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

In this episode of Queer Talker, host Ben Cicchetti sits down with Jaxon Feeley, former prison officer, public speaker, and trans advocate, for a powerful and deeply human conversation about courage, visibility, and doing it scared.

Jaxon opens up about his life before and after transition, from working in the prison service to walking back through the gates as “Mr Feeley.” He shares how he found the strength to come out publicly, the moment he told his family they could have “a dead daughter or a living son,” and why he believes fear and bravery can exist in the same breath.

From battling stigma to embracing authenticity, Jaxon’s story is one of resilience, vulnerability, and relentless hope. His mantra, “do it scared,” is a reminder that courage does not mean being fearless; it means showing up anyway.

Chapters

00:00 Queer Panic Rapid Fire

03:35 Childhood and Early Identity

08:42 Transitioning and Authenticity

13:21 Family Dynamics and Support

18:32 Working in a Prison Environment

23:22 Reality TV Experiences

28:38 Living Authentically in the World

34:10 The Intensity of Reality TV

34:56 Balancing Multiple Roles

37:08 Finding Daily Happiness

39:11 Navigating Loneliness in the Spotlight

41:39 The Importance of Social Media Breaks

43:27 The Thrill of Hunted: A Unique Experience

56:06 The Impact of Representation in Media

59:17 Introducing 'Fear Proof': A New Book

01:03:38 Advice for the 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

Connect from Jaxon Feeley:

Website - https://jaxonfeeley.com

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

In this episode of Queer Talker, host Ben Cicchetti sits down with Alex Thomas-Smith — actor and performer whose credits span the West End, TV, and Netflix, including & Juliet, What It Feels Like For A Girl, and Lena Dunham’s Too Much.

Alex reflects on their journey from childhood to the stage, sharing early memories of queer representation from Big Brother’s Nadia and Coronation Street’s Hayley Cropper, and why those moments of visibility mattered. They open up about growing up in challenging circumstances, finding strength with their sisters, and embracing authenticity without ever feeling the need for a formal “coming out.”

From the thrill of starring in & Juliet to balancing intimacy and spectacle on their wedding day, Alex speaks candidly about love, representation, and how neurodiversity shapes their creativity and career. They also discuss the importance of refusing roles that erase identity, and the joy of telling queer stories unapologetically.

This is a conversation about representation, resilience, and what it means to be brave enough to live without limits.

Chapters

00:00 Queer Panic Rapid Fire

07:20 Childhood and Early Influences

13:12 Awareness of Queerness

19:09 Authenticity and Self-Expression

25:07 Marriage and Personal Milestones

25:13 The Reality of Performing Eight Shows a Week

28:41 Navigating Relationships in the Theatre World

31:16 Stage vs. Screen: A Performer’s Perspective

33:19 Experiences on What It Feels Like For A Girl and Too Much

38:51 Choosing Projects: Aligning with Authenticity

40:36 The Shift in Queer Representation

42:25 Neurodiversity and Performance

44:47 Advice to Young Queer Individuals

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 Jordan Gray — award-winning comedian, musician, writer, and the first trans woman to headline the London Palladium.

Jordan reflects on her journey from pop singer to stand-up comedian, and how coming out unlocked the freedom to share her authentic self on stage. She talks about creating her hit ITV show Transaction, her Channel 4 special Is It A Bird?, and her 2025 Edinburgh Fringe show Is That a Cock in Your Pocket or Are You Just Here to Kill Me?

From blending music and comedy to disarm prejudice, to navigating social media while “staying soft,” Jordan shares the highs, lows, and laughter that define her story. She also offers heartfelt advice to young queer people about choosing joy over other people’s discomfort and living unapologetically.

This is a conversation about authenticity, resilience, and why comedy is one of the most powerful tools we have for connection.

