James Barr has explained why he is stepping back from A Gay and A NonGay, marking a pause for the podcast after almost a decade.
Writing in Attitude, James reflects on how much the show has achieved since it launched, from award recognition, including a Webby Award this year, to stories from listeners who said the podcast helped them come out, feel seen or find confidence in their everyday lives.
He says the world has changed significantly since the show began and that the original idea, once seen as playful and disruptive, no longer feels the same, prompting him to rethink where he wants to focus his energy next.
James adds that the past ten years have shaped him personally and professionally, and that stepping back now feels like the right moment to consider new work, new challenges and new ways of supporting the community beyond the podcast.
While the pause marks a shift for the series, he says his relationship with co-host Dan Hudson remains strong and that the two expect to collaborate again in the future, emphasising how much the project has meant to them both and how proud they are of its impact.
He describes the decision as a natural step forward rather than a farewell, and you can read his full reflections in Attitude, where he shares more about the reasons behind the pause and what may come next.
A Gay and A NonGay remains one of the UK’s most recognisable LGBTQ+ podcasts, and James says the door remains open for whatever future shape the show may take.
