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. 4d ago

    Queer Panic with Husbands Ali & Adam

    What happens when you ask two husbands what gets on their nerves? Toenails in the bath, dishwasher disputes and absolutely no hesitation. Adam joins me fresh from his Queer Talker interview, alongside his husband and returning guest Ali, for a couples edition of Queer Panic. We get into who made the first move, saying “I love you”, a New York proposal and the everyday habits that test a marriage. There’s also a zombie apocalypse, a debate over who would make the better Traitor and a karaoke performance you can judge for yourself. And beneath the teasing, they share the wedding moments they’d relive and the words that capture what they love about each other. Funny, affectionate and occasionally a little too honest. Welcome to Queer Panic. Follow Queer Talker for more LGBTQ+ conversations, and tell me: what’s the one habit your partner has that drives you mad? 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

    Queer Panic with Husbands Ali & Adam

  2. Oct 6

    Adam Imber: Husbands, Faith, Pride & Learning to Accept Himself

    Adam Imber is one half of Husbands Ali and Adam, a married gay couple who have built a huge online community by sharing their lives, their relationship and the different identities that make them who they are. But becoming so proudly visible is something Adam’s younger self might never have imagined. In this episode of Queer Talker, Adam opens up about growing up Jewish, coming to terms with his sexuality and why accepting himself proved harder than being accepted by the people around him. We talk about meeting his husband Ali, how their relationship helped Adam become more confident in his identity, and the incredible experience of bringing their Jewish and Turkish backgrounds together for their wedding. Adam shares what it meant to stand beneath the chuppah surrounded by both families, and why having a rabbi there felt particularly powerful after his experiences growing up. adam-ben.txt Adam also talks about becoming one half of Husbands Ali and Adam, why they decided to share their relationship publicly and the importance of showing that sexuality, faith and culture don’t have to exist separately. For Adam, that visibility is partly about becoming the representation he wishes he’d had himself. adam-ben.txt We also discuss mental health, Adam’s ADHD diagnosis, dealing with negativity online and why talking openly about his own experiences has helped him realise just how far he’s come. adam-ben.txt It’s a conversation about love, identity, faith, visibility and finally learning to be proud of every part of who you are. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Adam's background 02:13 Early years and discovering sexuality 03:46 Struggles with faith and identity 07:04 Family reactions and support 10:56 Visibility and representation in the LGBTQ+ community 16:05 Adam and Ali's interfaith relationship 23:10 Wedding day and cultural significance 26:58 Impact of sharing their story 30:13 Mental health and self-acceptance 35:03 Advice for young LGBTQ+ people 40:11 The power of community and support organizations 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

    Adam Imber: Husbands, Faith, Pride & Learning to Accept Himself

  3. Sep 29

    Queer Panic with Gabriel Clark

    Gabriel Clark is back, but this time there’s no time to overthink his answers. The Tip Toe and Hollyoaks actor faces Queer Panic, revealing his animated childhood crush, his most irrational ick, the skill he once lied about having in an audition and which Russell T Davies show he’d save above all others. Plus, why star signs could get his queer card revoked, which of his characters would be an absolute nightmare to date, and the unexpected queer icon he’d like to have a drink with. For the full story of Gabriel’s journey from Bolton to Hollyoaks and Tip Toe, watch or listen to his full Queer Talker conversation. Connect with Ben Cicchetti: Website - https://www.queertalker.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bencicchetti/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@queertalkerTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@bencicchetti

