"I'm at that age where I feel completely free" with Saba Ali

"I'm in a knitting group. Is that cool?" with Lior Locher

We're over the moon to welcome Lior Locher back on the pod. Join us in this fabulous conversation exploring their journey toward authenticity, community-building, and self-discovery in midlife. We discuss the importance of living true to oneself, overcoming social awkwardness, and the value of local community engagement. Lior shares their evolving identity, including the nuances around legal and chosen names, and the significance of self-ownership. We talk about the power of honest self-expression through open mic performances, singing, and creative pursuits and how curiosity and inquiry can lead to a more fulfilled, vibrant life regardless of age. Prepare to have your mind blown. You might want to take notes!

Check In On Your Hairy Friends

It's too hot! So here's a quick solo episode before the laptop catches fire. Paul has a brief sweaty jaunt around topics like: * The significance of queer identity and community in midlife * Reflections on Pride events: marches, protests, and joyful resistance * The impact of pop culture: Harry Styles' performance and its cultural implications * Current challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, including societal changes and mental health * Upcoming projects: book publication, interviews, and writing retreats

"I'm getting more scrappy as I get older" with Matt Cain MBE

We've got the wonderful Matt Cain MBE on the pod! Pull up a chair as Matt shares insights on the power of queer storytelling, the challenges of mainstream publishing, and the future of LGBTQ+ literature. Matt talks about his path from mainstream author to founder of Pansy, a queer boutique publisher, the impact of digital media, AI, and industry gatekeeping on queer literature. Along the way we talk middle-aged bodies, getting older and (surprisingly little on) Madonna. Pansy Books are open for submissions! https://pansybooks.co.uk/submissions/ [https://pansybooks.co.uk/submissions/]

Let's Have A Flagathon 🏳️‍🌈

Another early morning Solo-sode but at least this time I got dressed (almost). This week, I’m reflecting on the incredible conversations I’ve had about queer midlife and the vibrant stories that shape our community. From the powerful insights shared by Saba in our last episode to the beautiful event I hosted with Layla McCay at Queer Britain, I’m reminded of the strength we gain from sharing our journeys. We’re in a moment that feels heavy, especially with recent political shifts trying to erase our visibility. But let’s remember to uplift each other and keep the conversations going. Your voice matters! Join me in the Global LGBTQ+ Survey and help shape the narrative of our community. Take the survey at stillherestillqueernowwhat.com What’s your story? Let’s keep the dialogue open.

"I'm at that age where I feel completely free" with Saba Ali

In this episode, Saba Ali shares her journey through activism, her approach to leading campaigns, and the importance of humanising social change through personal stories. Saba talks wonderfully about how she balances her powerful work with vulnerability, humour, and authenticity. You should know that Saba also talks openly about the personal impact of childhood trauma on her mental health just in case that feels like a sensitive topic for you. There's always someone to speak to at https://switchboard.lgbt/ if you need to.