Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Avoiding My Anxiously Attached Boyfriend

In this episode, we’re joined by Palestinian-Jordanian queer activist and writer Hasan Kilani for an honest and open conversation about growing up gay in Jordan, LGBTQ+ life in the Middle East, Palestine, Israeli pinkwashing and the complicated relationship between sexuality, identity and political liberation.

Hasan challenges the narratives often pushed about queer people in Arab and Muslim communities, particularly the argument that LGBTQ+ people shouldn't support Palestine because of homophobia in the region. Drawing on his experiences growing up between Jordan and Palestine, he explains how Israel's promotion of LGBTQ+ rights can be used to distract from the realities of occupation and why queer Palestinians often find themselves fighting for their rights while having their experiences used against their own communities.

We also get into Hasan's upbringing in Jordan, where his experience of being gay was very different from the stereotypes often associated with the Middle East. From growing up in an accepting family and experimenting with femininity to discovering Amman's gay bars, queer spaces and LGBTQ+ activism, Hasan reflects on the queer Arab communities that have existed for decades but rarely receive recognition. 

The conversation also explores Western hypocrisy, racism, Islamophobia and the assumptions made about Arab and Muslim men. Hasan discusses why he approaches conversations about homophobia differently in Arabic and English, the contradictions he has experienced living in Britain compared with Jordan and how colonial attitudes continue to shape perceptions of the SWANA region. 

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In this episode, we’re joined by sociologist, writer and researcher Dr Chantelle Lewis for a wide-ranging conversation about mixed-race identity, Blackness, whiteness, family, colourism and the complicated realities of growing up between different racial worlds.

Chantelle takes us into her PhD research on Black mixed-race families who moved from multicultural cities into predominantly white suburban areas. She reflects on speaking to different generations within the same families and hearing children describe racism, bullying and isolation that their parents often didn’t realise they were experiencing. We unpack the idea of being “torn between two identities” and why Chantelle believes the conversation around mixed-race identity needs to move beyond simply feeling rejected by both sides.

We also get into the relationship between mixedness, desirability and privilege. Chantelle discusses the fetishisation of mixed-race people, why mixed-race men in particular can be hypersexualised, the desire some people have to “have mixed babies” and how proximity to whiteness can shape the way mixed-race people understand themselves. We also explore why saying “I don’t see race” can be damaging within interracial families and what happens when children feel unable to talk to their parents about racism.

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In this episode, we’re joined by artist, filmmaker and activist Topher Campbell for a wide-ranging conversation about Black queer history, race, sexuality, masculinity, fetishisation and the experiences that shaped his understanding of identity.

Topher takes us back to growing up in care before moving in with his Jamaican mother as a teenager, navigating religion, sexuality and eventually finding his way into London’s Black queer scene. He reflects on coming of age in the 80s and 90s, a time when Black queer people were rarely visible in mainstream culture and how those experiences later influenced his work documenting and preserving Black LGBTQ+ history through the Rukus! archive.

We also get into the complicated relationship between race, masculinity and desire. Topher opens up about being fetishised by white gay men from a young age, the expectations placed on Black men and how his appearance and the way he spoke could simultaneously give him access to certain spaces while still leaving him boxed in by racial stereotypes. He also reflects on racism within theatre and the arts and the feeling of being wanted sexually while still being denied professional opportunities.

Later, we unpack Topher’s complicated relationship with the word “gay”, why he believes mainstream gay culture can centre a white male experience and why he prefers the openness of “queer”. We also get into the history behind top and bottom labels, their links to BDSM culture and how the internet helped turn sexual preferences into identities and categories.

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In this episode, we’re joined by actor Laquarn Lewis, known for *What It Feels Like for a Girl* and *Jamie Johnson*, for an honest conversation about growing up Black and gay, code-switching, masculinity and finding your place in a queer community that doesn’t always reflect your own experiences.

Laquarn opens up about the reality of being a Black queer actor and why opportunities can still feel limited for people who don’t fit what the industry is looking for. We get into playing Lady Die in *What It Feels Like for a Girl*, how stepping into the role introduced him to a side of queer culture he’d never experienced before and why he was warned that taking the part could lead to him being typecast.

We also explore Laquarn’s relationship with masculinity and femininity, growing up pretending to be straight and becoming so good at code-switching that he felt like he had “100 personalities”. He reflects on entering queer spaces for the first time, feeling disconnected from parts of gay culture and learning that being queer doesn’t mean having to fit into one particular version of what a gay man should be.

From his parents’ reactions to his sexuality to learning to stop editing himself depending on who was around him, Laquarn reflects on what it took to finally become comfortable with every side of himself and the advice he would give to the younger version of himself who was terrified of being found out.

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In this episode, we’re joined by therapist Dhiren Doshi-Smith for an honest conversation about therapy, queer identity, race, culture, sex and the shame so many gay men carry without even realising it. Dhiren specialises in working with queer, neurodiverse people of colour and explains why traditional approaches to therapy don’t always account for people whose identities are shaped by family, religion, culture and community.

We get into the idea of decolonising therapy, why setting boundaries can look completely different when you come from a collectivist culture and the loneliness that can come from feeling othered by your family, wider society and even within queer spaces.

