Charlie Craggs: Joy, Authenticity & Fighting Back

Charlie Craggs is an award-winning author, activist and the creator of Nail Transphobia, the campaign that used free manicures to start conversations about trans lives.

In this episode of Queer Talker, Charlie joins Ben Cicchetti for one of the most honest and uplifting conversations yet.

Together they discuss growing up, bullying, finding authenticity, the importance of representation, why Nadia Almada changed Charlie’s life, and why humour can be one of the most powerful forms of activism.

Charlie also reveals exclusively that Nail Transphobia is returning, shares details of her next book, and explains why she refuses to let anyone take away her joy.

They also discuss:

• Growing up as a queer child
• Being bullied at school
• Nadia Almada and Big Brother
• Finding authenticity
• Nail Transphobia
• Trans rights in 2026
• Social media and activism
• Standing up for yourself
• Why joy is an act of resistance

A funny, emotional and incredibly empowering conversation.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Queer Panic

00:26 First album and music memories

01:21 Lip sync song choice and queer media favorites

01:59 Favorite queer icons and representation

03:06 Meeting Nadia Almada and her impact

08:27 Nadia Almada’s victory and representation

09:07 Young Charlie’s understanding of gender and identity

11:01 Media treatment of trans people over decades

13:28 Trans rights and societal progress

16:48 Trans men in society and bathroom debates

21:23 Authenticity and self-acceptance journey

23:36 The Nail Transphobia campaign’s origins and impact

35:32 Upcoming book and advocacy plans

45:31 Advice to younger self and resilience

48:18 Protecting joy and handling negativity

50:30 Closing remarks and gratitude

Connect with Ben Cicchetti:

Website - https://www.queertalker.com 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bencicchetti/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@BenCicchetti

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@bencicchetti