Karl Schmid: Living with HIV, U=U, and Why Stories Matter

Karl Schmid: Living with HIV, U=U, and Why Stories Matter

In this episode of Queer Talker, Ben Cicchetti sits down with Emmy and GLAAD Award-winning creator, HIV activist, and Plus Life Media founder Karl Schmid for a deeply honest conversation about identity, stigma, survival, and hope.   Karl opens up about growing up between Australia, Fiji, New Zealand and the UK, his early experiences in the entertainment world through his brother’s fame on Neighbours, and how those experiences shaped the person he is today.   The conversation then turns deeply personal as Karl reflects on discovering his sexuality, internalised shame growing up during the AIDS crisis, and the lasting impact of being diagnosed HIV positive at 27 years old. He shares the fear, stigma, and silence he carried for years, including why he kept his diagnosis private for nearly a decade.   Karl also explains the life-changing impact of the U=U message (Undetectable = Untransmittable), why HIV stigma still exists in 2026, and how creating Plus Life Media became part of his healing journey.   The episode also explores: * Why storytelling matters in LGBTQ+ communities * The importance of HIV education and visibility * Internalised stigma and rebuilding self-worth * HIV Unwrapped and bringing HIV conversations to New York Fashion Week * Why hope is essential for survival This is a powerful, vulnerable, and deeply human conversation about survival, visibility, and creating spaces where people feel seen. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Carl Schmid and His Work 02:57 Exploring Carl's International Upbringing 05:56 The Impact of Celebrity and Family on Carl's Career 08:55 Navigating Early Awareness of LGBTQ+ Identity 12:07 Personal Journey of Self-Discovery and Authenticity 18:13 Coming Out as HIV Positive and Its Impact 24:05 The Importance of Storytelling in HIV Awareness 27:02 Understanding the 'You Equals You' Message 28:58 Trust Issues in the Medical System 29:53 The Impact of U=U on Personal Health 31:21 Overcoming Internalized Stigma 35:38 Building Healthy Relationships 36:45 The Mission of Plus Life Media 39:31 Changing the Narrative Around HIV 42:20 The Importance of Education and Visibility 46:03 HIV Unwrapped: Fashion Meets Science 50:12 Reflecting on Personal and Professional Growth 54:54 Advice for the Younger Self and the Newly Diagnosed 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

Yasmin Benoit: Asexuality, Representation, and Challenging What People Expect

In this episode of Queer Talker, Ben Cicchetti sits down with model, writer and asexuality advocate Yasmin Benoit for a powerful conversation about identity, visibility, and challenging assumptions. Yasmin shares what it really means to be asexual, breaking down common misconceptions and explaining the difference between sexual attraction, libido, and how people experience identity.   She opens up about growing up feeling different, being labelled by others before she had the language to define herself, and how discovering the term “asexual” both resonated and created new challenges due to a lack of representation.   The conversation explores the reality of representation, from the stereotypes often associated with asexuality to why the community is still in its “early stages” compared to broader LGBTQ+ visibility. Yasmin also shares how her work as a model has challenged people’s expectations of what asexuality “looks like”, and why that contrast has made her both visible and controversial.   They also discuss intersectionality, the unique experience of being a Black asexual woman, and the barriers that still exist both within and outside LGBTQ+ spaces. This is an honest, insightful and often eye-opening conversation that challenges assumptions and expands understanding. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Queer Panic Round 04:26 Nostalgia and Childhood Reflections 07:31 Understanding Asexuality 10:33 Personal Journey to Asexuality 13:39 Navigating Identity and Representation 16:45 Challenging Stereotypes of Asexuality 18:57 Asexuality in Mainstream Media 23:40 Controversial Representation and Identity 30:43 Intersectionality and Asexuality 33:46 Navigating Online Hate and Advocacy 36:46 Advice to Younger Self and LGBTQIA+ 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 [https://www.tiktok.com/@bencicchetti]

