in its “early stages” compared to broader LGBTQ+ visibility. Yasmin also shares how her work as a model has challenged people’s expectations of what asexuality “looks like”, and why that contrast has made her both visible and controversial.  

They also discuss intersectionality, the unique experience of being a Black asexual woman, and the barriers that still exist both within and outside LGBTQ+ spaces.

This is an honest, insightful and often eye-opening conversation that challenges assumptions and expands understanding.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Queer Panic Round

04:26 Nostalgia and Childhood Reflections

07:31 Understanding Asexuality

10:33 Personal Journey to Asexuality

13:39 Navigating Identity and Representation

16:45 Challenging Stereotypes of Asexuality

18:57 Asexuality in Mainstream Media

23:40 Controversial Representation and Identity

30:43 Intersectionality and Asexuality

33:46 Navigating Online Hate and Advocacy

36:46 Advice to Younger Self and LGBTQIA+ 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

In this episode of Queer Talker, Ben Cicchetti sits down with Zelah Glasson, known to many from Big Brother, for a raw and honest conversation about identity, visibility, and what it really means to live authentically.

Zelah opens up about a chaotic childhood, being nearly kicked out of multiple schools, and the early signs of identity that showed up long before he had the language to understand them. From shouting “I’m a boy” on the playground to navigating years of confusion, suppression, and self-discovery, his journey is anything but straightforward.  

They explore Zelah’s experience of realising he was trans later in life, and why his transition felt gradual rather than a single defining moment. He shares what it was like to finally feel at home in his body, and the impact that journey has had on how he sees himself today.  

The conversation also dives into Big Brother, including the unexpected way Zelah ended up on the show, the pressure of being a trans person on national television, and the responsibility that comes with representing a marginalised community. He reflects on viral moments from the show, including being misgendered, and how he processed those experiences both in the house and afterwards.  

They also discuss the role of politics in LGBTQ+ lives, why being “apolitical” isn’t always an option, and the importance of better, more everyday representation in media.

This is a powerful, thoughtful and often surprising conversation about identity, resilience, and the reality of being visible in today’s world.

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

In this episode of Queer Talker, Ben Cicchetti sits down with writer and director Lee Knight, the creator behind A Friend of Dorothy, to explore storytelling, identity, and what it means to grow up queer in a very different world.

Lee opens up about his childhood under Section 28, growing up in an environment shaped by fear, shame, and silence, and how that experience shaped both his identity and his creativity. He shares powerful memories of navigating school life, hiding who he was, and the lasting impact of growing up in a time where being gay was framed as something dangerous.  

The conversation dives into his journey from actor to writer and director, including the challenges of rejection, self-doubt, and finding the confidence to trust his own voice. Lee shares the story behind A Friend of Dorothy, from writing the script in lockdown to working with icons like Miriam Margolyes and Stephen Fry, and ultimately taking the film all the way to the Oscars.  

They also explore the importance of queer storytelling, representation, and the emotional weight of seeing younger generations grow up with visibility that simply didn’t exist before.

This is an honest, emotional and inspiring conversation about resilience, creativity, and learning to trust yourself in a world that often tells you not to.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:42 Queer Panic: Rapid Fire Questions

03:54 Childhood Reflections: The Eclectic Journey

06:59 Resilience and the Quest for Authenticity

11:58 The Impact of Media on Queer Identity

17:12 Discovering and Accepting My Queer Self

22:10 The Bumpy Road to A Friend of Dorothy

27:07 Trusting Your Inner Voice

28:53 The Journey of Creation

32:13 Working with Icons

36:57 Capturing Authentic Moments

41:40 The Oscar Experience

53:50 Looking Ahead: Future Projects

56:11 Advice to the Younger Self

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

In this episode of Queer Talker, Ben Cicchetti sits down with Joseph Harwood, one of the original beauty creators and a true pioneer in online content, to explore identity, creativity, and the evolution of social media.

Joseph shares his extraordinary journey, from growing up in a strict church environment and navigating life as an androgynous young person, to becoming one of the first creators to build a career through makeup and digital platforms. He opens up about being scouted as a model, working internationally at a young age, and how discovering makeup became a powerful tool for expression, transformation, and storytelling.

They dive deep into the early days of YouTube, when creativity came before algorithms, and unpack how social media has shifted from a space of individuality to one driven by conformity, performance, and debate. Joseph offers a rare behind-the-scenes perspective on how platforms, algorithms, and monetisation have shaped both visibility and the experience of LGBTQ+ creators online.  

The conversation also explores Joseph’s unique relationship with gender and identity, why he resists labels, and how his experiences have shaped a more fluid, human-first perspective on self-expression. He reflects on how differently people treat you based on appearance, and why authenticity matters more than ever in a world obsessed with categorisation.  

They also discuss mental health, resilience, and the importance of building a life beyond social media metrics, alongside practical advice for young LGBTQ+ people navigating identity, creativity, and career.

This is a raw, insightful and at times provocative conversation about individuality, creativity, and what it really means to live authentically.

Chapters

00:00 Queer Panic Game: Getting to Know Joe

03:55 Childhood and Upbringing: Shaping Identity

07:01 Understanding LGBTQ+ Awareness and Expression

09:59 Modeling Journey: From Scouting to Experiences

12:55 Makeup as Art: Creative Expression and Identity

16:03 Building a Career in Makeup: Community and Innovation

21:07 Navigating Gender Identity in the Beauty Industry

25:35 The Importance of Legal Protections for the LGBTQ+ Community

28:19 The Evolution of Social Media and Its Impact

35:01 Mental Health in the Age of Social Media

39:28 Advice for the Younger Generation 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