We also have a frank conversation about gay sex and why Dhiren believes it needs to have a place in the therapy room. From the shame around bottoming and the idea that being a bottom makes someone less masculine, to racial stereotypes around who is expected to top or bottom, we explore how misogyny, internalised homophobia and cultural expectations can shape the way gay men understand their own sexuality. 

Dhiren opens up about his own journey as a queer Indian man, balancing a culture he deeply loves with a sexuality that hasn’t always felt accepted within it. 

From once carrying shame around being brown, queer and neurodiverse to appearing in a Pride in London campaign and becoming visibly, publicly gay, Dhiren shares how he reached a place where he can say he genuinely loves his queerness and why helping other queer people get there has become such an important part of his work.

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In this episode, we’re joined by Saad Zain for an honest and at times provocative conversation about growing up gay across Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Dubai and London and what queer life can really look like in cultures where sexuality is rarely spoken about openly.

Saad opens up about knowing he was gay from an early age, growing up surrounded by shame around his sexuality and why he believes there’s a huge difference between what happens behind closed doors and what people are willing to accept publicly. We get into his now infamous claim that “everyone in Pakistan is gay”, the contradictions around gay sex and masculinity across Pakistan and the Middle East and the darker reality behind practices like Bacha Bazi and dancing boys.

We also explore Pakistan’s complicated relationship with gender and sexuality, including the history and visibility of the Khwaja Sara community and the impact British colonial rule had on attitudes towards gender diversity. Saad reflects on growing up gay in Kazakhstan, sneaking into gay clubs at just 13 and later navigating a London gay scene where he says being openly gay once felt like a “white privilege”.

From racism and fetishisation in gay spaces to feeling pressure to assimilate, reconnecting with his Pakistani identity and questioning how inclusive queer spaces really are, Saad shares how his relationship with both his culture and sexuality has changed as he’s got older.

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In this episode, we’re joined by Tyrell Trey for an honest conversation about modelling, sexuality, mixed-race identity, music, dating and the long process of figuring out who you actually are when you’ve spent years becoming what other people expect from you.

Tyrell opens up about entering the modelling industry at just 16, going from feeling like the “ugly” kid growing up in a predominantly white area to being signed, modelling in Milan and suddenly having his appearance become his career.

We then get into sexuality and identity. Tyrell talks about growing up mixed-race and gay, learning to become a “chameleon” depending on the space he was in and why being perceived as masculine or “straight passing” comes with its own expectations.

Music has become a way for Tyrell to move away from those expectations and back towards himself. He takes us inside his writing process, explains how he uses phonetic singing to find melodies before lyrics and talks about finally releasing music that’s been sitting unheard for years, alongside what’s coming next.


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In this episode, we're joined by Andrew Akuruka, author of The Gay Blueprint, for an honest and at times challenging conversation about gay identity, masculinity, race, sex and the expectations we place on ourselves and each other.

Andrew opens up about knowing he was gay from a young age, but only coming out to his Nigerian mum decades later. He reflects on growing up around religion, fearing that his mum’s love might be conditional and the unexpectedly emotional moment that followed when he finally told her he was gay.

We also unpack Andrew’s complicated relationship with masculinity and what it means to be both Black and gay. From feeling like he didn't fit traditional stereotypes of gay men, to questioning whether he was performing masculinity to protect himself, Andrew explains how becoming a father and confronting his own ideas around gender helped him start unlearning some of those expectations.

The conversation then turns to dating and fetishisation within the gay community. Andrew talks about being desired as a masculine Black man, the stereotypes attached to Black men sexually and the moment he realised there was a difference between being wanted and actually being known.

Finally, things get a little more heated as we debate hookup culture, sex positivity, self-love, accountability and whether the gay community needs to rethink some of the behaviours we've normalised. 

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After months of back-to-back guests, we're finally back with a solo episode... and there's a lot to catch up on.

From sneaking into Tyla's exclusive A*POP listening party in London and sharing our first impressions of her new album, to debating Beyoncé, Jay-Z and celebrity culture.

We also dive into one of the biggest debates in the LGBTQ+ community: is there really a "top shortage", or are gay men simply conditioned to associate masculinity with attraction? We unpack why DL men are so desired, the stereotypes surrounding tops and bottoms, masculinity, femininity, Heartstopper, queer identity and the expectations placed on gay men.

Whether you're here for Tyla, LGBTQ+ culture, queer dating, pop culture, masculinity, Heartstopper or simply a chaotic catch-up with us, we hope you enjoy this episode.

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In this exclusive episode, we're joined by I Kissed A Girl season two's Blessing, one of the breakout personalities from the series. Known for her confidence, warmth and unapologetic masculinity, Blessing opens up about her journey on the show, finding community with other masc lesbians and why I Kissed A Girl became far more than just a dating experience.

From navigating life inside the Masseria and challenging stereotypes around masculine-presenting lesbians, to reflecting on the support she found from the other contestants, Blessing shares what it was really like representing a side of the LGBTQ+ community that is still rarely seen on mainstream television. She also reveals the emotional impact of seeing her Nigerian mum join her on the show and why that moment became one of the most healing experiences of her life.

