In this episode of Queer Talker, host Ben Cicchetti sits down with Helen Scott — author of Live, Laugh, Lesbian, radio DJ, stand-up comedian, and content creator — to explore her vibrant queer journey and the power of showing up authentically online and offline.

Helen opens up about navigating bullying as a child, discovering her sexuality in an era with little representation, and the moment queer nightlife gave her that first true sense of belonging. She also shares how her online community inspired her bestselling book, why we must embrace fluidity in identity, and how the queer community can come together to fight division in the face of rising hostility.

They dive into the double-edged sword of social media, the importance of offline queer spaces, and practical advice for anyone — from teens to those coming out later in life — looking to build community and live joyfully as their true self.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about queer joy, authentic representation, and building a stronger, more connected LGBTQ+ community.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Childhood Influences on Identity

01:45 First Awareness of LGBTQ+ Community

04:42 The Journey to Authenticity

07:53 The Impact of Community and Belonging

10:40 The Birth of 'Live, Laugh, Lesbian'

13:42 Navigating Stereotypes and Expectations

16:54 The Role of Social Media in Representation

20:02 The Power of Authenticity in Visibility

24:04 Embracing Authenticity and Self-Acceptance

27:08 Building Community in Real Life

31:04 Advice for the Younger Self and the Queer Community

34:39 Celebrating Queer Icons and Representation

38:12 The Impact of Writing and Legacy

Follow Ben Cicchetti:

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

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@BenCicchetti

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In this episode of Queer Talker, host Ben Cicchetti sits down with Zander Murray, who made history as Scotland’s first openly gay senior footballer. From the weight of secrecy to the freedom of coming out, Zander shares his deeply personal journey—one shaped by resilience and the hope of creating lasting change in the world of sport.

Zander opens up about the moment he knew he had to come out, the unexpected support that followed, and the mental toll of staying closeted in a hyper-masculine environment. He reflects on football culture, the barriers that still exist for LGBTQ+ players, and why true representation matters both on and off the pitch.

They also explore what it means to live authentically, the pressure of being seen as a role model, and how Zander’s work today continues to champion inclusion and visibility for the next generation of athletes.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about football, queer visibility in sport, and the transformative power of living your truth.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Zander's Early Life

04:20 The Journey of Self-Discovery

07:07 The Impact of Role Models

10:01 Coming Out: A Personal Journey

13:03 Navigating Media and Public Perception

16:03 The Role of Football in LGBTQ+ Inclusion

19:15 Challenges of Being a Role Model

22:05 The Future of LGBTQ+ Representation in Football

32:22 The Impact of Coming Out in Sports

34:50 Transitioning from Player to Advocate

39:50 Empowering the Next Generation of LGBTQ+ Athletes

44:53 Overcoming Internalized Homophobia

48:36 Celebrating Authenticity and Team Support

54:16 New Chapter

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YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@BenCicchetti

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

In this episode of Queer Talker, host Ben Cicchetti sits down with author Robby Weber, whose joyful and heartfelt queer love stories have helped thousands of readers see themselves on the page—and escape into something beautiful.

Robby shares how a lifelong love of stories turned into a career, the surprising power of writing flawed queer characters, and why authenticity is an ongoing journey—not a destination. He opens up about navigating social media, the emotional messages he receives from readers, and how growing up in Florida fuels his passion to fight for queer visibility, especially in the face of book bans.

They also discuss the joy of queer romance, how Robby finds inspiration in real friendships, and what we lose when LGBTQ+ stories are always rooted in trauma.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who loves YA fiction, queer joy, and the power of books to change lives.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Robby Weber

04:19 The Journey of Authenticity

07:25 Navigating Negativity and Social Media

10:23 The Importance of Representation in Literature

13:12 The Evolution of Writing Career

15:47 Inspiration and Creative Process

18:22 Connecting with Readers through Social Media

21:36 Reflections on Young Love and Personal Experiences

24:18 Celebrating Queer Joy in Literature

27:36 Advice for Young LGBTQ+ Individuals

29:06 Legacy and Impact of LGBTQ+ Stories

32:55 The Importance of Flawed Characters

37:10 Dream Collaborations and Future Projects

More from Robby Weber:

Website: https://www.robbyweber.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robbyreads/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@robby.reads

Preorder Everything About You: https://www.robbyweber.com/everything-about-you/

Follow Ben Cicchetti:

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

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@BenCicchetti

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