Chelcee Grimes and Shane Jenek (Courtney Act) invite a guest on each week and ask what they would add to build their perfect queer utopia. What’s your big idea for Queertopia?
Building Queertopia: Amrou Al-Kadhi
The drag performer, film-maker and writer, Amrou Al-Kadhi, takes the last space on the Series 1 bus to Queertopia.
3/15/2022 • 42 minutes, 59 seconds
Building Queertopia: Ania Magliano
Comedian Ania Magliano talks viral TikToks and erotic fiction with Chelcee
3/8/2022 • 34 minutes, 4 seconds
Building Queertopia: Kitty Scott-Claus
Kitty Scott-Claus brings the Spice Girls, Nadine Coyle, Susan Boyle and Jane McDonald to Queertopia.
3/1/2022 • 33 minutes, 2 seconds
Building Queertopia: Inga Valentiner
Made in Queertopia? Reality TV star Inga Valentiner pays our new world a visit
2/22/2022 • 31 minutes, 23 seconds
Building Queertopia: From the Archives (Kevin Twomey & PJ Kirby)
In a week dominated by heteronormative romance traditions, please enjoy this episode from the archives featuring one of the purest forms of love: the friendship between gay men.
2/15/2022 • 44 minutes, 11 seconds
Building Queertopia: Chris Hall
TikTok star and actor, Chris Hall, talks about the dos and don'ts of queer representation in the media with Shane and Chelcee.
2/1/2022 • 40 minutes, 21 seconds
Building Queertopia: Dean McCullough
It's time to begin, now count it in: Radio 1 presenter Dean McCullough has arrived in Queertopia!
And he has some very specific notes...
1/25/2022 • 44 minutes, 6 seconds
Building Queertopia: Cheryl Hole
Before her return to the UK Drag Race runway, Chery Hole pays Shane and Chelcee a visit in Queertopia.
1/18/2022 • 32 minutes, 36 seconds
Queermas with Alison Spittle
Wheel of Misfortune's Alison Spittle brings festive cheer to Queertopia with answers inspired by the Christmases of her childhood
12/21/2021 • 41 minutes, 8 seconds
Building Queertopia: Catherine Bohart
As Shane and Chelcee welcome her to Queertopia, comedian and podcaster Catherine Bohart has an important case to make for saving the gays from themselves
12/14/2021 • 41 minutes, 21 seconds
Building Queertopia: Rosie Jones
Comedian Rosie Jones makes Shane and Chelcee laugh, cry and gasp in surprise with her ideas for Queertopia.
Also in this episode: has fame impacted Rosie's love life?
12/7/2021 • 49 minutes, 56 seconds
Building Queertopia: Luke Kelly
Luke Kelly is a model and interior designer who uses his platform to talk about the realities of living with HIV. He has some very simple but powerful ideas for Queertopia.
11/30/2021 • 44 minutes, 1 second
Building Queertopia: Jamie & Shaaba
Jamie and Shaaba are a couple who advocate for understanding and community. So what does their version of Queertopia look like? And why does it involve free kittens?
11/23/2021 • 43 minutes, 44 seconds
Building Queertopia: Anick
Anick is an activist, actor and one of the most prominent intersex voices in the UK.
What does Queertopia's intersex community need in order to live free from discrimination?
11/16/2021 • 43 minutes
Building Queertopia: Emily Burns
Shane and Chelcee welcome singer-songwriter (and Pink super fan) Emily Burns to Queertopia. They talk queer representation in the media and accidentally coming out at a concert.
11/9/2021 • 39 minutes, 3 seconds
Building Queertopia: Rhys Nicholson
Mandatory queer history lessons, two hours of Judy Garland and a tribute to the 78ers? Comedian and RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under judge, Rhys Nicholson, has big plans for Queertopia: a world in which queer people would no longer be treated like exotic birds.
Want to contribute your own ideas for this fledgling society? Reach Shane and Chelcee on buildingqueertopia@bbc.co.uk
10/26/2021 • 46 minutes, 12 seconds
Building Queertopia: Charlie Craggs
Could free manicures help end transphobia? Activist and author, Charlie Craggs, thinks so. She explains her thinking to Chelcee and Shane, as they welcome her to Queertopia.
10/19/2021 • 44 minutes, 9 seconds
Building Queertopia: Adele Roberts and Kate Holderness
Shane and Chelcee welcome Queertopia's first power lesbian couple: Adele Roberts, a Radio 1 presenter and DJ, and Kate Holderness, an actress and writer.
They've been together for 17 years and share their advice for a lasting (and powerful) relationship.
What are they bringing to Queertopia? Finger buffets, meat raffles and much more.
Want to contribute an idea? Email buildingqueertopia@bbc.co.uk
10/12/2021 • 46 minutes, 48 seconds
Building Queertopia: Bailey J Mills
Bailey J Mills is a non-binary TikTok star who consistently defies mainstream definitions of drag. What do they want for Queetopia? Just world peace, permanently blooming flowers...and Camp Rock.
