In this episode of Queer Talker, host Ben Cicchetti sits down with drag performer, community builder, and cultural force Jessica L’Whor, also known as Miss Jessica, to explore drag as identity, resistance, and care.

Jessica reflects on growing up in a deeply sheltered Catholic household, navigating queerness through religious guilt, and the long journey toward self acceptance. She speaks openly about coming out later in life, unlearning shame, and what it took to finally embrace who she is today.

From her beginnings in the Denver drag scene to becoming a full time performer for over a decade, Jessica shares the realities of sustaining a creative career without television backing, the business discipline behind longevity, and why consistency matters more than viral moments.

The conversation also dives into the creation of Miss Jessica, her all ages and family friendly drag persona. Jessica explains why visibility for queer youth is vital, how drag story times and school visits became part of her mission, and what it means to create safe, affirming spaces for children and families in a climate where drag is increasingly politicised.

Ben and Jessica discuss chosen family, queer elders, touring across the United States, and the responsibility that comes with having a large platform. Jessica is candid about balancing joy and escapism with activism, and why being a soft, visible presence can be just as powerful as outrage.

This is a conversation about drag as art, drag as care, and the importance of being the person you needed when you were younger.

Chapters

00:00 Queer Panic Rapid Fire Questions

06:36 Childhood and Early Influences

11:42 Understanding Queerness and Family Dynamics

16:25 The State of Drag and LGBTQ+ Community

20:49 Jessica's Journey into Drag

21:31 Longevity in Drag Performance and Community Support

23:19 Empowering the Next Generation of Drag Artists

25:55 Creating Family-Friendly Drag Experiences

28:24 The Role of Visibility and Representation

30:55 Building an Authentic Online Presence

34:10 The Intersection of Art and Activism

37:21 Advice for the Younger Generation

Connect with Jessica L’Whor:

Website - https://www.jessicalwhor.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jessicalwhor/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jessicalwhor

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

In this episode of Queer Talker, host Ben Cicchetti sits down with comedian Mark Bittlestone whose sharp wit, queer storytelling and emotional honesty have made him one of the most exciting voices in British comedy.

Mark opens up about growing up in 1990s Southwest London where homophobia was woven into the everyday language around him, even in an otherwise loving home. He reflects on spending a decade in the closet, the fear of being gay that shaped his early years and the moment he finally allowed himself to come out and breathe.

He also shares how devastating loss shaped him. Mark lost his mum shortly before his A levels and his dad shortly before his university finals. He talks about how grief transformed his understanding of life and how comedy became both a coping mechanism and a calling.

Ben and Mark dive into authenticity, dating, Grindr mishaps, the power of teasing straight men in comedy clubs, and the complicated pressure queer comedians feel to stop talking about their identity even when it is central to their story.

Mark also reflects on falling into comedy, getting fired from teaching, building confidence through social media, touring his show I Need a Straight Guy, and figuring out what comes next as he enters the next phase of his career.

Chapters

00:00 Queer Panic Rapid Fire Questions

04:16 Embarrassing Dating Stories

07:16 Proudest Career Moments

10:13 Childhood Influences on Identity

13:15 Awareness of Queerness and Family Dynamics

17:21 Coming Out and Authenticity

20:22 Navigating Loss and Grief

25:33 The Role of Comedy in Coping

27:47 Journey into Comedy

31:02 Queerness and Performance

32:29 Touring Experience and Audience Interaction

36:22 Using Platform for Advocacy

38:14 Future Aspirations and Reflection

39:11 Advice to Younger Self and LGBTQ+ Youth

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

In this episode of Queer Talker, host Ben Cicchetti sits down with Lord Chris Smith — Britain’s first openly gay male MP, the world’s first openly gay cabinet minister, and a pioneering voice for LGBTQ+ equality in politics.

Chris reflects on the moment in 1984 when he stood on stage in Rugby and came out publicly, becoming the first openly gay MP in British history, and the courage it took to do so in a hostile climate. He shares his perspective on Section 28, the chilling effect it had on young LGBTQ+ people, and the long fight to overturn it.

We also discuss his achievements as Secretary of State, from making national museums free for all to helping pass landmark LGBTQ+ legislation under Tony Blair’s government, as well as his later decision to speak publicly about living with HIV and the extraordinary phone call he received from Nelson Mandela afterwards.

From his student days in Edinburgh and Cambridge, to becoming Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, Chris has consistently broken barriers and left a lasting legacy. His story is one of courage, resilience, and hope — a reminder of how far we’ve come and the work still to be done for true equality.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in LGBTQ+ history, politics, and the power of visibility.

Chapters

00:00 Queer Panic Rapid Fire Questions

03:21 Proud Moments in Politics

05:52 Understanding Childhood and Identity

09:38 Journey into Politics

11:00 Coming Out as the First Openly Gay MP

18:09 Reactions in Parliament

20:07 The Impact of Section 28

26:02 Becoming the First Openly Gay Cabinet Member

27:41 Legislative Changes for LGBTQ Rights

32:18 The Importance of Diversity in Leadership

34:29 Going Public with HIV Status

41:48 Role as Chancellor of Cambridge University

45:32 Reflections on the Current Trans Community Climate

47:43 Advice to Younger Self and LGBTQ Youth

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