The conversation then becomes deeply personal as Blessing opens up about growing up Black, queer and masculine, learning to embrace every part of her identity and rejecting the idea that masculinity belongs to men. We discuss race, representation, Black masculinity, African families, queer visibility, vulnerability, healing your inner child and why seeing yourself reflected on screen can change everything.

If you enjoyed I Kissed A Girl, are interested in LGBTQ+ stories, identity, representation and honest conversations about race, masculinity and family, make sure you subscribe and check out the rest of our I Kissed A Girl special this week.

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In this exclusive episode, we're joined by I Kissed A Girl season two's Nikita Bharath for her first ever podcast appearance. As the only contestant from the series still in a relationship, Nikita finally opens up about finding love with Pippa, keeping their relationship secret for almost a year and what really happened after the cameras stopped rolling.

From navigating multiple connections, love triangles and the final kiss-off, to building a relationship away from the cameras, Nikita reflects on her experience inside the Masseria and why taking things slowly became the foundation of her relationship with Pippa. 

The conversation then becomes deeply personal as Nikita opens up about growing up queer, reconnecting with her Indian heritage and learning to embrace every part of her identity. We discuss race, representation, spirituality, Hindu traditions, colonialism, growing up in a predominantly white environment and the impact of being labelled "the acceptable Indian" as a child.

If you enjoyed I Kissed A Girl, are interested in LGBTQ+ stories, then make sure you subscribe and check out the rest of our I Kissed A Girl special this week.

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Faye McGrath first captured the nation's hearts on BBC's I Kissed A Girl, where her warmth, humour and vulnerability made her one of the standout personalities of the series. 

In this episode, Faye joins us to reflect on her experience on the show, navigating rejection in front of the nation and the deeper emotional journey that shaped her long before reality TV. 

From falling for Elise, feeling like she was "too nice" for reality TV and unpacking the lessons she took from I Kissed A Girl, Faye opens up about how the experience forced her to confront unresolved childhood wounds, anxious attachment and a lifelong fear of rejection.

The conversation then becomes deeply personal as Faye shares her powerful coming out story, growing up knowing she was gay, hiding her identity through school, losing her best friend after coming out and why she genuinely believed saying the words "I'm gay" would change her life forever. We also discuss OCD, ADHD, intrusive thoughts, Pure O, mental health, diabetes, vitiligo and why learning to accept love has been one of the biggest challenges of her life.

If you enjoyed I Kissed A Girl, are interested in LGBTQ+ stories, mental health, coming out, relationships, attachment styles, or healing from childhood trauma then make sure you describe to watch the other episode we have coming out this week!

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Cain Culto is a queer artist, musician and creative whose work explores religion, spirituality, masculinity and identity. In this episode, we sit down with Cain to discuss growing up gay in the evangelical church, religious trauma, coming out, deconstructing Christianity and how he transformed years of shame into powerful music and art.

From leading worship as a young church leader and preaching against homosexuality, to experiencing psychosis, being hospitalised and undergoing an attempted exorcism, Cain opens up about one of the most difficult periods of his life. 

The conversation also explores masculinity, femininity, queer identity, Santería, indigenous spirituality, colonisation, Latino identity, ancestral healing  and why so many LGBTQ+ people are reconnecting with their culture after religious trauma. 

Whether you're interested in LGBTQ+ stories, deconstructing faith, queer culture, religion, spirituality or masculinity his conversation offers a thoughtful and honest perspective on identity, healing and self-acceptance.

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JORDY first caught the internet's attention with viral pop hits like Nice Things and Story of a Boy, but behind the infectious hooks is an artist navigating identity, masculinity and what it really means to be seen. In this episode, we're joined by singer-songwriter JORDY to talk about life as an openly gay artist, making music without compromise, and the journey behind his new album.

From writing songs inspired by dating disasters and toxic relationships, to going viral on TikTok, signing record deals and eventually going independent, JORDY reflects on the highs and lows of building a music career in an industry that still struggles to embrace openly queer male artists. 

The conversation also gets deeply personal as JORDY opens up about childhood bullying, sexual assault, anxious attachment, healing from toxic relationships and learning to stop blaming himself for his past. Along the way, we explore femininity, masculinity, topping and bottoming stereotypes, internalised homophobia and why embracing every version of yourself is the most powerful thing you can do.

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Ruben Bø Dower first caught the attention of audiences on I Kissed A Boy, but behind the iconic green looks and unforgettable fashion is a thoughtful conversation about identity, creativity and belonging. In this episode, we're joined by artist, designer and creator Ruben Bø Dower to talk about life after reality TV, finding confidence in who you are, and the journey towards self-acceptance.

From his experience on I Kissed A Boy and the show's impact on queer representation, to navigating public attention, dating apps and online criticism, Ruben reflects on how appearing on television changed his life. We discuss the importance of queer community, dating a trans man on national TV, and why representation still matters when there are so few LGBTQ+ shows being made.

