Exploring LGBTQ+ Podcasts On Mental Health, Relationships, Identity, And More

Medically reviewed by Majesty Purvis, LCMHC and Julie Dodson, MA, LCSW
Updated June 4th, 2025 by BetterHelp Editorial Team

Whether you identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community or as an ally, you may enjoy listening to some engaging LGBTQ+ podcasts, which tend to offer diverse voices and thought-provoking perspectives. There are LGBTQ+ podcasts on all kinds of topics related to queer experiences, from coming-out stories to transgender mental health resources to queer culture and media, among many others. Here, we’ll talk about some potential benefits of listening to queer podcasts and interviews and will provide some suggestions for shows to consider exploring.

Mental health in the queer community

Having outlets for connection, resources, and shared stories can be important for any community, including the queer community. According to Mental Health America, almost 40% of those who identify as LGBTQ+ are currently living with a mental illness, which is significantly higher than the rate of mental illness among the US population as a whole. Statistics show particularly high rates of mental health challenges among bisexual, transgender, and queer
BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) individuals.

These disparities are a result of the lived experiences of discrimination of queer people rather than anything inherent to those with a queer identity. These experiences of discrimination tend to particularly impact those with intersectional identities, or multiple marginalized identities that a single individual may hold. For example, an individual who is both queer and disabled may face additional discrimination, prejudice, and barriers as a result of both of these identities. Queer people and those with intersectional identities also tend to face more barriers to receiving adequate, affordable healthcare.

Potential benefits of listening to LGBTQ+ podcasts and interviews

Podcasts are not considered a replacement for professional therapeutic care, which a person should strongly consider seeking if they’re experiencing signs of a mental health condition. However, queer podcasts and interviews with a positive perspective and diverse voices may help a person feel more supported and less alone in their experiences.
LGBTQ+ media in all its forms—podcasts, comics, romance fiction, reality TV, news, and more—has the potential to inform, inspire, empower, comfort, and connect queer listeners and allies alike. Queer content like podcasts may also help promote empathy between people with different life experiences, which could help lead to a more inclusive world for all.

Learning about the queer community through inclusive LGBTQ+ podcasts

Also consider that for individuals who are exploring their gender identity or sexuality, a podcast may serve as a safe space to hear from people across the LGBTQ+ spectrum as they tell their personal stories. For a person who may not identify as part of this community, an LGBTQ+ podcast might help them learn language and concepts that could equip them to better support and advocate for queer loved ones and community members.

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A list of top, inclusive queer podcasts and their hosts

The LGBTQ+ community is incredibly diverse, which means that the queer stories and podcasts out there today tend to be as well. As a result, you’re likely to be able to find a show or interview that relates to your interest or experiences, from exploring your sexuality and discovering inspiring queer icons to learning about mental health or supporting a loved one within the LGBTQ+ community. Below are some popular LGBTQ+ and queer-related podcasts available today.

Food 4 Thot

Hosted by a multiracial mix of LGBTQ+ writers, Food 4 Thot is an inclusive podcast that explores various topics relevant to the LGBTQ+ community. From relationships and sex to sexuality and race, Food 4 Thot may be able to help you navigate your experience as a part of the LGBTQ+ community or understand how to support loved ones in this community.

Making Gay History

Hosted by Eric Marcus, author of more than 12 books, Making Gay History celebrates the successes within the LGBTQ+ community. Some episodes feature intimate portraits of LGBTQ+ individuals, while others explore queer history and the LGBTQ movement., Making Gay History uses audio from Marcus’s audio archive, which features rare interviews of champions for gay rights.

Neurotakes

Neurotakes is a podcast “about two reconnected friends navigating a world not made for them.” The hosts discuss themes related to their Asian American/Pacific Islander (AAPI) heritage, their queer identities, their neurodivergence, and more. Episodes cover a range of topics, from masking and sensory issues to sex, labels, and gender.

Queerology

Hosted by Matthias Roberts, Queerology invites theologians, thought leaders, writers, psychologists, and change-makers to discuss what it means to be queer as a person of faith. This podcast explores the intersection of faith and sexuality and provides a fresh perspective and actionable tips for lifestyle changes to improve the overall well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals of faith.

LGBTQ&A

This podcast features interviews with some of the most interesting and inspiring individuals within the LGBTQ+ community. Hosted by Jeffrey Masters and produced by The Advocate magazine, the LGBTQ&A podcast was nominated for Outstanding Podcast at the 2023 GLAAD Awards. 

