Homo Sapiens

A very quick message to let you know a few details about our return in September 2025! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we are joined by the hilariously funny actor and comedian, Hannah Gadsby.Hannah's new Netflix special Gender Agenda was released earlier this month. Gender Agenda showcases some of the best gender queer comedy from around the world and features topics such as top surgery, misgendering and the effects of testosterone. Hannah sat down to tell us all about how they curated the line up and why stage time isn't always safe time for gender queer comedians. Plus, they tell us why they caused a stir on Instagram.

This week, we are joined by the hilariously funny actor and comedian, Hannah Gadsby.Hannah's new Netflix special Gender Agenda was released earlier this month. Gender Agenda showcases some of the best gender queer comedy from around the world and features comedians discussing topics such as top surgery, misgendering and the effects of testosterone. Hannah sat down to tell us all about how they curated the line up and why stage time isn't always safe time for gender queer comedians. Plus, they tell us why they caused a stir on Instagram.

*TRIGGER WARNING*: This episode contains discussions around suicide and rape. This week, we are joined by the incredible Charlie Craggs. Charlie is an author, actress and the brains behind campaigns such as Nail Transphobia and Charlie's Self Defence Angels. More recently, she was in the press after being denied hormones by her new GP after moving out of London after a transphobic attack.We sat down to discuss all of this and more. Charlie is a true trailblazer for the trans community, so make sure you don't miss this one!If you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, both Samaritans and SARSAS have resources on their websites.

*Trigger warning*: This episode contains discussions around suicide and rape.*This week, we are joined by the incredible Charlie Craggs. Charlie is an author, actress and the brains behind campaigns such as Nail Transphobia and Charlie's Self Defence Angels. More recently, she was in the press after being denied hormones by her new GP after moving out of London after a transphobic attack.We sat down to discuss all of this and more. Charlie is a true trailblazer for the trans community, so make sure you don't miss this one!If you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, both Samaritans and SARSAS have resources on their websites.

This year marks the 38th BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival and to celebrate we are coming from you live from the red carpet! We were lucky enough to chat to some of the amazing queer talent being showcased at this year's festival. We spoke to writer and director of opening night film Layla, Amrou Al-Kadhi, as well as cast Bilal Hasna and Louis Greatorex. We also caught up with Elliot Page, star and producer of Close To You, his co-star Hilary Baach and director Dominic Savage.38th BFI FLARE: LONDON LGBTQIA+ FILM FESTIVAL 2024 is running now until 24 March at BFI Southbank and on BFI Player.

Will we be seeing the return of Layton Williams to the stage soon? This week, we are absolutely thrilled to be joined by the wonderful star of hit West End shows like Everbody's Talking About Jamie. Layton joined us for a lovely chat about his stellar career and why people shouldn't just see him in one light: as a stage star.We find out how he deals with headlines, where he likes to hang out in Soho and the most embarrassing thing to ever happen to him on stage. Plus, the real reason he HARD launched his relationship.

Will we be seeing the return of Layton Williams to the stage soon? This week, we are absolutely thrilled to be joined by the wonderful star of hit West End shows like Everbody's Talking About Jamie. Layton joined us for a lovely chat about his stellar career and why people shouldn't just see him in one light: as a stage star.We find out how he deals with headlines, where he likes to hang out in Soho and the most embarrassing thing to ever happen to him on stage. Plus, the real reason he HARD launched his relationship.

What is an AGM (Annual Gay Meeting)? And what exactly is queer culture?! These are all important questions that we discussed with Tom Allen and Suzi Ruffell at our Like Minded Homos live show last week. Now we wanted to share it with our lovely listeners who couldn't make it down so you didn't miss out on any of the fun.Part 1 of the Like Minded Homos live show can be found here, so if you want to listen to the full thing, you'll have to hurry on over to the Like Minded Friends feed, and join us back over here for Part 2!

Have you heard any good gossip lately? Our guest for today's Culure Club episode certainly has! We are joined by writer Jason Okundaye, who has written for publications such as Dazed, GQ and The Guardian. Speaking in LGBT History Month, he tells us all about his debut book Revolutionary Acts: Love and Brotherhood in Black Gay Britain. His book shines a light on a part of history that is glossed over massively, a compilation of memories of the men that he spoke to. Make sure you grab yourselves a copy!