The conversation also gets deeply personal as Ruben opens up about growing up between Norway and South London, coming out at 14, dealing with internalised homophobia, and struggling to fit in as both a queer and mixed-race person. Along the way, we discuss race, masculinity, self-expression, fashion, creativity, family dynamics, attachment styles, and how painting himself green became a symbol of embracing every part of who he is.

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The Sober Gay has built a thriving online and real-life community for LGBTQ+ people exploring sobriety, and in this episode, we're joined by Welsh creator and community organiser Sion Meirion to talk about his journey away from alcohol and drugs, the realities of queer social culture, and why he created a space where sober and sober-curious people can connect. 

From documenting his first 100 days sober on TikTok to launching The Sober Gay Socials, Sion shares how a personal challenge unexpectedly grew into a supportive community. We discuss navigating weddings, holidays, Pride events and nights out without alcohol, and why sobriety doesn't have to mean giving up fun, friendship or queer spaces. 

The conversation also gets personal as Sion opens up about growing up in Wales, coming out to his family, having a younger brother who is also gay, and finding lasting love after meeting his partner in a Leeds nightclub. Along the way, we discuss drug culture, peer pressure, attachment styles, long-term relationships, and how our connections with others change when we're fully ourselves. 

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Fresh from the West End production of Kinky Boots, we’re joined by performer, dancer and content creator Liam McEvoy for a conversation about queer joy, chosen family, musical theatre and finding “the buzz” in life.

From landing his dream role in Kinky Boots and performing across the UK, Europe and the West End, to becoming Bruiser the dog in Legally Blonde, Liam shares the journey from growing up in Ireland to building a career on stage. Along the way, he reflects on the realities of touring, life as a dance captain, audition stories, and why queer representation in theatre continues to matter.

The conversation also gets personal as Liam opens up about growing up in a loud, loving Irish family, coming out at 15 and the incredible support he received from his parents and grandparents. We discuss Ireland’s marriage equality referendum, queer visibility, finding confidence through dance, and the impact of discovering queer spaces where you can truly be yourself.

We also get into chosen family, the legendary Pussy Palace friendship group, HOMOPARODY, dating while living a theatre schedule, Berlin nightlife, queer community, and why the most important thing in life is having “the buzz”.

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We’re joined by artists, storytellers and creators Adwoa and Solomon for a fascinating conversation exploring African mythology, folklore, spirituality and the stories that colonialism tried to erase.
From how they met at university and built a creative partnership together, to using art as a way to reconnect with their Ghanaian and Nigerian heritage, Adwoa and Solomon share how a passion project grew into a platform educating thousands about African history, culture and traditional beliefs.

We dive into the Orishas, the Ifá tradition, why African spirituality has been heavily demonised, and how colonial narratives continue to shape perceptions of African cultures today. Along the way, we discuss identity, religion, queerness in pre-colonial Africa, gender fluidity within traditional belief systems, and the importance of questioning the stories we've inherited.

The conversation also explores African masks and masquerade traditions, Sierra Leonean culture, the symbolism hidden throughout Sinners, Beyoncé's cultural references, the connection between music and spirituality, and how culture can evolve without losing its roots.

A thoughtful, eye-opening and deeply engaging episode about history, storytelling and reclaiming cultural narratives.

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We’re joined by Glyn Fussell, creator of Mighty Hoopla and co-founder of Sink The Pink, for a hilarious, emotional and deeply honest conversation about queer culture, identity and building spaces where people truly feel like they belong.

From creating one of the UK’s biggest and most loved queer festivals to taking Mighty Hoopla around the world, Glyn shares the journey behind building something that became much bigger than just a festival. He opens up about why representation and community matter, and how creating spaces where people feel safe became central to everything he does.

Alongside the festival stories and chaos, the conversation gets personal as Glyn reflects on growing up in a huge working-class family, desperately trying to fit in, moving to Australia and the life-changing moment he said “I’m gay” out loud for the first time. He shares how discovering queer community transformed his life and how chosen family became just as important as the one he was born into.

We also get into terrible go-go dancing careers, Sporty Spice becoming an actual friend, toy poodle algorithms, dating, relationships, family dynamics and the experiences that shaped both Glyn and the world of Mighty Hoopla.

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Smoggie Queens is the chaotic, camp and heartfelt BBC comedy following a group of queer friends navigating life, love and absolute mayhem in Middlesbrough and in this episode, we’re joined by creator and star Phil Dunning alongside actor Elijah Young to talk all about it.

From the inspiration behind the show and how the characters came to life, to filming inside real queer spaces in the North East, the pair share the journey of turning a lockdown script into one of the BBC’s funniest new sitcoms. They also tease what’s to come in season two, including weddings, football episodes, disastrous dates and even more chaos at the local gay bar.

Alongside the comedy, the conversation gets deeply personal as Phil and Elijah open up about growing up queer in Middlesbrough, coming out, family expectations and the emotional realities that shaped both their lives and the stories within the show. From sneaking through basement windows to hide relationships at university, to finding chosen family and learning to finally feel comfortable in themselves, this episode is equal parts hilarious and heartfelt.

We also get into dating horror stories, attachment styles, queer nightlife, masculinity, friendship dynamics and the pressure of navigating identity within both small-town life and the queer community.