Getty/Xavier Lorenzo

TrashLash

The TransLash podcast is hosted by Imara Jones, a journalist and transgender activist, and it aims to amplify trans voices. Jones uses this podcast to discuss various topics that affect the well-being of the trans community today, from sharing inspiring stories about trans parenthood to detailing challenges and joys through interviews with Autistic trans individuals to breaking down the current state of legislative threats to the queer and trans community.

Homo Sapiens

Hosted by Christopher Sweeney, Homo Sapiens is a podcast that explores today’s world from an authentic queer perspective. Sweeney interviews leaders, icons, thinkers, and allies of the LGBTQ+ community to talk about life, culture, and issues that affect queer people today.

Bottoming

Led by co-hosts Brendan Geoghegan and Matthew Riley, Bottoming is a podcast created for individuals within the LGBTQ+ community experiencing mental health concerns. Each episode includes an interview with a different queer individual and touches on a topic that relates to mental health in some way, from the impacts of loneliness to traveling as a Black queer person to coping with online harassment and abuse related to one’s identity.

How To Be A Girl

Hosted by a single mother and initially recorded in 2014, How To Be A Girl navigates life with a 6-year-old transgender daughter. This podcast explores many of the challenges trans people often face in today’s world and offers supportive advice for both transgender individuals and their loved ones.

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Outward

Created by Slate magazine, Outward is a monthly podcast exploring culture, politics, and challenges from a queer perspective. This podcast offers real-life advice and information on scientific discoveries on sexuality, current events and changes, and other topics from various perspectives and voices on the LGBTQ+ spectrum.

Mind If We Talk?

Produced by BetterHelp in partnership with Acast Creative Studios, Mind If We Talk? is an eight-episode podcast hosted by licensed therapist Haesue Jo that explores emotional challenges like grief, loneliness, imposter syndrome, and setting boundaries—all through a therapeutic and inclusive lens. While not exclusively LGBTQ+-focused, the show’s honest conversations and emphasis on identity, self-worth, and emotional safety offer valuable insight for queer listeners navigating mental health in a complex world. It’s a thoughtful resource for anyone seeking validation, resilience, and connection through candid storytelling.

Introducing: Mind If We Talk?

A mental health podcast
from BetterHelp

Finding other queer podcasts to explore 

The queer podcasts listed here are just a small fraction of those that are available today. If you’re looking for more LGBTQ+ shows to listen to, there are a few different ways to find them. First, word of mouth can be a powerful recommendation tool. Asking your friends for recommendations of any queer podcasts they may listen to could be a good place to start.

You might also look to queer public figures you already follow to see if they host, appear on, or promote certain podcasts. If you’re looking for content on a specific topic—such as podcasts about asexuality, podcasts about Black trans experiences, or podcasts about stories from queer, disabled individuals, for example—you might do a quick internet search for those specific keywords. You could also use hashtags to find inclusive influencers and thought leaders in those particular spaces on social media.

Additional resources beyond these podcast episodes

There are many other forms of queer media and resources out there if you’re not interested in podcasts or are simply looking for more content. For example, there are many queer YouTubers today who share their stories, interviews, or information deep-dives on topics related to the queer community. You could also look for reputable documentaries about queer experiences, by queer people. Finally, looking up top queer booklists, such as those that have received a Stonewall Book Award or other prizes, or joining a queer book club could help you find written material about queer experiences to enjoy and learn from.

Seeking mental health support through therapy

While an LGBTQ+ podcast may be a valuable resource, it’s not considered an adequate supplement for care from a licensed therapist. If you’re experiencing mental health symptoms but don’t feel comfortable with traditional in-office therapy, you might consider online therapy instead, which allows you to connect with a qualified therapist from the comfort of home or anywhere you have an internet connection.

With online therapy, you can speak with a licensed counselor remotely via phone, live chat, or video call at times that work for you. Research suggests that online therapy can often be just as effective as in-person therapy for treating a number of mental health challenges, including depression and anxiety.

Plus, with a platform like BetterHelp, you can also share your preferences in a therapist in your
onboarding questionnaire and get matched with a provider accordingly—whether you’d like someone who shares your cultural background or someone experienced in providing compassionate support to LGBTQ+ individuals.

Takeaway

Listening to an LGBTQ+ podcast can allow you to hear diverse perspectives from people all along the queer spectrum. There are many informative and entertaining queer podcasts out there today, so you’ll likely be able to find one that captures your interest and helps you feel supported. If you’re in need of mental health support, meeting with a licensed professional online or in person is generally recommended.
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