Proudly in Conversation

Stonewall
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Sexuality
  • Updated daily

We bring listeners influential guests, advocates, policymakers, activists and industry leaders to share LGBTQ+ stories, insights and perspectives to remind us how far we’ve come and why these stories matter now more than ever. By highlighting the issues that matter in the world today, from legislation to lived experience, we spark conversation and inspire the next generation of activists.

Episodes

  1. 4 days ago

    Lady Phyll: The power of joy, intention and collaboration across the movement

    In this episode, we're joined by Phyllis Akua Opoku-Gyimah, also known as Lady Phyll, co-founder and CEO of UK Black Pride and Executive Director of Diva Charitable Trust. Phyll is a trailblazing political activist and was recently named number 1 on the 2026 Pride Power List.   They discuss the evolution of UK Black Pride, the need for creating spaces specifically for Black and brown LGBTQ+ people, and what true representation and progress really look like.  Lady Phyll and Simon explore the power of collaboration and solidarity across the LGBTQ+ movement, why allyship needs to go beyond words and become action, and the importance of understanding intersectionality in the fight for equality.  They also talk about finding joy in the face of adversity, creating spaces where people can celebrate themselves, and why joy and hope are essential to keeping the movement moving forward.  ✨ In this episode:  The evolution and origin of UK Black Pride  Intersectionality and the different barriers LGBTQ+ people face  The power of collaboration across the LGBTQ+ movement  🎧 Mentions & links:  Kimberlé Crenshaw – intersectionality   Sister Outsider, Audre Lorde   Cack-Handed – Gina Yashere  Sister Anthology  💬 Enjoyed the episode?  Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon and Youtube   We’d also love to hear your thoughts or questions — email us at: proudlyinconversations@stonewall.org.uk  ⭐ Leaving a 5-star review really helps more people discover these stories.

  2. 19 Aug

    Josh Babarinde: Liberal Democrat MP, campaigner and humanitarian | Proudly in Conversation

    In this episode, we’re joined by Josh Babarinde OBE, a campaigner and Liberal Democrat MP for Eastbourne. Raised on a council estate, he founded the award winning social enterprise Cracked It, supporting young people at risk and ex‑offenders into work. This earnt him a Shackleton Award, a Churchill Fellowship, Forbes 30 Under 30, and an OBE at 26. In Parliament, he has become a leading voice on domestic abuse reform, successfully pushing ministers to strengthen domestic abuse law within his first year. Now President of the Liberal Democrats, Josh brings lived experience and an LGBTQ+ lens to his work.    Despite serving in what is often described as the most LGBTQ+ Parliament in history, Josh argues that many LGBTQ+ issues still receive insufficient attention at Westminster. He discusses why this is the case and what needs to change.  A big part of the conversation focuses on growing political division. Josh argues that populist politicians often exploit people's fears and insecurities, sometimes targeting already marginalised groups such as trans and non-binary people. Rather than dismissing people who hold different views, he believes it's important to understand where those views come from and have respectful conversations, even when there is disagreement.  Josh and Simon also discuss how social media has intensified conflict, making debates louder and more hostile. Both agree that many people are afraid of saying the wrong thing when discussing LGBTQ+ issues, which can stop potential allies from speaking up.   Josh believes politics has become more toxic and divisive than ever, but he remains optimistic that ordinary people can find fair and balanced solutions when they're given the chance. In Eastbourne, he's been experimenting with citizens' assemblies, bringing together randomly selected residents to learn about issues they may know little about. After hearing from experts and discussing the evidence, participants are encouraged to combine the facts with their own values and experiences to make informed decisions.  He argues that this approach helps people move beyond the noise of party politics, social media arguments and culture wars.  He believes that giving people reliable information and the space to talk openly with one another could help the UK address some of its most difficult and polarising issues.   ✨ In this episode:  Rising populist politics, and why courage and transformational leadership matter. We discuss growing polarisation in politics and public life  Why understanding different perspectives is essential for progress. Josh is clear we don’t have to agree on everything, but we do have to learn how to “disagree well” with humanity and respect.   How the loudest voices rarely represent the majority, why no community is a monolith, and how social media can amplify stories and create opportunity  Politics has become increasingly toxic and polarised, but through Citizens' Assemblies, citien participation has actually improved outcomes and trust in politics.  🎧 Mentions & links:  Citizens – Book by John Alexander  💬 Enjoyed the episode?  Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon and Youtube   We’d also love to hear your thoughts or questions — email us at: proudlyinconversations@stonewall.org.uk  ⭐ Leaving a 5-star review really helps more people discover these stories.  Proudly in Conversation is a Stonewall production. Jingle by legendary rock band @EMF.