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We’re joined by choreographer and creative director Claud for a deeply honest conversation about identity, healing, relationships and what it means to truly come home to yourself. From growing up in Angola and moving to the UK at a young age, to navigating queerness, family expectations and life in the spotlight, Claud reflects on the experiences that shaped him into the person he is today. 

In this episode, he opens up about the emotional impact of therapy, the patterns he uncovered within himself and the heartbreak that forced him to finally slow down and look inward. He shares how journaling, meditation and self-reflection helped him reconnect with his identity, while also unpacking masculinity, people pleasing and the pressure to perform within both the queer community and the entertainment industry. 

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We’re joined by Zelah, a Trans man, content creator and online coach, for an open and honest conversation about transitioning, identity and what it really means to navigate masculinity in today’s world.

In this episode, Zelah shares his journey from growing up as a queer woman to transitioning later in life, reflecting on how identity can evolve over time rather than arriving as a single defining moment. From navigating family dynamics and cultural expectations to unpacking internalised ideas of masculinity, he offers a deeply personal insight into the realities of self-discovery.

He opens up about the physical and emotional experience of transitioning, including the parts people don’t often talk about, and challenges common misconceptions around gender, dysphoria and what it means to feel at home in your body.

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We’re joined by Shaden, a fearless Arab comedian and outspoken voice on identity, politics and freedom of expression, for a raw and unfiltered conversation about queerness, culture and resistance.

In this episode, Shaden opens up about growing up in the Arab world and navigating the tension between cultural identity and personal freedom. From challenging taboos around sex, religion and language to confronting censorship and societal expectations, she shares what it really means to speak openly in environments where silence is often enforced.

She reflects on the complexity of being both Arab and queer, pushing back against the idea that queerness is a “Western concept” and exploring how colonialism, politics and religion have shaped modern narratives across the Middle East. 

Alongside this, she opens up about mental health, relationships, identity and the realities of living between cultures, offering a deeply honest perspective on what it means to exist, resist and find moments of joy in a complicated world. 

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We’re joined by Cliff, Editor-in-Chief of Attitude Magazine and Rolling Stone UK, for an honest and insightful conversation about identity, media, community and what it really means to create cultural impact.

In this episode, Cliff reflects on his journey through the media industry. From working in queer nightlife magazines to leading some of the most influential publications in the UK. He shares how his early experiences in the LGBTQ+ scene shaped his perspective, and how community, activism and storytelling became central to his work. 

We explore the evolution of representation in media, from a time when covers were dominated by a narrow idea of masculinity, to a more diverse and inclusive landscape today. Cliff opens up about the responsibility of storytelling, why representation still has a long way to go, and how small shifts in perspective can create real cultural change. 

He also talks about identity and belonging, growing up in a working-class immigrant family, finding his place within the queer community, and the power of chosen family. From chaotic club culture to quiet moments of “doing nothing”, Cliff reflects on how his relationship and personal life helped him find balance. 

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We’re joined by Joris for a powerful conversation on neurodiversity, identity & the systems shaping our understanding of the world.

In this episode, Joris shares his perspective as a neurodivergent creator, unpacking how autism, ADHD and mental health are often misunderstood through a purely medical and Western lens. As part of Autism Awareness Month, we explore what it really means to be neurodivergent, and why many of the labels we use are deeply shaped by culture, power and societal norms.

We dive into the idea that “nothing is neutral”  from psychology to identity and break down how coloniality and capitalism influence the way we define what is “normal”. Joris explains how neurodivergence can be perceived completely differently across cultures, and why some behaviours are pathologised in the West but accepted elsewhere.

The conversation expands into identity, race and global culture, exploring the complexity of blackness across the diaspora, the tensions between different lived experiences, and why dominant narratives often flatten nuance.

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We’re joined by Drew Demetry, founder of NAFS, for a powerful conversation about SWANA identity, queerness & community.

In this episode, Drew shares his journey growing up between Denmark and Egypt, navigating religion, culture and sexuality. He opens up about being outed, family rejection and reconciliation, and how those experiences shaped his understanding of identity and belonging.

We also explore his career across fashion, art and luxury, where he experienced racism, homophobia and systemic exclusion: leading him to build NAFS, a platform dedicated to uplifting SWANA queer creatives. Drew breaks down the importance of creating financial ecosystems, safe spaces and community-led platforms that actually serve people.

From queer Arab club nights in London to the tension between culture and sexuality, we dive into the realities of navigating multiple identities, the challenges within the queer community itself, and why true community requires accountability.

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We’re joined by Saleem Haddad, novelist and writer, for a deeply personal conversation about identity, masculinity, love and what it means to belong.

In this episode, Saleem shares his journey growing up across the Middle East, navigating queerness in conservative environments and the complicated relationship he had with masculinity. From being drawn to traditional ideas of masculinity to later challenging them, he reflects on how identity, culture and sexuality shaped his experiences.

He also opens up about being forced back into the closet while working in Yemen, discovering queer spaces in Beirut, and how those environments offered both freedom and contradiction. 

