Wonderful human Joseph Galliano joins us on the pod and shares insights from his incredible journey through social impact, cultural change, and community activism. We talk about the importance of authenticity, bravery, and continuous reinvention. We find out about the origins and emotional impact of Queer Britain museum and how personal stories and community narratives shape collective identity, evolving representation of LGBTQ+ history through media like Gay Times and the ongoing challenge of finding optimism in queer inclusion and rights. It's a keeper!

A brief little episode today, managing to finally keep it under 10 minutes for once! Dr. Paul provides a personal update on his upcoming book, Still Here, Still Queer Now What, and shares insights on the endorsement process and hopes for its reception. There's reflections on community unity at a vigil for the Berlin Pride Attack, highlighting Sadiq Khan’s powerful message about addressing hate with amplification of positivity. And, don't cancel me, a candid critique of the Madonna and Kylie Minogue duet at World Pride, discussing the dynamics of pop star collaborations and perceived power imbalances.

I finally get to sit down and chat with Ali Hendry! We barely scratch the surface in this discussion about ageing, identity, leadership, and community. We dive into stories of coming out, navigating queer identities, and the importance of mental health and inclusion at every life stage. Ali offers some practical steps for allyship, defending LGBTQ+ rights, and fostering inclusive spaces as well as the importance of mental health, wellbeing, and play in sustaining activism. Pack your bags and get on the Lesbian Improv Comedy Bus!

This was a tough episode to make. Paul shares his reflections on Pride events in London and Berlin, online hatred, and the complex realities of community in turbulent times. How do we make sense of hostility and indifference within and outside our communities?

Marc Svensson is a Swedish force of nature. He is the founder of You Are Loved CIC, a PhD researcher and recently a new Dad! We had an amazing chat about personal growth, identity, parenthood, and community. Marc shares his feelings on the importance of authenticity and kindness in personal development and how becoming a parent is shifting his perspectives and understanding of life. Marc generously shares his insights into drug use, chemsex, and the societal perceptions surrounding substances, a conversation we just don't have enough of in the community.

In the end, it's all about love.

Join Dr. Paul Taylor-Pitt as he shares updates about his upcoming book Still Here, Still Queer Now What, his journey through publishing, and reflections on queer identity, visibility, and community in a 12 minute stream of consciousness involving Printing Factories (!?), Madonna's FIFA blink-and-you-miss-it half time show, and how Andy Burnham must do better.

If your TBR pile is looking a little short (see: nobody) then you've come to the right place! Layla McCay is back on the pod having just published the definitive guide to LGBTQ+ Literature in the form of The Queer Bookshelf. We talk about the importance of celebrating queer books and Layla's ongoing adventures as an author, LGBTQ+ advocate, and literature enthusiast. Layla shares her insights on queer representation in books and the evolving landscape of LGBTQ+ rights. Grab your favourite Bookshop Tote Bag and dive in!

It's the episode you've all been waiting for (maybe?) as Paul finally gives you HIS LIFE IN MADONNA MOMENTS so open your heart to this masterpiece of an episode because we're about to get into the groove of a life lived on the borderline. Enough Madonna puns? Yes. Now do something else, do my eyebrows.

#madonna #confessionsii

I'm such a fan of Dr. Avi Ben-Zeev, both as a human and a writer. You'll see why by the end of this episode. We talk about the complexities of queer identity, the challenges of visibility, and the resilience required to navigate a diverse and often hostile societal landscape.

We don't shy away from the hot issues. We talk about Avi's personal journey as a queer, trans writer and psychologist, the impact of the Polari Prize controversy and institutional transphobia, as well as the power of 'staying in' the conversation.

Avi suggests a new way of talking about responsible inclusion and the importance of authentic representation. And if that's not enough we also cover ageing, mortality, and finding purpose in later life.

Join Paul for a husky episode talking about Pride in London including marching with QUEERWELL, meeting Sandi Toksvig and Zack Polanski. There's also a few exciting updates on his upcoming book 'Still Here, Still Queer Now What?' and recent cultural moments including Robyn's tour and Madonna's latest album, Confessions II. There's also a little tease of an upcoming interview with author Avi Ben-Zeev discussing The Polaris Prize controversy and trans representation.

Lie back and grab a Fisherman's Friend.