  3. 17 Aug

    Charlie Craggs: activist, author and comedy clapback queen | Proudly in Conversation (full)

    In this episode of Proudly in Conversation, we're joined by activist, author, broadcaster and comedy "clapback queen" Charlie Craggs. Charlie reflects on the intense media focus on trans people in the UK and how trans lives are often reduced to headlines, debates and culture war talking points. Drawing on research from organisations including Amnesty International UK, she discusses the impact of relentless media scrutiny and why trans people deserve to be seen not as a topic for debate, but simply as people. She also speaks candidly about how her approach to allyship has evolved. While much of her early work focused on helping others understand trans experiences, her priorities have shifted towards supporting her own community, "I'm here to help those that are struggling, not those that are struggling to understand." The conversation also explores Charlie's groundbreaking Nail Transphobia campaign, which offered free manicures as a way to start conversations about trans experiences. Travelling across the UK with a pop-up nail salon, Charlie created spaces for genuine human connection in venues including the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Science Museum and Somerset House. What began as a simple idea grew into a powerful movement, demonstrating how small interactions can challenge assumptions and broaden perspectives. As Charlie explains, there is something uniquely powerful about the humanity of holding someone's hand. Charlie talks about her experience with hate crime, if this is something that has affected you, there is support out there. Please visit our website to find organisations that can offer guidance and advice: ▶️ https://www.stonewall.org.uk/resource... You can also find out more about the work we're doing to protect LGBTQ+ rights and changing the law to make anti-LGBTQ+ hate crime an aggravated offence. ▶️ https://www.stonewall.org.uk/get-invo... ✨ In this episode: The scale of anti-trans influence in UK media How visibility is important to help to draw on ones strength Protecting your peace in a world where everyone seems to have an opinion The emotional toll of being constantly exposed to stories of anti-trans discrimination and trauma The story behind the Nail Transphobia campaign Building understanding through everyday human connection 🎧 Mentions & links: Transitioning Teen – BBC documentary (no longer available) To My Trans Sisters - Book by Charlie Craggs Doctor Who: Redacted – Podcast starring Charlie Craggs Aleshia Brevard – One of the first ever people to have gender reassignment surgery Charlie’s Angels – Self defence classes run by trans people for trans people On My Cream Sofa – Podcast by Charlie Craggs The Transgender Issue – Book by Shon Faye Disclosure – Netflix Documentary 💬 Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Youtube and Amazon We’d also love to hear your thoughts or questions — email us at: proudlyinconversations@stonewall.org.uk ⭐ Leaving a 5-star review really helps more people discover these stories. Proudly in Conversation is a Stonewall production. Jingle by legendary rock band @EMF.

  4. 5 Aug

    Daniel Foxx: Comedian on comedy, queerness & finding connection in a complicated digital world | Proudly in Conversation

    In this episode, we’re joined by comedian Dan Foxx for a thoughtful and sharply funny conversation about identity, humour and the complexities of queer visibility today. From using comedy as both a defense and a tool for connection, to why villains often make the most compelling characters, Dan reflects on how storytelling shapes the way we understand ourselves and others.  We explore the paradox of drawing from personal experience, how mining your past can be both healing and emotionally intense and how Dan has honed his voice and audience over time.  The conversation also goes into social media, its power and its pitfalls. For Dan, the internet was once a lifeline, a vital space for discovering community and culture as a young queer person. But today, that same digital space is far more complicated, from increasingly visible right wing spaces to questions around platform responsibility, moderation, and bans.  If the issues raised in this episode resonate with you, find out more about the work we're doing to protect LGBTQ+ rights and how you can get involved: ▶️ https://www.stonewall.org.uk/get-involved/campaign-with-us   ✨ In this episode:  Comedy as both armour and connection  The catharsis of comedy  Social media, it’s positives and pitfalls   The importance of Pride  🎧 Mentions & links: How lovely – Daniel Foxx comedy tour Welcome to Hell - Daniel Foxx and Dane BuckleySchitts Creek – Tv series   Evenings and Weekends – Book by Oisín McKenna  💬 Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube, Amazon and Apple Podcasts  We’d also love to hear your thoughts or questions — email us at: proudlyinconversations@stonewall.org.uk  ⭐ Leaving a 5-star review really helps more people discover these stories.  Proudly in Conversation is a Stonewall production. Jingle by legendary rock band @EMF.