We also dive into his new novel Floodlines, a multi-generational story exploring art, family legacy and identity. Inspired by Iraqi history, mythology and real artworks, Saleem shares how writing the novel became a way of understanding his heritage, exile and the complexities of belonging. He also reveals how unexpected influences, including The Real Housewives, shaped the dynamic between the characters.

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We’re joined by Lady Phyll, activist, community organiser and founder of UK Black Pride, the largest Pride celebration for Black and people of colour in Europe.

In this powerful conversation, Lady Phyll shares the story behind building UK Black Pride after being laughed at and told there would “never be a Black Pride in the UK.” What started as a small grassroots gathering has grown into a movement attended by tens of thousands, creating space for Black queer joy, safety and community. 

We explore Lady Phyll’s upbringing as a Ghanaian woman growing up in the UK, navigating racism in school, discovering activism through social justice work and the complicated journey of coming out in a deeply religious family. She also speaks candidly about racism within LGBTQ+ spaces, intersectionality, and why creating spaces specifically for Black queer people is still necessary today.

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This week we sit down with Helio, essayist, historian and cultural commentator, for a conversation that completely reshapes the way we think about empire, masculinity, queerness and power.

From Ancient Rome’s obsession with dominance and “bottom shaming”, to Emperor Hadrian deifying his lover Antinous… from Alexander the Great’s erased queer relationships to the ongoing exploitation of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, this episode travels across centuries to expose how colonialism didn’t just steal land, it rewrote history.

We explore how empires manufacture identity, how education becomes propaganda, how masculinity is weaponised, and why queerness has always existed, even though we may try to forget it.

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We're BUSY BEING BLACK! This week we sit down with Josh Rivers, creator and host of the award-winning podcast Busy Being Black, a platform centring queer Black joy, intimacy, spirituality and political consciousness.

Josh shares the origin story behind Busy Being Black, from a deeply personal dark night of the soul to building one of the most vital spaces for queer Black storytelling in the UK and beyond. We explore identity politics, shame, desire, anti-Blackness, and why visibility alone will never be liberation.

This is a conversation about spirit, softness, political awakening and remembering who you are beneath the labels.

If you’ve ever questioned your identity, your desires, or your place in the world, this episode is for you.

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In this episode, we’re joined by Jenny, founder of Meet Cute Cakes in Manchester, for a funny, intimate and unexpectedly deep conversation about love, identity, anxiety and building a life on your own terms.

Jenny talks about growing up, coming out, and why she’s never quite connected with labels, exploring queerness, internalised homophobia, and what it means to feel secure in your identity without needing to define it. 

Alongside the laughs, this episode gets real about panic attacks, anxiety, OCD, and the quiet ways mental health can shape big life moments including weddings, travel and social spaces. Jenny also shares how Meet Cute Cakes began, why “cute” doesn’t mean small, and how creativity, work and queerness often intertwine.

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In this episode, we’re joined by Jerome and Jacques, partners, creators and the people behind the viral cat duo Lupin and Rajah.
They share how a love story that began on a nightclub dance floor grew into a life together, a creative partnership, and an unexpected online following built around joy, softness and visibility in public spaces.

Jack opens up about growing up in France in the 1990s, experiencing homophobia at school, including being called “fagg*t” by a teacher and how those early experiences shaped his sense of safety, identity and self-expression. Together, they reflect on coming out, trauma, and the long process of learning to be visible without shrinking yourself.

We explore how Lupin and Rajah became emotional support animals, how cats changed the way strangers interact with them in public, and how social media transformed a personal coping mechanism into a global audience. 

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In this episode, we’re joined by Ali and Adam, a married queer couple whose relationship sits at the intersection of faith, politics, identity and love.

Ali, who is Muslim, Palestinian and Turkish, and Adam, who is Jewish, share how they met, fell in love and built a life together and how their marriage became a flashpoint for online debate, media attention and, at times, serious hostility.

They reflect on navigating religion, queerness and cultural expectations, coming out within very different family dynamics, and what it means to be constantly asked to “pick a side” in a world that struggles with nuance.

We explore how social media collapses complex identities into headlines, how algorithms amplify extremes, and why being visible can come with real emotional and physical costs. From dating, family acceptance and faith to Israel–Palestine, pinkwashing, online hate and the limits of performative allyship, this is a deeply human conversation about love, belonging and refusing simple narratives.

In this episode, we’re joined by myndstate, a spoken word artist who uses poetry to explore identity, sexuality and what it means to grow up in a world that doesn’t always leave space for difference.

myndstate shares how he found his voice through hip-hop, wordplay and storytelling and how writing became a form of therapy as he came to terms with being queer. He opens up about growing up without representation, the shame and confusion of hiding parts of himself and the long road to coming out to his family and finally feeling free.

We dive into his most powerful work, including his poem Birds and the Bees, which reimagines sex education through a queer lens, challenging what we’re taught about love, bodies and “normality.” He talks about why education and visibility matter, why empathy is the real goal of his art, and how performing to non-queer audiences can change the way people see the world.

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In this episode, we’re joined by singer and songwriter Malika (Hamza) for a raw, funny and deeply honest conversation about music, mental health, identity and becoming who you really are.

