Radio presenter Rich Clarke is hosting a new podcast series, This Was Always Me, to mark Pride Month.
The 12-part Global Original explores the lives of LGBTQIA+ people who spent years hiding their identities, often under intense societal, political, or religious pressure.
The series features deeply personal interviews with public figures and everyday individuals who share their journey towards living openly.
Clarke, who previously kept his own sexuality hidden, brings a personal angle to the podcast. He discusses the shame he carried for decades and how it shaped his own experience.
“These stories hit home because I’ve lived them too,” he says. “That’s why I wanted to meet people with similar experiences to create a podcast for truth, healing, and pride.”
Episode one begins with Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes, who opens up about her fear of being outed while serving in the military. She recalls: “For about six months [after the Olympics] I didn’t go out other than for work. I didn’t want people to get too close to Kelly because I was afraid someone would find out.”
Future episodes feature people like Isobel, who transitioned aged 80, and former MP Sir Nick Gibb and his husband, who kept their relationship private for years.
Also featured are Gail Rose, who battled suicidal thoughts due to internal conflict with her faith, and activist Moud Goba, who fled Zimbabwe to live freely as LGBTQIA+.
The first three episodes of This Was Always Me are out on 9th June via Global Player and other major platforms. New episodes follow every Monday.