Chapters

00:00 Queer Panic Rapid Fire

04:28 Exploring Queer Media and Representation

07:26 Authenticity and Personal Journey

10:21 First Awareness of Queerness

13:21 Transitioning from Music to Comedy

16:27 The Art of Blending Music and Comedy

20:51 The Journey to ITV: From Concept to Screen

23:58 Writing for TV vs. Stand-Up Comedy

25:59 Navigating Public Perception and Social Media

30:24 The Power of Comedy in Challenging Conversations

33:26 The Fine Line of Humor: Intent vs. Impact

37:26 Experiencing the Edinburgh Fringe Festival

38:30 Advice for the Younger Generation

41:10 What's Next for Jordan Gray?

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 Seth Insua, debut author of Human, Animal and talented artist, for a thoughtful conversation about queerness, creativity, and finding belonging.

Seth shares how a childhood obsession with Pinocchio shaped his creative spirit, how growing up queer in a homophobic all-boys school influenced his search for authenticity, and the inspiration behind his acclaimed novel. He reflects on themes of masculinity, non-belonging, and the power of perspective that run through his writing, as well as the influence of queer icons like Russell T Davies.

From exploring why queerness and horror are so intertwined, to the importance of finding your people and embracing mistakes, this episode offers both intimate insight into the mind of a writer and universal lessons on living authentically.

Chapters

00:00 Queer Panic Game: Rapid Fire Questions

04:13 Influential Queer Media: Movies, TV Shows, and Books

07:20 Childhood Reflections: Growing Up Queer

10:05 Writing Process: Obsession and Creativity

13:25 Authenticity: Discovering and Embracing Queer Identity

16:14 Inspiration Behind 'Human, Animal': A Multifaceted Story

20:16 Exploring Family Dynamics in Dairy Farming

23:44 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Belonging

26:24 Researching Perspectives: Understanding Different Narratives

30:04 Challenging Traditional Masculinity

33:09 Finding Common Ground in Divisive Times

36:36 The Intersection of Art and Writing

41:51 Advice for the Younger 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

Connect with Seth Insua

Website - https://www.sethinsua.com/

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

Buy Human, Animal - https://linktr.ee/seth.insua

In this episode of Queer Talker, host Ben Cicchetti sits down with Brandon Wolf — survivor of the Pulse nightclub shooting, national press secretary for the Human Rights Campaign, and one of the most powerful voices for LGBTQ+ equality in the United States.

Brandon shares his journey from growing up in a small conservative town, to finding chosen family and queer spaces that gave him the courage to be unapologetically himself. He opens up about his best friend Drew, the night of the Pulse tragedy, and the promise he made to keep fighting for a world Drew would be proud of.

From the desecration of sacred memorials to the resilience of a community that refuses to be erased, Brandon speaks candidly about grief, advocacy, and the work still to be done. He also reminds us of the joy, hope, and humanity at the heart of queer liberation — and why giving up is never an option.

This is a conversation about loss, resilience, and the fight for a future where everyone can live unapologetically and authentically.

Chapters

00:00 Queer Panic: A Fun Introduction

04:27 Exploring Identity and Safe Spaces

07:33 The Impact of Community and Chosen Family

10:31 Reflections on Family and Early Influences

13:34 Awakening to Queerness: Media and Real Life Experiences

16:16 Finding Authenticity and Belonging

19:26 Life Before Pulse: Dreams and Aspirations

22:34 The Significance of Pulse Nightclub

25:12 Community Resilience After Tragedy

30:07 Refusing to be Erased: The Resilience of the Queer Community

31:44 Historical Context: Lessons from the Past

34:25 Building a Movement: The Power of Persistence

35:27 Remembering Drew and Juan: Stories of Friendship

39:58 A Promise to Fight: Creating a World of Pride

43:51 Finding Balance: Self-Care in Advocacy

48:42 Community Engagement: The Power of Connection

52:29 Gun Safety: Progress and Challenges

56:59 Political Aspirations: Impact Over Title

58:53 Advice for the Younger Generation: Be Unapologetically You

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