Malika opens up about growing up with depression, ADHD and anxiety, and how songwriting became the only way she could truly express what was going on in her mind. 

We talk about dropping out of school, going viral online, getting signed to a major label, and the reality of being pushed to become someone you’re not. From navigating record deals and creative control to choosing independence and making her first album on her own terms, Malika shares what the music industry really looks like behind the scenes.

She also speaks openly about sexuality, realising she liked girls from a very young age, trying to fit in by dating boys, being a tomboy, and eventually understanding that she’s a lesbian. With honesty and humour, she reflects on coming out, family, culture, and learning to stop pretending.

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In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Rohit Dasgupta, associate professor at the London School of Economics, queer activist and local councillor, for a vital conversation about caste, class, colonialism and queerness.

Rohit reflects on growing up gay in India, navigating caste, colourism and class hierarchies, and how these systems didn’t disappear online, they were replicated through dating apps, digital spaces and diaspora life.

We explore how British colonial laws criminalised queerness across South Asian countries, why homophobia is often framed as “traditional” when it isn’t, and how white queer spaces can reproduce exclusion rather than liberation.

From Grindr and caste to queer nightlife, migration, activism in 1970s–80s Britain and the limits of visibility politics, this is a nuanced conversation about power, belonging and what real queer freedom actually looks like.

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In this episode, we’re joined by Elias Jahshan, a Palestinian-Lebanese journalist, editor and writer, for a powerful conversation about identity, belonging and reclaiming narrative.

Elias opens up about growing up Arab, queer and deaf, navigating racism, homophobia and disability and the deep tension many queer Arabs face when asked to separate parts of who they are in order to be accepted.

We explore his work editing This Arab Is Queer and Queer Arab Families, the weaponisation of queerness in political discourse, fetishisation in dating culture, trauma led storytelling in the media and why visibility alone isn’t enough without agency.

This is an honest, nuanced discussion about colonialism, queerness, grief, hope and the power of telling our own stories.

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In this episode, we sit down with Jake & Max, a couple whose love story has captured hearts across the internet. What started with a cautious first date and clashing attachment styles evolved into a partnership defined by growth, healing and genuine joy.

From childhood wounds and emotional shutdowns to lockdown intensity, travel adventures and building an online presence rooted in authenticity, this is a conversation about what it really takes to create a healthy relationship.

Together, they unpack navigating arguments, validation, intimacy, jealousy, social media pressure and the slow, beautiful work of choosing each other every day.

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In this AIDS Awareness Day special, we sit down with Marc Thompson HIV activist, community leader and one of the most vital voices in Black queer British history. Born and raised in Brixton, Marc has spent four decades reshaping the landscape of HIV awareness, queer visibility, and racial justice in the UK. His story is one of survival, disruption, joy, and relentless advocacy.

From coming out at 16 in the mid-80s to being diagnosed with HIV at just 17, at the height of the epidemic, Marc brings raw honesty about stigma, family, survival and the realities of living through a moment that was claiming the lives of so many.

We dive into what it meant to be a young Black gay man navigating racism in clubs, fetishisation, homophobia, misinformation, and the impact of being othered by both mainstream gay culture and the wider world. Marc shares how he found his tribe in Brixton, the house party culture that shaped him, the early Black gay community organising that saved lives.

This episode is a piece of living history, a reminder that HIV stigma still exists, that conversations must continue, and that the work isn’t done. Marc’s wisdom, humour, and resilience make this one of our most important episodes yet.

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In this episode, we sit down with Keye, the breakout star of Married at First Sight UK whose humour, honesty, and emotional depth have made him one of the show’s most unforgettable personalities. From navigating a painful divorce in his early twenties to rebuilding his identity after a mental health crisis, Keye opens up with disarming wit about relationships, people pleasing, sexuality, trauma, and the pressure of performing a version of yourself for others.

We dive deep into what it means to finally date as your real self, the messy reality of breakdowns and breakthroughs, and why suppressing your emotions can quietly destroy you. Keye reflects on growing up mixed-race in a white household, losing his brother at a young age, and how humour became both his shield and survival tool. He shares the truth behind his breakup, the infamous Grindr moment, and the journey from chameleon mode to authentic living.

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In this episode, we sit down with comedian and writer Jake Cornell, the quick-witted mind behind Hey Big Guy and one of the most refreshing queer voices in comedy today. From coming out at 16 to finding his community later in life, Jake opens up about identity, shame, body image, dating, and the hilarious chaos of gay adulthood.

We dive deep into what it truly means to find your voice, the pressure of building a career in stand-up, and why coming out made his life only easier. Jake reflects on growing up surrounded by straight culture, discovering gay friendships in his 20s, and finally leaning into his full, unapologetic queer self.

Whether you're queer, creative, or simply navigating the chaos of modern dating, this is one you're sure to enjoy!

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In this episode, we sit down with married couple Alexis & Liam, whose relationship has existed across identities, labels and multiple “coming outs.”

