Laugh, Learn, and Connect: The 10 Essential LGBTQ+ Podcasts You Need to Hear

Whether you are a member of the community or a passionate ally, these 10 podcasts are your new must-listens. Get ready to laugh, learn, and feel more connected than ever.

Tune In, Be You: The 10 Most Empowering LGBTQ+ Podcasts to Listen to Now

The world of podcasting offers a vibrant and diverse space for the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. Whether you are looking for history, pop culture commentary, or deeply personal stories, there is a podcast for you. These shows provide a platform for queer voices to be heard, offering a sense of community, education, and entertainment that can be hard to find elsewhere.

This article highlights the 10 best LGBTQ+ podcasts available today, detailing their unique approaches, their strengths and weaknesses, and how they can enrich your life. We will also provide practical advice on how to get the most out of your listening experience and answer some of the most frequently asked questions. 🏳️‍🌈

The 10 Best LGBTQ+ Podcasts

1. LGBTQ&A: Hosted by journalist Jeffrey Masters, this podcast features weekly interviews with some of the most interesting LGBTQ+ people in the world. It is produced by The Advocate and provides a platform for a wide range of voices, from politicians and artists to activists and everyday heroes.
   • LGBTQ&A on Apple Podcasts
   • LGBTQ&A on Spotify
   • Pros: Deeply researched interviews, diverse range of guests, and a focus on amplifying important stories.
   • Cons: The interview format might not appeal to listeners who prefer a more conversational or humorous style.
2. Making Gay History: This podcast brings LGBTQ+ history to life through intimate, archival audio from the 1950s to the 1990s. Host Eric Marcus uses his decades-old audio interviews to give a voice to the champions, heroes, and witnesses of the gay rights movement.
   • Making Gay History on Apple Podcasts
   • Making Gay History on Spotify
   • Pros: A priceless historical archive, well-produced and engaging narrative, and an essential educational tool.
   • Cons: The older audio quality can be a bit challenging at times.
3. Food 4 Thot: A round table discussion by a multiracial mix of queer writers, this podcast serves up witty and thought provoking conversations about sex, relationships, race, and identity. The hosts bring their diverse experiences and a great sense of humor to every episode.
   • Food 4 Thot on Apple Podcasts
   • Food 4 Thot on Spotify
   • Pros: Hilarious, insightful, and a great mix of personal anecdotes and critical analysis.
   • Cons: The discussions can sometimes feel unstructured, which may not be to everyone’s taste.
4. Queery: Hosted by stand-up comic Cameron Esposito, Queery features long form, heartfelt conversations with members of the LGBTQ+ community. Esposito’s empathetic and curious interview style creates a safe space for guests to share their stories of identity, politics, and civil rights.
   • Queery on Apple Podcasts
   • Queery on Spotify
   • Pros: High-profile and diverse guests, in-depth and respectful interviews, and a focus on personal journeys.
   • Cons: Episodes are long, which might be a barrier for listeners with limited time.
5. Gender Reveal: This award-winning podcast centers on the full spectrum of gender, exploring what it means to be non-binary or transgender. Host Tuck Woodstock interviews trans and non-binary artists and activists, providing a crucial educational resource.
   • Gender Reveal on Apple Podcasts
   • Gender Reveal on Spotify
   • Pros: Essential for understanding gender identity, features a wide array of guests, and fosters a sense of community.
   • Cons: The subject matter can be very specific, which may not appeal to a broad audience.
6. We’re Having Gay Sex: Comedian Ashley Gavin and her friends explore the gritty, hilarious, and often awkward details of queer sex and dating. The podcast features interviews with guests from across the gender and sexuality spectrum, bringing humor and honesty to a topic that is often treated with shame.
   • We’re Having Gay Sex on Apple Podcasts
   • We’re Having Gay Sex on Spotify
   • Pros: Bold and uncensored, very funny, and a great way to normalize conversations about queer intimacy.
   • Cons: Explicit content may not be suitable for all listeners.
7. Las Culturistas: Hosted by Saturday Night Live’s Bowen Yang and comedian Matt Rogers, Las Culturistas is a comedic deep dive into pop culture. The hosts’ love for all things “camp” and their sharp wit make for a laugh-out-loud listening experience that always includes a queer perspective.
   • Las Culturistas on Apple Podcasts
   • Las Culturistas on Spotify
   • Pros: Hysterically funny, fantastic chemistry between hosts, and a great way to stay on top of pop culture.
   • Cons: The show is more about comedy than serious discussion, which might not be what some listeners are looking for.
8. The Read: Hosted by Kid Fury and Crissle West, The Read provides a weekly dose of hilarious and brutally honest commentary on hip hop and pop culture. It is a source of queer Black excellence and has a massive and dedicated following.
   • The Read on Apple Podcasts
   • The Read on Spotify
   • Pros: Incredibly funny and authentic, provides a vital Black queer perspective, and has a loyal community.
   • Cons: Episodes can be very long, and the hosts’ tangents may not always be relevant to every listener.
9. Dyking Out: A podcast about lesbian and queer life, news, and pop culture, hosted by comedians Carolyn Bergier and Melody Kamali. They invite a special guest each week to discuss everything from relationship advice to queer media.
   • Dyking Out on Apple Podcasts
   • Dyking Out on Spotify
   • Pros: Relatable and humorous content, highlights a lesbian perspective, and has a great rapport between hosts and guests.
   • Cons: The comedy style might not be for everyone.
10. A Gay and A NonGay: This UK-based podcast features a gay host and a straight host discussing their lives, experiences, and the differences they find. It is a show about challenging differences and finding common ground.
    • A Gay and A NonGay on Apple Podcasts
    • A Gay and A NonGay on Spotify
    • Pros: A unique concept that promotes understanding between communities, well-produced and engaging, and often very funny.
    • Cons: The focus on the “NonGay” perspective might sometimes feel less centered on the LGBTQ+ experience itself.