  5. 29 Jul

    Marc Thompson: Co-founder of PrEPster on activism, collective action and solidarity | Proudly in Conversation

    In this episode, we’re joined by Marc Thompson. Marc has a very impressive past, he was a co-founder of PrEPster, a pivotal organisation that advocated for the life-changing drug PrEP.  Marc has also worked for the NHS, Terrence Higgins Trust, Gay Men Fighting AIDS, Big Up, and Positively UK. Today he continues his work as the Lead Commissioner of the London HIV Prevention Programme, a health promotion specialist, award-winning podcaster (no pressure) and LGBTQ+ archivist. For over 30 years, he has worked at the forefront of HIV and LGBTQ+ advocacy, focusing particularly on Black and queer communities.  Together, we travel back to 1985, a time marked by police raids on gay bars, homophobic media narratives, violence, and the looming HIV epidemic that would devastate a generation. From then Marc reflects on what has changed, what hasn’t and what that means for the future of LGBTQ+ communities.  Drawing on over three decades of experience in HIV and LGBTQ+ advocacy, Marc shares his personal journey, from coming out and receiving his HIV diagnosis, to challenging systems where he didn’t see himself represented, particularly as a black gay man.  If the issues raised in this episode resonate with you, find out more about the work we're doing to protect LGBTQ+ rights and how you can get involved: ▶️ https://www.stonewall.org.uk/get-involved/campaign-with-us   ✨ In this episode:  What’s changed, and what hasn’t, since 1985, from the HIV crisis to today’s LGBTQ+ landscape  The importance of solidarity, collective action and rebuilding real community spaces  Why centring black and brown queer voices remains critical in HIV prevention and advocacy  The shift to digital communities   Balancing activism with wellbeing, harnessing productive anger while making space for joy  🎧 Mentions & links:  Black and gay back in the day - https://www.instagram.com/blackandgaybackintheday/  Let’s rap photo - https://www.instagram.com/p/CMy-ftvFGDT/  Revolutionary Acts – Book by Jason Okundaye  How Queer Bookshops Changed the World – Book by AJ West  The Log Books – Book by Tash Walker and Adam Zmith  💬 Enjoyed the episode?  Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube, Amazon and Apple Podcasts  We’d also love to hear your thoughts or questions — email us at: proudlyinconversations@stonewall.org.uk  ⭐ Leaving a 5-star review really helps more people discover these stories.  Proudly in Conversation is a Stonewall production. Jingle by legendary rock band @EMF.

  6. 22 Jul

    Sarah Hughes: CEO of Mind | Proudly in Conversation

    In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Sarah Hughes. As CEO of Mind, she leads national efforts to improve services, influence policy and amplify the voices of people with lived experience.   She originally trained as a social worker and went on to manage mental health services across community settings, residential care and even HM Prison Holloway. Today she’s a regular voice in the media and a trusted advisor to governments and organisations around the world.  Drawing on more than 35 years working in mental health, Sarah reflects on the experiences that shaped her commitment to equality, from visit to the London Lighthouse during the AIDS crisis to her work leading one of the UK's largest mental health charities. Together, her and Simon explore the deep connections between mental health and inequality, and why experiences of exclusion and hostility can have a profound impact on wellbeing. They discuss the challenges facing LGBTQ+ communities today, the importance of culturally appropriate access to mental health services and getting people offline and into the community.  The conversation also talks about mental health issues. If this episode raises difficult feelings for you, please remember support is available.  Mind have many services and resources, plus you can find support services specifically for the LGBTQ+ community at Stonewall. You don't have to face things alone.  ✨ In this episode:  The connection between mental health and social justice  How discrimination and exclusion affect LGBTQ+ wellbeing  Bringing the language of love, respect and dignity back into public life  The importance of community, belonging, connection and hope  Building relationships offline  🎧 Mentions & links:  The tales of the City – Book series by Armistead Maupin  The London Lighthouse  Rainbow Mind  Schitts Creek – Series available on Netflix  💬 Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe on Spotify, Youtube, Amazon and Apple Podcasts  We’d also love to hear your thoughts or questions — email us at: proudlyinconversations@stonewall.org.uk  ⭐ Leaving a 5-star review really helps more people discover these stories.  Proudly in Conversation is a Stonewall production. Jingle by legendary rock band @EMF.