*WARNING* This episode contains spoilers for Heartstopper Volume 5.Did Alice set out for Heartstopper to be a happy love story? Will Volume 6 really be the last instalment in the series? These are all burning questions we couldn't wait to ask Alice Oseman, the brains behind graphic novel series Heartstopper. The books are a worldwide phenomenon as well as a smash-hit Netflix series, and the latest instalment is no different.Alice tells us all about Volume 5 and the importance of themes within it and also discusses channeling personal experiences while writing about asexuality. Do you want a Heartstopper read along when the long awaited final instalment Volume 6 comes out?! Let us know!

You may know Crystal from the very first series of Ru Paul's Drag Race UK. However, the Canadian drag queen has been in the news recently for another reason: making LGBT history by taking on Laurence Fox for deformation, and winning.Crystal takes us through the complexities of the past 3 and a half years, from Laurence Fox calling them a pedophile on Twitter to winning their libel case on all counts. Plus, Crystal tells us about that iconic Elle Woods look. This is a truly empowering story about the importance of sticking up for yourself.

What was it like being LGBT+ in Britain under Section 28? This week, in honour of LGBT+ History month, we are joined by a true trailblazer, the matriarch of LGBT+ activism, Lisa Power MBE. Lisa is a pillar of our queer history and was a force for change during this time. We have an incredibly insightful chat about her phenomenal career, from volunteering at Switchboard to co-founding The Pink Paper and Stonewall. We discuss some of your memories of Section 28 and Lisa tells us at which ICONIC actors house Stonewall was formed.

What was it like being LGBT+ in Britain under Section 28? This week, in honour of LGBT+ History month, we are joined by a true trailblazer, the matriarch of LGBT+ activism, Lisa Power MBE. Lisa is a pillar of our queer history and was a force for change during this time. We have an incredibly insightful chat about her phenomenal career, from volunteering at Switchboard to co-founding The Pink Paper and Stonewall. We discuss some of your memories of Section 28 and Lisa tells us at which ICONIC actors house Stonewall was formed.

Exactly how long does it take the reigning Queen of Ru Paul's Drag Race UK to get into drag?! Today we are honoured to be joined by royalty at HS towers! Welcome self-proclaimed silly sausage, Ginger Johnson.From growing up in rural County Durham with no real queer influences to winning the biggest drag competition on earth, Ginger chats to us about what she has been up to post-drag race and reminisces on her career before her big win. We chat all about fame and mental health plus Ginger reveals what people shout at her in the streets.Buy tickets to the Homo Sapiens X Like Minded Friends live show here.

Exactly how long does it take the reigning Queen of Ru Paul's Drag Race UK to get into drag?! Today we are honoured to be joined by royalty at HS towers! Welcome self-proclaimed silly sausage, Ginger Johnson.From growing up in rural County Durham with no real queer influences to winning the biggest drag competition on earth, Ginger chats to us about what she has been up to post-drag race and reminisces on her career before her big win. We chat all about fame and mental health plus Ginger reveals what people shout at her in the streets.Buy tickets to the Homo Sapiens X Like Minded Friends live show here.

Exactly what is The Pink Pound and how does it give us an insight into queer history?Well listeners, to celebrate LGBT history month, we have a lovely little clip from when Director of Goldsmiths' Centre for Queer History Dr Justin Bengry joined us. In this snippet, Justin explains the fascinating history behind the Pink Pound, where the term originated and why it's not just about scented candles.

How does Henry Holland get his iconic quiff?! And how does he stay relentlessly positive? These are just some of the questions we ask the legendary designer on today's episode of the pod.We chat to Henry all about his incredible career, from creating House of Holland aged just 22, to his decision to sell his business and venture into a new domain: pottery. Plus, what's the weirdest collab he's been asked to do and which boy band did he lose out to?Buy tickets to the Homo Sapiens X Like Minded Friends live show here.

