10 LGBTQ+ Podcasts You Need to Listen To
Entertainment
Over the past decade the popularity of podcasts has shot up; from comedy to education, you name it and there’s probably a podcast about it. This explosion in popularity is for good reason too, podcasts are a brilliant way to digest information, learn about the world around us and sometimes just to relax and have a giggle to. For LGBTQ+ people, podcasts can also be a way to connect and learn from those with a similar lived experience to you; a reminder that you are not alone and that there are others out there who are fighting not just for you, but for the whole LGBTQ+ community. However, with so much choice, it can difficult knowing which podcast to dig your teeth into, but fear not, we have you covered. Here’s our must-listen-to list of LGBTQ+ podcasts, enjoy!
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iweigh began as a social media post and soon became a movement powered by the unstoppable force that is Jameela Jamil. On the iweigh podcast Jameela chats with different thought-leaders, performers, activists, influencers, and friends to challenge societal norms and status quo. She aims to amplify marginalised voices, pushing for accountability and celebrating progress in an honest and vulnerable way. Guests include the likes of Munroe Bergdorf, Rachel Cargle, Bill Porter and ALOK.
On The Latch is a podcast hosted by 5 London-based gay men, where no topic is off limit. They discuss everything, from race to sex and love to simply what it is like existing as LGBTQ+ people. One of the shows hosts, Josh Willacy told Gay Star News “What really does make this podcast unique is the diversity of thought, backgrounds and life experiences. Four of our six members are people of color and although we don’t talk about race each week, that has impacted our experiences and informs how we navigate the world as gay men. We have had incredible responses from people who are really pleased to see their own experiences and identities represented and that means a lot to us.” The podcast has featured star guests such as Olly Alexander and MNEK and will make you both cry with laughter and analyse your own privileges.
Critically acclaimed podcast Nancy, is a must listen-to podcast hosted by two close friends (neither of whom are named Nancy) who describe themselves as “super queer, super fun and ready to take over your podcast feed.” The podcast explores what it is to be young and LGBTQ+ and is not to be missed.
Josh Rivers describes his debut podcast, Busy Being Black, as “a growing compendium of queer Black voices, an oral history project and conversations with those who have learned – and are learning – to thrive at the intersections of their identities.” This series is a vital pillar in uplifting LGBTQ+ Black voices and should be celebrated and amplified far and wide. Each episode Josh sits down and has an honest conversation with his guests, who include the likes of Lady Phyll and Gal-dem Founder, Liv Little. Travis Alabanza describes the series as an “important archive for not only the artist and the guest, but a lineage of queer Black conversation. Busy Being Black is a f**king moment.”
Many of us know all too well that initial awkward silence between a gay man and his friends' straight boyfriend, the first time they're left alone together. Fairly often, there can be a struggle to find common ground. With different tastes and lifestyles, small talk can falter very quickly. So, when radio host James Barr had this exact encounter with his friends' boyfriend Dan Hudson, and found the awkward language and culture barrier very amusing, he came up with the genius idea to document it in a podcast. As funny as it is genuinely interesting, James and Dan cover a range of topics in an endless bid to educate each other on the lifestyles of a Gay and A NonGay.
Many LGBTQ+ people will be aware that often we are taught history through a straight cis lens. This means that much of LGBTQ+ history is not known or easy to access, and it is exactly this that Making Gay History exists to challenge and change. This podcast acts as a roadmap to the history of LGBTQ+ resistance and liberation, documenting many important moments in our history that are often ignored.
Hoodrat to Headwrap: A Decolonized Podcast
Hosted by Ericka Hart and Ebony Donnley, Hoodrats to Headwraps is a "decolonized podcast for lovers on the margins." Ericka and Ebony are a couple and together they will you on a journey through some very difficult topics, such as the anti-Blackness they have experienced growing up, the power of language and love. Together they delve into just complicated the world around us can be and aren’t afraid to shy away from difficult conversations, you will come away from listening to this having learnt alongside them.
This weekly pop culture podcast is “hosted by two of the funniest queer people alive”, Crissle West and Kid Fury and is not to be missed. These two hosts, both based in New York, cover our generations most trying stars with an uncanny humour and each episode acts as both comedy gold and an on-air therapy session.
This podcast explores how different cultural artifacts, from both our past and present, impact our current society. Hosted by Jenna Wortham, Culture Writer at the New York Times Magazine, and Wesley Morris, the publications biggest critic . Covering a varierty of topics, such as is J Low finally getting her due, to the relationship America has with Freedom; Wesley and Jenna are working it out and we’re glad to be invited along for the ride.
Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness
This podcast explores all of the things the beloved Jonathan Van Ness from Queer Eye, is curious about. Jonathan Van Ness may be known for his never-ending positivity and upbeat personality, however, they are also unafraid to dive into serious topics, including the Armenian genocide, voter suppression and the Paris climate accord. Jonathan has an eagerness to learn, which we all need more of, and each episode you get to learn alongside them.
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