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Kaleidoscope of Gaze

Kaleidoscope of Gaze

by Kris Zar

Society & Culture

Season 1

Kaleidoscope of Gaze Introduction

Hosted by singer-songwriter and producer Kris Zar, Kaleidoscope of Gaze is a powerful new podcast celebrating LGBT+ voices, stories, and lived experiences. Through honest conversations with artists, activists, performers, and everyday people, the series explores identity, creativity, love, resilience, and queer culture across generations. Episode 1 will be available 3 June 2026. New episodes released weekly. Listeners can support the podcast at www.kaleidoscopeofgaze.com.

Kris Zar Talks to Paul Burston: Queer History, Survival & Writing

In the debut episode of Kaleidoscope of Gaze, writer, journalist, activist, and founder of the Polari Prize for LGBT+ literature, Paul Burston joins Kris Zar for a deeply personal and powerful conversation about growing up gay in Wales, discovering the gay scene during the 1980s, and living through the devastating years of the AIDS pandemic. Paul reflects on the homophobia, fear, and loss that defined the era, sharing moving memories of activism, survival, friendship, and the fight for visibility at a time when LGBT+ people were heavily stigmatised by society and the media. He also discusses how those experiences shaped his journey into journalism and novel writing, as well as what today’s LGBT+ community must remember and protect as the future increasingly presents new social and political challenges. Honest, emotional, and thought-provoking, this episode offers an important reflection on queer history, resilience, and the enduring importance of community. Content warning: This episode includes discussions of homophobia, discrimination and hostility experienced by LGBT+ people during the AIDS pandemic, including descriptions of anti-gay abuse and prejudice that some listeners may find upsetting. Produced & Presented by Kris Zar

Kris Zar Talks to Shelley Silas: Belonging, Identity and Connection

In this episode of Kaleidoscope of Gaze, Kris Zar is joined by writer, existential coach and trainee counsellor Shelley Silas for a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation about identity, community, relationships and the world we live in today. Together, they explore questions of belonging and discuss what and where home is. Shelley reflects on the experiences of women during the AIDS crisis, shares her perspective as a Jewish woman in Britain today, and discusses the impact of antisemitism on individuals and communities. The conversation also turns to the ingredients of a healthy, lasting relationship and the future of the LGBTQ+ community in a rapidly changing world. A candid, thought-provoking and often personal discussion about identity, resilience, connection and what it means to navigate an increasingly complex society. Produced & Presented by Kris Zar

Kris Zar Talks to Daniel Koek: A Journey of Music and Pride

This week, singer and host Kris Zar talks to Daniel Koek - a singer, vocal coach, and leading man of London’s West End. Daniel shares his journey, from growing up in Australia and discovering his love and passion for music at a young age, to building a successful career on the West End stage and performing for audiences around the world. He has starred in major musical productions, including Les Misérables, captivating audiences both in London and internationally. In this conversation between two singers, they discuss Daniel’s coming out experience, his path to leading roles, and the challenges and changes he has seen around age, diversity, and representation in the entertainment industry. Join us for this honest and personal conversation.

Kris Zar Talks to Pete & Ralph: Decades of Pride

In this episode, singer-songwriter and host Kris Zar speaks to Ralph and Pete, two lifelong friends and Londoners now in their seventies, reflecting on decades of gay life in the capital and the social changes they have witnessed - from a time when homosexuality was still illegal to the introduction of equal rights. Their memories offer a valuable insight into the lived history of LGBT+ people in Britain across more than half a century. They discuss what it was like growing up in Britain when homosexuality was criminalised, police raids on gay venues and events, and how they saw the gay scene evolve from hidden bars to the large clubs of London's West End. They also discuss Ralph's contribution to establishing early fundraising initiatives for the Terrence Higgins Trust during the AIDS crisis, the fear and loss experienced by the gay community in the 1980s, how attitudes changed over the decades, and why Pride marches still matter today.

Kris Zar Talks to Gavin Dobson: The Art of Observation

In this episode, Kris Zar talks to artist Gavin Dobson, whose work has been exhibited in galleries across the UK, gaining attention for its distinctive style and storytelling. They discuss Gavin's experience of growing up as a young gay man in the North of England and how, in the 1990s, Madonna's outspoken support for the LGBT+ community offered a sense of hope and strength before he moved to London to discover its vibrant art scene. They also explore Gavin's creative process, the themes that inspire his paintings, and living with aphantasia - a condition that makes it impossible to voluntarily form mental images - and how that shapes the way he creates. Gavin shares why he believes many gay people become keen observers of the world around them and, finally, reveals his favourite colour. A thoughtful conversation about art, identity, and seeing the world differently.