How does Henry Holland get his iconic quiff?! And how does he stay relentlessly positive? These are just some of the questions we ask the legendary designer on today's episode of the pod.We chat to Henry all about his incredible career, from creating House of Holland aged just 22, to his decision to sell his business and venture into a new domain: pottery. Plus, what's the weirdest collab he's been asked to do and which boy band did he lose out to?Buy tickets to the Homo Sapiens X Like Minded Friends live show here.

What do Sam Smith, Adele, Mariah Carey and Beyoncé all have in common? They've all been dressed by the creative genius that is Harris Reed.Harris has designed for all of the biggest LGBTQ+ icons in the world and is an ultimate trailblazer for gender fluidity. The day his tutors told him he would never be a successful designer was the day he was given the call-up to dress the one and only Harry Styles.In this episode we discuss Harris's journey with gender identity, including moving 27 times as a child in order to find a safe haven. Harris is truly inspirational, so this is not one to miss.Buy tickets to the Homo Sapiens X Like Minded Friends live show here.

What do Sam Smith, Adele, Mariah Carey and Beyoncé all have in common? They've all been dressed by the creative genius that is Harris Reed.Harris has designed for all of the biggest LGBTQ+ icons in the world and is an ultimate trailblazer for gender fluidity. The day his tutors told him he would never be a successful designer was the day he was given the call-up to dress the one and only Harry Styles.In this episode we discuss Harris's journey with gender identity, including moving 27 times as a child in order to find a safe haven. Harris is truly inspirational, so this is not one to miss.Buy tickets to the Homo Sapiens X Like Minded Friends live show here.

Listeners- why not add some queer poetry to your reading lists this January? Today we are thrilled to be joined by writer, journalist and model Otamere Guobadia. He is a regular contributor for the likes of Vogue and The Guardian, with his writing striking at the heart of issues that we battle with in every day life and within the LGBTQ+ community. Most excitingly, he's published his debut poetry collection - Unutterable Visions, Perishable Breath'- it's a beautiful exploration of queer love and desire - and in Otamere's words, helping us to understand and process ‘the things we can't define'. Buy tickets to the Homo Sapiens X Like Minded Friends live show here.

Today we are channelling The Traitors as comedian and writer Jack Rooke joins us at the Homo Sapiens round-table. Jack is the creator of the award-winning Channel 4 sitcom Big Boys. Series 2 has just launched with 5-star reviews across the board. He joined us to talk about his anxieties around the much anticipated follow-up, that infamous Glory Hole Scene and how he translated grief from his own life on screen. Plus, is Jack the gay princess Diana?Buy tickets to the Homo Sapiens X Like Minded Friends live show here.

Today we are channelling The Traitors as comedian and writer Jack Rooke joins us at the Homo Sapiens round-table. Jack is the creator of the award-winning Channel 4 sitcom Big Boys. Series 2 has just launched with 5-star reviews across the board. He joined us to talk about his anxieties around the much anticipated follow-up, that infamous Glory Hole Scene and how he translated grief from his own life on screen. Plus, is Jack the gay princess Diana?Buy tickets to the Homo Sapiens X Like Minded Friends live show here.

Today we are joined by not one but TWO Hollywood superstars!! Fresh from ‘a dirty gay sweep' at awards season, we are thrilled to be joined by Andrew Scott and Andrew Haigh, the masterminds behind the film All of Us Strangers. It is a beautiful film about family, love and loneliness for LGBTQ+ people, and today we discuss their coming out stories, and their ever-expanding queer friendship circles. Plus, tune in for Andrew Scott's gay bay recommendations! All of Us Strangers is out in the cinema 26th January.Buy tickets to the Homo Sapiens X Like Minded Friends live show here.