How to Apply These Podcasts to Improve Your Knowledge

These podcasts are not just for passive listening. They are powerful tools for personal growth and education.

• Expand Your Worldview: By listening to shows like LGBTQ&A and Making Gay History, you can learn about the rich and often hidden history of the LGBTQ+ community. This knowledge can help you better understand the struggles and triumphs of queer people and can inform your activism and allyship.
• Find Community and Reduce Isolation: For those who feel isolated or are just beginning to explore their identity, podcasts like Gender Reveal and Dyking Out can be a lifeline. Hearing others share similar experiences can be incredibly validating and can help you feel less alone.
• Stay Informed and Engaged: Food 4 Thot and The Read provide a lens through which to view current events and pop culture with a critical, queer eye. This helps you stay informed on issues that matter to the community and provides a new way to engage with the world.

To find and subscribe to these podcasts, simply open your favorite podcast app (Spotify or Apple Podcasts), use the search bar at the top, type in the name of the podcast, and hit the “Follow” or “Subscribe” button. You can also listen directly on the websites of many of these shows.

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Podcasting Tools for Your Journey

• Captivate – The world’s only growth-oriented podcast host. Captivate helps you grow your podcast audience with powerful analytics, private podcasting features, and marketing tools.
• Alitu, The Podcast Maker – This fantastic tool simplifies the podcast editing process. Alitu helps you clean up your audio, add music, and publish your episodes with just a few clicks. Perfect for busy business owners.
• Riverside – The leading remote recording platform. Riverside allows you to record studio-quality audio and video with your guests from anywhere in the world, ensuring your stories sound professional and polished.

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10 Tips for Getting the Most Out of Listening to Podcasts on this Topic

1. Listen with an open mind, ready to learn from perspectives that may be different from your own.
2. Follow the podcasts on social media to engage with hosts and other listeners.
3. Support the shows you love through Patreon or by leaving reviews and ratings.
4. Listen to a variety of shows, from news and history to comedy and personal stories.
5. Use a podcast app that allows you to easily share clips with friends.
6. Don’t be afraid to go back and listen to older episodes, especially for shows with a rich archive like Making Gay History.
7. Create a dedicated playlist for your favorite LGBTQ+ podcasts to keep them organized.
8. Listen during your commute, while exercising, or during a quiet moment at home to make it a part of your routine.
9. Use the show notes to find out more about guests, topics, and resources mentioned in the episodes.
10. Share your favorite episodes with friends and family to help them discover new queer voices.

10 Benefits of Tuning Into These Podcasts

1. Increased knowledge of LGBTQ+ history and current events.
2. A sense of belonging and community.
3. Validation of personal experiences and identities.
4. Inspiration from the stories of activists and pioneers.
5. Laughter and entertainment from queer comedians.
6. Improved empathy and understanding for others in the community.
7. Exposure to diverse queer voices and perspectives.
8. Educational resources for allies and those new to the community.
9. Reduced feelings of isolation or being “the only one.”
10. A powerful reminder of the resilience and joy within the LGBTQ+ community. 💖

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Case Studies of Individuals or Businesses Benefiting from These Podcasts