Alexis shares her true timeline: first identifying as straight, then gay, then trans, then returning to gay, then finally stepping into womanhood again, this time for herself, not to make the world more comfortable. Liam opens up about how his own sexuality sits outside the binaries people want to force him into, and why he still identifies as a gay man, even though the world reads them as a straight couple.

Together, they discuss: why femininity was always the thread Liam was drawn to, how social media obsessively interrogates trans bodies, the concept of “dead names”, discovering personal style during transition, and what it means to let the world see you become yourself.

This is a raw, real, unfiltered conversation about identity, labels, sexuality, grief, love and the reality of building a life together while transitioning.

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In this episode, we sit down with Jeza Belle: drag queen, author, comedian and the first drag queen in history to publish a Christian devotional, for one of the most surprising, thoughtful and moving conversations.

✨ We talk queer spirituality, reconciling religion and sexuality, grace, and why faith doesn’t belong to bigots. Jeza opens up about growing up Jewish-Christian, evangelical culture shock, coming out later in life, and why drag became both ministry and rebellion. We also dive into her award-winning queer historical fiction and the controversy surrounding her interracial slave-era romance novel, exploring power, race, desire and historical truth with nuance and care.

In this episode, we sit down with Georgia Robert, a standout from I Kissed a Girl Season 1 and semi-pro footballer for a raw, funny and unexpectedly emotional conversation about identity, labels, sport and self-acceptance.

🌈 We get into why the word lesbian felt impossible to say, how school culture shaped shame, and why doing the show flipped everything. Georgia also opens up about how women’s football still carries its own hierarchies, why femininity and masculinity are policed even inside queer spaces, and how representation on-screen changed how she saw herself.

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Podcast: Avoiding My Anxiously Attached Boyfriend

In this episode, we sit down with actor, writer and producer Eman, whose work and lived experience confronts the intersections of queerness, faith and Black masculinity.

From award-nominated stage work (For Black Boys…) to creating his upcoming play Limp Wrist & The Iron Fist, Eman shares the real story behind his art: including assault, silence, conversion therapy, estrangement and rebuilding family relationships.

The conversation moves from survival to self-definition: growing up between Ghana and the UK, being plus size and black in a dating landscape shaped by Grindr profiles displaying “no fats, no Blacks, no fems,” navigating Christianity as a gay man, ghosting, attachment styles, and learning to love yourself without shrinking to fit other people’s expectations.

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In this episode, we sit down with award-winning podcasters and community icons Nana and Ro, the duo behind Two Twos Podcast, a space that redefined what it means to be Black, British, and queer.

🌈 From humble YouTube beginnings to shaping conversations around identity, masculinity, and representation, the pair open up about five years of laughter, love, and legacy.

We unpack their journey from creating spaces where none existed, to hosting landmark queer events that celebrate Ghanaian pride, culture, and joy. The conversation dives deep into coming out stories, faith and family, toxic masculinity within the lesbian community, and how visibility can transform generations: from changing parents’ minds to inspiring the next wave of Black queer women.

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In this episode, we sit down with artist Nxdia, who opens up about growing up between Cairo and Manchester, navigating identity, and creating music that captures the complexity of queerness, culture, and self-expression.

From journaling teenage crushes that inspired viral tracks to processing faith, gender, and belonging, Nxdia shares the stories behind Nxdia’s most personal lyrics:  including “She Likes a Boy” and how an Egyptian upbringing and spirituality shaped them.

We also dive into top surgery journey, the realities of being an independent artist, and carving space for queer representation in music. This one’s raw, funny, and deeply human, a reminder that identity is never one note.

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In this episode, Alex opens up about his journey growing up as a Greek Cypriot lad from North London, navigating queerness, comedy, drag, and autism.

He shares how his alter-ego “Soulla” was inspired by his mum and supported by his grandma, the struggles and acceptance he’s faced within his Cypriot community, and the powerful messages audiences have taken away from his shows.

Alex also reflects on harassment and online hate, what it means to come out later in life, and how his family eventually showed their support through theatre and comedy.

The conversation dives deep into culture, religion, masculinity, and the pressures of being queer in Mediterranean families, before exploring Alex’s autism diagnosis, sensory experiences, and how he’s learned to embrace his unique strengths.

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In this solo episode, after being featured in Attitude Magazine, we talk about body image, insecurities, race, hair, weight, and what it’s taken for us to finally love ourselves in a queer community that doesn’t always make that easy.

We share the behind-the-scenes of our photoshoot with Gomez, the nerves of stripping down, and the hilarious (and awkward) moments that came with it. We also get dive deep about family pressures, culture, chosen community, and what it’s been like building this podcast from scratch over the last two years.

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In this episode, we’re joined by Jake Jonez: the unapologetic artist, comedian, and rising pop provocateur shaking up queer culture. From small-town Georgia to viral TikTok skits and bold music videos, Jake’s story is one of defiance, humour and hard-earned self-expression.

We dive into growing up gay in the South, channeling anger into art, and why sometimes the funniest characters come from the darkest places. Jake opens up about family addiction, finding comedy in pain, and creating music that flips the script on hetero clichés.

From tossing salads to TikTok fame, from mean gays to music videos, from trauma to triumph—this conversation is raw, hilarious, and refreshingly fearless.

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