12% of all gym sign-ups happen in January, but what is unique about health and fitness for the queer community? Body confidence, body image, and the gym itself can be a thorny topic for LGBTQ+ people. Today we are joined by Matt Boyles, who specialises in helping gay, bisexual and trans men to improve their relationship with exercise! It's a brilliant episode about broadening your fitness goals beyond physical changes and understanding how gay shame can present itself in a fitness environment. Prepare to be inspired and see y'all in the gym!LGBTQ+ trainers and fitness recommendationshttps://www.transcansport.co.uk/https://www.instagram.com/transcansport- An organisation in Brighton offering a wide range of sports, activities and support, especially for trans and non-binary peoplehttps://www.sambarneslifestyle.co.uk/https://www.instagram.com/sambarneslifestyle- Sam Barnes is an online coach specialising in working with trans peoplehttps://www.instagram.com/yourcoachgrace/-Grace Smith is LGBTQ+ and an online and in-person trainer.Buy tickets to the Homo Sapiens X Like Minded Friends live show here.

12% of all gym sign-ups happen in January, but what is unique about health and fitness for the queer community? Body confidence, body image, and the gym itself can be a thorny topic for LGBTQ+ people. Today we are joined by Matt Boyles, who specialises in helping gay, bisexual and trans men to improve their relationship with exercise! It's a brilliant episode about broadening your fitness goals beyond physical changes and understanding how gay shame can present itself in a fitness environment. Prepare to be inspired and see y'all in the gym!LGBTQ+ trainers and fitness recommendationshttps://www.transcansport.co.uk/https://www.instagram.com/transcansport- An organisation in Brighton offering a wide range of sports, activities and support, especially for trans and non-binary peoplehttps://www.sambarneslifestyle.co.uk/https://www.instagram.com/sambarneslifestyle- Sam Barnes is an online coach specialising in working with trans peoplehttps://www.instagram.com/yourcoachgrace/-Grace Smith is LGBTQ+ and an online and in-person trainer. Buy tickets to the Homo Sapiens X Like Minded Friends live show here.

Dry January: Who's doing it, who's lasting the distance, who's ditched it, what are the benefits and what does it mean for LGBTQ+ people? Here is a snippet of our conversation with alcohol and addiction expert Toni Hogg. Listen to the full episode here. Buy tickets to the Homo Sapiens X Like Minded Friends live show here.

Is sex BEFORE a date the best policy? Should we ban uploading old photos on Grindr profiles? And why is tactful pettiness important? Today we are bringing in the new year in style with one of the world's most famous fitness faces - Cody Rigsby. Cody shot to fame as a result of his world-famous Peloton classes which combine unbelievable pop music with beaming advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. Identifying as an ‘opinionated homosexual', Cody has also become world-famous for his no-nonsense life advice- from sex to relationships to red flags. Tune in as he helps answer our listeners' sex and relationship dilemmas. It's a hoot!You can purchase Cody's book XOXO Cody here.Buy tickets to the Homo Sapiens X Like Minded Friends live show here.

Is sex BEFORE a date the best policy? Should we ban uploading old photos on Grindr profiles? And why is tactful pettiness important? Today we are bringing in the new year in style with one of the world's most famous fitness faces - Cody Rigsby. Cody shot to fame as a result of his world-famous Peloton classes which combine unbelievable pop music with beaming advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. Identifying as an ‘opinionated homosexual', Cody has also become world-famous for his no-nonsense life advice- from sex to relationships to red flags. Tune in as he helps answer our listeners' sex and relationship dilemmas. It's a hoot!You can purchase Cody's book XOXO Cody here.Buy tickets to the Homo Sapiens X Like Minded Friends live show here.

