Queer Talker

In this episode of Queer Talker, host Ben Cicchetti sits down with Alex Thomas-Smith — actor and performer whose credits span the West End, TV, and Netflix, including & Juliet, What It Feels Like For A Girl, and Lena Dunham’s Too Much.

Alex reflects on their journey from childhood to the stage, sharing early memories of queer representation from Big Brother’s Nadia and Coronation Street’s Hayley Cropper, and why those moments of visibility mattered. They open up about growing up in challenging circumstances, finding strength with their sisters, and embracing authenticity without ever feeling the need for a formal “coming out.”

From the thrill of starring in & Juliet to balancing intimacy and spectacle on their wedding day, Alex speaks candidly about love, representation, and how neurodiversity shapes their creativity and career. They also discuss the importance of refusing roles that erase identity, and the joy of telling queer stories unapologetically.

This is a conversation about representation, resilience, and what it means to be brave enough to live without limits.

Chapters

00:00 Queer Panic Rapid Fire

07:20 Childhood and Early Influences

13:12 Awareness of Queerness

19:09 Authenticity and Self-Expression

25:07 Marriage and Personal Milestones

25:13 The Reality of Performing Eight Shows a Week

28:41 Navigating Relationships in the Theatre World

31:16 Stage vs. Screen: A Performer’s Perspective

33:19 Experiences on What It Feels Like For A Girl and Too Much

38:51 Choosing Projects: Aligning with Authenticity

40:36 The Shift in Queer Representation

42:25 Neurodiversity and Performance

44:47 Advice to Young Queer Individuals

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 Jordan Gray — award-winning comedian, musician, writer, and the first trans woman to headline the London Palladium.

Jordan reflects on her journey from pop singer to stand-up comedian, and how coming out unlocked the freedom to share her authentic self on stage. She talks about creating her hit ITV show Transaction, her Channel 4 special Is It A Bird?, and her 2025 Edinburgh Fringe show Is That a Cock in Your Pocket or Are You Just Here to Kill Me?

From blending music and comedy to disarm prejudice, to navigating social media while “staying soft,” Jordan shares the highs, lows, and laughter that define her story. She also offers heartfelt advice to young queer people about choosing joy over other people’s discomfort and living unapologetically.

This is a conversation about authenticity, resilience, and why comedy is one of the most powerful tools we have for connection.

Chapters

00:00 Queer Panic Rapid Fire

04:28 Exploring Queer Media and Representation

07:26 Authenticity and Personal Journey

10:21 First Awareness of Queerness

13:21 Transitioning from Music to Comedy

16:27 The Art of Blending Music and Comedy

20:51 The Journey to ITV: From Concept to Screen

23:58 Writing for TV vs. Stand-Up Comedy

25:59 Navigating Public Perception and Social Media

30:24 The Power of Comedy in Challenging Conversations

33:26 The Fine Line of Humor: Intent vs. Impact

37:26 Experiencing the Edinburgh Fringe Festival

38:30 Advice for the Younger Generation

41:10 What's Next for Jordan Gray?

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 Seth Insua, debut author of Human, Animal and talented artist, for a thoughtful conversation about queerness, creativity, and finding belonging.

Seth shares how a childhood obsession with Pinocchio shaped his creative spirit, how growing up queer in a homophobic all-boys school influenced his search for authenticity, and the inspiration behind his acclaimed novel. He reflects on themes of masculinity, non-belonging, and the power of perspective that run through his writing, as well as the influence of queer icons like Russell T Davies.

From exploring why queerness and horror are so intertwined, to the importance of finding your people and embracing mistakes, this episode offers both intimate insight into the mind of a writer and universal lessons on living authentically.

Chapters

00:00 Queer Panic Game: Rapid Fire Questions

04:13 Influential Queer Media: Movies, TV Shows, and Books

07:20 Childhood Reflections: Growing Up Queer

10:05 Writing Process: Obsession and Creativity

13:25 Authenticity: Discovering and Embracing Queer Identity

16:14 Inspiration Behind 'Human, Animal': A Multifaceted Story

20:16 Exploring Family Dynamics in Dairy Farming

23:44 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Belonging

26:24 Researching Perspectives: Understanding Different Narratives

30:04 Challenging Traditional Masculinity

33:09 Finding Common Ground in Divisive Times

36:36 The Intersection of Art and Writing

41:51 Advice for the Younger 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

Connect with Seth Insua

Website - https://www.sethinsua.com/ 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sethinsua 

Buy Human, Animal - https://linktr.ee/seth.insua

In this episode of Queer Talker, host Ben Cicchetti sits down with Brandon Wolf — survivor of the Pulse nightclub shooting, national press secretary for the Human Rights Campaign, and one of the most powerful voices for LGBTQ+ equality in the United States.

Brandon shares his journey from growing up in a small conservative town, to finding chosen family and queer spaces that gave him the courage to be unapologetically himself. He opens up about his best friend Drew, the night of the Pulse tragedy, and the promise he made to keep fighting for a world Drew would be proud of.

