In a time when we cannot physically be together, On the Mic is a chance to connect with the LGBTQ+ travel community no matter where you are in the world. Hosted by the fabulous James Barr (@imjamesbarr), PROUD Experiences' podcast is a celebration of differences, sharing the mic with amazing people from across LGBTQ+ communities whilst forging new, inclusive relationships with wonderful travel destinations across the globe.
PROUD on the Mic
About our series
Episode Five
Danilo Cerqueira
A fierce ally, Brazilian-born, Portugal-based Danilo is the founder and CEO of Tempovip DMC Portugal, a boutique DMC specialist in high-end travel in Lisbon.
Kees Hogetoorn
Director of Sales and Marketing of the 'on point' Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam, Kees pioneered raising the LGBT flag outside their luxury hotel.
James Barr
Co-host of the award-winning LGBTQ+ podcast A Gay & A NonGay, James is a comedian, TV and radio presenter, columnist and our very own podcast host!
Episode Four (Part 2)
Joel Cabrera
Co-Founder and Chief Travel Officer at Zoom Vacations®, Joel is somewhat of an airline guru spending almost as much time in the air as he does scouting the best destinations for gay travellers.
Bryan Herb
In addition to his duties at Zoom Vacations® as Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer, Bryan also served on the Board of Directors of the IGLTA for four years, and as Board Chair for two.
James Barr
Co-host of the award-winning LGBTQ+ podcast A Gay & A NonGay, James is a comedian, TV and radio presenter, columnist and our very own podcast host!
Episode Four (Part 1)
The Queer Travel Guide
Kicking off our second season with what we’re calling The Queer Travel Guide... Here's the T, if you’re not including LGBTQ+ people in your marketing, you're out of touch as a brand.
Ed Salvato
The person that actually wrote the book on LGBT Tourism and Hospitality, Ed has worked in LGBTQ tourism and hospitality in just about every capacity imaginable!
James Barr
Co-host of the award-winning LGBTQ+ podcast A Gay & A NonGay, James is a comedian, TV and radio presenter, columnist and our very own podcast host!
Episode Three
Hannah Graf
Hannah served as an officer of the British Army, becoming the highest-ranking transgender soldier, and as an advocate for LGBT rights was awarded an MBE in 2019.
Jake Graf
Jake is an international multi-award-winning director, writer and actor based in London known for his roles in ’The Danish Girl' and ‘Colette’, and for viral hit ‘Headspace’.
James Barr
Co-host of the award-winning LGBTQ+ podcast A Gay & A NonGay, James is a comedian, TV and radio presenter, columnist and our very own podcast host!
Episode Two
Simon Mayle
An Englishman in São Paulo, Simon is PROUD Experiences' fabulous Event Director and a great believer in the power of travel to open minds and drive change.
Shannon Knapp
From innovating as President & CEO of Leading Hotels to vacationing with her wife and two children, Shannon is the bridge between luxury and LGBTQ+ travel.
James Barr
Co-host of the award-winning LGBTQ+ podcast A Gay & A NonGay, James is a comedian, TV and radio presenter, columnist and our very own podcast host!
Episode One
Raquel Willis
Raquel is a Black transgender activist, writer and media strategist dedicated to elevating the dignity of marginalized people, particularly transgender women of colour.
Mark Fletcher
Credited for the continued innovation of Manchester Pride Festival, as CEO, Mark focuses all his energy in to the charity which campaigns for LGBT+ equality.
James Barr
Co-host of the award-winning LGBTQ+ podcast A Gay & A NonGay, James is a comedian, TV and radio presenter, columnist and our very own podcast host!
Memorable Moments
“I sometimes struggle with Pride Month. Pride is not for a month. Pride is all year long. Pride is always.”
Mark Fletcher
Episode One
“I want people to lean into discomfort; comfort is a privilege, and a lot of people have been feeling discomfort for a long time.”
Raquel Willis
Episode One
Open your mind
Explore new ideas and create future innovations.