If you are like 41% of Americans, then you are likely listening to podcasts regularly. The world of podcasts is wide, with a niche for pretty much anyone who wants to learn something new, get lost in a story or find common ground. The number of LGBTQ+-centric podcasts is rising, featuring everything from finances to tabletop gaming. However, when it comes to discussing LGBTQ+ culture, these seven podcasts have made a name for themselves with entertaining and educational topics, talented hosts and a flair for understanding what makes queer culture tick.
This popular podcast created and hosted by Matt Rogers and Saturday Night Live’s Bowen Yang tackles timely moments in pop culture, and the moments in culture that have defined us as queer people. Guests like drag royalty Bianca Del Rio, “A League of Their Own’s” D’Arcy Carden and figure skater Adam Rippon join Rogers and Yang for intimate, hilarious and sometimes touching conversations. As the hosts say, “honey, come and get your life.”
For a master class in interviewing, check out Jeffrey Masters’ podcast. The GLAAD-award winner sits down with LGBTQ+ heroes, artists, movers and shakers. Listen to Masters discuss censorship with Janelle Monáe or what it’s like to seek asylum in the U.S. with artist and author Edafe Okporo. You’ll be entertained but more importantly, you’ll learn someone new from each LGBTQ&A episode.
Inspired by the name of a now long-gone Los Angeles-area gay bar, host Matt Baume describes Sewers as “a tribute to that old watering hole and crossroads of queer culture.” Baume invites guests to share how their favorite artifacts of culture have shaped their lives as queer people. Remember gushing over a beloved book or film to a friend or date? That’s the vibe you’ll get from Sewers. With a deep archive going back to 2015, listeners will find many hidden gems in the interviews and conversations held in this podcast.
This irreverent podcast is hosted by New York comedians Carolyn Bergier and Melody Kamali and recently celebrated its 250th episode. The hosting duo invite guests, typically queer women, to talk about a particular theme or topic, like nostalgia for MTV’s Total Request Live or cottagecore, but conversation ebbs and flows naturally to many fascinating topics. There’s no shortage of revelations or laughs with Dyking Out. If you live in the New York City-area, you make even be able to catch a live show.
Looking to get into the Halloween spirit? Look no further than Horror Queers with writers and hosts Joe Lipsett and Trace Thurman. Lipsett and Thurman are dedicated horror connoisseurs who deftly and lovingly examine the horror genre, with a focus on LGBTQ+ themes. Travel back into the Hays Code days with heavily coded queer characters or get the scoop on the most recent horror films featuring actual LGBTQ+ characters.
This podcast is like nothing you’ve likely heard before. Produced by Lemonada, Being Trans is a documentary pod that followed the lives of four transgender people living and working in LA. While documenting the reality of trans lives, fans of narrative style pods will enjoy this poignant limited series.
Rob Cohen and Alex Boyd discuss things that matter to bisexual listeners, from getting more bi and pan politicians elected, to understanding the science of bisexuality. Cohen and Boyd welcome guests from various backgrounds to share their experiences including writers Shiri Eisner and Vishaal Reddy and educator/activist Robyn Ochs.
Is there an LGBTQ+ podcast you’d like to share with News is Out? Contact us at newisout@localmedia.org.