    Queer Panic with Gabriel Clark

  4. Sep 22

    Gabriel Clark: Tip Toe, Hollyoaks & Becoming the Person He Needed

    Growing up gay in Bolton, Gabriel Clark struggled to see people like himself reflected back at him. He even convinced himself that if he wanted to become a successful actor, staying in the closet might be part of the deal. Today, Gabriel is one of the stars of Russell T Davies’ Tip Toe, playing Mikey, the confident, proudly queer Northern character he wishes he’d been able to see growing up. In this episode of Queer Talker, Gabriel opens up about growing up under the shadow of Section 28, discovering queer representation through Doctor Who, coming out and unexpectedly seeing his sexuality become tabloid news while starring in Hollyoaks. We talk about the brutal online backlash he faced after taking over the role of Ollie Morgan, why Jock Night transformed his relationship with his sexuality and body, and what it meant to work alongside a queer cast and crew on Tip Toe. Gabriel also shares why he believes openly LGBTQ+ actors still face barriers in the industry, why using his platform to speak about human rights matters to him, and the responsibility he feels to be the openly gay Northern actor he needed when he was younger. It’s an incredibly open conversation about representation, ambition, chosen family, queer joy and discovering that there really is a place for you. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Gabriel Clark and his journey 02:14 Growing up in Bolton and early influences 03:59 Experiences of growing up queer in the North 05:56 The role of performance in self-expression 07:46 Representation of LGBTQ+ characters on TV 09:50 Coming out during the pandemic and media reactions 11:48 The industry’s approach to openly gay actors 13:59 The significance of authentic storytelling 16:00 Opportunities and challenges for queer actors 18:07 The importance of diverse environments in acting 20:02 Gabriel’s journey with the character Mikey in Tiptoe 22:06 Creative process behind content creation and writing 24:04 Dealing with online backlash and mental health 25:57 The power of visibility and activism 28:01 The experience of playing a recast on Hollyoaks 29:48 The significance of being openly gay in the industry 32:09 Gabriel’s advocacy and using his platform 34:06 The importance of representation for young queer people 35:57 The journey of self-acceptance and empowerment 37:53 The creative and collaborative process with Russell T. Davies 39:51 The impact of diverse and inclusive work environments 42:13 Gabriel’s advice to his younger self and others 44:00 The future of LGBTQ+ representation in media 46:02 Closing thoughts and message of pride 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

    Gabriel Clark: Tip Toe, Hollyoaks & Becoming the Person He Needed

  5. Sep 15

    Queer Panic with Kaue Garcia & Ryan O’Neill

    Kaue Garcia and Ryan O’Neill are back, and this time they’re facing Queer Panic. The owners of Keighley Cougars and Keighley Town FC take on Queer Talker’s rapid-fire questions, revealing their first celebrity crushes, favourite queer film and TV show, who made the first move, who takes longer to get ready and, crucially, who would survive longest in a zombie apocalypse. We also discover why Kaue refuses to watch the UK version of Queer as Folk, why Ryan thinks hiding is a legitimate zombie survival strategy, and what happens when they’re asked to describe each other in just one word. For the full story of Kaue and Ryan’s relationship, their journey into professional sport and why they believe LGBTQ+ visibility in football and rugby matters, listen to their full Queer Talker episode. 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

    Queer Panic with Kaue Garcia & Ryan O’Neill

  6. Sep 8

    Kaue Garcia & Ryan O’Neill: Love, Pride & Changing the Game

    What happens when two queer kids who never felt like they belonged in sport grow up and buy a rugby club and a football club? Kaue Garcia and Ryan O’Neill are the owners of Keighley Cougars Rugby League Club and Keighley Town Football Club, but their relationship with sport hasn’t always been an easy one. In this episode of Queer Talker, Kaue and Ryan open up about growing up gay on opposite sides of the world, experiencing bullying, coming out, finding each other in a Bangkok nightclub and building a life and businesses together. They also share the extraordinary story of how they came to own Keighley Cougars, why they decided to put LGBTQ+ inclusion at the heart of the club, and what happened when rainbows, drag queens and Pride arrived at the rugby ground. We talk about homophobia in sport, trans inclusion, allyship, taking their values into football and why creating spaces where LGBTQ+ people genuinely feel they belong matters. And after 14 years of marriage, multiple businesses and now two sports clubs, Kaue and Ryan reveal how they somehow still manage to work, live and build everything together. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Kaue and Ryan's journey in sports and activism 01:50 Kaue's childhood in Brazil and early experiences with bullying 04:03 Ryan's boarding school experience and coming to terms with his sexuality 07:06 How their personal journeys led to owning and transforming sports clubs 14:56 The inception of the Pride game and inclusivity initiatives at the clubs 25:14 Challenges and successes in creating a welcoming environment 35:03 The role of visibility and representation in sports communities 45:06 Balancing commercial realities with social values in club management 54:50 Advice to their younger selves and future generations of LGBTQ+ youth Connect with Ben Cicchetti: Website - https://www.queertalker.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/bencicchetti/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@queertalkerTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@bencicchetti

    Kaue Garcia & Ryan O’Neill: Love, Pride & Changing the Game

  7. Sep 1

    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

  8. 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
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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
    48
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Ben Cicchetti
  • Show Website
    Queer Talker

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