1. Ethan, a young gay man from a rural town: Found a sense of community and validation by listening to Queery, which helped him feel less alone and more confident in his identity.
2. Maria, a high school history teacher: Used episodes from Making Gay History to create engaging and inclusive lesson plans, enriching her curriculum and educating her students on a topic often ignored in textbooks.
3. A small non-profit organization focused on trans rights: Discovered a guest on Gender Reveal who became a keynote speaker for their annual fundraiser, thanks to the podcast’s platform.
4. Javier, a writer struggling with imposter syndrome: Found inspiration and encouragement from the creative guests on Food 4 Thot, which motivated him to continue pursuing his craft.
5. An ally parent of a queer child: Found guidance and resources for supporting their child by listening to a mix of personal stories and educational shows, helping them become a better advocate.
6. A group of friends planning a protest: Drew inspiration from the historical activism detailed in Making Gay History, which helped them strategize and organize their efforts.
7. A comedy club owner: Booked a comedian for a show after hearing them on We’re Having Gay Sex, seeing firsthand their talent and stage presence.
8. A business looking to improve its internal DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) practices: Assigned episodes from The Read and Gender Reveal as required listening for employees to foster better understanding and awareness.
9. David, a student working on a research paper about LGBTQ+ media: Used the archives of LGBTQ&A and Queery as primary sources for his work.
10. A couple looking for honest relationship advice: Tuned into A Gay and A NonGay and Dyking Out to hear different perspectives on love, communication, and navigating relationships.

Key Takeaways

1. Podcasts offer a powerful way to connect with the LGBTQ+ community.
2. They provide invaluable historical context and personal stories.
3. The best shows combine humor, education, and genuine connection.
4. There is a podcast for every interest, from comedy to serious journalism.
5. Listening is an active way to show support for queer creators.
6. These shows can help reduce feelings of isolation and improve mental well-being.
7. They are excellent resources for allies and those seeking to learn more.
8. Podcast tools can empower anyone to start their own show.
9. Sharing episodes helps amplify queer voices and grow the community.
10. The best way to benefit is to listen, learn, and apply the insights to your own life.

FAQs

1. What is a podcast? A podcast is a digital audio file made available for download or streaming on the internet, typically as a series.
2. Where can I listen to these podcasts? You can find them on major platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts, as well as on their individual websites.
3. Are these podcasts only for LGBTQ+ people? No, they are for anyone who wants to learn, laugh, and listen to diverse and interesting stories. Allies are highly encouraged to listen.
4. Are the podcasts in a specific order? The list is not ranked in a definitive order; each podcast is excellent in its own way and serves a different purpose.
5. How do I subscribe? On most apps, you just need to click the “Follow” or “Subscribe” button on the podcast’s page. This will automatically download new episodes as they are released.
6. What if I don’t like the explicit content? Some of the podcasts on this list contain explicit language or discussions. Check the show description for warnings and choose shows that align with your comfort level.
7. Are these podcasts free? Yes, most podcasts are free to listen to, but some offer bonus content or ad-free listening through paid subscriptions.
8. Can I recommend a podcast to be added to the list? You can often reach out to the blog or podcast creators on social media to suggest new shows.
9. How do I support the creators? You can leave a rating and review, share the episodes with friends, or support them directly through services like Patreon.
10. What if I want to start my own podcast? There are many tools available, like Captivate and RSS Podcast Hosting, that make it easy to start a podcast from scratch.

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Conclusion

The world of LGBTQ+ podcasts is a rich tapestry of voices, stories, and ideas. From the historical archives of Making Gay History to the comedic insights of Las Culturistas, these shows offer a sense of belonging, education, and entertainment that is truly unique. By incorporating them into your listening routine, you can not only find joy and laughter but also deepen your understanding and connection to the community. So, whether you are a member of the community or a passionate ally, now is the time to hit play and start listening. Your next favorite podcast is just a click away!

More Podcast Tools to Help You Start Your Own Show

1. Buzzsprout: Known for its user-friendly interface, Buzzsprout is perfect for new podcasters. It provides everything you need to host, promote, and track your show with a simple process and robust analytics.
2. Podbean Business Plan: For those ready to turn their podcast into a professional business, Podbean’s Business Plan offers unlimited storage, advanced monetization tools like an ad marketplace, and detailed user engagement data.
3. Pod Castle: An all-in-one AI-powered audio and video creation platform. Pod Castle helps you record, edit, and publish content with minimal effort, thanks to its AI-driven features like background noise removal and transcription.
4. Podbean: A long-standing and popular podcast hosting platform that offers everything from hosting and distribution to a built-in mobile app for recording and live streaming. It is a solid choice for podcasters of all levels.
5. RSS Podcast Hosting: An RSS feed is the backbone of your podcast’s distribution. This hosting service provides a reliable and powerful feed that ensures your episodes are delivered seamlessly to every podcast app, making your show discoverable to a global audience.

Link Resources

• The Trevor Project
• GLAAD
• Human Rights Campaign
• PFLAG
• Out Magazine

Key Phrases

1. Amplifying queer voices
2. LGBTQ+ history and heritage
3. Community and connection
4. Personal stories, shared truths
5. Pop culture with a queer lens
6. Navigating identity and relationships
7. Humor and healing
8. Education for allies
9. Challenging stereotypes
10. The power of queer media

Best Hashtags

#LGBTQPodcasts #QueerPodcasts #GayPodcast #LesbianPodcast #TransPodcast #PodcastSmartly #QueerVoices #Podcasting #ListenToThis #Pride