From the desecration of sacred memorials to the resilience of a community that refuses to be erased, Brandon speaks candidly about grief, advocacy, and the work still to be done. He also reminds us of the joy, hope, and humanity at the heart of queer liberation — and why giving up is never an option.

This is a conversation about loss, resilience, and the fight for a future where everyone can live unapologetically and authentically.

Chapters

00:00 Queer Panic: A Fun Introduction

04:27 Exploring Identity and Safe Spaces

07:33 The Impact of Community and Chosen Family

10:31 Reflections on Family and Early Influences

13:34 Awakening to Queerness: Media and Real Life Experiences

16:16 Finding Authenticity and Belonging

19:26 Life Before Pulse: Dreams and Aspirations

22:34 The Significance of Pulse Nightclub

25:12 Community Resilience After Tragedy

30:07 Refusing to be Erased: The Resilience of the Queer Community

31:44 Historical Context: Lessons from the Past

34:25 Building a Movement: The Power of Persistence

35:27 Remembering Drew and Juan: Stories of Friendship

39:58 A Promise to Fight: Creating a World of Pride

43:51 Finding Balance: Self-Care in Advocacy

48:42 Community Engagement: The Power of Connection

52:29 Gun Safety: Progress and Challenges

56:59 Political Aspirations: Impact Over Title

58:53 Advice for the Younger Generation: Be Unapologetically You

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 Rico Jacob Chace, one of the UK’s most visible trans voices, award-nominated activist, and filmmaker, for a powerful conversation about trans rights, intersectionality, and the importance of joy in queer life.

Rico shares how his early life shaped his stubborn self-belief, why embracing his authentic identity at 25 changed everything, and the journey from a trading floor career to the front lines of activism. He opens up about navigating the world as a Black trans man, the impact of recent UK legal rulings, and the daily realities of public advocacy.

From creating safe spaces and building community to finding laughter in friendship and hope in the next generation of activists, this episode is both unflinchingly honest and deeply uplifting.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Rico Jacob Chase

04:15 Queer Panic

07:13 Influential Queer Media and Its Impact

10:08 Childhood Experiences and Identity Formation

13:05 Navigating Queerness and Authenticity

16:12 Activism and Community Engagement

19:05 Intersectionality: Being Black and Trans

22:12 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Acceptance

30:12 Navigating Identity and Privilege

34:00 The Impact of Recent Legal Changes

39:09 Political Tactics and Community Response

43:27 Understanding the Trans Experience

47:58 Finding Joy and Community

53:42 Advice for the Younger 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

Resources Mentioned:

We Create Space -  https://www.wecreatespace.co 

Non-Binary Barrister -  https://www.instagram.com/nonbinarybarrister/ 

Trans Legal Clinic - https://www.translegalclinic.com 

Not a Phase - https://notaphase.org 

Gay’s The Word - https://www.gaystheword.co.uk 

Trans+ Solidarity Alliance - https://www.transsolidarityalliance.com

In this episode of Queer Talker, host Ben Cicchetti sits down with Ella Vaday, the multi-talented drag queen and performer who went from West End shows to making it all the way to the final of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Season 3.

Ella, also known as Nick Collier, shares stories from a complicated childhood in rural Suffolk, a life shaped by performance and pressure, and the moment drag became an unexpected lifeline during lockdown. From surviving isolation on Drag Race to reclaiming confidence in her thirties, Ella talks candidly about coming out later in life, learning to stop hiding, and why you should never feel rushed to figure it all out.

They also dive into the highs and lows of fame, the backstage reality of reality TV, and the joy of finding your place, whether that’s in a glittery gown or a sweaty gym. Plus, Ella opens up about navigating queer identity in a social media age, why she still doesn’t feel like she fits in, and the advice she’d give to young queer people feeling lost or unseen.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s still figuring it out, still finding their voice, or still waiting for their spotlight.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ella and Queer Panic

04:24 Childhood Memories and Celebrity Crushes

07:34 Fashion and Drag Race Highlights

10:16 Influential Queer Media and Icons

13:20 Navigating Queerness and Family Dynamics

16:17 Advice for Young Queer Individuals

19:30 Social Media and Its Impact on Queerness

26:03 Embracing Authenticity and Self-Acceptance

28:35 Navigating the Performing Arts Journey

33:11 The Evolution of a Drag Queen

37:45 The Rollercoaster of Drag Race Experience

42:17 Adjusting to Fame and Public Scrutiny

47:53 Lessons Learned and Advice for the Future

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 the electrifying Love Bailey, artist, musician, activist, and founder of the Savage Ranch, for a powerful and unapologetically fierce conversation about art, identity, rebellion, and queer survival.

Love shares her early experiences with homophobia and performance, her journey through fashion and celebrity styling, and her path to living fully as the woman she is today. From dancing with pigs at the Savage Ranch to releasing her music video Tranz Panic, she reveals how glamour, satire, and protest come together in her vision of queer utopia.