Did you have a favorite item of clothing during your childhood? Clothes, what we wear and why we wear them provide a lens into so many aspects of queerness. Our guest today, editorial director of Soho House, Teo van den Broeke, has written a beautiful memoir called ‘Closet' about exactly this. There are brilliant stories of the realities of being in the Closet in the nineties, from MSN accounts entitled ‘ILoveWomen87' to errors with concealing your internet search history on the family computer- it's a coming of age story like no other and you're going to LOVE it!You can buy a copy of the closet here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Did you have a favorite item of clothing during your childhood? Clothes, what we wear and why we wear them provide a lens into so many aspects of queerness. Our guest today, editorial director of Soho House, Teo van den Broeke, has written a beautiful memoir called ‘Closet' about exactly this. There are brilliant stories of the realities of being in the Closet in the nineties, from MSN accounts entitled ‘ILoveWomen87' to errors with concealing your internet search history on the family computer- it's a coming of age story like no other and you're going to LOVE it!You can buy a copy of the closet here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should Christmas be changed to 1st December? What is your Christmas tree decoration etiquette? Today I am talking about being queer at Christmas with the one and only Joe Lycett. You can listen to the full episode here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Xmas Entertainment Recommendations! What are your queer cultural and entertainment highlights of 2023? Is it Red, White & Royal Blue, I Kissed A Boy, the birth of PADAM? In today's episode we will be discussing and sharing all of your recommendations and joining us is The Guardian entertainment critic Scott Bryan. Scott will also be guiding us through all of the exciting things to come in 2024. We hope you have a lovely festive period xxx Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Xmas Entertainment Recommendations! What are your queer cultural and entertainment highlights of 2023? Is it Red, White & Royal Blue, I Kissed A Boy, the birth of PADAM? In today's episode we will be discussing and sharing all of your recommendations and joining us is The Guardian entertainment critic Scott Bryan. Scott will also be guiding us through all of the exciting things to come in 2024. We hope you have a lovely festive period xxx Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What are your worst dating app stories? Is dating as a young queer man a dumpster fire or a delight? Today we are answering these questions and are thrilled to be joined by Leo Reich, one of the most exciting young comedians to occupy stage and screen. Leo is fresh from supporting Simon Amstell on tour alongside wildly successful runs at Edinburgh and Broadway with his hit comedy show “Literally Who Cares”. He is laugh-out-loud funny and will fill your ears with queer joy. Plus, should we rename the podcast? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What are your worst dating app stories? Is dating as a young queer man a dumpster fire or a delight? Today we are answering these questions and are thrilled to be joined by Leo Reich, one of the most exciting young comedians to occupy stage and screen. Leo is fresh from supporting Simon Amstell on tour alongside wildly successful runs at Edinburgh and Broadway with his hit comedy show “Literally Who Cares”. He is laugh-out-loud funny and will fill your ears with queer joy. Plus, should we rename the podcast? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happened when comedian and national treasure Stephen K Amos met the Pope and asked him about being LGBTQ+? The answer will suprise you! Stephen joins us on today's episode and we discuss LGBTQ+ identity in the black community following his hit documentary ‘Batty Man' and whether comedy is having its Me Too moment following the accusations against Russel Brand. Plus, recollections of nights out in the West End as a queer youth and clubbing in your 40's!Buy tickets to the Homo Sapiens X Like Minded Friends live show here.

What happened when comedian and national treasure Stephen K Amos met the Pope and asked him about being LGBTQ+? The answer will suprise you! Stephen joins us on today's episode and we discuss LGBTQ+ identity in the black community following his hit documentary ‘Batty Man' and whether comedy is having its Me Too moment following the accusations against Russel Brand. Plus, recollections of nights out in the West End as a queer youth and clubbing in your 40's!Buy tickets to the Homo Sapiens X Like Minded Friends live show here.

Where are we at with the creation of a preventative HIV vaccination and what is the groundbreaking science involved? How have previous depictions of AIDS and HIV shaped our misconceptions when it comes to the virus? Today we answer these questions with Professor Marta Boffito, the clinical research lead of a new vaccination trial, and Dan Harry, a trial participant who rose to fame through his participation in this year's I Kissed A Boy.

Today on Homo Sapiens we remember the men who were shamed and neglected during their final days living with AIDS. We also hear the personal stories of how groundbreaking medical advances in the 90's transformed the lives of people living with AIDS. Today, to mark World Aids Day, we hear 3 sets of memories of those who lived through the AIDS crisis. We hear from: Ruth Coker Burks, the inspirational activist who tended to AIDS victims and suffers when nobody else would; It's A Sin creator Russel T Davies, who reveals his shyness surrounding gay sauna's in the 80's ultimately saved his life; and finally, we hear the story of New York couple Frank and Raphael, who share their experiences of living and embracing life with HIV.