  7. 15 Jul

    Ginger Johnson: Drag legend on identity, community & the future of queer spaces | Proudly in Conversation

    In this episode, we’re joined by drag legend Ginger Johnson for an open and honest conversation about identity, belonging, mental health, and what it really means to create and sustain, inclusive queer spaces today.  We also explore the impact of club closures and the loss of LGBTQ+ venues, and why community spaces still matter more than ever.   If the issues raised in this episode resonate with you, find out more about the work we're doing to protect LGBTQ+ rights and how you can get involved: ▶️ https://www.stonewall.org.uk/get-involved/campaign-with-us    ✨ In this episode:  Drag as art, identity and activism   The closure of queer clubs and safe spaces   Community, belonging and mental health   Finding joy, resilience and expression through performance   🎧 Mentions & links:  David Hoyle - https://www.instagram.com/DavidHoyleUniversalThe Homo Sapiens Podcast  Elaine Stritch – At Liberty (YouTube)  “Gotta Have a Gimmick” – Royal Variety Performance (Paul O’Grady, Cilla Black, Barbara Windsor)  Ginger Johnson – Showpony  💬 Enjoyed the episode?  Subscribe on Spotify, Youtube, Amazon and Apple Podcasts  We’d also love to hear your thoughts or questions — email us at: proudlyinconversations@stonewall.org.uk  ⭐ Leaving a 5-star review really helps more people discover these stories.  Proudly in Conversation is a Stonewall production. Jingle by legendary rock band @EMF.

  8. 8 Jul

    Dame Kelly Holmes: living authentically

    TW: This episode discusses serious mental health issues, including self-harm, depression.  Our first guest is none other than Dame Kelly Holmes. Double Olympic champion, British Army veteran, and one of Britain’s most decorated middle distance runners. A sporting icon whose career made history at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, and whose influence transcends the track.  In this deeply personal conversation, Kelly reflects on growing up and serving her entire military career through the ban that prohibited LGBTQ+ people from serving openingly. She recalls living through investigations, military police raids where rooms were searched, the threat of dismissal, and the constant fear of losing everything if her sexuality was discovered.  Having only come out publicly four years ago, Kelly explains that despite being one of Britain's most celebrated athletes, there was still a part of herself she felt unable to accept. It caused breakdowns, she became a self-harmer and clinically depressed.   Kelly also discusses her involvement in the Etherton Review into the experiences of LGBT veterans, why justice for those affected still matters, and how her own journey has shaped her campaigning for change.   Simon and Kelly explore how LGBTQ+ visibility in sport has transformed over the past two decades. Rather than blanket policies, Kelly argues for nuanced, case by case conversations that acknowledge the complexities in sport. We won't always have all the answers. However we must be willing to listen to different perspectives and have respectful, constructive conversations about how we create fair and inclusive sport for everyone.  If you want to find out more about the work we're doing, especially the Justice for Veterans campaign work: ▶️ https://www.stonewall.org.uk/get-involved/campaign-with-us.   The conversation also talks about mental health issues. If this episode raises difficult feelings for you, please remember support is available. You don't have to face things alone. Visit https://www.stonewall.org.uk/resources/support-services-in-the-sector  ✨ In this episode:  Kelly's experience serving in the British Army while hiding her identity  Lessons from the Etherton Review and the fight for justice for LGBT veterans  The impact of not living authenitically on her mental health and her journey to self acceptance  Rainbow Laces and the link between movement and wellbeing  LGBTQ+ visibility in elite sport  🎧 Mentions & links:  The Etherton Review - Independent Review into the service and experience of LGBT veterans who served prior to 2000.  Kelly Holmes: Being Me – ITV Documentary   Emelie Sande – Read All About It  Rainbow Laces – Stonewall inclusion campaign   Gay Games  💬 Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Youtube and Amazon Music We’d also love to hear your thoughts or questions — email us at: proudlyinconversations@stonewall.org.uk  ⭐ Leaving a 5-star review really helps more people discover these stories.  Proudly in Conversation is a Stonewall production. Jingle by legendary rock band @EMF.

  9. Trailer

    Proudly in Conversation | Stonewall's LGBTQ+ Podcast Trailer

    Proudly in Conversation, from Stonewall, brings people together to talk openly about LGBTQ+ life.  Each episode features voices from across sectors and lived experiences, exploring the issues that matter now, from culture and identity to progress, policy and the challenges facing LGBTQ+ communities.  These conversations aren’t always easy and perspectives won’t always align. That’s the point. By hearing different voices, we create space for meaningful chats and real understanding.  Join us as we ask difficult questions, share lived experiences and broaden perspectives together.🔗 Learn more: www.stonewall.org.uk/support-us/proudlyinconversation  Dropping every Wednesday, subscribe so you don’t miss an episode.

Trailer

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About

We bring listeners influential guests, advocates, policymakers, activists and industry leaders to share LGBTQ+ stories, insights and perspectives to remind us how far we’ve come and why these stories matter now more than ever. By highlighting the issues that matter in the world today, from legislation to lived experience, we spark conversation and inspire the next generation of activists.

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