In this episode of Queer Talker, host Ben Cicchetti sits down with Zac Haniff—Senior Social Video Journalist at Metro UK, content creator, and proud pop culture obsessive—to explore his journey from camcorder kid to one of the UK’s most vibrant queer voices in media.
Zac opens up about growing up in a very “non-queer” household with two brothers, discovering his passion for video editing and Disney Channel dreams, and how moving to London unlocked his sense of self. He shares how he launched Charlotte Tilbury’s TikTok, built Metro’s entertainment channel, and the importance of using social media to spotlight joy and escape the doomscroll.
Zac dives into why queer content is essential in dark times, how Metro is rewriting what inclusion looks like in media, and the queer icons who’ve shaped Zac’s world—including JoJo Siwa, Rebecca Black, and RuPaul. Zac also reflects on authenticity in the digital age, the art of the celebrity interview, and why he’s manifesting a moment with Ariana and Cynthia for Wicked: For Good.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about queer joy, pop culture, and building platforms that make us feel seen, safe, and celebrated.
00:00 Introduction
02:08 Metro Pride Awards Experience
04:46 Childhood Influences and Early Interests
08:01 Authenticity and Self-Discovery
09:57 Journey into Social Media
14:53 Memorable Interviews and Impactful Moments
19:57 The Importance of Queer Representation in Pop Culture
25:02 Looking Ahead: Excitement for 2025
29:54 The Power of Voice in the LGBTQ+ Community
34:45 The Power of Representation in Media
38:59 Advice to Younger Generations
48:08 Starstruck Moments and Celebrity Encounters
50:59 Favorite Queer Icons and Cultural Impact
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