Proudly Said
Proudly Said
Podcast Description
Proudly Said is about being LGBTQ+ in the UK without compromise.
Hosted by John Hyland (he/they), a Liverpool-born activist and advocate, the show brings real conversations to the forefront. No studios, no scripts - just people, where they’re most at home, speaking in their own words.
Each episode centres voices you don’t hear enough, talking about what it means to live out loud, hold space, and just live.
There’s no performance. Just queer stories, proudly said.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on LGBTQ+ experiences in the UK, covering topics such as identity, activism, and community spaces, with episodes featuring poignant stories like Connie Frankish's impact as an openly trans teacher and Sarah Lovelock's role as an ally and safe space creator in her coffee shop.
Proudly Said is about being LGBTQ+ in the UK without compromise.
Hosted by John Hyland (he/they), a Liverpool-born activist and advocate, the show brings real conversations to the forefront. No studios, no scripts – just people, where they’re most at home, speaking in their own words.
Each episode centres voices you don’t hear enough, talking about what it means to live out loud, hold space, and just live.
There’s no performance. Just queer stories, proudly said.
🎙️ What’s This Episode About?
Athena Barbital is a Liverpool-based alternative drag queen with a look that could kill — and a voice that just might heal you first.
Athena joins John to talk about their journey from PhD researcher to spiked-out, sci-fi drag siren, and how creating their own looks became a form of self-expression and survival. They chat about the origin of the name ‘Athena Barbital’ (yes, it’s pharmaceutical), their place in the alt-drag and club kid scene, and why singing torch ballads in full head-to-toe latex feels perfectly natural.
It’s a deep dive into aesthetic evolution, camp with a chemical twist, and the beautiful tension between visual chaos and emotional clarity.
Expect spikes, stories, a few surprises — and a reminder that not all queens lip sync.
🗣️ Why Listen?
If you’re seeking genuine conversations that reflect the diverse experiences within the LGBTQ+ community, Proudly Said offers a platform for those narratives.
📣 Connect with Us – ProudlySaid.co.uk
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Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.