Shane and Chelcee want to know if the queer community could be trusted not to start wars. And how could real life be improved for us all?
Want to have a say? Send word to buildingqueertopia@bbc.co.uk
10/5/2021 • 43 minutes, 36 seconds
Building Queertopia: Jack Guinness
"Growing up as a queer person in a straight world gives us so much damage"
Should free, intensive therapy be available to all upon arrival to Queertopia?
Model, writer and founder of the Queer Bible project, Jack Guinness, has very personal reasons for choosing this as his big idea for Queertopia. He tells Shane and Chelcee about his own relationship with therapy. Jack came to terms with his queer identity by learning about LGBTQIA+ history and wants to encourage everyone else to do the same.
Want to have a say? Email buildingqueertopia@bbc.co.uk
9/28/2021 • 41 minutes, 20 seconds
Building Queertopia: Shura
"Jurassic Park was my personal gay awakening"
Singer Shura joins Chelcee Grimes and Shane Jenek in Queertopia, and explains why she'd build a statue of Laura Dern.
What else would she like to see in their new, queer paradise? How about a complete overhaul of 'coming out' etiquette? And find out more about the Lesbian Inquisition behind Shura's choice of National Anthem.
Want to have a say? Email buildingqueertopia@bbc.co.uk
9/21/2021 • 46 minutes, 52 seconds
Building Queertopia: Crystal
"Most gay people learn about sex through porn and I just think that's an absolute tragedy"
It's time to talk about sex as Drag Race star Crystal joins Shane and Chelcee in Queertopia. What should sex education involve in a queer utopia? And why was it so lacking for Crystal, Shane and Chelcee?
Also: perhaps the most provocative choice of National Anthem yet.
Want to have a say? Email buildingqueertopia@bbc.co.uk
9/14/2021 • 42 minutes, 28 seconds
Building Queertopia: Shon Faye
"If we are building this queer utopia, maybe we can figure out how to keep things opulent and luxurious without being exploitative"
Could Queertopia be a true place of refuge for the LGBTQ+ community without abolishing capitalism?
Writer and activist Shon Faye believes not. In this episode, she argues that queer people are particularly hurt by capitalist structures. But Chelcee wants to know what would take its place? And how would success be marked?
Shon has many ideas for this new, queer world: like a national anthem to keep straight, cisgender men in check, and a statue dedicated to Cher.
The hope is that in the process of building this fictional paradise, they might just hit on ways to make reality that little bit better for…everyone.
Want to have a say? Email buildingqueertopia@bbc.co.uk
9/7/2021 • 41 minutes, 37 seconds
Building Queertopia: Yasmin Benoit
Shane and Chelcee cannot build their utopia without reflecting on the experiences of every queer identity. Yasmin Benoit is a model, activist and writer who identifies as Asexual and Aromantic. When she started speaking about her journey publicly in 2017, she had no idea she’d soon become known as a leading voice for the aspec community.
Yasmin thinks Queertopia should be a kinder and more positive society than the one we currently have. And it all starts with compliments: could it be that simple? Shane and Chelcee try it for themselves.
Yasmin has hopes for more empathy within the LGBTQIA+ community. The hope is that in the process of building this fictional paradise, they might just hit on ways to make reality that little bit better for…everyone.
Want to have a say? Email buildingqueertopia@bbc.co.uk
8/24/2021 • 37 minutes, 35 seconds
Building Queertopia: India Jordan
Non-binary artist India Jordan tells Shane and Chelcee why they believe a true Queer utopia is only possible if its citizens abolish the gender binary. They’ve devised some radical ideas for how such a society would work.
Having only spoken publicly about their gender identity within the past two years, India explains why they felt compelled to do so and why their ideas for Queertopia are based on these personal experiences.
The electronic music producer has a close connection to the podcast: they made the soundtrack! ‘Dear Nan King’ was inspired by a formative experience as a teenager (and a BBC drama series). In this episode, India explains why they thought it was perfect for Building Queertopia.
The hope for Shane and Chelcee is that in the process of building this fictional paradise, they might just hit on ways to make reality that little bit better for…everyone.
Want to have a say? Email buildingqueertopia@bbc.co.uk
8/17/2021 • 43 minutes, 42 seconds
Building Queertopia: Kevin Twomey & PJ Kirby
A fast lane for queer pedestrians and heated toilet seats: Kevin Twomey and PJ Kirby have many ideas for what Queertopia should look like. The two best friends are best known for their hilarious podcast I’m Grand Mam and whether they’re reading queer Normal People fan fiction to Paul Mescal, or detailing the challenges of growing up gay in Ireland – there’s no subject they can’t tackle.
In this episode of Building Queertopia, Shane and Chelcee explore Kevin and PJ’s vision for an eco-friendly, queer paradise. They discuss coming out, iconic mothers, Princess Diana and whether they’ve ever been more than friends.