They discuss the making of her film The Battle for TransMecula, the ongoing fight against anti-trans legislation in the US, and the importance of community, visibility, and refusing to dim your light. Love speaks openly about being shadowbanned, navigating misogyny even within queer spaces, and why fantasy is her fiercest form of resistance.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about trans joy, radical queer art, and creating a world where we can all exist louder and prouder.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Love Bailey

02:40 Queer Panic

05:31 The Journey to Authenticity

08:25 Creating the Savage Ranch

11:19 The Inspiration Behind Transpanic

13:59 The Battle for TransMecula

17:00 Visibility and Representation in Queer Spaces

20:07 Advice for the Younger Generation

Learn More About Love Bailey:

Website - https://www.lovebailey.com 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/loveisbailey

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 heartfelt episode of Queer Talker, host Ben Cicchetti sits down with writer, podcaster, and creative force Andrew Flewitt to explore his powerful journey, from growing up queer in a conservative town to building an unapologetically authentic life grounded in creativity, connection, and self-discovery.

Andrew opens up about what inspired his moving book Do You Believe In Life After Loss, why Brighton became a turning point in embracing his queerness, and how losing and rebuilding family, love, and identity helped him discover a deeper version of himself. He shares how queerness has become his superpower, why community is vital, and how amplifying diverse queer voices became his creative mission.

They also talk about the losses we don’t always name, of safety, identity, opportunity, and why queer storytelling is essential in an era of rising hate. This is a raw, hopeful conversation about finding joy through pain, creating space for grief, and learning to love the version of yourself that emerges on the other side.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating loss, craving connection, or ready to embrace the radical, resilient joy of being queer.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Andrew's Early Years

02:57 The Impact of LGBTQ Representation

05:57 Finding Authenticity and Community

08:52 Embracing Queerness and Creativity

11:53 The Importance of Diverse Voices

14:49 Navigating Loss and Resilience

17:43 The Journey of Writing a Book

20:43 The Power of Podcasting

24:05 Exploring Different Types of Loss

26:58 Cultural Reflections and Queer Experiences

29:58 The Role of Music in Identity

32:47 Hope and Grief Coexisting

35:53 Life After Loss

39:02 The Importance of Community

41:52 Supporting Independent Creatives

44:46 Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights

Learn More About Andrew Flewitt:

LinkTree - ⁠https://linktr.ee/fleweyactually⁠

Follow Ben Cicchetti:

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 Chris McAllister—comedian, writer, actor, and self-described “person-next-door funny”—to explore how humor, identity, and visibility can work together to spark real social change.

Chris shares how growing up as a tomboy in Northern England shaped their early sense of self, why they came out as a lesbian before later identifying as transmasc, and how their wife helped unlock their fullest, most authentic self. They reflect on the healing power of sobriety, the complexity of pregnancy as a trans person, and the joy of helping others understand trans identity—one joke at a time.

They also unpack what it’s like to be visibly trans in today’s political climate, why curiosity should be met with compassion, and how laughter can soften hearts, shift narratives, and open minds. From viral Instagram videos to starring in the web series Kit, Chris proves that trans joy isn’t just powerful—it’s disarming.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about trans visibility, using your voice for change, and finding joy in being unapologetically you.

Chapters

00:00 The Power of Humor in Social Change

01:31 Childhood and Identity Formation

05:45 First Encounters with LGBTQ+ Representation

09:51 Navigating Authenticity and Relationships

11:40 Comparing Trans Rights: UK vs Australia

16:31 The Impact of Social Media on Trans Visibility

19:42 The Role of Comedy in Education

25:32 Balancing Visibility and Safety

29:38 Advice for Younger Generations

33:40 Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Favorites

Follow Ben Cicchetti:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bencicchetti/

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

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@bencicchetti

In this powerful episode of Queer Talker, host Ben Cicchetti sits down with Ali Najjar, Pride Award winner, proud gay Muslim man, and fierce advocate for hope, to explore a life marked by resilience, reinvention, and radical authenticity.

Ali opens up about growing up gay in a Muslim household, surviving relentless bullying at school, facing trauma in the workplace, and living two lives before finally embracing his truth. He reflects on the journey to self-acceptance, the heartbreak of losing his father, and the years-long rift with his mother, until their relationship was joyfully restored at his wedding to his husband, Adam.

They also unpack the beauty and complexity of intersectional identity, the need for inclusive queer representation in media and faith spaces, and the lasting impact of being seen and celebrated. Plus, Ali shares the moment he realized he had to speak up, how he turned pain into power, and why he’s never looking back.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about queer liberation, cultural identity, and the lifelong process of healing, belonging, and living out loud.

Chapters:

00:00 Understanding LGBTQ+ Identity Through Childhood Experiences

04:09 The Journey to Authenticity and Self-Acceptance

18:42 Navigating Intersectionality as a Queer Muslim

21:19 Growing Up in the 80s: Challenges and Bullying

26:01 Workplace Challenges and Sexual Assault Experiences

33:19 The Importance of Safe Spaces in the LGBTQ Community

38:32 Celebrating Love: Marriage and Acceptance

47:43 Cultural Icons and Their Influence

Follow Ben Cicchetti:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bencicchetti/

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

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@bencicchetti