Queer Talker

What if seeing someone like yourself on television could change the way you see yourself? 🏳️‍🌈This week on Queer Talker, I'm joined by television creative, content creator and LGBTQ+ advocate Michael AJ Sheridan for a conversation about growing up gay, finding your identity and the power of representation.From discovering Doctor Who as a child to building a career working with some of Britain's biggest television broadcasters, Michael shares how his love of storytelling shaped both his personal and professional life.We explore the LGBTQ+ characters that influenced him growing up, from Captain Jack Harkness in Doctor Who to the groundbreaking representation in Hollyoaks and Big Brother, and why seeing yourself reflected on screen can make such a difference when you're struggling to understand your identity.Michael also opens up about growing up in a working-class community, the shame and secrecy he experienced as a young gay person, and the freedom he discovered when he moved to Manchester and began embracing who he was.We also discuss the changing landscape of LGBTQ+ representation, why queer voices matter behind the camera as much as on screen, and why schools must do more to ensure LGBTQ+ young people feel seen, understood and supported.And in a particularly personal moment, Michael reflects on his experiences with OCD and intrusive thoughts, sharing an important message about why our thoughts don't define who we are.In this episode, we explore:🏳️‍🌈 Growing up gay and overcoming shame and fear of rejection📺 Doctor Who, Russell T Davies and the importance of LGBTQ+ representation❤️ Finding queer joy, community and confidence🎬 Breaking into television and working across the BBC, Channel 4 and Netflix🏫 LGBTQ+ education, Section 28 and supporting young people🌈 Why queer stories need to be told both on screen and behind the scenes🧠 OCD, intrusive thoughts and learning to be kinder to yourself🎙️ Why representation isn't just about entertainment. It's about belonging.Whether you're a lifelong Doctor Who fan, passionate about LGBTQ+ storytelling or navigating your own journey of self-acceptance, this is a conversation about the stories that shape us and the importance of being seen.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

Elliott Brady is back on Queer Talker, and this time he’s facing Queer Panic!The Agony Uncle and Come Alive! star takes on our rapid-fire questions, revealing his first celebrity crush, ultimate queer icon, dream musical theatre role and the Beyoncé song he’d choose as his personal entrance music.But things get surprisingly personal when Elliott reveals the one piece of advice he gives others but struggles to follow himself: don’t chase the spiral. He opens up about anxiety, what therapy has taught him, and why putting that advice into practice isn’t always easy.Plus, why matcha is completely overrated, his complicated feelings about Grindr, the wildest advice request he’s received, and why finding the perfect outfit can send him into an absolute Queer Panic.For more from Elliott, including his journey into entertainment and the story behind Agony Uncle, check out his full Queer Talker interview.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

Elliott Brady is a musical theatre performer, content creator and host of the Agony Uncle podcast. But the confident person he is today is a long way from the young Elliott who spent years being bullied for being gay before he even fully understood what being gay meant.In this episode of Queer Talker, Elliott opens up about growing up in a small town without queer people around him, being called gay from primary school and why, for years, he resisted the identity other people had used against him.We talk about the journey from hiding parts of himself to finding the confidence to express his queerness openly, including the years when he wouldn’t hold his boyfriend’s hand in public and would instinctively try to appear straight.Elliott also takes us inside his career in musical theatre, from discovering dance and falling in love with Wicked to graduating just as COVID shut down the industry. He shares the incredible advice that stopped him from walking away from performing altogether, and what life is really like performing on cruise ships.But one cruise contract became a deeply difficult experience. Elliott speaks candidly about struggling with his mental health at sea, reporting a company manager for alleged sexual harassment and feeling trapped in an environment he couldn’t escape.Back in the UK, joining Come Alive! became something very different. Elliott explains how the show, its cast and the character he created helped rebuild his confidence, challenge his social anxiety and become a louder, freer version of himself.We also talk about chosen family, creating Agony Uncle and why, after everything his younger self went through, the advice he’d give him now is simple: it’s going to be okay.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Elliott Brady and his journey02:21 Growing up LGBTQ in a small town05:40 First exposure to queer culture and role models07:32 Finding confidence through musical theater15:40 Impact of theater roles on self-acceptance21:52 Graduating during COVID and career challenges25:32 Life on ships and the camaraderie among performers28:42 Dealing with mental health struggles on ships35:48 Returning home and rebuilding confidence49:30 Launching and managing the Agony Uncle podcast54:24 The importance of community and authenticity58:43 Advice for younger self and embracing life's journeyAgony Uncle:Website - https://shows.acast.com/agony-uncleInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/agonyunclepodYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@agonyunclepodConnect with Ben Cicchetti:Website - https://www.queertalker.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/bencicchetti/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@queertalkerTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@bencicchetti