The hope is that in the process of building this fictional paradise, they might just hit on ways to make reality that little bit better for…everyone.
Want to have a say? Email Shane and Chelcee at buildingqueertopia@bbc.co.uk
8/10/2021 • 49 minutes, 1 second
Building Queertopia: L Devine
This week, Shane and Chelcee talk queer representation in pop music and disapproving mothers with singer-songwriter L Devine. Too often the only gay in the writers' room, L has big plans for how the music industry would work in a queer utopia.
She writes and sings songs about queer love and heartbreak, and in this episode of Building Queertopia L explains some of the real life stories which inspire her work.
Shane and Chelcee are keen to know how L's ideas and experiences might translate into real solutions to the obstacles LGBTQIA+ people face in every day life. The hope is that in the process of building this fictional paradise, they might just hit on ways to make reality that little bit better for…everyone.
Want to have a say? Email Shane and Chelcee at buildingqueertopia@bbc.co.uk
8/3/2021 • 51 minutes, 34 seconds
Building Queertopia: Tyreece Nye
In this episode, Shane and Chelcee welcome non-binary dancer and TikTok star, Tyreece Nye, to Queertopia. The self described 'themme fatale' uses their growing platform to break taboos around gender fluidity and sex work, and they have some bold ideas for what a queer utopia should look like.
Shane and Chelcee learn about Tyreece's gender identity and their decision to start an OnlyFans page. And their idea for the queer performance and nightlife industry inspires a conversation about the perils of bringing parents to queer clubs.
Finally, Shane and Chelcee ask Tyreece if there is anything we could be doing right now to make real life better for the queer community. The hope is that in the process of building this fictional paradise, they might just hit on ways to make reality that little bit better for…everyone.
Want to have a say? Email Shane & Chelcee at buildingqueertopia@bbc.co.uk
7/20/2021 • 43 minutes
Building Queertopia: Suzi Ruffell
This week, Shane and Chelcee welcome comedian and podcaster Suzi Ruffell to their new queer utopia. Suzi has strong feelings about how people should treat others in this new society. And she’s thought of some strict rules and regulations.
Through their conversation, the presenters learn about London's lesbian night life scene in the 1930s and the personal reason behind Suzi’s decision to bring the film Pride to Queertopia.
Finally, Shane and Chelcee ask Suzi if there is anything we could be doing right now to make real life better for the queer community. The hope is that in the process of building this fictional paradise, they might just hit on ways to make reality that little bit better for…everyone.
Want to have a say? Email Shane & Chelcee at buildingqueertopia@bbc.co.uk
7/13/2021 • 47 minutes, 22 seconds
Building Queertopia: Kyra Edwards
In the second episode of Building Queertopia, GB rower Kyra Edwards shares her ideas for a world in which queer people could feel truly safe and free from discrimination. Kyra takes the request for big and bold suggestions seriously with an ambitious proposal for what parenthood would look like in Queertopia. Why does this matter to her? And what can be done to tackle the stigma faced by queer parents? Shane and Chelcee want to know what piece of art Kyra would bring, who she would to pay tribute to in statue and what building she would want for Queertopians to visit. And is there anything we could be doing right now to make real life better for the queer community? Their hope is that in the process of building this fictional paradise, they might just hit on ways to make reality that little bit better for…everyone. Want to have a say? Email Shane & Chelcee at buildingqueertopia@bbc.co.uk
7/6/2021 • 34 minutes, 19 seconds
Building Queertopia: Riyadh Khalaf
In the very first episode of Building Queertopia, Shane and Chelcee welcome broadcaster and author Riyadh Khalaf to their new queer utopia. The Dublin-born Youtuber is known for shedding light on LGBTQIA+ issues and he uses his own coming out story to help other queer people and their families. Drawing on his experiences growing up, Riyadh has a bold idea for what gender expectations would look like in Queertopia. He wants to make sure all LGBTQIA+ people feel free to live authentically from a young age. Shane and Chelcee want to know what piece of art Riyadh would bring, who he would to pay tribute to in statue and what building he would want for Queertopians to visit. And is there anything we could be doing right now to make real life better for the queer community? Their hope is that in the process of building this fictional paradise, they might just hit on ways to make reality that little bit better for…everyone. Want to have a say? Email Shane & Chelcee at buildingqueertopia@bbc.co.uk
6/29/2021 • 42 minutes, 59 seconds
Building Queertopia: Get to know Shane and Chelcee
Join Shane Jenek (Courtney Act) and Chelcee Grimes as they explore the concept of building a new society, where queer people can feel safe and free to live truthfully. Every week they’ll invite a different guest on to the podcast to discuss one big and bold idea which would improve the lives of LGBTQIA+ people. But first, get to know the first citizens of this brave new world. Who are they? How do they identify? Their hope is that in the process of building this fictional paradise, they might just hit on ways to make reality that little bit better for…everyone. Want to have a say? Email Shane & Chelcee at buildingqueertopia@bbc.co.uk