On today's Homo Sapiens we met with the one and only Nick Grimshaw- DJ, podcaster, author and interior design guru! Grimmy is one of the greatest storytellers there is and we chatted about food, life, partying, gay guilt, marriage and kids and it was pure joy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's Homo Sapiens we met with the one and only Nick Grimshaw- DJ, podcaster, author and interior design guru! Grimmy is one of the greatest storytellers there is and we chatted about food, life, partying, gay guilt, marriage and kids and it was pure joy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you crumbling over Christmas card etiquette? How do you ask your guests to leave politely at the end of an evening? Today the King of etiquette William Hanson returned to HS Towers to answer all of your questions- from asking someone to remind you of their name after a one-night stand, how to disagree with someone politely and what is the etiquette about posting your political views online. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you crumbling over Christmas card etiquette? How do you ask your guests to leave politely at the end of an evening? Today the King of etiquette William Hanson returned to HS Towers to answer all of your questions- from asking someone to remind you of their name after a one-night stand, how to disagree with someone politely and what is the etiquette about posting your political views online. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Back in 2015, today's guest Schuyler Bailar made headlines for being the first openly transgender athlete to compete in a US Division 1 National sports team. Since then, Schuyler has been named as one the most influential Trans activists and his Instagram (pinkmantaray) documenting his transition has helped educate trans and cis people all over the world. This is a beautiful chat about the intersectionality of being half Korean, trans and living in America, the importance of trans inclusion in sports and how engaging properly with trans people will change mindsets. Plus, hear the heartwarming story of when Schuyler told his Korean grandmother he was trans.You can buy Schuyler's book 'He/ She / They' here.

Back in 2015, today's guest Schuyler Bailar made headlines for being the first openly transgender athlete to compete in a US Division 1 National sports team. Since then, Schuyler has been named as one the most influential Trans activists and his Instagram (pinkmantaray) documenting his transition has helped educate trans and cis people all over the world. This is a beautiful chat about the intersectionality of being half Korean, trans and living in America, the importance of trans inclusion in sports and how engaging properly with trans people will change mindsets. Plus, hear the heartwarming story of when Schuyler told his Korean grandmother he was trans.You can buy Schuyler's book 'He/ She / They' here.

Today we are THRILLED to welcome iconic hairstylist, podcaster, Netflix star and fierce defender of LGBTQ+ rights Jonathan Van Ness. Jonathan speaks refreshingly about how his gender expression is still a journey, from growing up as queer in rural Illinois to becoming a hugely visible gender-non-confirming public figure. Plus, we find out Jonathan's favourite things about being in London Town and how styling Barbies as a child led him to launch one of the world's biggest hair brands. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we are THRILLED to welcome iconic hairstylist, podcaster, Netflix star and fierce defender of LGBTQ+ rights Jonathan Van Ness. Jonathan speaks refreshingly about how his gender expression is still a journey, from growing up as queer in rural Illinois to becoming a hugely visible gender-non-confirming public figure. Plus, we find out Jonathan's favourite things about being in London Town and how styling Barbies as a child led him to launch one of the world's biggest hair brands. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How should you support your child's transition? This weekend was Trans Parent Day- a day to honour trans parents and the parents of trans children. To celebrate, we spoke to activist and former serviceman Jaxon Feeley and his brilliant mum Sharon. Jaxon grew up in Wigan and served in both the military and prison services. Jaxon chose to transition at the age of 27 with the full support of his parents and two siblings. This episode is full of suggestions and guidance on how to be a supportive parent to your trans child- from how to tell extended family and friends, how to meet mistakes such as misgendering with love and the importance of trusting your child when it comes to their own gender identity. It's a truly heartwarming episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How should you support your child's transition? This weekend was Trans Parent Day- a day to honour trans parents and the parents of trans children. To celebrate, we spoke to activist and former serviceman Jaxon Feeley and his brilliant mum Sharon. Jaxon grew up in Wigan and served in both the military and prison services. Jaxon chose to transition at the age of 27 with the full support of his parents and two siblings. This episode is full of suggestions and guidance on how to be a supportive parent to your trans child- from how to tell extended family and friends, how to meet mistakes such as misgendering with love and the importance of trusting your child when it comes to their own gender identity. It's a truly heartwarming episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.