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.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/bencicchetti/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@queertalkerTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@bencicchetti

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.txtAdam 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.txtWe 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.txtIt’s a conversation about love, identity, faith, visibility and finally learning to be proud of every part of who you are.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Adam's background02:13 Early years and discovering sexuality03:46 Struggles with faith and identity07:04 Family reactions and support10:56 Visibility and representation in the LGBTQ+ community16:05 Adam and Ali's interfaith relationship23:10 Wedding day and cultural significance26:58 Impact of sharing their story30:13 Mental health and self-acceptance35:03 Advice for young LGBTQ+ people40:11 The power of community and support organizationsConnect with Ben Cicchetti:Website - https://www.queertalker.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/bencicchetti/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@queertalkerTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@bencicchetti

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.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/bencicchetti/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@queertalkerTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@bencicchetti

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.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Gabriel Clark and his journey02:14 Growing up in Bolton and early influences03:59 Experiences of growing up queer in the North05:56 The role of performance in self-expression07:46 Representation of LGBTQ+ characters on TV09:50 Coming out during the pandemic and media reactions11:48 The industry’s approach to openly gay actors13:59 The significance of authentic storytelling16:00 Opportunities and challenges for queer actors18:07 The importance of diverse environments in acting20:02 Gabriel’s journey with the character Mikey in Tiptoe22:06 Creative process behind content creation and writing24:04 Dealing with online backlash and mental health25:57 The power of visibility and activism28:01 The experience of playing a recast on Hollyoaks29:48 The significance of being openly gay in the industry32:09 Gabriel’s advocacy and using his platform34:06 The importance of representation for young queer people35:57 The journey of self-acceptance and empowerment37:53 The creative and collaborative process with Russell T. Davies39:51 The impact of diverse and inclusive work environments42:13 Gabriel’s advice to his younger self and others44:00 The future of LGBTQ+ representation in media46:02 Closing thoughts and message of prideConnect 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

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.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/bencicchetti/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@queertalkerTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@bencicchetti

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.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Kaue and Ryan's journey in sports and activism01:50 Kaue's childhood in Brazil and early experiences with bullying04:03 Ryan's boarding school experience and coming to terms with his sexuality07:06 How their personal journeys led to owning and transforming sports clubs14:56 The inception of the Pride game and inclusivity initiatives at the clubs25:14 Challenges and successes in creating a welcoming environment35:03 The role of visibility and representation in sports communities45:06 Balancing commercial realities with social values in club management54:50 Advice to their younger selves and future generations of LGBTQ+ youthConnect with Ben Cicchetti:Website - https://www.queertalker.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/bencicchetti/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@queertalkerTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@bencicchetti

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.Chapters00:00 Introduction to KY Kelly and episode overview02:24 KY Kelly's childhood, early performances, and feeling different04:55 First awareness of LGBTQ+ community through media and real life06:23 Realization of queerness during high school years08:11 Journey to authenticity and coming out at 1609:48 Family support and the importance of chosen family12:08 Discovering drag and performing as a form of self-expression13:45 How KY Kelly developed the drag persona and name origin17:24 Confidence in drag and the impact of stage presence18:40 Decision to join Drag Race UK and feeling ready20:06 British drag culture and its influence on KY Kelly21:45 The story behind the name KY Kelly22:15 Telling queer stories through musical theatre and its impact24:26 Representation in media and the importance of visibility25:28 Challenges faced by the trans community and advocacy30:56 Handling social media hate and mental health strategies41:25 Advice to younger self and closing thoughtsConnect with Ben Cicchetti:Website - https://www.queertalker.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/bencicchetti/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@queertalkerTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@bencicchetti