Zelah Glasson: Big Brother, Identity, and the Reality of Being Trans on TV

In this episode of Queer Talker, Ben Cicchetti sits down with Zelah Glasson, known to many from Big Brother, for a raw and honest conversation about identity, visibility, and what it really means to live authentically. Zelah opens up about a chaotic childhood, being nearly kicked out of multiple schools, and the early signs of identity that showed up long before he had the language to understand them. From shouting “I’m a boy” on the playground to navigating years of confusion, suppression, and self-discovery, his journey is anything but straightforward.   They explore Zelah’s experience of realising he was trans later in life, and why his transition felt gradual rather than a single defining moment. He shares what it was like to finally feel at home in his body, and the impact that journey has had on how he sees himself today.   The conversation also dives into Big Brother, including the unexpected way Zelah ended up on the show, the pressure of being a trans person on national television, and the responsibility that comes with representing a marginalised community. He reflects on viral moments from the show, including being misgendered, and how he processed those experiences both in the house and afterwards.   They also discuss the role of politics in LGBTQ+ lives, why being “apolitical” isn’t always an option, and the importance of better, more everyday representation in media. This is a powerful, thoughtful and often surprising conversation about identity, resilience, and the reality of being visible in today’s world. 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

Lee Knight: A Friend of Dorothy, The Oscars Journey and Queer Storytelling

In this episode of Queer Talker, Ben Cicchetti sits down with writer and director Lee Knight, the creator behind A Friend of Dorothy, to explore storytelling, identity, and what it means to grow up queer in a very different world. Lee opens up about his childhood under Section 28, growing up in an environment shaped by fear, shame, and silence, and how that experience shaped both his identity and his creativity. He shares powerful memories of navigating school life, hiding who he was, and the lasting impact of growing up in a time where being gay was framed as something dangerous.   The conversation dives into his journey from actor to writer and director, including the challenges of rejection, self-doubt, and finding the confidence to trust his own voice. Lee shares the story behind A Friend of Dorothy, from writing the script in lockdown to working with icons like Miriam Margolyes and Stephen Fry, and ultimately taking the film all the way to the Oscars.   They also explore the importance of queer storytelling, representation, and the emotional weight of seeing younger generations grow up with visibility that simply didn’t exist before. This is an honest, emotional and inspiring conversation about resilience, creativity, and learning to trust yourself in a world that often tells you not to. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:42 Queer Panic: Rapid Fire Questions 03:54 Childhood Reflections: The Eclectic Journey 06:59 Resilience and the Quest for Authenticity 11:58 The Impact of Media on Queer Identity 17:12 Discovering and Accepting My Queer Self 22:10 The Bumpy Road to A Friend of Dorothy 27:07 Trusting Your Inner Voice 28:53 The Journey of Creation 32:13 Working with Icons 36:57 Capturing Authentic Moments 41:40 The Oscar Experience 53:50 Looking Ahead: Future Projects 56:11 Advice to 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

Joseph Harwood: Gender, Makeup, Identity and the Reality of Social Media

In this episode of Queer Talker, Ben Cicchetti sits down with Joseph Harwood, one of the original beauty creators and a true pioneer in online content, to explore identity, creativity, and the evolution of social media. Joseph shares his extraordinary journey, from growing up in a strict church environment and navigating life as an androgynous young person, to becoming one of the first creators to build a career through makeup and digital platforms. He opens up about being scouted as a model, working internationally at a young age, and how discovering makeup became a powerful tool for expression, transformation, and storytelling. They dive deep into the early days of YouTube, when creativity came before algorithms, and unpack how social media has shifted from a space of individuality to one driven by conformity, performance, and debate. Joseph offers a rare behind-the-scenes perspective on how platforms, algorithms, and monetisation have shaped both visibility and the experience of LGBTQ+ creators online.   The conversation also explores Joseph’s unique relationship with gender and identity, why he resists labels, and how his experiences have shaped a more fluid, human-first perspective on self-expression. He reflects on how differently people treat you based on appearance, and why authenticity matters more than ever in a world obsessed with categorisation.   They also discuss mental health, resilience, and the importance of building a life beyond social media metrics, alongside practical advice for young LGBTQ+ people navigating identity, creativity, and career. This is a raw, insightful and at times provocative conversation about individuality, creativity, and what it really means to live authentically. Chapters 00:00 Queer Panic Game: Getting to Know Joe 03:55 Childhood and Upbringing: Shaping Identity 07:01 Understanding LGBTQ+ Awareness and Expression 09:59 Modeling Journey: From Scouting to Experiences 12:55 Makeup as Art: Creative Expression and Identity 16:03 Building a Career in Makeup: Community and Innovation 21:07 Navigating Gender Identity in the Beauty Industry 25:35 The Importance of Legal Protections for the LGBTQ+ Community 28:19 The Evolution of Social Media and Its Impact 35:01 Mental Health in the Age of Social Media 39:28 Advice for the Younger Generation 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