Queer Talker

Ben Cicchetti
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Personal Journals
  • Updated Biweekly

Queer Talker is a podcast celebrating the stories and journeys of LGBTQ+ individuals from all walks of life, from business leaders to celebrities and influencers. Through open and authentic conversations, we explore themes of identity, authenticity, and the power of living boldly.

  1. 6d ago

    KY Kelly: Drag Race UK, Finding Confidence & Becoming the Queen of Lubrication

    Before KY Kelly was one of the queens of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK season eight, she was a kid putting on shows in her living room and running upstairs in her mum’s fluorescent pink catsuit. In this episode of Queer Talker, KY joins Ben Cicchetti to talk about growing up knowing she was different, secretly watching Queer as Folk, coming out at 16 and the friends and family who helped her find the confidence to be herself. KY opens up about the creation of the Queen of Lubrication, why drag became an armour that gave her a confidence Anthony didn’t always have, and why she wanted to represent more mature, old-school British cabaret queens on Drag Race UK. We also talk about LGBTQ+ representation, her experiences performing in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, standing alongside the trans community, protecting queer spaces and the reality of mental health behind the makeup, wigs and performance. Plus, KY reveals why she applied for Drag Race three times, how she’s preparing for the inevitable social media opinions, and the advice she’d give the little kid performing in that fluorescent pink catsuit today. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to KY Kelly and episode overview 02:24 KY Kelly's childhood, early performances, and feeling different 04:55 First awareness of LGBTQ+ community through media and real life 06:23 Realization of queerness during high school years 08:11 Journey to authenticity and coming out at 16 09:48 Family support and the importance of chosen family 12:08 Discovering drag and performing as a form of self-expression 13:45 How KY Kelly developed the drag persona and name origin 17:24 Confidence in drag and the impact of stage presence 18:40 Decision to join Drag Race UK and feeling ready 20:06 British drag culture and its influence on KY Kelly 21:45 The story behind the name KY Kelly 22:15 Telling queer stories through musical theatre and its impact 24:26 Representation in media and the importance of visibility 25:28 Challenges faced by the trans community and advocacy 30:56 Handling social media hate and mental health strategies 41:25 Advice to younger self and closing thoughts Connect with Ben Cicchetti: Website - https://www.queertalker.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bencicchetti/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@queertalker TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@bencicchetti

    KY Kelly: Drag Race UK, Finding Confidence & Becoming the Queen of Lubrication

  2. Aug 25

    Adelle Barker: I Don’t Know How To Be Trans & Finding Authenticity

    What happens when you finally stop adapting to the person everyone expects you to be and start living as yourself? Multi-award-winning activist Adelle Barker transitioned at 36, after spending much of her life feeling lost, confused and, in her words, simply adapting to get through. In this episode of Queer Talker, Adelle opens up about the early signs she didn’t yet understand, secretly exploring her femininity, the fear of being discovered and the moment she finally realised she didn’t have to pretend anymore. We talk about what meaningful trans inclusion actually looks like in the workplace, why LGBTQ+ employee networks matter, navigating visibility in the current climate and the idea behind her brilliantly named newsletter, I Don’t Know How to Be Trans. Adelle also explains why there is no handbook for transition, why every trans person’s experience is different, and why her advice to young LGBTQ+ people is simple: trust your instincts and bet on yourself. An open, funny and deeply human conversation about authenticity, visibility and discovering the freedom of waking up as yourself. Chapters 00:00 Queer Panic rapid fire questions 07:43 First awareness of LGBTQ+ identities 11:30 Early signs of queerness and secret dressing 14:00 Acceptance and living authentically 17:06 Meaningful trans inclusion at work 20:58 Messy process of transitioning and embracing mistakes 23:31 Realization that you don’t need to have everything figured out 34:38 Balancing visibility with self-care 38:02 Advice to younger self and young LGBTQ+ people 40:06 Closing remarks and message of community support Connect with Ben Cicchetti: Website - https://www.queertalker.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bencicchetti/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@queertalker TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@bencicchetti

    Adelle Barker: I Don’t Know How To Be Trans & Finding Authenticity

  3. Aug 11

    Alexander Hayden: I Kissed A Boy, Growing Up Gay Where It Was Illegal & Finding Himself

    Growing up in St Kitts & Nevis, Alexander Hayden never questioned whether he was gay because, as he explains, “I didn’t know the closet existed.” In this episode of Queer Talker, Alexander shares what it was like growing up in the Caribbean, where same-sex relationships were illegal, moving to boarding school in the UK, and slowly discovering who he really was. We talk about code-switching between two versions of himself, the emotional moment he returned home after the law changed, living with a visible difference, and why representation matters for LGBTQ+ people growing up in countries where acceptance is still a work in progress. Alexander also takes us behind the scenes of I Kissed A Boy, reveals what it was really like arriving as the final bombshell, reflects on the show’s cancellation, and explains how the experience changed his life. This is an honest conversation about identity, confidence, belonging and learning that you don’t have to hide who you are. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Queer Panic 04:58 Growing up in the Caribbean and cultural identity 07:02 Discovering the queer community and first experiences 10:11 Coming out and self-acceptance journey 14:55 Decriminalization in Nevis and returning home 16:59 Using platform to support Caribbean LGBTQ+ communities 20:46 Dealing with visible differences and confidence 24:56 Joining 'I Kissed a Boy' and show experience 29:51 Lessons learned from the show and personal growth 36:00 Advice to younger self and LGBTQ+ community Connect with Ben Cicchetti: Website - https://www.queertalker.com  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bencicchetti/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@queertalker⁠ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@bencicchetti

    Alexander Hayden: I Kissed A Boy, Growing Up Gay Where It Was Illegal & Finding Himself

  4. Jul 28

    Amanda Collier: The Traitors, Finding Her Tribe & Living Authentically

    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

    Amanda Collier: The Traitors, Finding Her Tribe & Living Authentically

  5. Jul 14

    Charlie Craggs: Joy, Authenticity & Fighting Back

    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 childBeing bullied at schoolNadia Almada and Big BrotherFinding authenticityNail TransphobiaTrans rights in 2026Social media and activismStanding up for yourselfWhy 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

    Charlie Craggs: Joy, Authenticity & Fighting Back

  6. Jun 30

    Simon Blake OBE: Stonewall, Thriving & Backing Yourself

    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 StonewallLGBTQ+ rights in 2026Why progress isn’t always linearDiversity, equity and inclusionWhy representation mattersThe importance of empathySocial media and activismLeadership and trusting your gutAdvice for young LGBTQ+ peopleWhy we should aim to thrive, not just surviveThis 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

    Simon Blake OBE: Stonewall, Thriving & Backing Yourself

  7. Jun 16

    Joe McElderry: Love Me Out Loud, X Factor & Living Authentically

    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

    Joe McElderry: Love Me Out Loud, X Factor & Living Authentically

  8. Jun 2

    Matt Terry: X Factor, Coming Out & Finally Feeling Free

    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

    Matt Terry: X Factor, Coming Out & Finally Feeling Free
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About

Queer Talker is a podcast celebrating the stories and journeys of LGBTQ+ individuals from all walks of life, from business leaders to celebrities and influencers. Through open and authentic conversations, we explore themes of identity, authenticity, and the power of living boldly.

Information

  • Creator
    Ben Cicchetti
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    42
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Ben Cicchetti
  • Show Website
    Queer Talker

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